BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Laying systems and methods of this kind are used to produce flooring, in particular parquet floors. The latter consists of single floor components in the form of parquet tiles, boards, or strips which are laid on a substrate and connected to each other. In addition to the traditional systems involving floor components being glued or nailed to the substrate, there are now known systems in practice with loose or so-called floating parquet floors.

Floating parquet floors have several advantages in comparison with floor components being fixed rigidly to the substrate. The most important is that a floating parquet floor can be dismantled without much effort and laid again somewhere else, without the individual floor components being damaged or destroyed. Another advantage of a floating parquet floor is that repairs involving the replacement of single floor components are particularly simple and inexpensive. In contrast to glued floors the floating parquet has another advantage in that there are no dangerous solvent gases and unpleasant smells that tend to remain over a long period of time to some extent. Compared to floating parquet flooring, parquet flooring which is nailed to the substrate has the disadvantages that it involves very high costs with respect to materials and time and has negative results when the parquet floor is sanded.

Laying the loose or floating parquet flooring previously known in practice requires much time and effort because rigid connections are necessary for the floor components. These connections are produced by means of appropriate profiles, for which more energy and skill are necessary. It is known in practice that neighbouring floor components, which are generally elongated in shape, tend to be pulled together laterally, for instance bv means of

sprung clamps. Longitudinally, such floor components must be placed extremely close to each other solely by hand. This not only requires great effort and causes much noise from the accompanying hammering, but it also requires great skill to lay the floor components using this floor-laying method.

From DE-PS 800 915 parquet floor components are known which are connected to each other by tongue and groove, by plugs, by U-shaped ribbing which extends into the floor components from below, and similar means. While plug connections do create the form-fitting connection between two neighbouring floor components both vertically and parallel to their upper surfaces, it is difficult to create the connection by means of the plugs, which in addition to having a connecting function are also designed to align the components.

As has already been described above, this work requires not only great strength but also skill, in order to insert the plugs correctly and securely in the appropriate recesses and not to damage the floor components when hammering them together. Furthermore, floor components which are rigidly connected by means of plugs are quite difficult to separate from each other, which means that such parquet floors can only be dismantled with a certain amount of effort and the loss of floor components through damage.

The patent DE-PS 800 915 also describes a parquet floor which consists of individual parquet strips with facing grooves in which triangular tongues are inserted and fixed. This type of parquet floor cannot be dismantled and cannot be fitted to all possible room dimensions.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The aim of the present invention is to create a floor-laying system and a floor-laying method which enables one to easily, accurately, and reliably lay and then dismantle floor components.

This aim is achieved by means of the invention of a device with a floor-laying system according to Claim 1.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION This invention achieves this aim by means of a floor-laying system with floor components comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and a circumferential side between these

which has recesses which allow alignment devices to be inserted in order to allow the form-fitting connection of at least two neighbouring floor components both in the direction parallel to the upper surface and in the vertical direction. This floor-laying system is designed so that the recesses and adjustment devices are of such dimensions that the latter are easily slid into the recesses. The design includes tensioning devices with which the floor components connected to each other by means of the alignment devices are pressed against each other.

This means that the individual floor components can not only be laid easily and in alignment to each other, but also that the individual floor components can be dismantled without great effort or chance of damage. The tensioning devices are sufficient to hold them together as required.

The alignment devices serve simply as adjustment and orientation aids when laying the floor components and are not intended at all to result in the floor components being rigidly fastened against each other during the laying process. This is achieved by means of the tensioning devices, at the latest following completion of the floor laying. No force whatsoever need be applied in order to insert the alignment devices into the recesses. Furthermore, no particular skill is required in order to lightly slide the alignment devices into the recesses, avoiding in a simple way any chance of floor components not being aligned in relation to each other and greatly reducing the amount of effort required for the laying process.

The tensioning devices reliably ensure that the laid floor components are held together sufficiently. Neither the expansion and retraction of any materials, nor the lateral stress applied when in use can separate the floor component joints. The tensioning devices can be installed for floor components that need not necessarily be adjacent, either when they are being laid or preferably after each section has been laid or most preferably after the whole surface has been laid.

The preferred embodiment of the invention for the floor-laying system is designed such that the alignment devices have plugs and/or slats which can be inserted in the recesses of the floor components between two or continuously through at least two adjacent floor components to be laid.

The most preferred slats are those, the length of which extends through more than two (e. g. five to seven) floor components. Floating parquet flooring currently known in practice has the problem that variations in the surrounding temperature and humidity lead to the expansion and retraction of the floor components. When the material expands this tends to result in two floor components protruding above the floor surface in order to make space for the whole parquet floor to expand. This results in damage to the two protruding floor components, especially when the floor components are connected by means of tongue and groove joints, because then the tongues snap off. This problem does not only exist with floor components made of wood, but also of other materials, partly with greater or less drastic repercussions and due maybe to other effects, such as lateral stresses on the laid floor components. In particular, this problem should be solved by the embodiment with alignment devices in the form of slats extending laterally across more than two floor components. The protrusion of individual floor components can be effectively prevented and at most there may be a slight bulging of the whole floor surface.

Preferred developments of the embodiments presented above have plugs and/or slats with a profile, such as a circular profile, a triangular profile or a dovetail profile. With respect to this embodiment it is preferred, furthermore, if the recesses in the floor components possess a profile which corresponds to the profile of the plugs and/or slats.

Especially in the case of wooden floor components such as for a parquet floor, which should be sanded after a certain period of time, it is advantageous if the plugs and/or slats are no more than half as thick as the floor components at most.

If slats are used as alignment devices it is preferable for these to be longer than the combined width of two floor components through which they extend, as described above. In particular, the design can be such that the slats are of various lengths. This means that not all slats terminate along one line, such as with triangular tongues, along which a weak point could develop depending on the floor component material. Rather, the ends of the slats, and consequently the interfaces to the subsequent slats, are spread over an area.

In addition, it is advantageous and therefore preferred if the plugs and/or slats have tapered ends to insert into the recesses. This facilitates the introduction of the plugs and/or slats into the recesses or the placing of the recesses onto the plugs and/or slats.

A further preferred development of this invention for a floor-laying system contains floor components which have positive locking devices on those circumferential sides parallel to the alignment devices inserted into the recesses. The resulting form-fitting coupling with the adjacent floor component is perpendicular to the alignment devices inserted into the recesses, for example, being dovetailed or hook-shaped on one floor component and having the corresponding groove or notch on the adjacent floor component. This results in another firm joint between the floor components which is perpendicular to the alignment devices inserted into the recesses and to the upper surface of the floor components. This is especially advantageous for joints with floor components at the periphery of the floor being laid where there may not be enough space for whole floor components, which could mean that no more alignment devices can be used. In these circumstances the partial floor components at the periphery do not have to be laid loosely and, for example, nailed into place, but are connected to the adjacent floor component by means of the positive locking devices which are perpendicular to the alignment devices inserted in the recesses.

A further preferred embodiment of this invention for a floor-laying system is designed such that the recesses in the circumferential sides of the floor components have a bore-hole shaped or angular profile and are positioned closer to the lower surface of the floor components.

