NL2037405B1

NL2037405B1 - Tile panel set, tile panel, tile panel covering, and installation method

Info

Publication number: NL2037405B1
Application number: NL2037405A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Renaat Karel Devos Pieter
Original assignee: I4F Licensing Nv
Priority date: 2024-04-05
Filing date: 2024-04-05
Publication date: 2025-10-28

Abstract

The invention relates to a tile panel set, in particular a floor tile panel set or wall tile panel set. The invention also relates to a tile panel for use in such a tile panel set according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile panel covering comprising a tile panel set according to the invention.

Description

Tile panel set, tile panel, tile panel covering, and installation method

The invention relates to a tile panel set, in particular a floor tile panel set or wall tile panel set. The invention also relates to a tile panel for use in such a tile panel set according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile panel covering comprising a tile panel set according to the invention. The invention moreover relates to a method for installing a set of tile panels according to the invention.

It is known to install floor tile panels on an underlying floor in various ways. It is, for example, known that the floor tile panels are attached to the underlying floor, either by gluing or by nailing them on. This technique has a disadvantage that is rather complicated and subsequent changes can only be made by breaking out the floor panels. According to an alternative installation method, the floor tile panels are installed loosely onto the subflooring, whereby the floor tile panels mutually match each other by means of a tongue and groove coupling which results in the interlocking of the floor tile panels. Typically, each of these tile panels is oblong rectangular and is provided at a pair of opposing long edges with a tongue and a complementary groove, respectively, and is provided at a pair of opposing short edges with another tongue and another complementary groove respectively. The floor obtained in this manner, also called a floating floor, has an advantage that it is far easier to install and that the complete floor surface can move which often is convenient in order to receive possible expansion and shrinkage phenomena.

Traditionally, these interlockable tile panels are mutually connected by connecting the long sides of adjacent panels to each other and by connecting the short sides of adjacent panels to each other, typically according to a staggered, preferably randomized, installation pattern. However, there is an increasing demand to install interlockable tile panels according to a herringbone pattern. This requires an adaption of the traditional tile panels as the short edges of tile panels will have to be connected to the long edges of other tile panels. EP3449068 discloses such a solution, wherein two types (type A and type B) of floor panels are, wherein the coupling parts of one type (type A) of floor panels on one pair of edges are mirrored in respect to the coupling parts of the other type (type B) of floor panels at that same pair. The different floor panel types (type A and B) used to compose the herringbone floor are mirrored floor panel types.

it is a first object of the invention to provide an improved set of interlockable tile panels configured to be installed according to a herringbone or equivalent installation pattern.

Itis a second object of the invention to provide an improved set of interlockable tile panels configured to be installed according to a herringbone or equivalent installation pattern, by using only a single tile panel type.

It is a third object of the invention to provide an improved set of interlockable tile panels configured to be installed according to a herringbone or equivalent installation pattern in a relatively simple manner. it is a fourth object of the invention to provide a relatively cost-efficient set of interlockable tile panels configured to be installed according to a herringbone or equivalent installation pattern.

At least one of these objects can be achieved by providing a tile panel set according to the preamble comprising a plurality of identical tile panels, wherein said tile panels are configured to be joined in a perpendicular installation pattern, such as a herringbone pattern, wherein each tile panel of said plurality of identical tile panels is preferably rectangular, more preferably elongate rectangular, and wherein each tile panel of said plurality of identical tile panels comprises: - a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, wherein both the long and the short edges are provided with mechanical coupling profiles which allow the tile panels from the set to be coupled together, - wherein the one long edge is provided with a first coupling profile and the other long edge is provided with a second coupling profile, - wherein the one short edge is provided with a third coupling profile and the other long edge is provided with a fourth coupling profile, - wherein the first coupling profile can be fitted into the second coupling of another tile panel of the tile panel set, preferably by means of a rotational movement; - wherein the third coupling profile can be fitted into the first coupling profile of another identical tile panel of the tile panel set, preferably by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement; and - wherein the fourth coupling profile can be fitted into the second coupling profile of another identical tile panel of the tile panel set, preferably by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement.

A great advantage of this tile panel set is that only a single interlockable tile panel type (type A) is needed to be able to realize a herringbone pattern or equivalent pattern, wherein a short edge of a tile panel is connected to a long edge of another tile panel. This prevents confusion during purchasing and/or installation of the tile panel set, and therefore facilitates a simple, swift, and efficient installation of the herringbone pattern (or equivalent pattern). Moreover, since only a singular tile panel type has to be used, the tile panel set can be manufactured in a relatively cost-efficient manner. Additionally, the waste material created during installation may be reduced in this manner. Hence, the sophisticated tile panel set according to the invention provides a user-friendly solution to install a herringbone pattern on a floor or wall (or a ceiling or other surface). Although the tile panel set according to the invention preferably comprising oblong rectangular panels, additionally or alternatively, otherwise shaped tile panels, like square tile panels and/or parallelogrammatic tile panels, and/or trapezoidal shaped tile panels (i.e. a quadrilateral having one pair of parallel side edges), and/or tile panels, wherein at least side edge encloses angle with a connecting side edge larger or smaller than 90 degrees, can be used in the tile panel set according to the invention. The word “identical” in this context primarily relates to the orientation of the coupling profiles, and preferably also the design of the coupling profiles, along the tile panel edges, which is identical for a plurality of tile panels of the tile panel set according to the invention. Preferably, also the size of said identical tile panels is identical, although mutually distinctive tile panel sizes are not excluded. Optionally, the look and/or feel of said identical tile panels may be identical, although an exact repetition (exact copy) of a design or appearance of adjacent interlocked panels is often undesired from an aesthetical point of view.

In an embodiment, the fourth coupling profile can be fitted into the first coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement. This implies that the fourth coupling profile can be connected to both the first coupling profile as well as the second coupling profile by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement and/or angling movement and/or snap-in movement.

In another embodiment, the third coupling profile can be fitted into the second coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement. This implies that the third coupling profile can be connected to both the first coupling profile as well as the second coupling by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement and/or angling movement and/or snap-in movement.

A combination of these embodiments means that each of the third coupling profile and fourth coupling profile is compatible (i.e. can be connected) with each of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile by means of a lowering movement and/or fold-down movement and/or vertical movement and/or angling movement and/or snap-in movement. For example, each of the third coupling profiles and fourth coupling profiles may be pushed into the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile.

The first coupling profile may be configured to engage interlockingly with the second coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions. The first coupling may be configured to engage interlockingly with the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions. The second coupling may be configured to engage interlockingly with the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions. Such a locking will mutually secure and preferably fixate adjacent interlocked tile panels, and will therefore stabilize the tile panel covering composed of said interlocked tile panels.

Preferably, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are at least partially, preferably entirely, mirror-symmetric coupling profiles. The first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are substantially complementary coupling profiles. 5

Preferably, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, an upper section of a seam (connecting to an upper surface of the tile panel) formed or formable in between either the first coupling profile or second coupling profile of a first tile panel and either the third coupling profile or the fourth coupling profile of a second tile panel defines a vertical plane (VP), wherein the coupled coupling profile of the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile is situated entirely at one side of said vertical plane (VP). This design facilitates both the production and installation of the coupling profiles.

In an embodiment of the invention, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, said seam, formed in between two interconnected tile panels (at and/or connecting to the top surface of the tile panel(s)), is formed or formable by and/or in between a closing surface, in particular an upper section of a closing surface, of the first coupling profile and/or second coupling profile of a first tile panel and a closing surface, in particular an upper section of a closing surface, of the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of a second tile panel.

In an embodiment of the invention, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, an upper section of a seam formed in between either the first coupling profile or second coupling profile of a first tile panel and either the second coupling profile or the first coupling profile, respectively, of a second tile panel defines a vertical plane (VP), and wherein the each of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile is situated at both sides of said vertical plane. This design facilitates a solid vertical locking effect between the tile panels.

In an embodiment, the first coupling profile comprises a sidewardly extending intermediate lip, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises a recess configured for accommodating at least a part of the intermediate lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip. The intermediate lip may also be referred to as a sideward tongue. The recess may also be referred to as a sideward groove or second groove. The intermediate lip, preferably a terminal portion of the intermediate lip and/or upper side of the (terminal portion of the) intermediate lip, preferably comprises at least one intermediate upward locking element configured to engage interlockingly with another coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions. The intermediate upward locking element may be at least one upward protrusion protruding with respect to a remaining part of the intermediate lip.

Preferably, an upper surface of intermediate upward locking element is downwardly inclined towards a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element.

