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EP4488474A2 - Revêtement de sol ou de mur - Google Patents

Revêtement de sol ou de mur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4488474A2
EP4488474A2 EP24185242.5A EP24185242A EP4488474A2 EP 4488474 A2 EP4488474 A2 EP 4488474A2 EP 24185242 A EP24185242 A EP 24185242A EP 4488474 A2 EP4488474 A2 EP 4488474A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
edge
coupling part
floor
groove
panels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24185242.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4488474A3 (fr
Inventor
Matthias CLAERHOUT
Arnout Wittevrongel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilin BV
Original Assignee
Unilin BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilin BV filed Critical Unilin BV
Publication of EP4488474A2 publication Critical patent/EP4488474A2/fr
Publication of EP4488474A3 publication Critical patent/EP4488474A3/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02038—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements characterised by tongue and groove connections between neighbouring flooring elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0889—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections
    • E04F13/0894—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections with tongue and groove connections
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
    • E04F15/102—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials of fibrous or chipped materials, e.g. bonded with synthetic resins
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0107—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
    • E04F2201/0115—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges with snap action of the edge connectors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0138—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels perpendicular to the main plane
    • E04F2201/0146—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels perpendicular to the main plane with snap action of the edge connectors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0153—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by rotating the sheets, plates or panels around an axis which is parallel to the abutting edges, possibly combined with a sliding movement
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/021—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with separate protrusions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/023—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with a continuous tongue or groove
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/025—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with tongue and grooves alternating transversally in the direction of the thickness of the panel, e.g. multiple tongue and grooves oriented parallel to each other
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/04—Other details of tongues or grooves
    • E04F2201/042—Other details of tongues or grooves with grooves positioned on the rear-side of the panel
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/04—Other details of tongues or grooves
    • E04F2201/043—Other details of tongues or grooves with tongues and grooves being formed by projecting or recessed parts of the panel layers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • E04F2201/0517—U- or C-shaped brackets and clamps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floor or wall covering comprising rectangular panels having a core and, preferably, a decorative layer. More particularly, the invention pertains to floor coverings of the floating type, i.e. the floor or wall covering rests on, but is not affixed to, a subfloor. If the covering is a wall covering, then it can be affixed to the wall with the aid of glue or connecting members.
  • Contemporary floor or wall coverings are normally installed by coupling a plurality of rectangular panels together at their short edges to form a first row, and then installing a second row of panels such that the short edges of the panels of the second row are offset in relation to the short edges of the panels in the first row. Subsequent rows of panels are then laid such that their short edges are offset in relation to those of the preceding row.
  • mechanical coupling means can be made by milling profiles along the edges of a panel to form coupling parts. Adjacent edges of each panel have a male coupling part in the form of a tongue and the other adjacent edges have a female coupling part in the form of a groove.
  • the tongue is inserted into the groove and the panels are joined together, either by way of an angling down motion of the tongue panel with respect to the groove panel or by means of a relative horizontal motion.
  • the coupling parts are elastically deformed during joining such that a click or snap connection is attained.
  • panels are rectangular in shape and may be oblong or square. Normally, oblong panels are laid in rows in which short edges of adjacent panels are connected together. A subsequent row is then laid with its short edges offset from the short edges of the preceding row. Sometimes, however, it is desirable to lay panels in a so-called chessboard pattern/grid pattern in which the short edges of adjacent rows are aligned with each other. This is particularly the case for square panels.
  • chessboard pattern/grid pattern in which the short edges of adjacent rows are aligned with each other. This is particularly the case for square panels.
  • a further problem which may arise when laying panels in a chessboard pattern is that any geometric variations of the panels due to tolerances in the machining, especially imperfect squareness of edges, tend to accumulate during the installation. This is particularly relevant for square panels.
  • the above object may at least in part be achieved by means of a floor or wall covering comprising a plurality of rectangular panels.
  • Each panel may comprise a decorative surface, a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge and a second edge, and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a third edge and a fourth edge.
  • Each of the first, second, third and fourth edges has a first, second, third and fourth flank, respectively, extending from and substantially perpendicular to the decorative surface.
  • the flanks of adj acent panels are adapted to abut, or at least lie in close proximity, to each other, when the panels form the floor or wall covering.
  • the first edge has a first primary male coupling part extending from the first flank and the second edge has a second primary male coupling part extending from the second flank.
  • the first edge further has a first supplementary male coupling part extending from the first flank at a location between the decorative surface and the first primary male coupling part.
  • the third edge has a first primary female coupling part partially formed in the third flank and the fourth edge has a second primary female coupling part partially formed in the fourth flank.
  • the third edge further has a first supplementary female coupling part at least partially formed in the third flank at a location between the decorative surface and the first primary female coupling part.
  • the first edge of a first panel is adapted to be coupled to the third edge of a second panel and the second edge of the first panel is adapted to be coupled to the fourth edge of a third panel.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part extends at least partially along the first edge to thereby terminate at the fourth flank of the fourth edge.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part of the first panel acts as an alignment for a fourth panel which is to be coupled to the second edge of the second panel and the third edge of the third panel.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part may also act on the fourth flank of the fourth panel, to thereby prevent the fourth panel from displacing the second panel along the first edge of the first panel as the panels are being laid to form the floor or wall covering.
  • the panels of the floor or wall covering may be installed according to a chessboard pattern and/or grid pattern.
  • a first alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention relates to a floor or wall covering as described above, with the difference that instead of the first pair of opposite edges comprising said first edge and second edge and said second pair of opposite edges comprising said third edge and said fourth edge, for the first alternative embodiment, one of the below mentioned possibilities is possible:
  • first, second, third and/or fourth edge apply mutatis mutandis for the first alternative embodiment.
  • preferred and/or specific features of the corresponding coupling parts of the first and third edge and the preferred and specific features of the corresponding coupling parts of the second and fourth edge are also an invention as such, and this independent upon which edge these coupling parts are located.
