Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
. .... ...-x.. i la M m4~.NIM_....rr. ..... . ,
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Floor covering.
The present invention concerns a floor covering, in
particular of the type consisting of hard panels.
In particular, it concerns a floor covering formed of
laminate panels, also called laminate parquet.
It is known that such laminate panels can be made of
different layers. Usually, the panels are formed of boards
on the basis of wood, such as chipboard or fiberboard, in
particular MDF or HDF, upon which one or several layers,
including a decorative layer, are provided at least on the
top side. The decorative layer may be a printed paper
layer, but in certain embodiments it may just as well be a
layer of wood, in particular veneer. Such panels can also
be made of other materials, for example merely synthetic
material, or of a base plate on the basis of wood, such as
chipboard, MDF or HDF and the like, upon which is provided,
instead of a printed paper layer or veneer, another
material such as cork, thin strips of wood and the like.
It is also known to couple these panels on their edges as
they are laid, either by means of a conventional tongue and
groove joint, whereby they are possibly glued together,
either by means of a glueless coupling which provides for a
mutual interlocking of the panels both in the horizontal
and vertical direction, for example as described in
international patent No. 97/47834.
COPIE DE CONFIRMATION
CA 02580830 2007-07-16
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The present invention aims a floor covering of hard panels, in particular
laminate
panels, which provides for new embodiments according to different aspects
offering respective advantages.
According to the present invention, there is provided a floor panel comprising
a
hard panel, said panel having coupling profiles on at least two opposite edges
thereof made in one piece with the panel, such that several of such panels may
be mutually coupled to one another by said coupling profiles, said coupling
profiles being configured to interlock at an interlocking zone in a direction
extending perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a
direction
perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel to the plane of coupled
panels,
and wherein:
said coupling profiles comprising a tongue and a groove, said groove
having a top side and a bottom side; an upper lip having a free distal end
extending from the top side of the groove; and a bottom lip extending from the
bottom side of the groove, said tongue including a distal tip;
said lower lip is distally longer than the upper lip;
said lower lip includes an interlocking part on a part thereof which extends
distally beyond the free end of the upper lip, said interlocking part
including a
first inwardly facing contact surface which, when coupled, cooperates with a
second contact surface which is provided on a tongue of another panel coupled
therewith;
said coupling profiles are configured such that similar panels can be
assembled by pushing them towards one another in substantially a common
plane, and wherein in the bottom side of the tongue in a portion thereof that
lies
between the distal tip of the tongue and the second contact surface of the
tongue, a depression is provided that cooperates with an upper end of the
interlocking part when the tongue is located immediately in front of an
entrance
to the groove, such that the insertion of the tongue distal end into the
groove is
facilitated without motion blocking impediment, said depression being defined
by
a portion of the bottom side of the tongue not constituting a coupling
profile.
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According to the present invention, there is also provided a floor panel
comprising a hard panel, said panel having coupling profiles on at least two
opposite edges thereof made in one piece with the panel, such that several of
such panels may be mutually coupled to one another by said coupling profiles,
said coupling profiles being configured to lock two of such panels in a
vertical
direction, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, as well
as in a
horizontal direction, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and
parallel to the plane of coupled panels;
said coupling profiles comprising a tongue and a groove, said tongue
having a distal tip, a top side and a bottom side and said groove having a top
side and a bottom side;
said groove being bordered by an upper lip and a lower lip each having a
distal end;
said lower lip extending distally beyond the upper lip;
said lower lip including an interlocking part providing a locking in said
horizontal direction, this interlocking part being located on the portion of
the
lower lip which extends beyond the distal end of the upper lip and including a
first inwardly facing contact surface which, in coupled condition with a
second of
such panels, cooperates with a second contact surface provided on the tongue
of said second panel; and
said second contact surface being provided at the bottom side of said
tongue;
wherein said bottom side of said tongue further is provided with a
depression that lies between said distal tip of the tongue and said second
contact surface of said tongue;
wherein the top side of the tongue and the lower side of the upper lip are
free of any locking parts providing a horizontal interlocking;
wherein, seen in cross-section, the complete top side of the portion of the
lower lip which is located between a vertical plane defined by the distal end
of
CA 02580830 2007-07-16
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the upper lip and said first contact surface lies below the horizontal level
defined
by the uppermost end of said interlocking part of the lower lip; and
wherein said depression enables two of such panels to be brought in an
intermediate position, between a completely separated condition and a
completely coupled condition of said panels, at which position the tongue of
one
panel at least at its distal tip is located above the lower lip of the other
panel and
the depression cooperates with an upper end of said interlocking part of said
lower lip.
Other preferred aspects and features of the present invention are briefly
summarized hereinbelow.
According to a first aspect, the invention provides for a floor covering
consisting
of hard panels, whereby these panels are provided, at least on two opposite
edges, with coupling means made in one piece with the panels, so that several
of such panels can be mutually coupled, whereby these coupling means provide
for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the floor
covering,
as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to
the
plane of the floor covering, whereby said coupling means comprise a tongue
and a groove and whereby the lip which is situated on the bottom side of the
groove, hereafter called the lower lip, is longer than the lip on the top
side,
hereafter called the upper lip, characterized in that the edge which is
provided
with the tongue, is made flexible.
As the edge onto which the tongue is provided is flexible, deflections arising
during the coupling of the panels are absorbed by this edge, and the above-
mentioned upper lip is safeguarded against large deflections, as a result of
which the material cannot possibly split due to the bending of the lower lip.
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The lower lip is preferably even made rigid, by making it
sufficiently thick, so that any bending in this lip is
entirely excluded.
According to a first possibility, the above-mentioned
flexibility is obtained by making at least the tongue
flexible. According to a second possibility, which is
preferably combined with the first one, and which
contributes even more to the required flexibility being
obtained, the tongue is situated on a part which is
connected to the actual panel via a flexible zone in the
shape of a local constriction.