Such inclined orientation is commonly easier to produce by means of milling, and, moreover, typically provides more robustness to the intermediate upward locking element. Preferably, a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element comprises a recess and/or is inwardly kinked and/or inwardly curved and/or comprises a cut-out portion. Such as recessed portion provides space to accommodate at least a part of a sideward protrusion, like a ridge and/or edge, of a third and/or fourth coupling profile, facing said recessed portion in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels. In coupled condition contact between said recessed portion and said sideward protrusion is preferably not present. Despite of this lack of contact, the recess portion may be configured to limit the movement of the sideward protrusion. The sideward protrusion of the third and/or fourth coupling profile is often a side result of a two-step milling process when milling an upper third downward groove provided with a recess in a proximal side of said upper third downward groove. Said recess is typically applied in the third and/or fourth coupling profile in order to accommodate a part of the intermediate upward locking element, wherein a bottom surface of said recess is preferably configured to support and/or contact said intermediate upward locking element of an adjacent tile panel.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of a proximal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is upwardly inclined in a direction away from a top surface of the tile panel and/or wherein at least a part of a proximal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is upwardly inclined in a direction towards a top surface of the tile panel, wherein said inclined proximal side surface preferably defines an upper contact surface for co-action with a contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel. In this manner either an open groove (first upward groove), a closed groove (first upward groove), or a partially open and partially closed groove (first upward groove) can be realize in between the intermediate upward locking element and the closing surface of the first coupling profile. Preferably, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, and as seen from a cross-sectional view, said upper contact surface co-acts with said contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel over a length of between and including 0.1 and 0.3 mm, and is more preferably less than 0.2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a part of a bottom surface of the intermediate upward locking element connecting to a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is preferably upwardly inclined in a direction away from an upper section (contact surface) of said first coupling profile, positioned above said intermediate lip, wherein said, preferably inclined, bottom surface preferably defines a lower contact surface for co-action with a contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel. Preferably, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, and as seen from a cross-sectional view, said lower contact surface co-acts with said contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel over a length of between and including 0.1 and 0.3 mm, and is more preferably less than 0.2 mm.

In a particular preferred embodiment, a tangent defined by the upper contact surface and a tangent defined by the lower contact surface mutually enclose an angle situated in between and including 0 and 45 degrees, and/or wherein a tangent defined by the upper contact surface runs steeper than a tangent defined by the lower contact surface. Typically, this mutual orientation of contact surfaces contributes to improving a mutual locking effect of adjacent tile panels in coupled condition.

Preferably, in coupled condition of tile panels, wherein the first coupling profile is coupled to the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, a continuous space (uninterrupted space) extends between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface. Such a space is purposively applied to prevent accidental contact at these locations and to force the interconnected tile panels to only be in contact with each other at the dedicated contact zones (contact surfaces).

Preferably, the third coupling profile comprises at least one upper third downward groove and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises at least one upper fourth downward groove, and wherein the intermediate upward locking element of the intermediate lip is configured to co-act with said upper third downward groove and/or said upper fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. Preferably, at least a part of the intermediate upward locking element is configured to be accommodated within said upper third downward groove and/or within said upper fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. This accommodation will typically improve the horizontal locking between the panels in interconnected condition. In coupled condition of adjacent panels, a space, preferably a continuous space (uninterrupted space), may be present between the upper surface and the distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element and the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove. This may prevent an incorrect fit of the intermediate upward locking element into said upper third downward groove and/or within said upper fourth downward groove, e.g. due to tolerance height differences. Preferably, the height of the intermediate upward locking element exceeds the height of the enclosed space. This means that the enclosed space is preferably less high, and therefore smaller or more shallow, than the height of the intermediate upward locking element.

At least a part of a proximal side of the intermediate upward locking element may be upwardly inclined away from a top surface of the tile panel; and/or wherein at least a part of a proximal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is downwardly inclined away from a bottom surface of the tile panel. Such an inclination may facilitate an insertion of the intermediate upward locking element into the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove. Here, the inclined surfaces may act as sliding surfaces and/or guiding surfaces to guide the intermediate upward locking element into the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove.

Preferably, an upper surface of the lower upward locking element is downwardly inclined in a direction away from the upper lip. Preferably, an upper surface of the lower third downward groove and/or the lower fourth downward groove is downwardly inclined in a direction towards a bottom surface of the tile panel. Such inclination(s) facilitates manufacturing of the coupling profiles and moreover make the coupling profile typically more robust and durable.

It is imaginable and it may even be advantageous in case the intermediate upward locking element is configured to be clamped by the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile. Such a clamping effect may improve the mutual locking of interconnected tile panels.

The intermediate lip, preferably a distant side of the intermediate lip and/or a terminal portion of the intermediate lip and/or a distal side of the intermediate lip, may comprise at least one first locking element, such as a bulge or recess, configured to engage interlockingly with another coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. Such a first locking element may improve the mutual locking of the tile panels in coupled condition. Preferably, the third coupling profile comprises an upper third locking element, such as a recess or bulge, and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises an upper fourth locking element, such as a recess or bulge, wherein said first locking element is configured to co-act with said third locking element and/or said fourth locking element of an another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. Preferably, the first locking element is complementary to the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element. Hence, in case the first locking element would be formed by a recess (or groove), the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element are preferably formed by a bulge (or ridge). Each locking element may also be formed by a combination of at least one bulge and at least one recess, which may result in a single or plural S-shaped cross-section.

Said upper third locking element and/or said upper fourth locking element is preferably located below said first locking element. Preferably, each of the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element and said first locking element is a bulge, such as for example shown with reference signs 101d (first locking element), 302b (upper third locking element), and 402b (upper fourth locking element) in figures 3a and 3b. Preferably, the height of the first locking element exceeds the height of the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element. This allows the first locking element to be designed in a relatively robust manner. This also allows the third and fourth locking element to be designed in arelatively lean manner, which allows a lower lip of the second coupling profile, which is designed to be positioned underneath said upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element, to be designed in a more robust manner.

Preferably, the intermediate upward locking element is configured to be clamped by the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile, in particular by the upper third downward tongue and lower third downward tongue of the third coupling profile and/or by the upper fourth downward tongue and lower fourth downward tongue of the fourth coupling profile. This clamping means that, in coupled condition, a clamping force is exerted onto the intermediate upward locking element, which further secures the tile panels with respect to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of a proximal side and/or distal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is downwardly inclined away from a bottom surface of the tile panel, and/or wherein at least a part of a proximal side and/or distal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is downwardly inclined towards a bottom surface of the tile panel.

As indicated above, at least a part of a proximal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is preferably provided with a recess or space to accommodate at least a part of the first locking element of an adjacent tile panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the third coupling profile comprises a lower third downward tongue, wherein said upper third locking element, if applied, is provided at a distal side and/or upper side of said lower third downward tongue. The fourth coupling profile may comprise a lower fourth downward tongue, wherein said upper fourth locking element, if applied, is provided at a distal side and/or upper side of said lower fourth downward tongue. This lower third downward tongue may separate an upper third downward groove and a lower third downward groove of the third coupling profile. The lower fourth downward tongue may separate an upper fourth downward groove and a lower fourth downward groove of the fourth coupling profile. The lower downward grooves are typically configured to co-act with the second coupling profile (of another tile panel), while the upper downward grooves are typically configured to co-act with the first coupling profile (of another tile panel).

At least a part of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue is preferably downwardly inclined towards the bottom surface of the tile panel. At least a part of the distal side of the lower fourth downward tongue is preferably downwardly inclined towards the bottom surface of the tile panel. Such an inclination may provide the lower third downward tongue and/or lower fourth downward tongue a more robust, and hence less vulnerable design. Such an inclination may (also) facilitate the installation and/or positioning of the intermediate upward locking element into said lower downward groove(s).

An extremity of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue may define the location of a virtual vertical line (VVL), and wherein, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, the intermediate lip may be situated at both sides of said virtual vertical line (VVL). Such extremity is a portion of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue which is positioned at the greatest distance of a body of the tile body.

An extremity of the distal side of the lower fourth downward tongue may define the location of a virtual vertical line (VVL), and wherein, in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, the intermediate lip may be situated at both sides of said virtual vertical line (VVL). Such extremity is a portion of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue which is positioned at the greatest distance of a body of the tile body. Such extremity is a portion of the distal side of the lower fourth downward tongue which is positioned at the greatest distance of a body of the tile body.

At least a part of the proximal side of the lower third downward tongue may be downwardly inclined away from the bottom surface of the tile panel and/or at least a part of the proximal side of the lower fourth downward tongue may be downwardly inclined away from the bottom surface of the tile panel. Such an inclination may facilitate the insertion and/or correct positioning of the lower downward tongue(s) into the recess of the second coupling profile. The inclined proximal side(s) may act as a sliding surface and/or as a guiding surface, and/or may act as a contact surface to co-act with the lower lip of the second coupling profile.