  • a second alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention relates to floor or wall covering, preferably comprising a plurality of rectangular panels, each panel comprising: a decorative surface, and edges wherein;
  • first, second, third and/or fourth edge apply mutatis mutandis for the second alternative embodiment.
  • preferred and/or specific features of the corresponding coupling parts of the first and third edge and/or the preferred and specific features of the corresponding coupling parts of the second and fourth edge are also an invention as such, and this independent upon which edge and upon which panel these coupling parts are located.
  • each of the first and second primary male coupling parts are in the form of a tongue and each of the first and second primary female coupling parts are in the form of a groove.
  • the male and female coupling parts may provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering.
  • the panels may be laminate panels having a core of MDF/HDF material and a thickness of, for example, 6 mm to 15 mm.
  • the panels may be plastic panels having a thickness of e.g. 3.2 mm to 6 mm or more. Examples of such plastic panels include:
  • the panels may be mineral based panels for example comprising a mineral based core such as a magnesium oxide board, a plasterboard, a board made of mineral fibres bonded with a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder), or a fibre-cement board.
  • a mineral based core such as a magnesium oxide board, a plasterboard, a board made of mineral fibres bonded with a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder), or a fibre-cement board.
  • the panels may be solid wood panels, engineered wood panels, wood veneer panels, etc.
  • the male and female coupling parts may allow for a mutual connection with an adjacent panel by means of a turning movement and/or a horizontal shifting movement.
  • each groove of the first and second primary female coupling parts may be partially delimited by a lower lip that extends beyond the respective edge flank.
  • the provision of a longer lower lip can facilitate the laying of the floor or wall covering in that the tongue of one edge can be brought to rest on the longer lower lip of an adjacent edge before being turned into the groove.
  • the provision of a longer lower lip can enhance the coupling strength.
  • the tongue of the first primary male coupling part may extend beyond the first flank by a first distance and the first supplementary male coupling part extends from the first flank by a second distance, the second distance being between 10 % and 60 %, alternatively between 20 % and 50 %, for example between 30 % and 40 %, of said first distance.
  • the length of the first supplementary male coupling part is sufficient to provide good alignment, but not too long such that laying of the floor or wall covering can be done in a good manner. Also the risk of damage to the coupling parts during laying of the floor or wall covering is low.
  • the length of the first supplementary male coupling part is sufficient to enhance the interlocking perpendicular to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering significantly, but without hindering coupling of said panels.
  • the location of said first supplementary male coupling part may be spaced from the first primary coupling part in a direction along the first flank towards the decorative surface.
  • the spacing may be attained by the provision of a spacing recess, such as for example a supplementary groove, which may extend partially into the first flank.
  • the second edge may have a second supplementary female coupling part at least partially formed in the second flank at a location between the decorative surface and the second primary male coupling part
  • the fourth edge may have a second supplementary male coupling part extending from the fourth flank at a location between the decorative surface and the second primary female coupling part.
  • said second supplementary male coupling part of the fourth edge extends at least partially along the fourth edge to thereby terminate at said first flank of said first edge.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part also contributes to good alignment of the panels in the floor or wall covering.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part also contributes to the interlocking perpendicular to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering.
  • each of said first and second supplementary male coupling parts may be in the form of a tongue and each of said first and second supplementary female coupling parts may be in the form of a groove.
  • a square alignment block can be located in a cavity formed in a lower surface of four connected panels, the four connected panels sharing a common meeting point formed by an edge confluence of the four panels. In this manner, the square alignment block may aid in the alignment of the edges of the four connected panels.
  • Such an alignment block can be used at the start of the installation of the floor or wall covering, such that the alignment at the start of installation is immediately correct.
  • installation aids can be used, for example one can make use of L-shaped starter tools which have coupling parts corresponding to the coupling parts of the panels and have dimensions of two interconnected panels, and this to connect said panels with starter tools and immediately have panels that are correctly aligned from the start of installation of said floor or wall covering. Said installation tools can also be used for the other aspects of the invention further disclosed.
  • first and the second primary male coupling parts are located at the same height, more preferably they have similar dimensions.
  • the first and second primary female coupling parts are then also located at the same height as each other and at the same height of the primary male coupling parts, and more preferably the first and second primary female coupling parts have similar dimensions.
  • a floor or wall covering comprising a plurality of rectangular panels.
  • Each panel comprises a decorative surface and a bottom surface, as well as a substrate between the decorative surface and the bottom surface.
  • Said substrate can or cannot comprise said bottom surface.
  • a first pair of opposite edges of the panel consists of a first edge and a second edge, and a second pair of opposite edges consist of a third edge and a fourth edge.
  • Each of the first, second, third and fourth edges have a first, second, third and fourth flank, respectively, extending from and substantially perpendicular to the decorative surface.
  • the flanks of adjacent panels are adapted to abut, or at least lie in close proximity to, each other when the panels form the floor or wall covering.
  • the bottom surface of the panel is provided with a first groove extending from the third edge in a direction parallel to, and at a first distance from, the first edge, and with a second groove extending from the first edge in a direction parallel to, and at a second distance from, the third edge.
  • the first distance and the second distance are chosen such that the first groove and the second groove intersect each other.
  • the floor or wall covering of the second aspect further comprises at least one connector member, the connector member being dimensioned such it can fit in the first groove and simultaneously in the second groove.
  • distance is preferably indicated the minimum distance to the edge measured at the height of the bottom surface, this being the distance from the edge to the flank of the groove being located closest to the edge and this at the location of the bottom surface.
  • the connector comprises or is a frame-shaped part with two pairs of opposite walls, with adjacent walls being able to simultaneously fit in respectively the first groove and the second groove.
  • This frame-shaped part than preferably encloses a rectangular shaped space/plate-shaped space.