Alternatively, the recesses can be located, groove-like and open, in the underside of the floor components and exhibit a profile such that there is a form-fitting joint between the alignment devices inserted in the recesses and the floor components perpendicular to their upper surfaces, preferably in the form of a dovetail groove which, in particular, does not extend from the lower surface of the floor component in the direction of the upper surface over more than half the thickness of the floor component. The bore-hole type or groove-like recesses located in the lower half of the floor components provide the opportunity at a later point in time to sand the parquet floor to about half its thickness without the joints formed by the alignment devices between the floor components being impaired.

In the case of groove-like recesses it is furthermore preferred that the alignment devices are of such dimensions that they lie completely within the groove-like recesses and especially that they form a plane surface with the lower surface of the floor components. This produces an optimal surface, formed by the floor components and the alignment devices, for laying on the substrate. Alternatively, the alignment devices can be of such dimensions that when they are inserted into the recesses they protrude out of the groove-like recesses from the lower surface of the floor components. This means that the floor components are then only resting on the alignment devices and a space is formed between the substrate and the floor components.

Such a space can be desirable in ceilings, walls or floors for the purpose of, for instance, laying cables. Additionally, in this way, for example, irregularities in the surface of the substrate could be compensated for by modifying the alignment devices accordingly.

In the case of alignment devices which protrude from groove-like recesses a cushioning effect can also be achieved for a floor laid with floor components, depending on the elastic characteristics of these components, by allowing the surface areas of floor components between the alignment devices to give elastically under stress. This effect can be increased or optimise by using elastic media on which to bed the alignment devices on the laying surface, such as a base. Employing the elastic media, such as elastic material or individual springs, it is not necessary for the alignment devices to be able to protrude from the groove-like recesses as long as the floor components are held above the substrate by the elastic media, thereby ensuring a range of spring. This embodiment makes it possible to produce, for instance, floating floors or also wall panelling which are cushioned in the event of a blow.

If the alignment devices are designed to be fixed to a substrate, the floor-laying system can, for instance, also be used on a substrate consisting of beams. The distance between the groove-like recesses must then correspond to the distance between the beams and the alignment devices can then be simply affixed to the beams.

In order to improve the close fit and the adjustment of the floor components, it is possible to provide the circumferential sides of the floor components with a profile such that the circumferential sides of adjacent floor components fit together. Appropriate forms for this are zigzag, wave, or crown-shaped, among other possibilities. It is preferred that these forms

extend across the overall height of the circumferential sides of the floor components, which is also the case after, for instance, several sandings of floor components made of wood.

A preferred development of the embodiment described above is designed such that in addition to the alignment devices the profiling of the circumferential side of the floor components also forms coupling devices, such as tongue and groove joints, by means of which adjacent floor components can be connected.

Generally, such coupling devices are not necessary for holding laid floor components together, but they do contribute to the stability of the connection. The coupling devices should not be joined rigidly, but be able to be slid easily, e. g. into each other.

It can be advantageous for the floor-laying system embodied by this invention to have a base on which to lay the floor components. Preferably, such a base has a mat-like or preferably a web-like layer made preferably of cork, rubber, India rubber, jute, sisal, hemp, wool felt, or coconut fibre, preferably braided coconut fibre, and most preferably braided coconut fibre pressed or siliconised with India rubber. The base can be designed, in the case of the embodiment described above with protruding alignment devices on the lower surface of the floor components, so that it is only between the alignment devices, that is, in the spaces formed between the base and the floor components and between the adjacent parallel alignment devices. In the latter case the base can also be designed to cover the overall laying surface, such as in the case when the alignment devices do not protrude downward from the lower surface of the floor components.

Especially in the case of laying systems for flooring, such a base is especially advantageous as a damper against the sound of footsteps. It is advantageous that the abovementioned preferred materials are renewable natural products. Especially in the case of webbing made of coconut fibres pressed with India rubber, with the webbing having either large or small gaps, there are a number of advantages. This material is very resistant, barely flammable, 100% moth proof, decay resistant, moisture resistant, electrostatically stable, humidity regulating, completely biodegradable, and has insulating properties with respect to the propagation of footstep noise and heat loss and forms air locks and creates air circulation, resulting in the optimal ventilation of the underside of the parquet floor. The abovementioned advantages

can be achieved totally or partially by using the other materials and embodiments discussed.

For example, any number of web-like materials can be used such as natural fibres, India rubber webbing, coconut roll-type matting, webbing with interlacing, air chamber or pipe webbing, a thin, full-surface air mattress which can be pumped up according to the desired amount of spring, and similar things to name only a few possibilities as examples.

A number of preferred embodiments for the tensioning devices shall be discussed below.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the invention the tensioning devices include pressure sources, e. g. wooden springs, metal springs, cork pieces, or sponge rubber among others, which exert pressure from the periphery on the circumferential sides of at least two of the floor components joined together by the alignment devices. This embodiment simultaneously centres the laid flooring, so that approximately equal distances are maintained with respect to, for instance, the bordering walls on all sides.

The tensioning devices could also include, for example, tensile components such as clamps, tensioning straps and similar devices, which are inserted between two adjacent and/or non-adjacent floor components connected by the alignment devices. The tensile components preferably run along and/or on the lower surfaces of the floor components. Especially in the case of larger areas to be laid with flooring it can be advantageous to tension partial sections as the effort required for the overall area would be too great. If partial sections are tensioned internally it is also possible to tension several partial sections with respect to each other.

Tensioning straps or hoops are especially suitable for tensioning partial sections. The straps or hoops can grip either only along the peripheral areas of the partial sections or also onto the lower surfaces of individual floor components in the partial sections, e. g. by means of claws, hooks, clamps etc. If only a small section is laid with floor components, individual clamps employed between pairs of adjacent floor components are also suitable, with the clamps drawing together the floor components so joined.

Preferably the design of the laying system according to this invention can also include dual-component skirting boards which consist of a base skirting board to be attached to floor components, an outer skirting board to be attached to the edge of the area to be laid with flooring, and adjustment devices, the latter being attached to at least either the outer skirting

board or the base skirting board and by means of which the gaps appearing between the base boards and outer boards, when the floor components with the base boards are displaced, can be covered and/or closed. In this way the existing gaps or those which appear at the edges of the laid floor closest to peripheral borders can be covered, thereby achieving the optimal appearance of the overall laid floor. The adjustment devices can simply be strips of elastic or non elastic material. Elastic strips adjust themselves by means of reversible expansion or contraction correspondingly to the gap to be covered. When non elastic strips are used they must be large enough to cover the maximum gap expected and fold themselves together should the gaps become smaller, e. g. as a result of the expansion of the wooden material of the floor components.

Preferred materials for the floor components are: wood, cork, masonry, synthetic material, composite material, laminated material, India rubber, and metal. The same materials can be used for the alignment devices.

The floor components can preferably be of an elongated shape and in particular be rod-, lath-, or plank-like, in particular with the recesses extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the floor components. With respect to the positive locking devices already described above, it is to be preferred if the shorter faces of the circumferential side have positive locking devices, such as dovetail tongues and grooves, by means of which two adjacent floor components can preferably be connected rigidly and snugly to each other. The advantages achieved by doing this have already been discussed above.

