Mannington Gets Patent for LVT Technology

Viken, Sweden, Feb. 7, 2013 -- The European Patent Office has published the mention of the grant of the European Patent, part of the patent cooperation between Mannington Mills and Välinge, announced in January 2012.

Välinge has the exclusive right to sub-license Mannington’s IP rights relating to LVT locking technology. One of Mannington’s European patent applications, claiming priority from December 14, 1999 and being relevant for vinyl flooring with a tongue and groove connection, is now granted.

The Mannington patent relates to a thermoplastic laminate plank having a PVC core, a print layer and a protective layer, wherein the core has a groove located on a side of the core.

That makes the patent relevant for thermoplastic floorings having any kind of connection means comprising a tongue and groove.

“We are very pleased as this patent further strengthens our existing portfolio of locking LVT patents. LVT is the fastest growing category in floor covering and locking technology is a driving force behind much of this growth," says Kim Holm, President – Residential Business for Mannington.