  • the distance between said opposite walls substantially equals the sum of first distance and the second distance. It can be exactly the same, slightly larger or slightly smaller to obtain a clamping.
  • the floor or wall covering of the second aspect comprises at least one connector member defined by two pairs of opposite walls, said walls being adjacent to each other and enclosing a space, the connector member being dimensioned such that a first length of a first wall of the two pairs of opposite walls can fit in a corresponding length of the first groove simultaneously with a second length of an adjacent second wall of the two pairs of opposite walls fitting in a corresponding length of the second groove.
  • Said two pairs of opposite walls preferably form a frame-shaped piece, more preferably a rectangular frame-shaped piece, such that the connector member is frame-shaped or comprises a frame-shaped part, with an open area enclosed between said two pairs of opposite walls.
  • the connector member may be used to connect like panels to each other and/or to assist in alignment of the panels.
  • the first length of the first wall of the connector member may correspond to the second distance of the second groove from the third edge of the panel, and the second length of the second wall may correspond to the first distance of the first groove from the first edge of the panel.
  • the first length of the first wall of the connector member may be greater than the second distance of the second groove from the third edge of the panel, and the second length of the second wall may be greater than the first distance of the first groove from the first edge of the panel.
  • the first wall of the connector member may have a first complete length and the first length may be half the first complete length.
  • the second wall of the connector member may have a second complete length, with the second length being half the second complete length.
  • the first groove in the bottom surface of the panel may extend from the third edge to the fourth edge of the panel and the second groove may extend from the first edge to the second edge.
  • the bottom surface of the panel may be provided with a third groove extending from the third edge in a direction parallel to, and at a third distance from, the second edge, and with a fourth groove extending from the first edge in a direction parallel to, and at a fourth distance from, the fourth edge.
  • the third groove may extend from the third edge to the fourth edge and the fourth groove may extend from the first edge to the second edge of the panel.
  • the first, second, third and fourth distances can be equidistant.
  • each of the grooves in the bottom surface of the panel may have an opening, a base, a first side wall proximate the edges of the panel and a second side wall distal of the edges.
  • the first side wall may taper at a first angle with respect to the bottom surface of the panel such that the opening is wider than the base.
  • the first angle may lie between 3° and 15°, for example about 5°.
  • each of the grooves in the bottom surface of the panel may have an opening, a base, a first side wall proximate the edges of the panel and a second side wall distal of the edges.
  • the second side wall may taper at a first angle with respect to the bottom surface of the panel such that the opening is wider than the base.
  • the first angle may lie between 3° and 15°, for example about 5°.
  • each of the grooves in the bottom surface of the panel may have an opening, a base, a first side wall proximate the edges of the panel and a second side wall distal of the edges.
  • the first and the second side wall may taper at a first and second angle with respect to the bottom surface of the panel such that the opening is wider than the base.
  • the first and the second angle may lie between 3° and 15°, for example about 5°.
  • the connector member can be moulded from a thermoplastic material, for example from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or from rubber or another elastic material.
  • a thermoplastic material for example from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or from rubber or another elastic material.
  • At least the first pair of opposite edges can be provided with mechanical coupling means so that a plurality of the panels can be coupled to one another.
  • the coupling means may provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering.
  • Both pairs of opposite edges may be provided with mechanical coupling means, the mechanical coupling means on the first pair of opposite edges allowing for a mutual connection with an adjacent panel by means of a turning movement and/or a horizontal shifting movement, and the mechanical coupling means on the second pair of opposite edges allowing for a mutual connection with an adjacent panel by means of an essentially vertical movement.
  • Said panels are then of the so-called fold down type.
  • the bottom surface of the panel may be provided with a fifth groove and a sixth groove.
  • the fifth and sixth grooves may extend from the third edge of the panel in a direction parallel to the second edge, with the fifth and sixth grooves being spaced apart by a fifth distance.
  • the fifth distance may be equal to a separation distance between the first pair of opposite walls of the connector member.
  • the invention relates to a floor or wall covering comprising a plurality of rectangular panels, each panel comprising:
  • the installation aid can be placed in said joint.
  • it can have similar dimensions seen according to a direction parallel to the decorative surface or it can be a bit bigger such that it is clamped in said joint.
  • the aid of such an installation aid it is hindered, that installed panels move, for example slide along mechanically coupled edges.
  • This installation aid can be made from any suitable resilient material, such as a thermoplastic material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber or another elastic material.
  • a thermoplastic material for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber or another elastic material.
  • the height of said recesses according to a direction perpendicular to the decorative surfaces is greater than the corresponding dimension of said installation aid, and wherein said grouting material is located above said installation aid.
  • Said installation aid is not visible in the installed floor or wall covering, since it is also covered by grouting material.
  • said floor or wall covering comprises at least one confluence of three panels, wherein said corresponding recesses form a T-shaped joint and wherein a said installation aid is T-shaped.
  • T-shaped joints are typically for random installation patterns or staggered installation patterns such as half-half installation patterns.
  • other installation patters which are a combination of square panels and elongate rectangular panels or a combination of larger and smaller panels, such T-joints can be present.
  • said floor or wall covering comprise at least one confluence of four panels, wherein said corresponding recesses form a cross shaped joint and wherein a said installation aid is cross-shaped.
  • Such cross-shaped joints are typically for grid pattern installation patterns, such as chessboard installation patterns.
  • other installation patters which are a combination of square panels and elongate rectangular panels or a combination of larger and smaller panels, such cross-joints can be present.
  • the four panels preferably have one common meeting point or area.
  • a floor or wall covering can have both abovementioned cross-shaped joints and T-shaped joints, such that T-shaped installation aids and cross-shaped installation aids can be present.
  • the female and male coupling parts of the third aspect of the invention can be as described in WO 2021/059062 .