This laying system invention can be made particularly stable according to the following example embodiments if, when the recesses do not extend through the entire floor components, the recesses arranged on two opposing circumferential sides of the floor components are preferably not aligned with respect to each other. In the other case, when the recesses extend through the entire floor component, the recesses are preferably asymmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the floor component running parallel to them or in adjacent floor components at various locations perpendicular to the direction of the principal extension of the floor components.

This means that no continuous lines are created across large surfaces and which extend along the alignment devices, thus improving the cohesion of the floor components laid.

If the design is such that each recess in a floor component's circumferential side which extends parallel to the said recess is only a semi-recess, this also allows alignment devices to extend into two floor components simultaneously, allowing these to be aligned together. This is useful if, for instance, due to the remaining dimensions of the floor area to be laid, floor component pieces are too small to allow full recesses. The alignment of such pieces of floor components is improved and so is their connection to adjacent floor components with common alignment devices. Depending on the material of the floor components such recesses can also make sense for aligning or even fastening the edges of the floor components in relation to each other.

The objective on which the invention is based, as already discussed above, is also achieved by means of the laying method according to Claim 9.

This laying method concerns floor components with an upper and a lower surface and circumferential sides between these with recesses, whereby alignment devices are inserted into the recesses to connect the floor components. Furthermore, according to the invention, the floor components are slid easily onto the alignment devices, whereby the floor components connected to each other by the adjustment devices are pressed against each other by the tensioning devices.

In order to avoid repetition with respect to the advantages achieved by this the reader is referred to the presentation above concerning the rendering of the invention as a practical device.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is such that a lubricant, such as soap, oil, wax etc is applied to the alignment devices and/or the recesses before assembly, resulting in the alignment devices and recesses sliding into each other easily.

Another preferred variant of the invention employs tensile components such as clamps, tightening straps and similar devices for the laying method, which are inserted between two

adjacent and/or non-adjacent floor components connected by the alignment devices. The tensile components preferably run along and/or on the lower surfaces of the floor components.

In addition to this, or as an alternative, the tensioning devices can include pressure sources, e. g. wooden springs, metal springs, cork pieces, or sponge rubber among others, which exert pressure from the periphery on the circumferential sides of at least two of the floor components joined together by the alignment devices. This results in an even distribution of pressure across the area to be laid and automatically centres the laid floor components.

Another objective of the current invention is to create tensioning devices for a laying system in order that floor components can be easily, reliably, and accurately laid and dismantled again.

This objective is achieved by means of the tensioning devices according to Claim 8. Based on clamps known already in practice, which are inserted between individual floor components, the tensioning devices for a laying system basically serve to press adjacent, laid floor components against each other. The improvement achieved by the invention has tensioning devices with pressure sources, such as wooden springs, metal springs, cork pieces, and sponge rubber among others, exerting pressure from the periphery on the circumferential sides of neighbouring floor components. These pressure sources are designed to be inserted under initial tension between the circumferential sides of the laid floor components and the surrounds of the laid floor components, particularly in such a manner that the pressure sources maintain a certain level of pre stress over the expansion and retraction zones of the laid floor components.

Such tensioning devices have the advantage that they always centre the floor components evenly. Furthermore, tensioning devices of this type mean that the pressure exerted on the circumferential sides of the floor components is evenly distributed in the best manner.

Further preferred embodiments and their advantages are evident from each of the dependent claims and their combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention shall be explained in detail in the following text with references to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which, however, are solely examples used for explanatory purposes and are not exhaustive. The drawings show in: Fig. 1 a first example of the embodiment of the laying system partially and schematically in perspective, Fig. 2 a second example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial perspective, Fig. 3 a third example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial lateral view, Fig. 4 in illustrations I to IV various examples of embodiments of profiles of the circumferential sides of the floor components, Fig. 5 a fourth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial top view, Fig. 6 a fifth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 7 a sixth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 8 a seventh example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 9 in illustrations I to IV examples of the profile forms of the recesses and the alignment devices schematically in cross-section,

Fig. 10 an eighth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial top view, Fig. 11 a ninth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 12 an example of the embodiment of the tensioning devices schematically in top view, Fig. 13 a further example of the embodiment of the tensioning devices schematically in top view, Fig. 14 in illustrations I to IV further variations of tensioning devices schematically in top view, Fig. 15 a tenth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 16 an eleventh example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in partial front view, Fig. 17a a twelfth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in lateral cross-section, Fig. 17b a twelfth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in top view Fig. 18 a thirteenth example of the embodiment of the laying system schematically in top view Fig. 19 in illustrations 1 to V various other examples of embodiments of profiles of circumferential sides of floor components, Fig. 20 illustrations of various embodiments of profiles of circumferential sides of floor components as positive locking devices,

Fig. 21 a) and 21b) a fourteenth example of the embodiment of the laying system in a perspective key plan.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the drawings the same or similar or the same or similarly functioning parts or features are shown with the same reference numbers throughout. To improve clarity not all parts or features in all figures of the drawing are provided with numbers, but these unnumbered parts and features become apparent, especially on observation of previous figures. Furthermore, other unnumbered details in the figures are easily recognisable for an expert, thereby contributing to the clarification of the invention and the declaration of the contents of this document.

Fig. 1 shows schematically in a perspective view a first example of the embodiment of the invention. A parquet strip embodying a floor component 1 is shown on the right and to its left and adjoining, a further floor component 1, which is only shown partially. Each floor component 1 has an upper surface 2 and a lower surface 3 which is not visible in the drawing and circumferential sides 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. The circumferential sides 4a and 4c are termed longitudinal sides and the circumferential sides 4b and 4d are termed short sides. The circumferential sides 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are profiled. In Fig. 1 the profile is a zigzag profile 5.

The bottom of the floor components 1, i. e. the lower surfaces 3 contain recesses 6 in the form of grooves which have a tapered profile which narrows toward the opening of the groove.

The recesses 6 hold alignment devices 7 in the form of slats. The alignment devices 7 have a profile which corresponds to the recesses so that the floor components 1 can be slid easily onto the alignment devices 7. The profile of the recesses 6 and the alignment devices 7 result in a form-fitting joint preventing movements of the floor components 1 relative to the alignment devices 7 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 2 of the floor components on the one hand and parallel to the longitudinal sides (circumferential sides 4a and 4c) of the floor components 1 on the other, i. e. perpendicular to the short sides (circumferential sides 4b and 4d). It is not clearly visible in the drawings that the free ends of the alignment devices 7, such as the slats, are tapered to allow the floor components 1 to be slid on easier.

As the alignment devices 7 can be easily slid into the recesses 6, the floor components 1 can be easily placed next to each other in such a laying system 8.