The first coupling profile preferably comprises a first upward groove which is preferably at least partially defined by a proximal side of the intermediate upward locking element and a closing surface of the tile panel, wherein at least a part of said closing surface defines a seam in between two tile panels in the coupled condition. It is imaginable that the third coupling profile comprises an upper third downward tongue configured to be accommodated at least partially in said first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel. It is imaginable that the fourth coupling profile comprises an upper fourth downward tongue configured to be accommodated at least partially in said first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. Such an accommodation leads to a locking effect, at least in the horizontal direction, between the first coupling profile on the one side and the third or fourth coupling profile on the other side. Preferably, an upper section of the closing surface, more preferably a substantially vertical upper section of the closing surface, defines a vertical plane (VP), wherein the at least a part of a lower section of the closing surface may be situated inwardly with respect to said vertical plane. The lower section may be formed by a cut-out portion leading to a recessed lower section compared to the upper section. In coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, each of the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue may be located at a single side of said vertical plane. The upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue may be configured to be clamped by the fist upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. This may improve the locking strength between the tile panels. Hence, the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue may be configured to engage interlockingly with the first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, in the horizontal direction and/or in the vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

The intermediate upward locking element may be configured to be at least partially, preferably entirely, accommodated underneath the upper lip of the second coupling profile in coupled condition of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels. The intermediate upward locking element is preferably configured to co-act with the upper lip, in particular a bottom surface of the upper lip, of the second coupling profile in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels. Optionally, the intermediate upward locking element is configured to be accommodated at least partially within a downward cavity of the upper lip of the second coupling profile in coupled condition of adjacent tile panels. This may improve the horizontal locking effect between the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile.

An upper side of the intermediate upward locking element, optionally wherein the side edges (corners) of the intermediate upward locking element are disregarded, is preferably substantially flat and/or downwardly inclined towards its distal side surface and/or substantially horizontal. Preferably, a lower surface of the upper lip configured to co-act with said intermediate upward locking element of another, preferably identical, panel, is substantially flat and/or inclined in a complementary fashion and/or substantially horizontal. In this manner matching contact surfaces can be realized which may stabilize the connection between the first coupling profile and second coupling profile.

The third coupling profile may comprise at least one lower third downward groove.

The fourth coupling profile may comprise at least one lower fourth downward groove. The lower lip of the second coupling profile may comprise a lower upward locking element configured to co-act with said lower third downward groove and/or said lower fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. Preferably, the lower upward locking element is configured to be accommodated at least partially within the lower third downward groove and/or lower fourth downward groove in coupled condition of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set. It may be favourable in the case at least a part of a proximal side of the lower upward locking element is upwardly inclined away from a top surface of the tile panel. This may facilitate the installation of the coupling profiles. At least a part of a distal side of the lower third downward groove and/or at least a part of a distal side of the lower fourth downward groove may be downwardly inclined away from a bottom surface of the tile panel, wherein said inclination preferably corresponds to the inclination of the proximal side of the lower upward locking element. This will further facilitate the realization of a connection between the second coupling profile and the third or fourth coupling profile. The inclined surfaces may act as sliding surfaces and/or guiding surfaces and/or contact surfaces. Preferably, the inclination and/or shape of the distal side of the lower third downward groove and/or the lower fourth downward groove matches the inclination and/or shape of the proximal side of the lower upward locking element.

These matching surfaces will often improve the locking effect between the coupling profiles. The distal side of the lower third downward groove may be formed by the proximal side of the lower third downward tongue. The distal side of the lower fourth downward groove may be formed by the proximal side of the lower fourth downward tongue.

A proximal side of the lower third downward groove may be provided with at least one lower third locking element, such as a bulge and/or recess, configured to co- act with the lower lip of the second coupling profile (of another tile panel). A proximal side of the lower fourth downward groove, such as a bulge and/or recess, may be provided with at least one lower fourth locking element configured to co-act with the lower lip of the second coupling profile (of another tile panel). Preferably, the lower lip, preferably a terminal portion of the lower lip and/or a distal side of the lower lip, is provided with at least one second locking element, such as a recess and/or a bulge, configured to co-act with said lower third locking element and/or said lower fourth locking element of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, preferably for interlocking the tile panels in the vertical direction and/or horizontal direction. Preferably, the second locking element is complementary to the lower third locking element and lower fourth locking element.

Hence, in case the second locking element would be formed by a recess (or groove), the lower third locking element and upper fourth locking element are preferably formed by a bulge (or ridge). Each locking element may also be formed by a combination of at least one bulge and at least one recess, which may result in a single or plural S-shaped cross-section. In a coupled condition of the second coupling profile and the third coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the second locking element preferably abuts the lower third locking element. In a coupled condition of the second coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the second locking element preferably abuts the lower fourth locking element.

In a coupled condition of the second coupling profile and the third coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the third downward tongue is preferably supported by an upper side of the lower lip, preferably by a lowest section of the upper side of the lower lip. As indicated above, the lower lip preferably comprises a lower upward locking element, and wherein said lowest section of (a centre section of) the upper side of the lower lip preferably connects to said lower upward locking element. This typically leads to stable support of the third and fourth coupling profiles onto the second coupling profiles, preferably without play and/or preferably to counteract the risk of the occurrence of creaking noises (undesired sounds), e.g. when walking onto a tile panel floor covering composed of interconnected tile panels according to the invention.

At least a part of a distal side of the upper lip preferably defines a closing surface of the tile panel, wherein at least a part of said closing surface defines a seam in between two tile panels in coupled condition. The third coupling profile preferably comprises an upper third downward tongue configured to co-act with said closing surface of the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel. The fourth coupling profile preferably comprises an upper fourth downward tongue configured to co-act with said closing surface of the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. An upper section of the closing surface of the upper lip, preferably a substantially vertical upper section of the closing surface of the upper lip, may define a vertical plane (VP), wherein the at least a part of a lower section of the closing surface of the upper lip is preferably situated inwardly with respect to said vertical plane. This lower section may at least partially be formed by a cut-out portion of the upper lip, which leads to a recessed lower section. In coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is preferably located at a single side of said vertical plane defined by the upper lip. It is imaginable that the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is configured to engage under bias onto the upper lip, in coupled condition of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set. This may improve the mutual locking and fixation of interconnected panels. Hence, the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is/are preferably configured to engage interlockingly with the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of to the tile panel set, in horizontal direction and/or in vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

The third coupling profile preferably comprises an upper third locking element, such as arecess or bulge, wherein in coupled condition of the second coupling profile and the third coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, wherein the upper third locking element is preferably facing towards and more preferably in the (direct) horizontal line of sight with a proximal side of the recess defined by the lower lip and upper lip.

The fourth coupling profile preferably comprises an upper fourth locking element, such as a recess or bulge, wherein in coupled condition of the second coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, wherein the upper fourth locking element is preferably facing towards and more preferably in the (direct) horizontal line (situated directly in the horizontal line of sight) with a proximal side of the recess defined by the lower lip and upper lip.

In a preferred embodiment, the first coupling profile comprises at least one first downward groove, and wherein the lower lip comprises a lower upward locking element configured to co-act with said first downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set. The lower upward locking element is preferably configured to be accommodated at least partially within the first downward groove in coupled condition of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set. A proximal side of the first downward groove may be provided with at least one lower first locking element, such as a recess or bulge, configured to co-act with the lower lip of another tile panel in the coupled condition. To this end, the lower lip, preferably a distant side of the lower lip, is preferably provided with a lower second locking element configured to co-act with a side lower first locking element of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, to interlock said tile panels in horizontal direction and/or vertical direction. In the coupled condition of the first coupling profile and second coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, the lower first locking element may be positioned at a distance from the lower second locking element. This distance may facilitate to realize an angling down and/or angling in the insertion of the first coupling profile into the second coupling profile, and a vice versa movement during uncoupling of the tile panels. Preferably, a vertical tangent of an extremity of the lower first locking element intersects the lower second locking element, and/or wherein a vertical tangent of an extremity of the lower second locking element intersects the lower first locking element. This secures a locking effect, if needed and when needed. It is also imaginable that the lower first locking element is omitted, and that the proximal side of the first downward groove is entirely located at a distance from the lower lip in coupled condition of tile panels.

In a preferred embodiment, in coupled condition of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, the lower upward locking element and a surface defining the first downward groove abut each other, preferably merely abut each other, at a proximal side of the lower upward locking element.

Preferably, a bottom surface of the intermediate lip, connecting and adjacent to the terminal portion of the intermediate lip, of the first coupling profile runs substantially horizontally and/or is at least partially planar.

It is often beneficial in case a top surface of the lower lip, in particular a top surface of a centre section of the lower lip, is downwardly inclined towards a terminal portion of the lower lip, and/or is planar, wherein, preferably, said bottom surface of the intermediate lip and said top surface of the lower lip mutually enclose an angle situated in between and including 0.5 to 2 degrees, preferably 1 degree.

Preferably, the first coupling profile, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are designed such that in coupled condition of said first coupling profile with either the third coupling profile or the fourth coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, said interconnected coupling profiles merely have three contact zones.

Preferably, the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are designed such that in coupled condition of said first coupling profile with said second coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, said interconnected coupling profiles merely have four contact zones.