  • the coupling parts described in this patent publication and the shapes of the coupled edges, including the possible shapes of the recesses, are incorporated by reference.
  • the female and coupling parts as described in WO 2021/059062 can also be used for the first and the third aspect of the invention, such that also the coupling parts described in this patent publication are incorporated by reference for the first and the second aspect of the invention.
  • good alignment of the panels ensure a very aesthetic looking floor or wall covering.
  • the floor or wall coverings may be made up of rectangular panels of any length and width, depending essentially on the visual impression that is wished to be created.
  • the panels are square and can have a decorative layer with an edge length of between 300 mm and 1200 mm, preferably about 600 mm.
  • the decorative surface may be provided with lowered edges at one or more sides, for example bevels or grout imitations, or even a space for introducing grout. In the case of bevels, the decorative surface is preferably continuous over the surface of the lowered edge.
  • the decoration may be flat, while the bevel is limited in depth to a wear layer situated above said decoration, or the decoration may be bevelled in itself for example due to a deformation of an underlaying portion of the core. It is however not excluded that a separate decoration, such as a paint, a print and/or a lacquer, is provided on the bevelled surface.
  • a separate decoration such as a paint, a print and/or a lacquer
  • the lowered edge may be free from decoration and extend into a portion of the core, to thereby expose the color of the core. All these decoration options are also available in the case of a lowered edge forming a grout imitation.
  • Such lowered edge preferably has an L-shaped geometry. The bottom of such lowered edge forming a grout imitation may be horizontal or practically horizontal.
  • the proximal wall of the grout imitation may be vertical or practically vertical, whether or not chamfered toward the global upper surface of the panel.
  • the proximal wall may be convex or concave, preferably tangent to said bottom.
  • the decorative surface of the panel may convey any desired pattern, such as a woodgrain pattern, a stone pattern or a fanciful pattern.
  • the decorative surface is preferably at least formed by means of a decorative layer attached to the core or substrate. It is however also possible that the core or substrate itself has a decorative aspect basically forming said decorative surface. The latter may for example be the case when the core or substrate is a solid wood, or is a compact vinyl. It is of course not excluded, that in such case the decorative aspect of the core or substrate is protected from wear, scratches and other damages by means of a protective lacquer or similar. Where certain aspects of the invention are described in relation to a decorative layer, it is clear that similar preferred examples are available where the core basically forms the decorative surface.
  • the floor or wall covering according to the second and the third aspect can have one or more of the following features:
  • the invention also concerns a floor or wall covering comprising a plurality of rectangular panels as described in the second aspect of the invention, wherein said connector member is not part of the floor or wall covering as such. All the embodiments and features described for the rectangular panels of the second aspect of the invention apply to this first variant. Said connector member can also be seen as a separate invention.
  • the invention also concerns a floor or wall covering comprising a plurality of rectangular panels as described in the third aspect of the invention, wherein said installation aid not being part of the floor or wall covering as such. All the embodiments and features described for the rectangular panels of the second aspect of the invention apply to this second variant. Said installation aid can also be seen as a separate invention.
  • any beveled edges, chamfers or lowered edges of the decorative surface do not constitute any part of the flanks of the panels that extend from the decorative surface.
  • reference number 10 generally denotes a floor or wall covering in accordance with the present invention.
  • the floor or wall covering is constituted by a plurality of rectangular, in this case square, panels 12. The panels are laid in rows, with the edges of adjacent panels being aligned to form a grid or "chessboard" effect.
  • Each panel 12 may be provided with a decorative surface 14 on an upper surface, and a lower surface 15 adapted to face a subfloor on which the floor or wall covering rests.
  • each panel 12 has a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge 16 and a second edge 18, and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a third edge 20 and a fourth edge 22.
  • Each of the first 16, second 18, third 20 and fourth 22 edges has a first 24, second 26, third 28 and fourth 30 flank, respectively, extending from and substantially perpendicular to the decorative surface 14.
  • the flanks of adjacent panels 12 are adapted to abut, or at least lie in close proximity to, each other when the panels form the floor or wall covering 10.
  • the panels 12 are provided with mechanical coupling parts permitting adjacent panels 12 to be joined together when laying the floor or wall covering 10.
  • the first edge 16 is provided with a first primary male coupling part 32 extending from the first flank 24 and the second edge 18 has a second primary male coupling part 34 extending from the second flank 26.
  • the first edge 16 further has a first supplementary male coupling part 36 extending from the first flank 24.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 may be provided at a location on the first flank 24 between the decorative surface 14 and the first primary male coupling part 32.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 may, among others, assist in alignment of panel edges during laying of the floor or wall covering 10.
  • the third edge 20 of the panel 12 has a first primary female coupling part 38 partially formed in the third flank 28 and the fourth edge 22 has a second primary female coupling part 40 partially formed in the fourth flank 30.
  • the third edge 20 further has a first supplementary female coupling part 42 at least partially formed in the third flank 28.
  • the first supplementary female coupling part 42 is provided at a location on the third flank corresponding to that of the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first flank 24.
  • the first supplementary female coupling part 42 may be provided at a location on the third flank 28 between the decorative surface 14 and the first primary female coupling part 38.
  • first edge 16 of a first panel 12a is adapted to be coupled to the third edge 20 of a second panel 12b and the second edge 18 of the first panel 12a is adapted to be coupled to the fourth edge 22 of a third panel 12c.
  • first primary male coupling part 32 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the first primary female coupling part 38 of the second panel 12b.
  • first supplementary male coupling part 36 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the first supplementary female coupling part 42 of the second panel 12b.
  • the second primary male coupling part 34 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the second primary female coupling part 40 of the third panel 12b.
  • the above-described coupled condition of the first panel 12a to the second and third panels 12b-12c is illustrated in Fig. 5 .
