A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members.

A floor element for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor element comprises a decorative layer made of a ceramic material; a support layer arranged below the decorative layer; and a reinforcing layer arranged in between the decorative layer and the support layer, wherein the support layer comprises edges provided with coupling elements configured to realize a mechanical coupling with coupling elements of an adjacent floor element.

[Object] To provide a building material capable of solving the problem of peeling-off, turning-up, and displacement of a protective sheet from a coating during storage, transport, and construction and capable of solving the problem of degradation of surface finishing of the coating as a result of the protective sheet being peeled off from a coating surface of the building material.

[Solution] A building material 10 includes a base material 1 having a design surface on a surface thereof, a coating 2 that is formed on the design surface and that has a surface having a 60-degree specular gloss of 80 or greater, and a protective sheet 3 affixed to the coating 2 so as to be peelable. The coating 2 has a pencil hardness of HB or higher. The adhesive force between the coating 2 and the protective sheet 3 is 2 to 8 N/20 mm.

The present invention relates to a panel and to a covering including a plurality of such panels. The present invention particularly relates to floor panels, and more in particular to laminated floor panels, hardwood floor panels, solid wood floor panels, or PVC based floor panels. The invention proposes a coupling of the tongues of different adjacent panels that are arranged on the short side of those panels by a tongue of a further panel that is arranged on the long side of that panel. Compared to prior art panels, an improved coupling between the short sides of adjacent panels can be achieved, reducing the likelihood that these panels become detached.

A floor element for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor element comprises a decorative layer made of a ceramic material; a support layer arranged below the decorative layer; and a reinforcing layer arranged in between the decorative layer and the support layer, wherein the support layer comprises edges provided with coupling elements configured to realize a mechanical coupling with coupling elements of an adjacent floor element.

A set of building panels including a locking device for locking a first edge portion of a first panel to a second edge portion of a second panel. The locking device includes a locking element extending upwards from a lower strip provided in the first edge portion, and a locking member extending downwards from an upper strip provided in the second edge portion, wherein the locking element and the locking member are configured to cooperate for horizontal locking. The locking device further includes a protrusion and a groove configured to cooperate for vertical locking. A perpendicularly arranged fourth edge portion of the second panel includes a tongue configured to cooperate with a tongue groove of an adjacent panel for vertical locking. The protrusion extends inwardly of the tongue in a direction along the second edge portion.

The invention is a mixed stucco block of gypsum blocks. Due to using a layer of compacted polystyrene in its center, it is much lighter than regular gypsum blocks. In addition, its heat transfer coefficient is less than solid stucco panels. In addition, due to applying some smithereens in it along with support system and innovative Rabyts, mechanical connection of cement mortar is provided for it. Therefore it is possible to use this block in wet places including in bathroom, WC, and as the side wall of the faade.

A covering element for floors includes a tile made of ceramic material and a reinforcing element attached to the tile. The covering element has a lining along an edge of the tile.

A method of supporting an upright member from a support surface includes inserting an elongated carrier of an upright member support system into a hole in the support surface. A base of the support system is positioned at least partially around the carrier so the base contacts at least one upper surface of the support surface. A lock of the support system is releasably engaged with the carrier above the base and tightened down sufficient to maintain the base in contact with the support surface. The upright member is inserted into a bore of the carrier.

A floor panel and a floating floor system incorporating the floor panel include a floor panel having a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a visible decorative pattern. The bottom layer has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the bottom layer is adhered to the bottom surface of the top layer such that the bottom layer is offset from the top layer in a direction of length and width and a marginal end portion of the top surface of the bottom layer and a marginal end portion of the bottom surface of the top layer is exposed. At least one of the marginal end portions has an adhesive, and a ratio of a thickness of the top layer to a thickness of the bottom layer is about 5 or greater.