In one embodiment of the tile panel set according to the invention, at least one coupling profile is entirely realized from a material of the tile panel and in one piece therewith. This is possible, for example, by manufacturing the coupling profiles with one or more cutting tools or milling tools from the material of the tile panel. In this embodiment, no essential separate parts, such as interlocking strips or the like, have to be provided on the already machine-profiled edges during the production of the tile panels. However, this does not rule out that one or more coupling profiles may be provided with separate parts, such as separate interlocking strips, to make the coupling profiles (more) functional.

At least one tile panel is preferably a decorative tile panel, comprising at least one core layer, and at least one decorative top structure, directly or indirectly affixed to said core layer. In case the core layer already has a decorative character, for example in the case of wooden planks or wooden boards or decorative thermoplastic or mineral boards, the decorative top structure may be omitted. The decorative top structure preferably comprises a laminate of layers, including at least one decorative layer, preferably a printed decorative layer, more preferably a digitally printed decorative layer, and at least one transparent or translucent wear layer covering said decorative layer. The decorative layer may comprise a carrier layer to carry at least one ink layer representing a décor of the decorative layer.

The carrier layer may be a paper film. Preferably, the carrier layer comprises a thermoplastic material, like PVC. The carrier layer is preferably a white layer, which improves the colour authenticity of the decorative layer. Alternatively, the carrier layer may be provided by a primer layer, preferably a white primer layer. The decorative ink layer represents a décor. The layer may be a continuous layer or fragmented (interrupted) layer, dependent on the intended décor to be visualized.

The printed décor image(s) of the decorative layer(s) may be based on the CMYK colour principle where the white colour is typically provided by the surface of the white base coat (if applied) and/or a white thermoplastic film and/or a white paper film. This is a 4-colour setup comprising cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Mixing these together will give a colour space/gamut, which is relatively small. To increase specific colour or the total gamut spot colours may be added. A spot colour may be any colour. One or more additional colours may be applied, such as at least one additional colour selected from the group consisting of: orange, green, blue, red, white, light grey, light magenta, and light cyan. These colours may be used separately or in combinations. The colours are typically mixed and controlled by a combination of software and hardware (print engine/print heads).

The at least one wear layer is preferably transparent or translucent to allow the decorative layer to remain visible through said wear layer. At least one wear layer, and preferably each wear layer in case a plurality of wear layers would be applied, is preferably made of transparent or translucent polyurethane or, alternatively, polyvinylchioride, polypropylene, or any another suitable transparent or translucent polymer. Typically, at least one layer of the decorative top structure is cured by using UV curing, or by using other curing methods such as electron-beam (EB) curing. Preferably, the thickness of the wear layer is at least 0.05 mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm, and is preferably situated in between and including 0.3 and 0.75 mm, more preferably between and including 0.3 and 0.5 mm, such as 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm. A plurality of wear layers, on top of each other, may also be applied. A protective lacquer coating may be applied onto the decorative layer and/or onto at least one wear layer.

Instead of or in addition to the application of a printed decorative layer covered by at least one wear layer, it is also imaginable that the top section of the decorative top structure comprises or is entirely formed by at least one tile. This tile may be made of (sliceable) natural stone, marble, concrete, limestone, granite, slate, glass, ceramics, wood, or composite material. Particularly preferred are ceramic materials of a type selected from the group consisting of Monocuttura ceramic, Monoporosa ceramic, porcelain ceramic, or multi-casted ceramic. This tile may be a relatively thin tile (veneer tile) as this tile is attached to the core layer, with a preferred thickness of less than 1 cm, preferably less than 7.5 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm.

In an embodiment, at least one tile panel comprises a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates directly or indirectly affixed to an upper side of the core layer, wherein said upper substrate are arranged side by side in the same plane. Here, at least two upper substrates may be oriented in a parallel configuration.

Alternatively or additionally, at least two upper substrates may be oriented in a perpendicular orientation. Preferably, at least one upper substrate, more preferably each upper substrate, is oblong rectangular with a longitudinal axis running parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tile panel. This may create the impression that a double or plural herringbone pattern is realised by using a traditional (single) herringbone orientation of the tile panel. Each of the plurality of upper substrates preferably comprises a decorative layer, wherein the decorative layers of at least two adjacently arranged upper substrates preferably have different appearances.

The application of a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates are arranged side by side in the same plane and directly or indirectly affixed to the base layer will create the attractive aesthetical effect that the appearance of the tile panels is defined by the strip shaped upper substrates as such, while having the advantages that during installation merely the tile panel as such will have to be coupled rather than the strip shaped upper substrates, which leads to a time-consuming operation and a different aesthetical installation effect (virtual installation pattern).

At least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, may comprise at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, which is at least partially composed of a polymer that is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof. At least a part of the core layer may be foamed. At least a part of the core layer may be solid (non-foamed). The core layer may be flexible, semi- rigid, or substantially rigid. The polymer may be a virgin polymer, a recycled polymer, or a mixture of virgin and recycled polymer. The core may comprise at least one composite material of at least one polymeric material and at least one non-polymeric material.

Preferably, at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one additive chosen from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, graphene, graphite, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, iron oxide, at least one fatty acid salt, glass particles, glass fibres, carbon particles, silicon particular, a mineral filler, rice, a natural filler, a polymer, such as an elastomer and/or latex.

The core layer may comprise magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, and/or cement, and/or gypsum, and/or ceramic. lt is imaginable that at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises wood and/or a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF. This wood and/or wood-based material may be treated and/or coated and/or impregnated by means of at least one water barrier agent to make this panel layer, preferably the core layer, more waterproof (water resistant).

The tile panel may comprise a backing layer affixed, directly or indirectly, to a lower side of the core layer. This backing layer may comprise or may be free of DLC. The backing layer is commonly applied as a sound-dampening layer and/or as a comfort layer. This backing layer may comprise at least one polymer, chosen from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyisocyanurate (PIR), or mixtures thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the backing layer may comprise another material, such as cork and/or leather.

At least one tile panel edge and/or at least one coupling profile may comprise at least one bevel, such as a traditional bevel or micro bevel, and/or at least one grout-line (channel-shaped surface recess).

It is imaginable that the tile panel set according to the invention comprises at least one distinctive tile panel. This distinction may relate to a distinctive size and/or distinctive shape (such as square shaped) and/or distinctive décor and/or a distinctive coupling profile arrangement. With respect to this letter, it is imaginable that this at least one distinctive tile panel may have differently shaped coupling profiles compared to the other tile panels of the tile panel set. It is also imaginable that this at least one distinctive tile panel may comprise the above discussed coupling profiles at one or more, preferably all edges, wherein at least one coupling profile of the first coupling profile, the second coupling profile, the third coupling profile, and the fourth coupling profile has been omitted, and optionally replaced by another coupling profile which is also present at at least one other tile panel edge.

For example, this distinctive tile panel may, for example, only be provided with first coupling profiles and second profiles, arranged along its edges, wherein complementary coupling profiles are preferably arranged at opposite edges. In another example, this distinctive tile panel may, for example, only be provided with third coupling profiles and fourth profiles, arranged along its edges. In yet another example, this distinctive tile panel may, for example, only be provided with a single type of coupling profiles, such as only third coupling edges (or only fourth coupling edges), arranged along its edges. An example of this hybrid tile panel system with square distinctive tile panels is shown in figure 4f, wherein a basket weave installation pattern is shown, which is based upon the tile panel set according to the invention.

Preferably, a plurality of the, preferably identical, tile panels, has a top surface with a length and a width, wherein the length is n times the width, wherein nis a natural number (e.g. 2, 3,4, 5,6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc). The typically increases the degree of freedom in installing the floor, and allows easy installation (with having to cut panels) of other perpendicular installation patterns.

The invention also relates to a tile panel for use in a tile panel set according to the invention.

The invention moreover relates to a tile panel covering, in particular floor tile panel covering or wall tite panel covering, comprising a tile panel set according to the invention with interlocked tile panels installed according to a perpendicular installation pattern, wherein each interlocked short edge of a tile panel is connected to a long edge of an adjacent tile panel, and wherein each interlock long edge of a tile panel is connected to either a short edge of at least one other tile panel and/or a long edge of at least one other tile panel.

Preferably, all tile panels have the same coupling profiles and/or the same coupling profile orientation (along the tile panel edges). Preferably, at least the majority of the tile panels, preferably all tile panels, is/are identical, at least in terms or coupling profile orientation, and preferably also in size. At least one tile panel may be a square tile panel, which allows the creation of alternative installation patterns compared to the traditional herringbone pattern. The perpendicular installation pattern is also referred to as a right-angle pattern or — more generically — an angled pattern. These installation patterns are based upon connecting short edges of tile panels to long edges of one or more adjacent tile panels. In case the tile panels are not rectangular, but for example parallelogrammatic or trapezoidal, the angle enclosed between adjacent panels may deviate from a right angle. Preferably, the perpendicular installation pattern is an installation pattern chosen from the group of installation patterns consisting of: a herringbone pattern, a double herringbone pattern, a plural herringbone pattern, a mosaic pattern, a basket weave pattern, a square on square pattern, a Haddon hall pattern, and a swirl pattern. Further installation patterns, wherein each interlocked short edge of a tile panel is connected to a long edge of an adjacent tile panel, and wherein each interlock long edge of a tile panel is connected to either a short edge of at least one other tile panel and/or a long edge of at least one other tile panel, are imaginable.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for installing a set of identical tile panels according to the invention, comprising the steps of: - forming a first row by coupling a short edge of a tile panel to a long edge of another tile panel, and - forming at least a second row at the first row by at least one further tile panel to the (two) tile panels of the first row, wherein the tile panel of the second row are installed by means of a single turning movement.