If this is done on a laying surface 9, such as a substrate 10, the floor components 1 can be arranged, for example, as shown in Fig. 2. This illustrates another embodiment of the laying system 8 in schematic form, with each floor component 1 having a semi-recess 6' (cf. Fig. 3) at each edge of the lower surface 3 and a full recess 6 in the middle. Therefore, the semi-recesses 6', i. e. every semi-groove, are also in the circumferential sides 4b and 4d, i. e. in the short sides, as the grooves are dissected in their longitudinal direction, i. e. parallel to the short sides. When two floor components 1 are laid end to end, the two semi-recesses 6' (cf..

Fig. 3) create a whole recess 6. In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 2 the embodiment in Fig. 1 has, in addition to the two semi recesses 6' (cf. Fig. 3) along the short sides, three full recesses 6 distributed across the longitudinal extension of the parquet strip, and in particular at equal spacings.

As can also be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the exposed sections of the slats protruding from the floor components 1 in the example embodiments differ. This is due to the fact that slats, i. e. alignment devices 7, of differing lengths are used. This means that the ends of other slats, or generically alignment devices 7, which meet at the ends of their longitudinal orientation in order for further floor components 1 to be laid, do not all terminate along one line, thereby increasing the stability of the laying system 8.

Fig. 3 shows schematically in a lateral view two joined floor components 1 as a third example of the embodiment of the laying system 8, such that the profile of the grooves, or generically recesses 6, are clearly visible. The recess 6 depicted on the left lies completely within the floor component 1. The right of the two recesses 6 is formed by each of two semi-recesses 6', each in their own floor component, which combine to form a full recess when joined. As can also be seen in Fig. 3, the recesses 6 have a dovetail-groove profile. In its generic form the profile could also be triangular, circular, oval, or another shape, as long as the form-fitting joints are then perpendicular and parallel to the upper surface 2 of the floor components 1.

The recesses 6 extend into the thickness of the floor components 1, as shown clearly in Fig. 3 and also in Figs. 1 and 2, to much less than half the thickness of the floor components 1. This means that parquet floors using this laying system 8 can be sanded a number of times, without the recesses 6 being reached as a result of the removal of material from the upper surface 2 of the floor components 1, so that the connection of the floor components 1 by means of the alignment devices 7 held in the recesses 6 remain intact after several sandings.

This connection of the floor components 1 by means of the alignment devices 7 held in the recesses is aided by the profile 5 in the circumferential sides 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. Purely as examples, Fig. 4 shows schematically in cross-section examples of embodiments of various profiles 5, which could be given to the circumferential sides 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d of the floor components 1. Illustration 1 shows a crown profile, illustration 11 a mortise profile, illustration III a deeply corrugated profile, illustration IV a zigzag profile, and illustration V a shallow corrugated profile.

In a fourth example of the embodiment of the laying system 8, Fig. 5 shows a wall 11 and floor components 1 at a distance from it, which are each only partially shown. This distance between the wall 11 and the floor components 1 creates a gap 12 which is required when the floor components 1 expand as a result of variations in the environmental temperature and humidity. This prevents the floor components 1 from touching the wall 11 directly. The gap 12 is, therefore, an expanding joint. Inserted in this gap 12 are tensioning devices 13 in the form of pressure sources, constituted by wooden springs 14 in this example of the embodiment. The wooden springs 14 are inserted into the gap 12 in a pre-tensioned state, pressing the floor components 1 against each other. If the floor components 1 contract with respect to their initial size or following expansion, the tensioning devices 13 press them together again, so that no gaps develop between the latter, which are unpleasant to look at, can gather dirt, and could cause people to stumble.

The tensioning devices 13 ensure that the floor components 1 with the recesses 6 and which have been slid lightly onto the alignment devices 7 (such as slats as shown in the preceding examples of the embodiment) are held firmly together. Other forms of anchoring are not required.

Fig. 6 shows another version of the tensioning devices 13 in another example of the embodiment of the laying system 8. This version concerns tensioning straps 15 with claws 16, for which reason the tensioning strap can also be termed a clawed strap. The tensioning strap constitutes a tensioning component and extends under the laid floor components 1 in such a manner that its claws 16 protrude upward and catch in the notch recesses 17, such as relief cuts, in the lower surface 3 of the floor components 1. Due to their form the claws 16 hook into the notch recesses 17 so that they are firmly anchored there. The tensioning strap is inherently elastic and is partially tensioned with respect to the claws 16 hooked into the notch recesses 17, so that it draws the individual floor components 1 together. Tensioning devices 13 of this type can be utilised for sections of laid floor components 1 and are therefore suitable for large laying surfaces 9. Sections held together by tensioning straps 15 in this situation could themselves, in turn, be connected and held together by other tensioning straps.

Fig. 7 shows a peripheral joint of a sixth example of the embodiment of the laying system 8 schematically in cross-section. Upon the substrate 10 there is firstly a base 27 on which the floor components 1 are laid. The base 27 consists of a mat-like or preferably a web-like layer of or preferably with cork, rubber, India rubber, jute, sisal, hemp, wool felt, or coconut fibre, preferably braided coconut fibre, and most preferably braided coconut fibre pressed or siliconised with India rubber. The base 27 can be designed, in the case of alignment devices 7 protruding from the lower surface 3 of the floor components 1, so that it is only between the alignment devices 7, that is, in the spaces formed between the substrate 10 and the floor components 1 and between the adjacent parallel alignment devices 7.

The base 27 can be designed to cover the overall laying surface 9 when the alignment devices 7 do not protrude downward from the lower surface 3 of the floor components 1. Further possibilities for the embodiment of the base 27 are air mattresses, hose systems, insulation mats, and pipe systems among others. A preferred embodiment of a coconut fibre mat has wide meshing and is approx. 3-6 mm thick.

Especially in the case of a laying system 8 for flooring, such a base 27 is especially advantageous as a damper for the sound of footsteps. It is advantageous that the abovementioned preferred materials are renewable natural products. Especially in the case of webbing made of coconut fibres pressed with India rubber, with the webbing having either

large or small meshing, there are a number of advantages. This material is very resistant, barely flammable, 100% moth proof, decay resistant, moisture resistant, electrostatically stable, humidity regulating, completely biodegradable, and has insulating properties with respect to the propagation of footstep noise and heat loss and forms air locks and creates air circulation, resulting in the optimal ventilation of the underside of the parquet floor. The abovementioned advantages can be achieved totally or partially by using the other materials and embodiments discussed. For example, any number of web-like materials can be used such as natural fibres, India rubber netting, coconut roll-type matting, webbing with interlacing, air chamber or pipe webbing, a thin, full-surface air mattress which can be pumped up according to the desired amount of spring, and similar things to name only a few possibilities as examples.

The floor components 1 laid on the base 27 ends a short distance from a wall 11, from which it is separated by a gap or expanding joint 12, as evident in Fig. 7. Inserted under tension in the expanding joint 12 are tensioning devices 13, resulting in the floor components 1 being pressed together. In this case cork pieces or strips 18 have been pressed into the gap 12. In addition to the wooden springs 14 discussed in conjunction with the example of the embodiment in Fig. 5 and the cork pieces or strips 18 mentioned here, one can use, for instance, foam rubber material, or metal springs etc. as tensioning devices 13, which all fulfil the same purpose, namely to press the floor components 1 together.

