Flooring System of Sandwich-Like Floor Elements Having a Core of Insulating Material

Abstract

A flooring system comprises a preformed composite panel having a first sheet ( 2 ), a second sheet ( 3 ) and a core of insulating material between the first and second sheets ( 2, 3 ). In one case the sheet ( 2 ) is a generally flat top sheet and the sheet ( 3 ) is a profiled bottom sheet. A floor such as a wood effect floor ( 5 ) is laid over the flat top sheet ( 2 ). An acoustic barrier layer 6 is located between the floor ( 5 ) and the sheet ( 2 ). The profiling of the sheet ( 3 ) defines channels ( 7 ) for location of service ducts/conduits ( 11 ). A planar facing ( 8 ) is applied over the profiled sheet, bridging the channels ( 7 ).

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . A flooring system comprising:
 a composite panel of the type comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and an insulating core between the first and second sheets; and   a floor applied over one of the skins.   
   
   
       24 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the floor is preformed and laid on the panel in situ. 
   
   
       25 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 24  wherein the floor is a wood or wood-effect floor. 
   
   
       26 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 24  comprising an acoustic barrier layer between the panel and the floor. 
   
   
       27 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein at least one of the skins is profiled to define a plurality of channels extending longitudinally along the length of the panel. 
   
   
       28 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 27  wherein the lowermost in use of the skins is profiled. 
   
   
       29 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 28  comprising a generally planar facing which is applied over the profiled skin, bridging the channels. 
   
   
       30 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 29  wherein support battens are provided between the profiled skin and the facing. 
   
   
       31 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 30  wherein at least some of the battens extend transversely across the panel, bridging the channels. 
   
   
       32 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the facing is of plasterboard. 
   
   
       33 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 27  wherein the flooring system comprises a service duct or conduit located in the channel. 
   
   
       34 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 27  wherein the formations are of generally trapezoidal shape comprising a generally flat base and side walls which extend from and diverge outwardly from the base. 
   
   
       35 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 34  wherein the side walls of the trapezoidal formations have stepped side-walls. 
   
   
       36 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 34  wherein the sheet having the trapezoidal formations has transversely extending reinforcing ribs. 
   
   
       37 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the first sheet has a first overlap portion on one side and a second overlap portion on the opposite side, the first overlap portion being substantially free of insulating core, the side edge of the insulating core at the first overlap portion having a first inclined wedge face and the side edge of the insulating core at the second overlap portion having a second inclined wedge face which is oppositely directed to the first inclined wedge face at the first overlap portion, the overlap portions and the wedge faces of the insulating core of adjacent like panels being interengageable on assembly. 
   
   
       38 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the first sheet overlap portions are defined by part trapezoidal portions. 
   
   
       39 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the second sheet has a second sheet first overlap portion on one side and a second sheet second overlap portion on the opposite side. 
   
   
       40 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 39  wherein the second sheet has an outer male projecting part and an inner recess part on one side, and a corresponding outer recess part and projecting inner male part respectively on the opposite side of the panel. 
   
   
       41 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the floor is formed in-situ. 
   
   
       42 . The flooring system as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the floor is of a cementitious material.