The invention will be elucidated according to the following non-limitative figures, wherein: - Figure 1 shows a top view of a plurality of identical tile panels of a tile panel set according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows a tile panel covering, such as a floor covering, installed according to a herringbone pattern, and composed of the tile panel set according to figure 1; - Figure 3a shows a first partial cross-sectional view of the line A-A as shown in figure 2; - Figure 3b shows a second partial cross-sectional view of the line A-A as shown in figure 2; - Figure 3c shows a cross-sectional view of the line B-B as shown in figure 2; and - Figures 4a-4f show a tile panel covering, such as a floor covering, installed according to alternative installation patterns, and at least partially composed of the tile panel set according to figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a top view of a plurality of identical tile panels 1 of a tile panel set according to the invention. In practice, the tile panel set preferably comprises more than two tile panels 1, but for illustration purposes only two tile panels are shown.

The tile panel 1 may, for example, be a floor panel or wall panel, wherein the tile panels 2 are configured to create a tile panel covering, such as a floor covering or wall covering. The tile panel set may comprise one or more distinctive tile panel types. Each of the depicted tile panels 1 is oblong rectangular, and comprises at opposing long edges a first coupling profile (I) and a second coupling profile (il) respectively, and comprises at opposing short edges a third coupling profile (lil) and a fourth coupling profile (IV). The tile panels 1 are configured to connect the first coupling profile (1) of a tile panel 1 to either the second coupling profile (il), or the third coupling profile (lil), or the fourth coupling profile (IV) of an adjacent tile panel 1. The tile panels 1 are also configured to connect the third coupling profile (HD and the fourth coupling profile (IV) of a tile panel 1 to either the first coupling profile (I) or the second coupling profile (II) of an adjacent tile panel 1. Due to this coupling profile configuration the interlockable tile panels 1 are configured to be installed according to a herringbone pattern or alternative (perpendicular) patterns, wherein short edges are connected to long edges of adjacent tile panels. Non- limitative examples of installation patterns to be realized by using the tile panel set according to the invention, as well as the various coupling profiles (i, il, Ill, IV) will be depicted in the following figures and will be described below. The tile panels may be monolithic tile panels consisting of a single layer of material, such as wood, cement, mineral material, ceramic, or stone. Typically, the tile panels comprise a plurality of layers, such as at least one core layer and a single layer or multi-layered decorative top structure applied, directly or indirectly, on top of said core layer(s), which is schematically shown in figures 3a and 3b. Examples of compositions of the tile panels have been discussed above already and will not be repeated here.

Figure 2 shows a tile panel covering, such as a floor covering, installed according to a herringbone pattern, and composed of the tile panel set according to figure 1.

As indicated above and shown in this figure, the (interconnected) short edge third coupling profile (lil) of a tile panel 1 is either connected to the long edge second coupling profile (ll) or the long edge first coupling profile (1) of an adjacent tile panel 1. Figure 2 moreover shows that the (interconnected) short edge fourth coupling profile (IV) of a tile panel 1 is either connected to the long edge second coupling profile (1) or the long edge first coupling profile (1) of an adjacent tile panel 1, while the (interconnected) long edge second coupling profile (lI) of a tile panel 1 is connected to the long edge first coupling profile (1) of an adjacent tile panel 1. All coupling profiles (I, III, IV, ll) are preferably made of a single piece out of the material of (a body of) the tile panel 1.The indicated arrows marked with A-A and B-

B mark cross-sectional views which are shown in detail in figures 3a, 3b and 3c, respectively.

Figure 3a shows a first partial cross-sectional view of the line A-A as shown in figure 2, wherein a set of interlocked first and third coupling profiles (1, lll) of a plurality of tile panels 1 is shown.. Each tile panel 1 has a top surface 1a and a bottom surface 1b.

The first coupling profile (I) comprises an intermediate lip 100, wherein a terminal portion of the intermediate lip 100 comprises an upwardly protruding intermediate upward locking element 101. A top surface 101a of the intermediate upward locking element 101 is flat and downwardly inclined towards a distal side 101b of the intermediate upward locking element 101in this embodiment, disregarding the curved edges of this top surface 101a. A proximal side 101c of the intermediate upward locking element 101 is upwardly inclined away from a top surface 1a of the tile panel 1. Above the intermediate lip 100 a first contact surface 102 is situated, wherein a top section 102a of said contact surface 102 is vertical and defines a vertical plane (VP) and a seam formed in between the tile panels 1. A bottom section 102b of said contact surface 102 is a recessed section which is positioned inwardly with respect to said vertical plane (VP). The contact surface 102 and the intermediate upward locking element 101 mutually enclosed a first upward groove 103. The maximum width of the intermediate upward locking element 101, here positioned at a lowest level of the upward locking element 101 (coinciding with a bottom surface 103a of the first upward groove 103) is preferably 0.5-0.7 times the width of the first upward groove 101 at a level of the highest point of the intermediate upward locking element 101. The bottom surface 103a of the first upward groove 103 is preferably planar and preferably downwardly inclined towards the upward locking element 101.

Adistal side 101b of the intermediate lip 101 is provided with a recessed cut-out portion 104, which may act as first locking element. The cut-out portion 104 is located in between adjacent, preferably mutually inversely inclined parts, of the distal side 101b. In this manner the distal side 101b of the upward locking element 101 {and hence of the intermediate lip 101) may have a inwardly kinked shape and/or concave shape. As shown, in coupled condition the distal side 101b as well as the upper side 101a of the intermediate upward locking element 101 is not in contact with the third coupling profile (li), wherein a continuous space is formed between the coupling profiles (1, If) at this location. A centre point (or deepest point) of the cut-out portion 104 is preferably located below the level of the bottom surface 103a of the first upward groove 103. A bottom surface 101d of the intermediate upward locking element 101 is partially curved and/or is downwardly inclined towards a bottom surface 1b of its tile panel 1. This bottom surface 101d acts as contact surface to co-act with the third coupling profile (lilt), as shown. The width of the contact zone of actual contact (measured parallel to and coinciding with the contact zone) is limited to 0.2 mm, and preferably situated in between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. The bottom surface 101d of the upward intermediate locking element 101 connects to a (further) bottom surface 100a of (a centre section of) the intermediate lip 100 which extends in horizontal direction towards a first downward groove 105 of the first coupling profile (1). This first downward groove 105 is enclosed by said proximal side 101b of the intermediate lip 101 and a first downward flank 106 of the first coupling profile (I). An upper side 1070f the first downward groove 105 is downwardly inclined towards said first downward flank 106. The first downward flank 106 may be provided with a lower first locking element (not shown), for example a bulge and/or a recess, although it may be preferred that this flank 106 is free of any locking element (as shown), wherein the first downward flank 106 is preferably substantially planar and/or substantially vertical. A bottom section of the first downward flank 106 may be provided with a chamfered edge 106a. .

As shown in figure 3a, the third coupling profile (lil), connected to the first coupling profile (1), comprises an upper third downward groove 300, and lower third downward groove 301, wherein said downward grooves are separated by a lower third downward tongue 302. The upper third downward groove 300 is situated in between said lower third downward tongue 302 and an upper third downward tongue 303. Considering these components of the third coupling profile (lll) in more detail, one can see that a distal side of the upper third downward tongue 303 defines a contact surface 304 , wherein a top section 304a of said contact surface 304 is vertical and defines a vertical plane (VP) (coinciding with the vertical plane (VP) of the first coupling profile (1)), and a seam formed in between the tile panels 1. A bottom section 304b of said contact surface 304 is a recessed section which is positioned inwardly with respect to said vertical plane (VP), and which results that the entire third coupling profile (lH) is positioned at a single side of said vertical plane (VP). In coupled condition, the contact surface 304 of the upper third downward tongue 303 has a single contact zone with the contact surface 102 of the first coupling profile (I), namely a (vertical) contact zone in the top section 304a. A proximal side 303a of the upper third downward tongue 303 is downwardly inclined away from the bottom surface 1b of the tile panel 1, and contacts the proximal side 101c of the intermediate upward locking element 101 to realize at least a horizontal locking effect. A bottom surface 303b of the upper third downward tongue 303 is downwardly inclined in a direction away from the contact surface 304 of the upper third downward tongue 303. This inclination preferably matches the inclination of the upper surface 103a of the first upward groove 103, wherein in the visualized coupled condition, contact is present between said two surfaces 303b, 103a. A top surface 300a of the upper third downward groove 300 is (also) downwardly inclined in a direction away from the contact surface 304 of the upper third downward tongue 303. Here, the inclination angle may be identical to the inclination angle of the bottom surface 303b of the upper third downward tongue 303 and/or may be identical to the inclination angle of the top surface 101a of the intermediate upward locking element 101.