Fig. 7 also shows a skirting board 19 consisting of a base board 21 which is attached to the periphery of the floor components 1 closest to the wall 11 and of an outer skirting board 20 which is attached to the wall. The base board 21 is attached to the floor components 1 and the outer board 20 is attached to the wall 11, for example, by screws (not named), as can be seen in Fig. 7. The base board 21 and the outer board 20 are connected along their length by levelling devices 22 which cover a gap 23 between the base board 21 and the outer board 20.

The reason for the gap 23 is the same as that for the expanding joint 12 and lies in the fact that the floor components 1 can expand and retract. The skirting board 19 has been designed to make the expanding joint 12 invisible. The gap 23 is made invisible by means of the levelling devices 22. In order to ensure that the gap 23 is covered by the levelling devices 22 for every position of the base board 21 in relation to the outer board 20, the levelling devices 22 are made of elastic material. In the case of this example of the embodiment they consist of

elastic rubber profile with extensions which are inserted into the base board 21 and the outer board 20.

As the base board 21 is firmly attached to the floor components 1, it can also be used to support tensioning devices 13 against the wall 11 as shown in the example of the embodiment in Fig. 7. For this purpose a tensioning screw 24 is screwed into the base board 21 and is supported against the wail 11 by means of a spring component 25, which is why the tensioning screw 24 together with the spring component 25 can also be termed a sprung screw. Should the pressure exerted by the cork pieces or strips 18 and the spring component 25 become insufficient to press the floor components 1 together at any stage, the force of pressure can be increased in the area of the spring component 25 by screwing in the tensioning screw 24. Furthermore, the position of the parquet floor can be manually adjusted by means of the tensioning screw.

Fig. 8 shows schematically in cross-section another example of the embodiment of a peripheral joint of the laying system 8. It can be seen here that the floor component 1 closest to the wall 11 has been shortened in order that it fit at all between the penultimate floor component 1 and the wall 11 and that the expanding joint 12 also remain free. Furthermore, a penultimate slat and a final slat are shown next to the wall 11 as alignment devices 7 and 7' respectively. Longitudinally between the closest slat (alignment device 7') to the wall and the penultimate slat (alignment device 7) before the wall 11 there is a gap. The final floor component 1 closest to the wall 11 is joined rigidly to the final slat closest to the wail (alignment device 7') by a wooden nail 26. Once again, pressurised cork pieces or strips 18 are inserted in the expanding joint 12 to press the floor components 1 against each other.

If the floor components 1 in this embodiment shrink, the cork pieces or strips 18 press the floor components 1 together from the direction of the wall 11. In this case the final floor component 1, which is joined to the final slat (alignment device 7') closest to the wall 11 by means of the wooden nail 26, is pushed with the final slat closest to the wall 11, something made possible by the fact that there is the gap between the final slat (alignment device 7') closest to the wall and the penultimate slat (alignment device 7) with respect to the wall 11.

There now follows some general information concerning the laying system and the laying method and more concrete examples of the embodiment, in particular within the framework of the versions of the embodiment discussed above.

With an appropriate arrangement of the alignment devices the floor components manufactured, for instance, from full-thickness material, can be sanded back to almost the thickness of the alignment devices. An additional stabilisation of the joint between the floor components is achieved by having profiled circumferential sides, whereby the profile preferably extends across the overall thickness of the floor components, but at least in the lower part of the circumferential sides. The joint is stabilised as no gap can develop between the individual floor components and the interlocking of the profiles provides additional stability. This additional connection also aids the connection of the floor components after multiple sandings, which are customary and necessary from time to time in the case of, for instance, parquet floors. Using a profile for the circumferential sides, such as corrugation, crowns, and zigzags etc., a parquet floor can be sanded back almost to the thickness of the alignment devices, such as slats, without the firmness of the joints between the floor components being badly weakened, because these profiles cover the entire thickness of the floor components.

All forms of flooring, and also wall or ceiling panelling could be produced using the laying system, with there being in principal no restriction on the material used, such that wood, stone, metal, India rubber, synthetic materials etc. could be used. As the floor components are laid in a floating manner, they can also be dismantled very easily and used again and the laying system can be used for various purposes depending on the area of application and the demands: on elastic substrates in gymnasiums, for exhibitions to be dismantled at a later date, in squash courts, and by tenants to allow dismantling on termination of the lease etc. Further areas of application are, for instance, dance floors, floors for biologically sterile construction, if solely natural materials are used, and for protective surfaces or coverings for highly valuable floors etc.

The exact arrangement of the recesses, which, for example, can be dovetail grooves, which are always at the same distance and with a semi-recess (dovetail groove) on the short sides of the floor components, can be such that there is an arrangement with the following floor

components being staggered by a groove's width, which aids the overall stability of the joint.

When two short sides meet a full recess is formed, such as a dovetail groove, which is then held together with the following floor component.

The alignment devices, which in particular can include slats and which extend inside the length of a dovetail groove, hold the floor components exactly in alignment. When the floor components used for a parquet floor have been laid, the lower surface of the floor components can form a plane surface if the joint formed by the dovetail grooves and the slats does not protrude above that surface.

By employing elastic spring material toward the wall surrounding the laying surface such as wooden springs, metal springs, cork strips, foam rubber, or other spring material, whereby it is preferred for the spring material to be used in a pre-tensioned state, the lateral and longitudinal drifting apart and the expansion/contraction of the floor components can be combated. Alternatively or in addition to this, in order to prevent the drifting apart of individual floor components if necessary, one can use a continuous rubber strap with claws which, for instance, dig into the notch recesses in the lower surfaces.

The alignment devices, such as for instance slats or plugs, can be of such a length that each end of the slats terminate midway through the floor components. The slats, or generically the alignment devices, are of such a length that this facilitates sliding the floor components, e. g. boards, onto them easily, with no jamming or pinching being possible. The first floor components are laid using alignment devices of varying lengths. The final joint at the termination of laying can be formed by means of a straight groove in the form of a recess on the lower surface of the floor component, similar to a dovetail groove, by laying such floor components on a slat and securing it with wooden nails. The final slat can have a gap between it and the penultimate slat in order to allow the final floor component secured with a wooden nail to move.

After the floor components have been laid to form, for instance, a parquet or slatted floor, the floor components can be drawn together, the edge of the floor components can be cut exactly to produce an appropriate distance to the wall, so that an evenly proportioned expanding joint results with respect to the wall surrounding the laying surface, and an elastic spacer (cork,

foam rubber, wooden or metal springs etc.) can be inserted so that the floor components are prevented from drifting apart and the floor components are held firmly together.

As the laying system for producing, e. g. a fully wooden floor (but also other floors which tend to expand and retract in response to the environmental temperature and/or humidity), exhibits expansion and retraction, the joints between the floor components and a wall which become narrower and wider can be covered by a two-piece or similar strip, especially one with a profile which expands between the two strip components. A special strip, the wall spacer screw (sic!), can also be used to enable one to correct the vacillating distance between the wall and the floor components. Shrinkage and expansion can also be corrected using wooden springs, metal springs, sprung and/or tensioning spacers.