  • the three panels 12 meet at an edge confluence 44, the edge confluence 44 being the meeting point of the first and fourth edges 16-22 of the first panel 12a and the second and third edges 18-20 of the second and third panels 12b-12c.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first edge 16 of the panel 12 extends at least partially along the first edge 16 to thereby terminate at the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 effectively forms an extension of, and lies coplanar with, the fourth flank 30.
  • This extension of the fourth flank 30 is visible in Fig. 5 in which the first supplementary male coupling part 36 of the first panel 12a is present at the edge confluence 44.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 of the first panel 12a may assist in the alignment of panels 12 during laying of the floor or wall covering 10.
  • a fourth panel 12d (see Fig. 1 ) can be coupled to the second edge 18 of the second panel 12b and to the third edge 20 of the third panel 12c. Since the fourth edge 22 of the first panel 12a is coupled to the second edge 18 of the third panel 12c, movement of these two panels away from each other is prevented. However, the second panel 12b is coupled to the first edge 16 of the first panel 12a along its third edge 20.
  • the second panel 12b may be inadvertently displaced along the coupling formed between the third edge 20 of the second panel 12b and the first edge of the first panel 12a.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 lies coplanar with the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22 of the first panel 12a, the first supplementary male coupling part 36 will act on the fourth flank 30 of the fourth panel 12d as it is being coupled to the second edge 18 of the second panel 12b to thereby prevent the fourth panel 12d from displacing the second panel 12b along the first edge 16 of the first panel 12a.
  • the edge confluence 44 will also include the meeting point of the first and fourth edges of the fourth panel 12d.
  • each of the first and second primary male coupling parts 32-34 are in the form of a tongue 46-48 and each of the first and second primary female coupling parts 38-40 are in the form of a groove 50-52.
  • the male and female coupling parts may provide for an interlocking in a direction V perpendicular to the decorative surface 14 of the floor or wall covering, as well as in a direction H perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering 12.
  • the male and female coupling parts allow for a mutual connection with an adjacent panel by means of a turning movement and/or a horizontal shifting movement.
  • the coupling parts may have a shape based on the coupling parts disclosed in WO 97/47834 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • each groove is partially delimited by a lower lip 54-56 that extends beyond the respective edge flank 28-30.
  • This may assist in the coupling of two adjacent panels to each other.
  • a tongue 46-48 on one edge of one panel may be placed at an angle on the lower lip 54-56 of an adjacent panel and then turned downwards to effect coupling.
  • the lower lip 54, 56 may facilitate the joining of an adjacent panel by means of a horizontal shifting movement in that a longer lower lip is more readily bendable than a shorter lip.
  • the tongue 46 of the first primary male coupling part 32 may extend beyond the first flank 24 by a first extension e 1 and the first supplementary male coupling part 36 may extend from the first flank by a second extension e 2 .
  • the second extension e 2 may be between 10 % and 60 %, alternatively between 20 % and 50 %, for example between 30 % and 40 %, of the first extension e 1 .
  • a first supplementary male coupling part 36 extending with a first extension e 1 within these ranges has shown itself to be sufficiently prominent to serve as an alignment and/or blocking aid when laying a floor or wall covering, at the same time that the first supplementary female coupling part 42 need not extend unduly deeply beneath the decorative surface 14.
  • the location of the first supplementary male coupling part 36 may be spaced from the first primary male coupling part 32 in a direction along the first flank 24 towards the decorative surface 14 by means of a spacing recess 58.
  • the spacing recess 58 may extend partially into the first flank 24.
  • An upper surface 60 of the spacing recess 58 may partially delimit the first supplementary male coupling part 36 and a lower surface 62 of the spacing recess may partially delimit the first primary male coupling part 32.
  • Said upper surface 60 preferably extends parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • Said first supplementary male coupling part is preferably delimited at the top by an inclined surface 132.
  • a spacing projection 64 separates the first primary female coupling part 38 from the first supplementary female coupling part 42.
  • the spacing projection 64 may extend from the third flank 28 by an amount essentially corresponding to the extension of the spacing recess 58 into the first flank 24.
  • an upper surface 66 of the spacing projection 64 forms at least a part of a lower wall of the first supplementary female coupling part 42 and a lower surface 68 of the spacing projection 64 forms at least a part of an upper lip of the groove 50 of the first primary female coupling part 38.
  • Said an upper surface 66 of the spacing projection 64 preferably extends parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • the first supplementary female coupling part 42 is preferably delimited at the top by an inclined surface 131.
  • each flank may include the following features.
  • the first flank 24 of the first edge 16 includes a first primary male coupling part 32, a spacing recess 58, a first supplementary male coupling part 36 and a vertical flank surface portion.
  • the second flank 26 of the second edge 18 includes a second primary male coupling part 34 and a vertical flank surface portion.
  • the third flank 28 of the third edge 20 includes a first primary female coupling part 38, a spacing protrusion 64, a first supplementary female coupling part 42 and a vertical flank surface portion.
  • the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22 includes a second primary female coupling part 40 and a vertical flank surface portion.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first edge 16 is at the same distance from the decorative surface 14 as the first supplementary female coupling part 42 on the third edge 20.
  • the spacing projection 64 on the third edge is at the same distance from the decorative surface 14 as the spacing recess 58 on the first edge 16, and the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first edge is above the spacing projection 64 on the third edge.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates how nine panels are oriented with respect to each other to form part of a floor or wall covering 10.
  • the first panel 12a of Fig. 5 is shown in the centre of the left-hand row, with the second panel 12b to its right and the third panel 12c below the first panel.
  • the arrows indicate which movements are possible or not, wherein the arrows with a cross indicate where no movement is possible and the arrows without a cross show where movement is possible.
  • the fourth edge 22 of the panel 12 may be provided with a second supplementary male coupling part 70 extending from the fourth flank 30.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 may be provided at a location on the fourth flank 30 between the decorative surface 14 and the second primary female coupling part 40.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 may further assist in alignment of panel edges during laying of the floor or wall covering 10.