A distal side 302a of the lower third downward tongue 302 is at least partially concavely curved, and is provided with an inward protrusion 307 which may act as upper third locking element. This inward protrusion 307 may comprise and/or be formed by a sharp edge or ridge.. This inward protrusion faces the cut-out portion 104, but is normally (as shown) positioned at a distance from said cut-out portion 104.. At least a part of a bottom section 302b of said distal side 302a of the lower third downward tongue 302 is downwardly inclined away from the bottom surface 1b of its tile panel 1. This inclined (part of) said bottom section 302b acts as contact surface to co-act with the bottom surface 101d of the intermediate upward locking element 101 of the first coupling profile (1).

A proximal side 302c of the lower third downward tongue 302 is downwardly inclined away from the bottom surface 1b of the tile panel 1. A top side (top surface) 302d is downwardly inclined towards the bottom surface 1b of the/its tile panel 1. A proximal side 301a of lower third downward groove 301 has a top section and a bottom section enclosing a lower third locking element 306, here formed by a (channel-shaped) recess is located. Said top section is at least partially planar and/or vertical. Said bottom section is convexedly curved in this embodiment, but may take other shape, like a planar shape. The third locking element 306 comprises a lower contact section 306a and an upper inert section 306b.

Figure 3b shows a first partial cross-sectional view of the line A-A as shown in figure 2, wherein a set of interlocked second and fourth coupling profiles (lI, IV) is shown. The fourth coupling profile (IV) is mirror symmetrical to the third coupling profile (lll), and therefore similar components are provided with corresponding reference signs are used for this coupling profile {IV) in the 400-series (400, 401, etc), and wherein similar components have been given the same name, wherein the ordinal number “third” has been replaced by the ordinal number “fourth”.

The second coupling profile (II) comprises a lower lip 200 and an upper lip 201, and a second recess 202 situated in between said lower lip 200 and said upper lip 201.

This second recess 202 is configured to accommodate a part of the fourth coupling profile (IV) (figure 3b) as well as a part of the third coupling profile (1) (figure 3a) as well as a part of the first coupling profile (I) (figure 3c). The upper lip 201 defines a second contact surface 203, wherein a top section 203a of said contact surface 203 is vertical and defines a vertical plane (VP) as well as seam formed in between the tile panels 1. A bottom section 203b of said contact surface 203 is a recessed section which is positioned inwardly with respect to said vertical plane (VP). An upper surface 202a of the second recess 202 (being a bottom surface of the upper lip 201) is at least partially downwardly inclined in a direction away from said contact surface 203 to allow co-action (contact) with the (inclined) upper surface 101a of the intermediate upward locking element 101 (see figure 3c). A bottom surface 202b of the second recess 202 (being a top surface of the lower lip 200) is downwardly inclined in a direction away from the upper lip 201 with a deepest point

D’ located adjacent to a proximal side 204a of a second upward locking element 204 of the lower lip 200. An upper surface of said second upward locking element 204 is substantially flat and preferably downwardly inclining towards a distal side 204b of said second upward locking element 204, disregarding the convexedly cured edges of the second upward locking element 204. Said distal side 204b of the lower lip 200 is provided with a second locking element 205, which is situated at a distance from both the upper side of the second upward locking element 204 and the bottom surface 1b of the tile panel 1. A bottom section 205a of the second locking element 205 is configured as contact surface (as shown) to contact the fourth coupling profile (IV), while a top section 205b of the second locking element 205 is configured as inert section, being positioned at a distance from the inert section 406a of the lower fourth locking element 406.

The inclined proximal contact surface 402c of the lower fourth downward tongue 402 contacts an inclined proximal side 204a of the second upward locking element 204. Moreover, a bottom surface of the lower fourth downward tongue 402 is supported by the upper surface 202b of the lower lip 200, in particular by the deepest point of said upper surface 202b. In this manner, a relatively reliable and stable fixation (locking) between the fourth coupling profile (IV) and the second coupling profile (If) can be realized. Preferably, the connection between the interconnected coupling profiles are shown in figures 3a and 3b and 3c is such that no play exists between the interconnected tile panels 1. Each of the third coupling profile (lll) and the fourth coupling profile (IV) can be pushed into each of the first coupling profile (I) (in particular in the first upward groove 103) and the second coupling profile (If) (in particular in the second recess 202) by means of a lowering motion and/or vertical motion.

Figure 3c shows the first coupling profile (I) and the second coupling profile (If) in coupled condition. This figure shows that the intermediate lip 100 is inserted into the second recess 202, such that the inclined upper side 101a of the intermediate upward locking element 101 engages the inclined lower side 202a of the upper lip 201, and the likewise inclined proximal side 100b of the intermediate lip 100 engages the inclined proximal side 204a of the second upward locking element 204. Also in this situation, the lower side 100a of the intermediate lip 100 is partially supported by the upper surface 202b of the lower lip 200 at a distance from the deepest point D’ of the upper surface 202b of the lower lip 200, and preferably at a section of the upper surface 202b positioned below the upper lip 201. As shown the slightly inclined lower side 100a of the intermediate lip 100 and the horizontal upper surface 202b of the lower lip 200 mutually enclose a angle of less than 5 degrees, preferably less than 3 degrees more preferably less than 2 degrees, such as less than 1 degree. The second locking element 205 faces the downward flank 106 of the first coupling profile (I) at a mutual distance. The first coupling profile (1) and the second coupling profile (lI) can be coupled by means of an angling in movement and/or turning movement. In the coupled condition shown, the first coupling profile (1) is locked with respect to the second coupling profile (ll), both in horizontal and vertical direction. As shown in figures 3a-3b, the first coupling profile {1}, the third coupling profile (lll) and the fourth coupling profile (IV) are designed such that in coupled condition of said first coupling profile (I) with either the third coupling profile (lil) or the fourth coupling profile (IV) of adjacent tile panels 1, said interconnected coupling profiles merely have three contact zones. A first contact zone is at the top surfaces 102a, 304a, 404a, a second contact zone is at the proximal side 101c of the upward locking element 101, and a third contact zone is formed by the bottom surface 101d of the upward locking element 101 and the bottom section 302b, 402b of the distal side of the lower third or fourth downward tongue 302, 304. Additionally, as shown in figure 3c, the first coupling profile (1) and the second coupling profile (Il) are designed such that in coupled condition of said first coupling profile (1) with said second coupling profile (Il) of adjacent tile panels 1, said interconnected coupling profiles merely have four contact zones.

Figures 4a-41f show a tile panel covering, such as a floor covering, installed according to alternative installation patterns, and at least partially composed of the tile panel set according to figure 1. More in particular, figure 4a shows a square on square pattern with alternating or twisted squares, wherein each square is formed by a plurality of laterally connected tile panels 1. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the length of each tile panel 1 (in particular of the top surface) is n times the width of the tile panel 1 (in particular of the top surface), wherein n represents a natural number.

Figure 4b shows a double herringbone pattern, and figure 4c another plural herringbone pattern (tripe herringbone pattern) of tile panels 1. In figure 4c, it is additionally visualized (by means of dashed lines) that the tile panels 1 can be virtually and visually divided into a plurality of smaller tile panels by using a plurality of decorative strips 500a, 500b. The strips 500a, 500b can be integrally connected or can be separated strips attached onto a core layer. This creates the impression that smaller the tile covering is composed of more smaller tile panels than the actual number of tile panels 1 used.

Figure 4d shows another installation pattern of a tile covering composed of a tile panel set according to the invention. This installation pattern may be referred to as a swirl pattern. In Figure 4e a so- called Haddon hall installation pattern is shown.

In these two examples, the tile set according to the invention comprises long tile panels 1" and short tile panels 1”.

Figure 4f shows an example of a tile covering installed according to a basket weave pattern. This requires that the tile set comprises one type of oblong rectangular tile panels 1, and — additionally — a distinctive tile panel type formed by a square panel 600. The square panel 600 preferably comprises along its four edges a third coupling profile (lif) and/or a fourth coupling profile (IV), and is free of any first or second coupling profiles (1, 1). Optionally, the appearance, such as the colour, of the square tile panels 600 is different, e.g. darker, than the appearance of the oblong rectangular tile panels 1. As indicated by the dashed lines, optionally a so- called inlay frame 601 can be applied. This frame 601 comprises a plurality of longer tile panels 602 having the same coupling profile configuration as the short oblong rectangular tile panels 601. In case this inlay frame 601 would be desired from an aesthetical point of view, some of the basic tile panels 1 and/or the square tile panels 600 may be given another shape than a rectangular shape, for example a trapezoidal shape and/or a triangular shape. This shape can be created during installation by cutting the tile panels 1, 600. However, it is also imaginable that these distinctive shapes are created during production, wherein the distinctive modified side edges are provided with a third coupling profile (iI) and/or a fourth coupling profile (IV), which allows the distinctive tile panels to be mechanically connected to the inlay frame panels 602 according to one of the couplings which is shown in figure 3a.