To offer protection against humidity a moisture barrier can be installed. To damper the sound of footsteps and to balance out small undulations in the substrate, if at all possible, natural materials can be used in matted, braided, or webbed form, such as rubber, India rubber, coconut fibre, jute, sisal, hemp, cork, felt, wool felt and other generically-termed geotextiles and all other materials suitable for bases, and also wood laminates or old carpets etc.

A major advantage of the laying system is the fact that it is possible for the floor components to be dismantled at any time and without great effort, by removing the tension created by the tensioning devices and by pushing off the individual floor components from the alignment devices (e. g. slats).

In the following text some further details of various embodiment possibilities with reference to further drawn figures are discussed.

Fig. 9 shows schematically in cross-section examples of the profile forms of the recesses 6 and the alignment devices 7, which can contain elongated pieces, such as slats and/or plugs.

Illustration 1 shows a dovetail profile, Illustration 11 shows a triangular profile, Illustration Ill shows a circular profile, Illustration shows an oval profile, and Illustration V shows a sheared circular profile, whereby other profile forms are also suitable, as long as they ensure the form-fitting joints required, if this is not also possible without a profile.

Fig. 10 schematically shows a further example of the embodiment of the laying system 8 with floor components 1 running at an obtuse angle to each other and alignment devices 7, which in turn are indicated as slats. To the extent that previous right-angled arrangements were discussed or reference was made to them, this information is to be transposed to the example of the embodiment here.

All imaginable laying patterns can, therefore, be achieved using the laying system 8, such as herringbone patterns, strip flooring, plain-strip flooring, and many more, and also any forms of the floor components 1 can be used, such as parquet strips or any other forms. The preferred thickness of the floor components 1 is at least 6 mm, preferably at least 8 mm. The floor components can also be multi-layered pieces, such as pieces made from several layers of wood, laminated cork or synthetic pieces, laminated metal plates, chipboard, laminated pieces, linoleum pieces etc. In the case of larger floor components 1 it is preferable to use plugs instead of continuous slats for the alignment devices 7.

Fig. 11 shows the mounting of the laying system on beams 28, with the alignment devices 7 being attached, for example, by screwing them onto the beams 28. This example of the embodiment is also designed such that there are coupling devices 29 on the circumferential side 4b, which forms a tongue 30, which can grip into a groove (not shown) in the adjacent floor component 1, which is only indicated by a dotted line, in order to further tighten the connection between both floor components 1.

According to the method it is advantageous if the alignment devices 7 are, for example, oiled or greased before the floor components 1 are slid onto them, so that the floor components 1 glide onto the alignment devices 7 better. In this way there will also be a reduction in possible noises, such as creaking and other sounds arising from the later use of the floor constructed using the laying system 8.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the method if the final alignment devices 7, which for instance run directly perpendicular toward a wall, only protrude from the penultimate floor component 1 to the extent of the expected expanding gap or joint 12. Then the floor component can be cut to fit the remaining space (minus the expanding joint) and slid onto the alignment devices 7, such as slats. Alternatively it is also possible for the first alignment

devices 7 to begin flush with the wall and for the final alignment devices 7 not to protrude from the penultimate floor component. The final floor component next to the wall will then be cut to fit the size of the remaining space (minus the expanding joint) and inserted. The alignment devices 7 can then, for example, be knocked through from the first floor component 1 so that they reach into the recesses of the final floor component 1.

In the case of peripheral pieces of the floor components 1 which are so small that, for example, a slat cannot be used as alignment devices 7, plugs, which are smaller than slats can be used, for example, as an alternative method of connecting such peripheral pieces to adjacent floor components 1.

Fig. 12 shows an example of the embodiment of the tensioning devices in the form of a pressure source. These pressure sources, visible in the illustration in a top view, are wave-shaped springs of wood veneer, which are inserted from above in the position shown into the expanding joint 12. Such wave-shaped springs can be produced in a wave squeeze mould by pressing several veneer layers together in the wave-shaped mould. After the adhesive inserted between the layers has hardened the wave shape remains.

An alternative to the wave-shaped spring is shown in Fig. 13 in the form of an arc shaped or clip-shaped wooden spring 14. A fact which applies to all wooden springs made of veneer layers is that the more layers of veneer a wooden spring has, the greater its tensile power.

The thickness of the veneer layer can also influence the tensile force, as can the material which constitutes the layers of the veneer. A preferred thickness for the material for wooden springs is given solely as an example as being approx. 4-8 mm Wood for tongues can, for example, be selected for the production of wooden springs 14 and cut using the optimal type of fibre. The tensile force depends on the thickness of the wood.

The various dimensions of laying surfaces 9 require tensile forces of varying magnitude and this demand can be accommodated by selecting suitable tensioning devices.

The illustrations in Fig. 14 show variations of steel springs. The illustration 1 shows a zigzag metal spring 31,11 shows a metal spring 13 made of an oval. closed metal hoop, Ill shows an

arched metal spring with wooden mountings 32, and] V an arched metal spring with offset ends.

Another alternative for creating tensile force from the periphery toward the laid surface of floor components 1 is constituted by a tube laid around the periphery of the laid floor components 1 and which is then inflated. The tube could also be tensioned or pressurised before inflation.

Fig. 15 shows how a closing component 33 connected rigidly, for instance, by screws 32 to the substrate 10 can be used as an abutment for the pressure source if there is no wall 11 on one side of the laying surface 9 on which to abut the tensioning devices 13 used as pressure sources. The tensioning devices in this variation of the embodiment are cork pieces or strips 18.

As already mentioned above, the laying system 8 can also be spring mounted. Fig. 16 shows a corresponding variation. In this case a wave-shaped spring lies between the alignment devices and the substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction of the alignment devices, such that a floor laid in this manner vibrates under strain.

Fig. 17a), showing floor components 1 schematically in lateral cross-section, and Fig. 17b), showing the upper surfaces 2 of the laid floor components 1 schematically in partial top view, show another embodiment of the tensioning devices 13. In this case it involves a tensioning strap 35 that runs longitudinally along the lower surfaces 3 of the floor components 1.

Retaining angles 36 and 36'are mounted at the edges of the peripheral floor components 1.

The tensioning strap 35 is attached firmly to the retaining angle 36 on one side of the laying surface 9. Mounted on the other retaining angle 36'is a reel 37 and a ratchet 38, such that by operating the ratchet 38 the reel 37 can be rotated to wind up the tensioning strap or belt 35, without it unwinding as a result of the tensile force of the tensioning strap 35, as the ratchet arrests any winding already achieved. Preferably this arrest can be released to dismantle the laying system 9. The tensioning strap 35 is inherently elastic. The reel 37 with the ratchet mechanism 38 can be housed in the expanding joint 12 or in a special recess in the wall.

An alternative embodiment of the tensioning devices 13 in the form of a tensioning strap or belt 35 is shown in Fig. 18. In this case the tensioning strap 35 runs around the open circumferential sides of the peripheral floor components 1 on the laying surface 9.