  • the second edge 18 has a second supplementary female coupling part 72 at least partially formed in the second flank 26.
  • the second supplementary female coupling part 72 is provided at a location on the second flank 26 corresponding to that of the second supplementary male coupling part 70 on the fourth flank 30.
  • the second supplementary female coupling part 72 may be provided at a location on the second flank 26 between the decorative surface 14 and the second primary male coupling part 34.
  • Said second supplementary female coupling part 72 is preferably delimited at the top by a surface 137 extending parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • Each of the first and second supplementary male coupling parts 36-70 may be in the form of a tongue and each of the first and second supplementary female coupling parts 42-72 may be in the form of a groove.
  • the second primary female coupling part 40 is in the form of a groove 52 having a lower lip 56 and an upper lip 74, the upper lip 74 of the groove 52 extends beyond the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22 to form a lower surface of the second supplementary male coupling part 70.
  • Said first supplementary male coupling part 36 is preferably delimited at the top by an inclined surface 134 and at the bottom by a surface 133 extending substantially parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • Said second supplementary male coupling part 70 is preferably delimited at the top by a surface 138 extending substantially parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • Said first supplementary female coupling part 42 is preferably delimited at the top by an inclined surface 135 and delimited at the bottom by a surface 136 extending substantially parallel to the decorative surface 14.
  • first edge 16 of a first panel 12a is adapted to be coupled to the third edge 20 of a second panel 12b and the second edge 18 of the first panel 12a is adapted to be coupled to the fourth edge 22 of a third panel 12c.
  • first primary male coupling part 32 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the first primary female coupling part 38 of the second panel 12b.
  • first supplementary male coupling part 36 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the first supplementary female coupling part 42 of the second panel 12b.
  • the second primary male coupling part 34 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the second primary female coupling part 40 of the third panel 12c.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 of the third panel 12c cooperates with the second supplementary female coupling part 72 of the first panel 12a.
  • Fig. 10 The above-described coupled condition of the first panel 12a to the second and third panels 12b-12c is illustrated in Fig. 10 .
  • the three panels meet at an edge confluence 44, the edge confluence 44 being the meeting point of the second and fourth edges 18-22 of each of the first, second and third panels 12a-12c.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates how nine panels are oriented with respect to each other to form part of a floor or wall covering.
  • the first panel 12a of Fig. 10 is shown in the centre of the left-hand row, with the second panel 12b to its right and the third panel 12c below the first panel.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 on the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22 extends at least partially along the fourth edge 22 to thereby terminate at the first flank 24 of the first edge 16.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 effectively forms an extension of, and lies coplanar with, the first flank 24.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 will block displacement of a panel during laying of the floor or wall covering.
  • each flank may include the following features.
  • the first flank 24 of the first edge 16 includes a first primary male coupling part 32, a first vertical flank surface portion 24', a first supplementary male coupling part 36 and a second vertical flank surface portion 24".
  • the second flank 26 of the second edge 18 includes a second primary male coupling part 34, a second supplementary female coupling part 72 and a first vertical flank surface portion 26'.
  • the third flank 28 of the third edge 20 includes a first primary female coupling part 38, a first vertical flank surface portion 28', a first supplementary female coupling part 42 and a second vertical flank surface portion 28".
  • the fourth flank 30 of the fourth edge 22 includes a second primary female coupling part 40, a second supplementary male coupling part 70 and a first vertical flank surface portion 30'.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first edge 16 is at the same distance from the decorative surface 14 as the first supplementary female coupling part 42 on the third edge 20.
  • the second supplementary male coupling part 70 on the fourth edge 22 is at the same distance from the decorative surface 14 as the second supplementary female coupling part 72 on the second edge 18.
  • the first supplementary male coupling part 36 on the first edge 16 is located above the second supplementary male coupling part 70 on the third edge.
  • the various coupling parts on the edges of the panels 12 may be formed by a milling operation.
  • a consequence of the milling operation is that, at the edge confluence 44 of four coupled panels, a cavity 76 is formed in the lower surface 15 of the panels 12a-12d.
  • the cavity 76 may accommodate an alignment block 78 sized to be a press fit in the cavity 76. If the cavity 76 is square-shaped then the alignment block 78 is also preferably square-shaped.
  • the alignment block 78 may be made from any suitable resilient material, such as a thermoplastic material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber or another elastic material.
  • a thermoplastic material for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber or another elastic material.
  • FIG. 13 to 19 A second aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 13 to 19 .
  • the floor or wall covering in accordance with the second aspect makes use of a separate part.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an underside formed by the bottom surfaces 15 of three connected rectangular panels 12a, 12b and 12c.
  • Each panel has a decorative surface 14 and a bottom surface 15.
  • a substrate 80 is provided between the decorative surface 14 and the bottom surface 15.
  • Each panel 12 further comprises a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge 16 and a second edge 18, and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a third edge 20 and a fourth edge 22.
  • Each of the first 16, second 18, third 20 and fourth 22 edges has a first 24, second 26, third 28 and fourth 30 flank, respectively, extending from and substantially perpendicular to the decorative surface 14.
  • the flanks of adjacent panels being adapted to abut, or at last lie in close proximity to, each other when the panels form the floor or wall covering 10.
  • the panels 12 may be provided with mechanical coupling parts permitting adjacent panels to be joined together when laying the floor or wall covering 10.
  • first edge 16 is provided with a first primary male coupling part 32 extending from the first flank 24 and the second edge 18 has a first primary female coupling part 38 extending from the second flank 26.
  • the third edge 20 of the panel 12 has a second primary female coupling part 40 partially formed in the third flank 28 and the fourth edge 22 has a second primary male coupling part 34 partially formed in the fourth flank 30.