As visualized, the coupling profiles (1, Ii, II, IV) may be free of angular portions and sharp edges and are merely provided with rounded corner sections (convex or concave). This facilitates mutual coupling of the coupling profiles (1, ii, HI, IV) and reduces the vulnerability of the coupling profiles (1, Il, Hi, IV) and therefore reduces the risk of breakage of the coupling profiles (I, Hl, IE, IV).

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of the expression “third coupling profile” does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first coupling profile”. And likewise, the use of the expressions “third locking element” and “second locking element” does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first locking element”. By "horizontal", it is meant as a direction which extends parallel to a plane defined by the tile panel, and which may intersect a core layer of the tile panel. By “vertical”, it is meant as a direction which is perpendicular to said plane defined by the tile panel. By "complementary" coupling profiles, it is meant that these coupling profiles of adjacent tile panels can cooperate with each other. However, to this end, the complementary coupling profiles do not necessarily have to have fully complementary forms (inverted designs). By “proximal side”, it is meant a side which is positioned closest to a body of the tile panel, while by “distal side”, it is meant as a side which is positioned farther from a body of the tile panel than said proximal side. The proximal side may face said tile panel body, while the distal side may face away from said tile panel body.

The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Conclusions

1. A tile panel set, in particular a floor tile panel set or wall tile panel set, comprising a plurality of identical tile panels, said tile panels being adapted to be joined together in a perpendicular installation pattern, such as a herringbone pattern, each tile panel being elongated and rectangular, and each tile panel comprising: - a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, both the long and short edges being provided with mechanical coupling profiles allowing the tile panels of the set to be coupled to each other, - one long edge being provided with a first coupling profile and the other long edge being provided with a second coupling profile, - one short edge being provided with a third coupling profile and the other long edge being provided with a fourth coupling profile, - the first coupling profile being insertable into the second coupling of another tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a rotating movement; - wherein the third coupling profile can be fitted into the first coupling profile of another identical tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or downward folding movement and/or vertical movement; and - wherein the fourth coupling profile can be fitted into the second coupling profile of another identical tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or downward folding movement and/or vertical movement, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, an upper section of a seam formed between either the first coupling profile or second coupling profile of a first tile panel and either the third coupling profile or the fourth coupling profile of a second tile panel defines a vertical plane (VP), and wherein the coupled coupling profile of the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are located entirely on one side of said vertical plane.

2. Tile panel set according to claim 1, wherein the fourth coupling profile can be fitted into the first coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or downward folding movement and/or vertical movement.

3. Tile panel set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third coupling profile can be fitted into the second coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set by means of a lowering movement and/or downward folding movement and/or vertical movement.

4. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile is adapted to engage in a locking manner with the second coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

5. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling is adapted to lock into place with the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

6. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling is adapted to lock into place with the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent, preferably identical, tile panel, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

7. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are at least partially mirror-symmetrical coupling profiles.

8. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are substantially complementary coupling profiles.

9. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, said seam is formed or formable by and/or between a closing surface, in particular an upper section of a closing surface, of the first coupling profile and/or second coupling profile of a first tile panel and a closing surface, in particular an upper section of a closing surface, of the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of a second tile panel.

10. A tile panel set according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, an upper section of a seam formed between either the first coupling profile or second coupling protile of a first tile panel and either the second coupling profile or the first coupling profile of a second tile panel, respectively, defines a vertical plane (VP), and wherein each of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are located on either side of said vertical plane.

11. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile comprises a laterally extending intermediate lip, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises a recess adapted to receive at least a part of the intermediate lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip.

12. Tile panel set according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate lip, preferably an end portion of the intermediate lip, comprises at least one intermediate upward locking element which is adapted to lock into place with another coupling profile, in particular the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, in a horizontal and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

13. The tile panel set of claim 11 or 12, wherein an upper surface of an intermediate upward locking element is angled downward toward a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element.

14. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element comprises a recess and/or is inwardly bent and/or is inwardly curved and/or comprises a cut-out portion.

A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein at least a portion of a proximal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is inclined upward in a direction away from a top surface of the tile panel and/or wherein at least a portion of a proximal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is inclined upward in a direction towards a top surface of the tile panel, said inclined proximal side surface preferably defining an upper contact surface for cooperating with a contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel.

16. Tile panel set according to claim 15, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, and seen from a cross-sectional view, said upper contact surface cooperates with said contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel over a length between and including 0.1 and 0.3 mm.

A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the intermediate upward locking element connected to a distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element is preferably oriented obliquely upward in a direction away from an upper section of said first coupling profile disposed above said intermediate lip, said preferably oblique bottom surface preferably defining a lower contact surface for cooperating with a contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel.

18. Tile panel set according to claim 17, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, and seen from a cross-sectional view, said lower contact surface cooperates with said contact surface of the third coupling profile and/or fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel over a length between and including 0.1 and 0.3 mm.

19. A tile panel set according to claim 15 or 16 and claim 17 or 18, wherein a tangent defined by the upper contact surface and a tangent defined by the lower contact surface form an angle between and including 0 and 45 degrees, and/or wherein a tangent defined by the upper contact surface is steeper than a tangent defined by the lower contact surface.

20. Tile panel set according to claim 15 or 16 and claim 17 or 18, or according to claim 19, wherein, in the coupled state of tile panels, the first coupling profile being coupled to the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, a continuous space extends between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface.

21. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the third coupling profile comprises at least one upper third downward groove and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises at least one upper fourth downward groove, and wherein the intermediate upward locking element of the intermediate lip is adapted to cooperate with said upper third downward groove and/or said upper fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

22. A tile panel set according to claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate upward locking element is adapted to be received within said upper third downward groove and/or within said upper fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

23. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 22, wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, a preferably continuous space is present between the upper surface and the distal side surface of the intermediate upward locking element and the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove.

24. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 23, wherein the height of the intermediate upward locking element exceeds the height of the enclosed space.

25. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate lip, preferably a far side of the intermediate lip and/or an end portion of the intermediate lip and/or a distal side of the intermediate lip, comprises at least one first locking element, such as a protrusion or recess, which is adapted to lock into place with another coupling profile of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

26. Tile panel set according to claim 25, wherein the third coupling profile comprises an upper third locking element, such as a recess or protrusion, and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises an upper fourth locking element, such as a recess or protrusion, wherein said first locking element is adapted to cooperate with said third locking element and/or said fourth locking element of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

27. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein said upper third locking element and/or said upper fourth locking element is located below said first locking element.

28. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein each of the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element and said first locking element is a projection.

29. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the height of the first locking element exceeds the height of the upper third locking element and upper fourth locking element.

30. Tile panel set according to any of claims 21 to 29, wherein the intermediate upward locking element is adapted to be clamped by the third coupling profile and/or the fourth coupling profile.

31. The tile panel set of any of claims 21 to 30, wherein at least a portion of a proximal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is angled downward away from a bottom surface of the tile panel, and/or wherein at least a portion of a proximal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is angled downward toward a bottom surface of the tile panel.

32. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein at least a portion of a proximal side of the upper third downward groove and/or the upper fourth downward groove is provided with a recess or space to receive at least a portion of the first locking element of an adjacent tile panel.

33. A tile panel set according to any preceding claim, wherein the third coupling profile comprises a lower third downward tongue, said upper third locking element, if used, being provided on a distal side and/or upper side of said lower third downward tongue, and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises a lower fourth downward tongue, said upper fourth locking element, if used, being provided on a distal side and/or upper side of said lower downward tongue.

34. The tile panel set of claim 33, wherein the lower third downward tongue separates an upper third downward groove and a lower third downward groove of the third coupling profile.

35. The tile panel set of claim 33 or 34, wherein the lower fourth downward tongue separates an upper fourth downward groove and a lower fourth downward groove of the fourth coupling profile.

36. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein at least a portion of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue is directed obliquely downward toward the bottom surface of the tile panel and/or wherein at least a portion of the distal side of the lower fourth downward tongue is directed obliquely downward toward the bottom surface of the tile panel.

37. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 36, wherein an end of the distal side of the lower third downward tongue defines the location of a virtual vertical line (VVL), and wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, the intermediate lip is located on either side of said virtual vertical line (VVL).

38. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 37, wherein an end of the distal side of the lower fourth downward tongue defines the location of a virtual vertical line (VVL), and wherein, in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels, the intermediate lip is located on either side of said virtual vertical line (VVL).

39. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 38, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the lower third downward tongue is angled downward away from the bottom surface of the tile panel and/or wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the lower fourth downward tongue is angled downward away from the bottom surface of the tile panel.

40. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 39, wherein the first coupling profiles comprise a first upward groove at least partially defined by a proximal side of the intermediate upward locking element and a closing surface of the tile panel, at least a portion of said closing surface defining a seam between two tile panels in coupled condition.