Retaining angles 36 are arranged at three corners of the right-angled laying surface 9, which, however, only serve to align the tensioning strap 35. A retaining angle 36'is arranged at the fourth corner of the laying surface 9, which as in the preceding example of the embodiment carries a reel 37 with a ratchet mechanism 38 to pull the tensioning strap 35 tight around the laid floor components 1.

Fig. 19 shows in illustrations 1 to V floor components 1 with various profiles 5, which can also serve as coupling devices 29.

The illustrations I to IV in Fig. 20 show various positive locking devices 39, which can in particular be designed to be on the short sides of the floor components 1. The most important aspect about the positive locking devices 39 is that they have undercut so that there is a form-fitting joint to prevent movements perpendicular to the upper surface 2 of the floor components 1.

Fig. 21 a) and 21b) show alignment devices 7 in the form of plugs. The floor components joined by the plugs are profiled on their circumferential sides 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. The profiles 5 on the short sides 4b and 4d are arranged as positive locking devices 39 and the profiles 5 on the longitudinal sides 4a and 4c serve as coupling devices 29.

The invention is not restricted to the examples of the embodiment described above and shown in the figures, which only serve to clarify the invention.

All modifications, substitutions and variations which an expert can glean from this documentation, including in particular the introductory part of this description and in the claims, fall within the scope of the invention, the extent of which is determined by the claims The following section in the German language is also included by reference in the description of this invention.

Placement system, placement system with warning devices, warning devices for a placement system as well as placement method Description The invention relates to a placement system. In particular, the invention relates, as far as one aspect is concerned, to a placement system for floor coverings made from individual plate-like elements that are coupled or are capable of being coupled together in such a ways as to positively interlock and preferably are drawn toward each other by coupling, and/or especially that the floor covering is adapted to being rolled up and rolled out. Furthermore the invention relates, according to another aspect, to a placement system comprising warning devices as well as such warning devices for a placement system as can alert to an overly large expansion of a floor covering due to changes in temperature and/or humidity before it can cause damage to surroundings adjacent to the floor covering, e. g. to walls. In addition, another aspect of the invention concerns placement methods.

The present invention is, in conformance with all its aspects, capable of being combined in particular but not exclusively with placement systems and placement methods as are cited in the European Patent Application No. 98103044.8 and the German Patent Application No.

19706777.8, the complete published contents of which and the entire characteristics of which are, both singly and in combination, included in the present documentation by the fact of being referenced here. Combinations with other placement systems and methods become apparent to the expert from the documentation here present.

Individual embodiments of the present invention are detailed in the following with reference to the drawings, with the invention not being limited to these examples of embodiment, but it encompasses all modifications, substitutions, alterations and amplifications that the expert is capable of deriving from the present documentation, including EP 98103044.8 and DE

19706777.8, taking into account his expert knowledge, particularly insofar as similarly operating parts and functions are concerne.

According to one aspect of the invention, a placement system and a placement method display the following characteristics, which must be seen especially in connection with individual characteristics and combinations of characteristics of EP 98103044.8 and/or DE 19706777.8 and which together with the present characteristics provide a farther-reaching solution.

When starting placement of floor elements one preferably employs a long starter board. If there is any curvature in the wall they can be accommodated within this starter board. At the end of a placed surface one preferably employs a similar or equal board as an end board. This type is advantageous especially when a floor covering is placed independently in an area without walls and/or is tensioned at the lower side with straps, as for instance in exhibition areas, partial areas of a room and the like.

To serve as a starter board a continuous frieze or longer elements can be cut to fit along a wall securely, rigidly and more exactly. The advantage lies in obtaining an immediate bracing, compared to using individual short pieces. The remainder of the area is covered with normal shorter elements. At the finishing end one could once more cut in an entire element or longer elements. One can thus advantageously achieve easier installation of the edge piece as well as better distribution of stresses through tensioning from the outside by means of springs, or by means of tensioning forces [acting] on the edges from within.

In the realm of dowelled joints or hooked connections that are connected by way of insertion and lateral sliding of the individual elements, one can achieve a press-fitting effect when sliding the individual elements by means of in particular a conical slot drilling. The dowels are incorporated longitudinally into the thickness of an element, such as a board. The receiving holes/slots are incorporated into the opposite side, i. e. into the opposite element. The fronts may be profiled with tongue and groove. The normal tongue-and-groove connection may

also be preserved at the long side. The dowel, having a thickened (perhaps conical) head, is inserted into the large receiving hole. A router bit having two cutting diameters is employed in the manufacture of this seat. This double-cutting router bit has the anterior, thicker part that produces the inner detailing (undercut), and the thinner part produces the visible slot.

During placement of the board elements the dowels are inserted into the receiving hole with the thickened head and slidingly moved into the slot. The slot may also be incorporated in a conical conformation in the direction of the interior of the board, whereby-during sliding of the entire board-a drawing-together of the two board elements is achieved. A hook (viz. board frames) achieves a similar effect. One counteracts the compression by sliding back the board elements, so that the headed dowels are slid toward the receiving hole and one board can be removed from the other.

Furthermore, one can achieve a lateral connection with greater contraction effect by engagement and conical connection. By way of insertion and lateral engagement this connection can be better coupled/contracted with each other. In the same way this type of coupling facilitates or ensures a simultaneous clinching of the individual elements among each other during timber shrinkage. This means that one board does not release the next adjacent board, it does not free it, so to speak. Each element closely holds the next one. With this, any elastic force acting upon the floor covering (viz. EP 98103044.8 and DE 19706777.8) would not have to be as strong as to compensate for all gaps occurring between the elements during a shrinking process, respectively to push/pull them together.

If the tensile force obtained by tensioning from the outside and/or the pulling power of tensioning elements (viz. EP 98 103 044.8 and DE 197 06 777.8) is no longer sufficient, rotational, pushing or compensatory mechanisms may be built into the last elements facing the wall that promote an additional clenching of the individual elements. The transmission of forces occurs by way of manual pushing, rotation or similar. The power source is only temporary and should be adaptable to being removed quickly.

A mechanical post-tensioning device may be provided which pushes against the wall and briefly compresses the elements in order to, for example, assist an edge spring (viz. EP 98 103 044.8 and DE 197 06 777.8). This may be advantageous in the case of heavy furniture or for very large areas. This mechanism should be attached with easy access, to avoid having to correct for unnecessary gap formation. This can be implemented by an eccentric plate with rotation mechanism, by screw pins that are tensioned against the wall and which are released again after the gaps have closed, so as to avoid causing damage when expansion once more occurs. Their effect is to assist the spring moment.

In case of large areas intermediate springs covered by cover strips can be placed in tension. A spring-tensioned separating track may also be employed.

A further placement technology is that of rolled-up parquetry. Thin parquetry slats are placed together closely, for example, with their lower surface adhered to an elastic strap, mesh or similar elastic fabric. Because of the individual slats facing each other the parquetry can now be rolled up. The elements need not be individual slats, they may also have the shape of small cubes that are affixed to a slightly pre-tensioned support.