  • the first edge 16 of a first panel 12a is adapted to be coupled to the second edge 18 of a second panel 12b and the third edge 20 of a third panel 12c is adapted to be coupled to the fourth edge 22 of the first panel 12a.
  • the first primary male coupling part 32 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the first primary female coupling part 38 of the second panel 12b.
  • the second primary male coupling part 34 of the first panel 12a cooperates with the second primary female coupling part 40 of the third panel 12c.
  • each of the first and second primary male coupling parts 32-34 are in the form of a tongue 46-48 and each of the first and second primary female coupling parts 38-40 are in the form of a groove 50-52.
  • the male and female coupling parts may provide for an interlocking in a direction V perpendicular to the decorative surface 14 of the floor or wall covering, as well as in a direction H perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel to the decorative surface of the floor or wall covering 12.
  • the primary male and female coupling parts 32-38 allow for a mutual connection with an adj acent panel by means of a turning movement and/or a horizontal shifting movement.
  • the coupling parts may have a shape based on the coupling parts disclosed in WO 97/47834 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the secondary male and female coupling parts 34-40 allow for a mutual connection with an adjacent panel by means of an essentially vertical movement.
  • Coupling parts which permit panels to be coupled by means of a pushdown movement are known from WO 2021/111210 .
  • Fig. 15 is a plan view of a panel 12 in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.
  • the bottom surface 15 of the panel 12 is provided with a first groove 82 extending from the third edge 20 in a direction parallel to, and at a first distance d 1 from, the first edge16.
  • a second groove 84 extends from the first edge 16 in a direction parallel to, and at a second distance d 2 from, the third edge 20.
  • the first distance d 1 and the second distance d 2 are chosen such that the first groove 82 and the second groove 84 intersect each other at a first intersection point.
  • the first and second grooves partially delimit a first connector edge region having a first edge region area A 1 .
  • a connector member 89 is provided.
  • the connector member 89 is defined by two pairs 90-94, 92-96 of opposite walls.
  • the pairs of opposite walls enclose a connector member open area A o .
  • the connector member 89 is dimensioned such that a first length l 1 of a first wall 90 of the two pairs of opposite walls can fit in a corresponding length of the first groove 82 simultaneously with a second length l 2 of an adjacent second wall 92 of the two pairs of opposite walls fitting in a corresponding length of the second groove 84.
  • the connector member open area A o is greater than the first edge region area A 1 .
  • the first length l 1 of the first wall 90 of the connector member 89 corresponds to the second distance d 2 of the second groove 84 from the third edge 20
  • the second length l 2 of the second wall 92 of the connector member 89 corresponds to the first distance d 1 of the first groove 82 from the first edge 16.
  • the connector member 89 has a rectangular shape, with the first pair of opposite walls 90-94 being separated by a separation distance d s .
  • the connector member 89 will have a square shape with the walls of both pairs of opposite walls being separated by the same separation distance d s .
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a second example of a connector member 89. Rather than being square-shaped, the example illustrated in Fig. 16 has a rectangular hashtag-shape. As shown in Fig. 17 , when such a connector member 89 is applied to the panel 12 of Fig. 15 , the first length l 1 of the first wall 90 will be greater than the second distance d 2 of the second groove 84 from the third edge 20, and the second length l 2 of the second wall 92 will be greater than the first distance d 1 of the first groove 82 from the first edge 16.
  • the first wall 90 has a first complete length l c1 and the first length l 1 is half the first complete length l c1 .
  • the second wall 92 has a second complete length l c2 , with the second length l 2 being half the second complete length l c2 .
  • the floor or wall covering 10 may be constituted by panels 12 in which the first groove 82 extends from the third edge 20 to the fourth edge 22 and the second groove 84 extends from the first edge16 to the second edge 18.
  • the bottom surface 15 of the panel 12 may be provided with a third groove 98 extending from the third edge 20 in a direction parallel to, and at a third distance d 3 from, the second edge18.
  • a fourth groove 100 may be provided that extends from the first edge 16 in a direction parallel to, and at a fourth distance d 4 from, the fourth edge 22.
  • the third groove 98 may extend from the third edge 20 to the fourth edge 22 and the fourth groove 100 may extend from the first edge 16 to the second edge 18. In this latter manner, the four grooves serve to partially delimit a further three edge region areas A 2-4 .
  • the four edge region areas will have the same area.
  • each of the grooves 82, 84, 98, 100 has an opening 102, a base 104, a first side wall 106 proximate the edges of the panel and a second side wall 108 distal of the edges.
  • At least the first side wall 106 may taper at a first angle ⁇ with respect to a perpendicular to the bottom surface 15 of the panel 12 such that the opening 102 is wider than the base 104.
  • the connector member 89 can also then act on the tapering first side wall 106 and tend to force adjacent panels towards each other.
  • the first angle may lie between 3° and 15°, for example about 5°.
  • the grooves 82, 84, 98, 100 may be moulded into the bottom surface 15 or may be removed therefrom by means of a cutting/sawing operation.
  • a cutting/sawing operation For example one can easily apply said grooves after or during milling of the coupling parts, and this by transporting the panels according to their length or width direction, and applying straight grooves by a sawing device or knives during said transport.
  • the grooves may have depth D (see Fig. 14B ) as measured from the bottom surface 15 of the panel.
  • the depth D may be no more that 50 % of T, for example no more than 30 % of T.
  • the grooves may terminate at a depth D which is at or below the lowermost point (seen in a direction from the decorative surface 14 towards the bottom surface 15 of the male coupling parts which the female coupling parts are intended to receive).
  • each wall 90-94, 92-96 of the connector member 89 may have a cross sectional shape as illustrated in Figs. 14A and 14B , namely that of a right-angled trapezium.
  • each wall may have a top surface 110 intended to face the base 104 of the groove within which the wall is present, a base surface 112 intended to face a subfloor onto which the floor or wall covering 10 is laid, an inwardly directed surface 114 intended to contact the tapering first side wall 106 of the groove, and an outwardly directed surface 116 intended to face the second side wall 108 of the groove.
