US Patent 6922965 Bonded interlocking flooring

The present technique relates to a floor system that includes panels designed to be joined to one another, with an adhesive coating and a sealant at each joint to facilitate assembly. The panels include mechanically interlocking portions that mate when the system is installed. Disposed on the interlocking portions is a coating adapted to cohesively bond upon contact with itself under ambient conditions and without external activation. The sealant protects the joint and prevents the ingress of moisture following installation. Advantageously, the cohesive bonding of the coating is delayed such that the bonding does not obstruct the installation of the floor panel.