The connection of the individual elements in rolled parquetry may for instance be pulled together by means of a rubber band. By rolling up the parquetry in the opposite sense (face outwards) the parquetry can become a roll-out placement system. The roll parquetry may be equipped along its length with lateral profiles. When several rolled parquetry widths have been placed, they can be plugged together laterally or plugged into long seating boards.

Seating boards then have a profile into which can be slid a lateral moulding of the rolled parquetry. The lateral connection between the individual placement widths may be stiffened by laterally pushing together the rolls of parquetry. This roll parquetry may for instance be glued onto, stapled to or threaded onto for example an elastic fabric.

The principle of placement encompasses the quick laying and equally quick rolling-up or stowing away of a floor available in rolled-up form, as sheets or in another large-coverage shape. Cubes measuring a centimetre could for example be glued onto a pretensioned elastic fabric, be delivered in rolled-up form and unrolled at the desired location. By unrolling it the individual timbers automatically level themselves. Preferably, only the entire widths will have a lateral connection.

Included in the basic idea is for instance parquetry for these uses : Large-scale placement in rolls, sheets, nets, lattices; use; then rolling up again, taking up and taking away, similar to carpet flooring or elastic floorings.

Fig. 1'shows a rotating element for post-tensioning of individual elements.

Fig. 2'shows long starting and ending elements.

Fig. 3'shows a lateral connection with conical contraction.

Fig. 4'shows roll parquetry Fig. 5'shows intermediate tracks.

Fig. 6'shows roll parquetry having an elongated lateral connection seat.

Fig. 7'shows a headed dowel in the state of being engaged and pulled together.

Fig. 8'shows a plan view as per Fig. 7'.

Fig. 9'shows a plug-in or engagement system possessing a tenon with thickened front part capable of being inserted into a tenon seat (hole possessing an enlarged or undercut interior routing that may have a somewhat conical shape if required). By inserting the tenon into this provided seat and sliding the element (board) the tenon thickening engages in the enlarged section of the seat. Thus the board elements can no longer move apart. Only by disengagement and lateral sliding backwards can the connections be pulled apart.

Fig. 10'shows a pre-tensioned rubber band having tenons arranged at its lower side to serve as catches which are pushed into or engaged in mortises or drilled holes, if necessary amid further tensioning of the band.

Fig. 11'shows an elastic cord that is threaded through the individual elements and is tensioned at the end by screw elements.

Fig. 12'shows springs with simultaneous skirting board seat, i. e. a seating piece for skirting boards (wall side) fitted to or on the tensioning spring. The mortise present in the board is plugged onto the seating piece. The board is always at the wall. The skirting board is plugged onto the seating pieces.

Fig. 13'shows a plug-in system or a width connection in roll parquetry.

Warning devices during expansion of a floor covering concern another aspect of the invention.

By means of this aspect of the invention portions adjoining a placed floor covering which could be damaged by the overly great expansion of large areas of material can be protected.

Particular in the building realm there may occur an excessive expansion of floor coverings such as for example parquetry floors due to heat, humidity or other possible influences. Since

the adjacent parts are generally rigid and/or fixed, there occur tensions, movements and damages.

In the floor area, particularly in the realm of timber floors, such expansion often occurs.

Because of too high a humidity level the timber expands beyond the usual norm. The expansion joints that are provided during manufacture or installation, for example towards a wall, are often too small in such cases. The excessive expansion and the resulting moment creates pushing, shearing and pressure forces that can damage or even destroy the adjacent parts.

There may occur instances for example of walls being moved, heating pipes and/or heaters being displaced, or of parquetry floors buckling, or the floor covering detaching itself from the sub-floor, doors, staircases, french windows and/or add-ons being moved, and much more.

In most cases skirting boards, covering mouldings etc. are affixed in order to cover the expansion joints but these mouldings also disguise the flooring expansion so that one can react only after the damage has occurred.

To solve these problems a signal transmitter or more generally a warning device should be built in between the adjacent parts, i. e. floor covering and for example wall. The material of the floor covering expands up to a certain size, from whence the signal transmitter reacts.

For as long as the material does not, during the expansion phase, touch the adjacent parts, the signal transmitter does not begin to operate. Once the material expands even further and already enters the critical phase, the signal transmitter emits some kind of signal to alert to the critical condition. The type of signal transmitter may be varied, and adapted to the area of deployment. The signal it transmits may be of a mechanical, electrical, acoustical, visual and/or other kind. The kind of device leading to the triggering of the signal may also be of various types. It does not matter whether it is a mechanical trigger, visible trigger or

electrical trigger. The main thing is that shortly before damage occurs there is a perceptible sign so that one can counteract the impending destruction.

As a solution using visual signals a marking can indicate the expansion through a ledge.

Lever moments which indicate the progress of the marking, and many other possibilities, are suitable. But an indicator displaying the current state of the expansion is only one possibility for implementing the present aspect of the invention.

As another solution employing a scent indicator, a vial containing a scent could be placed in the expansion area and which releases a scent shortly before damage occurs, so that once again one can counteract the possibly occurring damage.

For an electrical solution a light signal, a tone signal, a display or some other signal attracting the attention could be produced by means of switches, contact points, tilt switches or similar electrically triggering signal transmitters. Radio transmission from several detectors to for example a central warning device is also possible.

A chemical solution would also be possible. By the emission of chemical substances a further expansion could be counteracted. The signal transmitters could be switchable on and off, or merely capable of being switched on, and of triggering, so that no manipulation is possible.

The signal transmitters could for example be built into the wall and/or into the expansion joint and/or in the expanding material, or placed above and/or below it, be accessible or inaccessible, as desired. The energy source is to be selected according to local circumstances.

For example a battery and the signal transmitter/s could be built into the skirting board, and a protected switch as well, which can be switched off only by way of movements of the marking, etc.

After the signal transmitter has been triggered, counter-measures can be initiated. In the case of timber floors the expanding material can for example be machined or the humidity in the room be reduced, or the gap between the affected parts can be increased.

Detector positions are to be so arranged that the or a signal transmitter or the warning device is activated before any destruction occurs, so as to be able to counteract any possibly occurring damage. Since for instance timber possesses shrinking and expansion characteristics, the switch could kick in only just before damage occurs. Perhaps it shall be capable of multiple triggering, and otherwise always remain in a kind of waiting position.

Fig. 14' A distance piece 2 is affixed to the wall 1. The cover strip 3 is fixed to the timber floor 6 and pushes against the wall during an expansion process of the floor covering. The distance piece 2 opposes this process from the wall 1 and indicates on the parquetry the expansion that has already taken place. The cover strip could also be equipped with a measuring scale.

Fig. 15' An electrical switch 4 inserted in the wall 1 is triggered by the pin 5 being depressed following pressure from the expanding timber floor 6.

Fig. 16' Two contacts 7 lie opposite each other and after expansion of the timber floor 6 both contacts 7 touch and trigger the attached signal transmitter 8.

Fig. 17'

A scent vial 9 lies in the expansion gap 10. It can burst by too great an expansion of the timber floor 6, and a scent wafts through the air.

Fig. 18' A skirting board 11 contains an inserted battery 12 and a signal transmitter 14 (lamps, tone emitters) that are connected to wire 13.