  • the inwardly directed surface114 may be tapered, with the surface tending an angle substantially corresponding to that of the first side wall 106 of the groove.
  • each wall of the connector member 89 may have an essentially circular cross section.
  • the connector member 89 may be moulded, for example injection-moulded.
  • Suitable materials include a thermoplastic material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber or another elastic material.
  • the bottom surface 15 of the panels 12 may be provided with a fifth groove 118 and a sixth groove 120, with the fifth and sixth grooves extending from the third edge 20 in a direction parallel to the second edge 18.
  • the fifth and sixth groves 118-120 are symmetrically arranged about a centreline CL of the panel 12, though it is to be understood that the location of the fifth and sixth grooves will be dependent on the laying pattern that is desired.
  • the fifth and sixth grooves 118-120 are spaced apart by a fifth distance ds, the fifth distance d 5 being equal to the separation distance d s between the first pair of opposite walls 90-94 of the connector member 89.
  • FIG. 19 A staggered arrangement of three panels 12a, 12b, 12c, is illustrated in Fig. 19 .
  • three connector members 89 are shown, it is to be understood that a floor or wall covering can be accomplished by using connector members 89 only at the meeting point of the three panels.
  • the panels 12a, 12b and 12c are shown as being square, the skilled person will understand that the illustrated groove geometry means that panels of any rectangular shape may be utilized.
  • Fig. 19 shows in dashed lines an example in which the bottom surface 15 of the panels are provided with seventh and eighth grooves 122, 124 running perpendicular to the fifth and sixth grooves 118, 120.
  • Fig. 20 shows an embodiment a floor or wall covering according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • This floor covering can also be according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 20 shows 4 interconnected panels 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d which are connected to each other according to a chessboard pattern.
  • Recesses 35 are provided at the visible decorative surface of the floor or wall covering between each two panels mechanically coupled to each other. At the height of the edge confluence 44 between said four panels said recesses 35 adjoin in each other and form a joint. As can be seen in figure 20 , said recesses 35 have not been grouted yet. Figure 20 therefore shows the panels during installation, since after installation said recesses 35 are fully grouted.
  • the floor or wall covering comprises a cross-shaped installation aid 25 which form fits said adjoining recesses 35.
  • the height of said recesses 35 according to a direction perpendicular to the visible decorative surfaces, is greater than the corresponding dimension of said installation aid 25, such that this installation aid 25 will be grouted over and will not be visible after grouting.
  • the figures 21 to 27 relate to the first alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • the panel 12 shown in figure 21 has a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge 160 and a third edge 200 and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a second edge 180 and a fourth edge 220.
  • the panel 12 shown in figure 22 has a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge 160 and a third edge 200 and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of the first edge 160 and the third edge 200.
  • the panel 12 shown in figure 23 has a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a second edge 180 and a fourth edge 220 and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of the second edge 180 and the fourth edge 220.
  • first edge 160, the second edge 180, the third edge 200 and the fourth edge 220 are similar to the first edge 16, the second edge 18, the third edge 20 and the fourth edge 2 shown in figures 3A and 3B , such that the same reference numbers are used and the same features are present.
  • the first edge 160, the second edge 180, the third edge 200 and the fourth edge 220 are similar to the first edge 16, the second edge 18, the third edge 20 and the fourth edge 2 shown in figures 8A and 8B , such that the same reference numbers are used and the same features are present.
  • the invention further relates to various embodiments as presented in the numbered paragraphs hereunder.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)
EP24185242.5A 2023-07-03 2024-06-28 Revêtement de sol ou de mur Pending EP4488474A3 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116607718A (zh) * 2023-05-26 2023-08-18 常州市豪优杰智能科技有限公司 一种干法铺装瓷砖结构及铺装方法

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997047834A1 (fr) 1996-06-11 1997-12-18 Unilin Beheer B.V. Revetement de sol compose de panneaux de plancher durs et procede de fabrication de ces panneaux de plancher
WO2003102803A1 (fr) 2002-05-30 2003-12-11 Ortega Infosystems, Inc. Resolution d'hote pour reseaux ip dotes de la nat
WO2010082171A2 (fr) 2009-01-16 2010-07-22 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher
WO2013118030A2 (fr) 2012-02-07 2013-08-15 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de sol destiné à former un revêtement de sol, revêtement de sol formé à partir de tels panneaux de sol et procédé permettant de fabriquer de tels panneaux de sol
WO2021059062A1 (fr) 2019-09-23 2021-04-01 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Revêtement de sol ou de mur
WO2021111210A1 (fr) 2019-12-03 2021-06-10 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher pour former un revêtement de sol

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US623562A (en) * 1899-04-25 Parquetry
US20050247000A1 (en) * 2004-05-04 2005-11-10 Zhu Sai Y Interlocking self-aligning cladding panel for floors, walls, ceilings, or the like

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997047834A1 (fr) 1996-06-11 1997-12-18 Unilin Beheer B.V. Revetement de sol compose de panneaux de plancher durs et procede de fabrication de ces panneaux de plancher
WO2003102803A1 (fr) 2002-05-30 2003-12-11 Ortega Infosystems, Inc. Resolution d'hote pour reseaux ip dotes de la nat
WO2010082171A2 (fr) 2009-01-16 2010-07-22 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher
WO2013118030A2 (fr) 2012-02-07 2013-08-15 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de sol destiné à former un revêtement de sol, revêtement de sol formé à partir de tels panneaux de sol et procédé permettant de fabriquer de tels panneaux de sol
WO2021059062A1 (fr) 2019-09-23 2021-04-01 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Revêtement de sol ou de mur
WO2021111210A1 (fr) 2019-12-03 2021-06-10 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher pour former un revêtement de sol

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