Flooring Having At Least One Replaceable Section

Abstract

A flooring having at least one replaceable section that allows a section of installed flooring to be removed and replaced with a new section. The flooring can consist of either a hard floor such as linoleum or vinyl, or carpet. Replaceable section(s) of carpet are especially adaptable and effective, therefore carpet is the preferred type of flooring. The section of installed carpet has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges. The new replacement section also has an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges. The new section is dimensioned the same as the removed section and is inserted into a cavity that is created when a section of carpet or hard floor is removed. The cavity has an inner lower surface and an interior edge. Once installed, each new section is maintained within the respective cavity by attachment means.

Claims

1. A flooring having at least one replaceable section that allows a section of installed flooring to be removed and replaced with a new section of flooring, wherein the section of installed flooring has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges, and the new replacement section of flooring has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges, wherein the new section is dimensioned the same as the removed section and is inserted into a cavity that is created when a section of flooring is removed, wherein the cavity has an inner lower surface and an interior edge, wherein once inserted said new section is maintained within the cavity by attachment means.

2. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the flooring is selected from the group consisting of carpet, linoleum, vinyl and porcelain tile.

3. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein said section of flooring that is removed and replaced is located in a high-traffic area.

4. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable is selected and scored prior to the flooring being initially installed.

5. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable is selected and scored after the flooring is initially installed.

6. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.

7. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.

8. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each new replacement section of flooring is the same color as the existing surrounding flooring.

9. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each new replacement section of flooring is a different color than the existing surrounding flooring.

10. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, snap closures, double-sided tape, or adhesive.

11. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment means are located on a lower surface of said at least one replaceable flooring section or said new section of flooring, and a corresponding locations within the cavity.

12. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 further comprising attachment means that secure the edges of said at least one replaceable flooring section and said new section of flooring to the edges of the installed flooring along the interior edge of the cavity.

13. A flooring having at least one replaceable section wherein said flooring is comprised of carpet, wherein said carpet allows a section of installed carpet to be removed and replaced with a new section of carpet, wherein the carpet is scored at selected locations prior to being initially installed, wherein the installed carpet is comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges, and the new section of carpet is comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges, wherein when a section of the installed carpet is removed a cavity is created, wherein the cavity having an inner lower surface and an interior edge, wherein the replacement new section of carpet, which is dimensioned as the removed section of carpet is inserted into the cavity and removably maintained therein by attachment means.

14. The carpet as specified in claim 1 wherein the carpet is selected from the group consisting of woven, needle felt, knotted pile, tufted and flat weave.

15. The carpet as specified in claim 13 wherein the selected locations where said carpet is removed from are identified as high-traffic areas.

16. The carpet as specified in claim 12 wherein each section of carpet that is replaceable is cut out after the carpet is initially installed.

17. The carpet as specified in claim 14 wherein each section of carpet that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.

18. The carpet as specified in claim 12 wherein the attachment means that allow the new replacement section of carpet to be removably maintained within the cavity are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, snap closures, double-sided tape and adhesive.

19. The carpet as specified in claim 18 wherein the attachment means are located on the lower surface of said at least one replaceable carpet section or said new section of carpet, and at corresponding locations within the cavity.

20. The carpet as specified in claim 12 further comprising attachment means that secure the edges of said at least one replaceable carpet section and said new section of carpet to the edges of the installed carpet along the interior edge of the cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing a typical residential room with flooring having multiple replacement sections.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor prior to being removed and replaced.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor above a cavity prior to the section being inserted down into the cavity.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of hook and loop fasteners.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of snap closures.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of double-sided tape.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of carpet prior to being removed and replaced.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of carpet above a cavity prior to the carpet section being inserted into the cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of hook and loop fasteners.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment with two applications of a flooring having at least one replaceable section (FHORS). Flooring, whether hard flooring such as linoleum, or carpet, is subjected to conditions that can significantly damage the flooring. The damage can range from wear and tear, and deterioration from extended periods of use to discoloration from exposure to sunlight. The damage is often most prevalent in so-called high-traffic areas which include doorways, areas in front of couches/sofas and/or areas adjacent to entertainment centers or television. The areas in front of a window are sometimes not high-traffic areas, but the flooring can still experience the previously mentioned discoloration. Any area of flooring is susceptible to damage from objects, food, beverages or other substances being dropped or spilled on the flooring.

[0033] Often, when an area of flooring is damaged, it is preferable to replace the flooring in the entire room. The main reason for this is because no matter how much cleaning or repair is preformed, the area that is damaged is usually visible when compared to the rest of the flooring. The FHORS offers solution to this problem by providing flooring with replaceable sections. A worn, dirty, or damaged section of flooring can quickly and easily be removed and replaced with a new section.

