A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints and which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints and are further configured to form two locking planes one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces is smoothly curved. The joints and can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes. The joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative the other then application of a downward force.

A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints and which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints and are further configured to form two locking planes one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces is smoothly curved. The joints and can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes. The joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative the other then application of a downward force.

An uncoupling mat includes a flexible plastic layer (2) made of plastic film with structuring that defines indentations (6) provided with undercuts (5) on a first, top side (4) and cavities (8) positioned between the indentations (6) on an opposite second, bottom side (7). A fleece or fabric (3) is securely connected to the bottom side (7) and covers the cavities (8). A cross-section of the indentations (6) in at least some corner regions (10) increases from the bottom side (7) toward the top side (4).

A carpet tack strip removal tool. The carpet tack strip removal tool provides a device for lifting carpet tack strips from a floor surface while remaining allowing a user to remain in a standing position. The carpet tack strip removal tool includes an elongated shaft having a head at an end. The head includes a pry bar arm for placing between the flooring surface and the tack strip to be lifted, and a fulcrum lever for providing mechanical advantage when a lifting force is applied to a lifting arm. When moved from a setup position to the lifting position, the pry bar arm lifts and removed the carpet tack strip from the floor surface.

A drive wheel assembly for a floor stripping machine permits a drive wheel to be selectively locked to and unlocked from a drive axle and reduces the quantity of debris that is able to accumulate on the tire of a wheel during a floor stripping operation.

Employing a microcomputer and a user interface to control the operation of various motors and a linear actuator of a floor stripper improves efficiency and effectiveness while reducing vibration and sound levels during a floor stripping operation.

Dual-use flooring installation device with interchangeable tool-ends includes a pull bar defining a bend at a proximal end and a first connector at a distal end, the bend configured for engaging an end of a flooring material; and a wedge bar defining a wedge at a proximal end and a second connector at a distal end, the wedge configured for insertion between a wall surface or a cabinet surface and a flat material attached thereto. The device further includes a slide hammer unit comprising a hammer weight slidable about a shaft, the slide hammer unit defining an adaptor at a proximal end that is configured for removably attaching to one of the first connector of the pull bar and the second connector of the wedge bar. In a storage mode, the adaptor is disengaged from the pull bar and the wedge bar.

A set of panels each including a main surface, a first edge, an opposite second edge, a third edge which is adjacent to the first edge and a fourth edge which is opposite to the third edge. The set includes a mechanical locking device which is configured to lock the first edge to the second edge. The locking device includes a flexible tongue. The flexible tongue includes a central part configured to cooperate with a tongue groove for locking. A first edge part and the tongue groove are configured such that when in the locked position a force P′ is applied adjacent the first edge and the third edge of the first panel and another force P is applied adjacent the second edge and the third edge of the second panel, the first edge part is pushed towards a bottom surface of an insertion groove which allows a disassembling.

An uncoupling mat includes a flexible plastic layer having indentations provided with undercuts on a first, top side and cavities positioned between the indentations on an opposite bottom side. A fleece or fabric is securely connected to the second side and covering the cavities. A plurality of weakening zones is formed in the top surface of the film-like plastic, which each extend between two rows of indentations in a straight line between opposing side edges of the plastic layer and allow the plastic layer to move substantially transversely to the direction of extension of the weakening zones. Some of a first group of weakening zones extend parallel to one another across the top surface of the film-like plastic. Some of a second group of weakening zones extend parallel to one another across the top surface of the film-like plastic and intersecting the first group of parallel weakening zones.

A carpet tile lifting apparatus is disclosed comprises a base plate and a base plate cover coupled to each other via a snap-fit locking mechanism. The base plate is provided with a front cutting edge in a form of a pointed spike to slide underneath the carpet tile. The apparatus comprises two wings coupled at either side of the base plate cover. Further, the wings comprise a first blade and a second blade coupled with each other. The apparatus comprises a housing coupled with the at least one wing. The housing encloses a plurality of wheels coupled to the housing via a first shaft. The first shaft is coupled to a first gear. The apparatus comprises at least one spiked roller coupled with the second shaft and interlocked between the first end and the second end of the housing.