41. A tile panel set according to claim 40, wherein the third coupling profile comprises an upper third downward tongue adapted to be received at least partially in said first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel; and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises an upper fourth downward tongue adapted to be received at least partially in said first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

42. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 40 to 41, wherein an upper section of the closing surface, preferably a substantially vertical upper section of the closing surface, defines a vertical plane (VP), at least a part of a lower section of the closing surface being inwardly located with respect to said vertical plane.

43. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 42, wherein, in the coupled condition of adjacent tile panels, the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is located on one side of said vertical plane.

44. Tile panel set according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is adapted to be clamped by the upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

45. Tile panel set according to claim 44, wherein the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is adapted to lock into place with the first upward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, in a horizontal direction and/or in a vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

46. Tile panel set according to any of claims 11 to 45, wherein the intermediate upward locking element is adapted to be received at least partially, preferably completely, under the upper lip of the second coupling profile in the coupled state of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels.

47. Tile panel set according to any of claims 11 to 46, wherein the intermediate upward locking element is adapted to cooperate with the upper lip, in particular a bottom surface of the upper lip, of the second coupling profile in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels.

48. Tile panel set according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the intermediate upward locking element is adapted to be received at least partially in a downward recess of the upper lip of the second coupling profile in the coupled state of adjacent tile panels.

49. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 48, wherein an upper side of the intermediate upward locking element is directed substantially planar and/or inclined downwards towards its distal side surface, and wherein a lower surface of the upper lip adapted to cooperate with said intermediate upward locking element of another, preferably identical, panel is substantially planar and/or inclined in a complementary manner.

50. Tile panel set according to any of claims 11-49, wherein the third coupling profile comprises at least one lower third downward groove and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises at least one lower fourth downward groove, and wherein the lower lip comprises a lower upward locking element adapted to cooperate with said lower third downward groove and/or said lower fourth downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

51. Tile panel set according to claim 50, wherein the lower upward locking element is adapted to be at least partially received in the lower third downward groove and/or lower fourth downward groove in the coupled state of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set.

52. The tile panel set of claim 50 or 51, wherein at least a portion of a proximal side of the lower upward locking element is angled upward away from an upper surface of the tile panel.

53. A tile panel set as claimed in any of claims 50 to 52, wherein an upper surface of the lower upward locking element is angled downward in a direction away from the upper lip.

54. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein an upper surface of the lower third downward groove and/or the lower fourth downward groove is slanted downward in a direction toward a bottom surface of the tile panel.

55. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein at least a portion of a distal side of the lower third downward groove and/or at least a portion of a distal side of the lower fourth downward groove is inclined downwards away from a bottom surface of the tile panel, said inclination preferably corresponding to the inclination of the proximal side of the lower upward locking element.

56. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein a proximal side of the lower third downward groove is provided with at least one lower third locking element, and/or wherein a proximal side of the lower fourth downward groove is provided with at least one lower fourth locking element; and wherein the lower lip, preferably an end portion of the lower lip and/or a distal side of the lower lip, is provided with at least one second locking element adapted to cooperate with said lower third locking element and/or said lower fourth locking element of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, preferably for locking the tile panels in vertical and/or horizontal directions.

57. Tile panel set according to claim 56, wherein, in the coupled state of the second coupling profile and the third coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the second locking element abuts against the lower third locking element and/or wherein, in the coupled state of the second coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the second locking element abuts against the lower fourth locking element.

58. Tile panel set according to any of claims 50-57, wherein, in the coupled state of the second coupling profile and the third coupling profile of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels, the third downward tongue is supported by an upper side of the lower lip, preferably by a lower section of the upper side of the lower lip.

59. A tile panel set as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 58, wherein the lower lip comprises a lower upward locking element, and wherein a lower section of the upper side of a middle section of the lower lip is connected to said lower upward locking element.

60. Tile panel set according to any of claims 11-59, wherein at least a part of a distal side of the upper lip defines a closing surface of the tile panel, wherein at least a part, in particular an upper section, of said closing surface defines a seam between two tile panels in coupled condition.

61. A tile panel set according to claim 60, wherein the third coupling profile comprises an upper third downward tongue adapted to cooperate with said closing surface of the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel; and/or wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises an upper fourth downward tongue adapted to cooperate with said closing surface of the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set.

62. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 60 to 61, wherein an upper section of the upper lip closing surface, preferably a substantially vertical upper section of the upper lip closing surface, defines a vertical plane (VP), at least part of a lower section of the upper lip closing surface lying inwardly of said vertical plane.

63. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 62, wherein, when adjacent tile panels are coupled together, the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue are located on a single side of said vertical plane defined by the upper lip.

64. Tile panel set according to claim 62 or 63, wherein the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is adapted to engage under bias on the upper lip, in the coupled state of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set.

65. A tile panel set according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the upper third downward tongue and/or the upper fourth downward tongue is adapted to interlockingly engage with the upper lip of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, in a horizontal and/or vertical direction, preferably in both directions.

66. Tile panel set according to any of claims 11 to 65, wherein the first coupling profile comprises at least one first downward groove, and wherein the lower lip comprises a lower upward locking element adapted to cooperate with said first downward groove of another, preferably identical, tile panel of the tile panel set, the lower upward locking element being adapted to be at least partially received in the first downward groove in the coupled state of adjacent, preferably identical, tile panels of the tile panel set.

67. Tile panel set according to claim 66, wherein, in the coupled state of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, the lower upward locking element and a surface defining the first downward groove abut against each other, preferably only abut against each other, on a proximal side of the lower upward locking element.

68. A tile panel set according to any one of claims 11 to 67, wherein a bottom surface of the intermediate lip, which connects and is adjacent to the end portion of the intermediate lip, of the first coupling profile is substantially horizontal and/or at least partially flat.

69. Tile panel set according to any of claims 68, wherein an upper surface of the lower lip, in particular an upper surface of a middle section of the lower lip, is directed obliquely downwards towards an end portion of the lower lip and/or is flat, wherein, preferably, said bottom surface of the intermediate lip and said upper surface of the lower lip include an angle between and including 0.5 to 2 degrees, preferably 1 degree, with each other.

70. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are designed such that, in the coupled state of said first coupling profile with either the third coupling profile or the fourth coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, said interconnected coupling profiles have only three contact zones.

71. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are designed such that, in the coupled state of said first coupling profile with said second coupling profile of adjacent tile panels, said interconnected coupling profiles have only four contact zones.

72. Tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one coupling profile is made entirely from the material of the tile panel and is realised as one piece therewith.

73. A tile panel set according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one tile panel is a decorative tile panel comprising at least one core layer and at least one decorative top structure directly or indirectly attached to said core layer.

74. A tile panel set as claimed in claim 73, wherein the decorative top structure comprises a laminate of layers comprising at least one decorative layer, preferably a printed decorative layer, more preferably a digitally printed decorative layer, and at least one transparent or translucent wear layer covering said decorative layer.

75. Tile panel set according to claim 73 or 74, wherein the decorative top structure is completely formed by at least one top tile, said top tile preferably being at least partly composed of a material,

selected from the group of materials consisting of: natural stone, marble, concrete, limestone, granite, slate, glass, ceramic, porcelain, wood, or a composite material, or combinations thereof.

76. A tile panel set according to any preceding claim, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one core layer at least partially made of at least one material selected from the group of materials consisting of wood, thermoplastic material, ceramic material, stone, cement, gypsum, clay, mineral material, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

77. Tile panel for use in a tile panel set according to any of the preceding claims.

78. Tile panel covering, in particular floor tile panel covering or wall tile panel covering, comprising a tile panel set according to any of claims 1 to 76 having interlocking tile panels installed according to a perpendicular installation pattern, each interlocking short edge of a tile panel being connected to a long edge of an adjacent tile panel, and each interlocking long edge of a tile panel being connected to either a short edge of at least one other tile panel and/or a long edge of at least one other tile panel.

79. Tile panel covering according to claim 78, wherein all tile panels have the same coupling profiles and orientation of coupling profiles.

80. Tile panel covering according to claim 78 or 79, wherein at least the majority of the tile panels, preferably all tile panels, are identical.

81. A tile panel covering according to any one of claims 78 to 80, wherein at least one tile panel is a square tile panel.

82. Tile panel covering according to any of claims 78 to 81, wherein the perpendicular installation pattern is an installation pattern selected from the group of installation patterns consisting of a herringbone pattern, a double herringbone pattern, a multiple herringbone pattern, a mosaic pattern, a basket weave pattern,

pattern, a square-on-a-square pattern, a Haddon hall pattern and a swirl pattern.

83. A method of installing a set of identical tile panels according to any one of claims 1 to 76, comprising the steps of: - forming a first row by engaging a short edge of one tile panel to a long edge of another tile panel, and - forming at least a second row at the first row by engaging at least one further tile panel to the (two) tile panels of the first row, wherein the tile panel of the second row is installed by means of a single twisting motion.