[0034] The FHORS 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, is disclosed in two embodiments: the first embodiment is for hard flooring such as linoleum or vinyl, and the second preferred embodiment is for carpet. Depending on the location the type of flooring will vary. Both embodiments can be utilized in any location including residences/homes, office buildings, retail or wholesale stores, casinos, schools, convention centers, theatres or religious facilities.

[0035] The first embodiment for hard flooring is comprised of at least one replaceable section 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16 and edges 18. The replaceable section 12 is preferably part of the flooring when the flooring is initially installed. Prior to the flooring being installed, the high-traffic areas and/or any other areas that might experience wear and tear can be identified. The identified areas are then selected and if desired can be scored to mark the sections that will likely need to be replaced. Once these steps are performed the flooring is installed.

[0036] Provided along with the installed flooring is at least one, and typically multiple depending on the size/purpose of the room, new section 22. Each new section 22, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has an upper surface 24, a lower surface 26 and edges 28. Each new section corresponds to one of the areas identified prior to the flooring being installed. The dimensions and appearance of a new section 22 exactly match the respective replaceable section 12.

[0037] When one (or more) of the replaceable section(s) 12 becomes damaged or dirty, each replaceable section 12 is either cut along the score lines or cut along dimensions that match the respective new section. Once fully cut, each replaceable section can be removed. After a replaceable section 12 is removed, a cavity 32 is created. The cavity 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, has an inner lower surface 34 and an interior edge 36.

[0038] The second embodiment for the carpet is essentially the same as the first embodiment. A replacement section 40 of carpet, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, has an upper surface 42, a lower surface 44, and edges 46. Each replacement section 40 is identified before the carpet is initially installed. Since the carpet cannot be scored, other identification means can be utilized such as placing small markers at each corner of a square/rectangular area, or even using a chemical that will only appear under black light.

[0039] Each replaceable section 40 of carpet has a corresponding new section 50. As shown in FIG. 8, each new section 50 has an upper surface, a lower surface 54 and edges 56. As with the hard flooring, the new section 50 of carpet is dimensioned exactly the same, and has the appearance including texture and color, as the replaceable section 40.

[0040] When an area of carpet becomes damaged, dirty, deteriorates or is discolored, the replaceable section 40 is removed. Once a replaceable section 40 is removed, a cavity 60 is created in the carpet. The cavity 60, as shown in FIG. 8, has an inner lower surface 62 and an interior edge 64. Preferably, each new section of carpet (or hard flooring) will be square, thereby allowing each section to be modularly set side by side.

[0041] For both the hard floor and the carpet, the new sections 22,50 are secured within the cavity 32,60 by attachment means 70. There can be multiple removable-type attachment means that are utilized, including a hook and loop fastener 72, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a snap closure 74 such as a button, as shown in FIG. 5, or double-sided tape 76, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, an adhesive (not shown) can be used. The adhesive can be a temporary adhesive, or if a new section is to be permanently installed, the adhesive can be a permanent type. The benefit of using the removable attachment means is that multiple new sections 22,50 can be used/inserted over an extended period of time. This is especially beneficial in rooms that only experience use in limited areas. The surrounding flooring 86, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, is in good condition for a long time, but the areas that are prone to wear and tear can require replacement every six months, for example. The FHORS 10 allows a person to quickly and easily replace the damaged, dirty or worn areas as frequently as needed.

[0042] When carpet is utilized, often a lower layer of foam is placed below the carpet. For this application, the foam will be below the attachment means. The foam will cover the entire floor area and will be firmly attached to the floor and the side walls. Attachment means, preferably in the form of an adhesive, will be applied to the upper surface of the foam to secure the foam to the carpet. When the foam is an integral part of the carpet, the foam is located between the carpet and the adhesive that is used to secure the carpet to the flooring below. For certain applications, such as banks or other commercial locations, carpet can be installed without foam.

[0043] Normally, the color of the new section of carpet or hard floor will match the surrounding flooring 86. If desired, an alternate color can be used. For example, a lighter or darker shape of the color of the surrounding flooring 86 or a different typically complimentary color can be used. Additionally, designs, images or even words can be displayed, usually these will match or compliment the appearance of the surrounding flooring 86.

[0044] Although the FHORS 10 has been disclosed for use with carpet or a hard floor in an inside environment, other applications are also possible. One example is the use of the FHORS 10 in an outside environment with imitation grass, which is known as Astroturf and is used primarily for sporting events. By providing the FHORS 10 for this type of application, situations that could possibly cause a sporting event to be canceled or prematurely end could be avoided.

[0045] While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.