Specific advantages of the embodiment according to the
first aspect are further explained in the following
detailed description.
The coupling means are preferably made such that they allow
the panels to be coupled by pushing them laterally towards
one another.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels.are provided with coupling means on at least two
opposite edges, as a result of which several of such panels
can be mutually coupled to one another, whereby these
. coupling means provide for an interlocking in a direction
perpendicular to the plane of the floor covering, as well
as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned, and
parallel to the plane of the floor covering, whereby said
coupling means comprise a tongue and a groove and whereby
r + =.. r = iMx a.Y4~snwa..
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the lip situated on the'bottom side of the groove,
hereafter called the lower lip, is longer than the lip on
the top side, hereafter called the upper lip, characterized
in that the coupling means consist at least of first
coupling parts, formed of contact surfaces working in
conjunction with one another, on the top side of the tongue
and the bottom side of the upper lip respectively; second
coupling parts formed of contact surfaces, on the top side
-of the lower lip and an opposite part of the other panel
respectively; and third coupling parts providing for the
horizontal interlocking, which are situated on the=lower
lip, yet further than the free end of the upper lip,
whereby these third coupling parts are situated between the
first and second ones.
As a result, the vertical forces which are created when
walking over the floor covering, are divided over two
.
places, which results in a better distribution of the
forces.
The third coupling parts preferably consist of an inwardly
directed contact surface provided near the free end of the
lower lip, on this lip, and a contact surface working in
conjunction with it which is formed on the other panel.
The second coupling parts preferably consist of a contact
surface formed on the top side of the free end of the lower
lip, as well as a contact surface working in conjunction
with it on the bottom side of the other panel.
II
. .n..rr ..r4F ...Muw r MrbiMWl r- .. . ..
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Moreover, a free space is preferably provided under the
tongue extending as of the tip of the tongue izp to the
third coupling parts. As a result, the tongue can be put
more easily in the groove, without having to take very
precise tolerances into account.
According to a third aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with couplingr.means on at least two
opposite edges, so that several of such panels can be
mutually coupled, whereby these coupling means provide for
an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane
of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, whereby said coupling means
comprise a tongue and a groove and whereby the lip which is
situated on the bottom side of the groove, hereafter called
the lower lip, is longer than the lip on the top side,
hereafter called the upper lip, characterized in that the
II 20 coupling means=consist at least of first coupling parts
formed of contact surfaces working in conjunction with one
another, on the top side of the tongue and the bottom side
of the upper lip respectively; second coupling parts formed
of contact surfaces, on the top side of the lower lip and
an opposite part of the other panel respectively; and third
coupling parts which provide for the horizontal
interlocking.situated on the lower lip, yet further than
.
the free end of the upper lip, whereby the second coupling
parts are situated between the first and the third ones,
and whereby these second coupling parts consist of contact
surfaces working in conjunction with one anothex and
, _ ... . .. .......,...,.
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defining a local contact zone situated in the middle or
practically in the middle between the tip of the'tongue and
the third coupling parts.
By making use of such a local contact zone, there remains a
space between this zone and the tip of the tongue, on the
bottom side of the latter, which makes sure that there is
freedom of movement for the tongue when the panels are
joined.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with coupling means on at least two
opposite edges made in one piece with the panels, as a
result of which several of such panels can be mutually
=
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, whereby said coupling means
comprise a tongue and a groove, characterized in that the
lip situated on the top side of the groove, hereafter
called the upper lip, i's longer than the lip situated on
the bottom side of the groove, hereafter called the lower
lip, and in that the above-mentioned coupling means contain
coupling parts which provide for the interlocking in the
horizontal direction, whereby these coupling parts consist
at least of contact surfaces working in conjunction with
one another, provided on the bottom side of the upper lip,
outside the distal end of the lower lip, and on the
opposite part of the edge of the other panel respectively.
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As the interlocking takes place on the upper lip, it is
easier to check the reliability of the interloqking while
the floor is being laid than in the case where the
interlocking takes place on the lower lip.
According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with coupling means on at least two
opposite edges made in one piece with the panels, as a
result of which several of such panels can be mutually
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of=the floor covering, whereby said coupling means
comprise a tongue and a groove, characterized in that the
== lip situated on the top side of'the groove, hereafter
called the upper lip, is longer than the lip situated on
the bottom side of the groove, hereafter called the lower
lip, and in that the above-mentioned coupling means contain
coupling parts which provide for the interlocking in the
hdrizontal direction, whereby these coupling parts make it
possible for these panels to=be mutually disconnected by
turning them down with their bottom side and towards one
another.
Thanks to the use of coupling nieans which make it possible
for the panels to be disconnected by turning them downward,
and preferably to be exclusively disconnectable by this
movement, is obtained that such panels fit particularly
. , ~.M....... . .
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tight on the coupling means concerned, and are pushed even
closer towards one another whexi being walked on.
The panels are hereby preferably rectangular, and they are
provided with coupling means on two pairs of edges which
make it possible for the panels to be disconnected by means
of an upward rotation in order to be unlocked, whereas, on
the other pair of edges, as mentioned above, they are
provided with coupling means which only allow for a
disconnection by turning the coupled panels with their
bottom side towards one another: Also the opposite turning
movements increase the guarantee that such a coupling
remains always available.
,I .
It should be noted that in the case of longitudinal panels,
the coupling means which allow for a disconnection by
turning the panels upward are preferably provided on the
longitudinal sides, whereas the coupling means which allow
for a disconnection by turning the panels down, are
preferably provided on the shortest sides.
..
According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides for a
fToor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with coupling means on at least two
opposite-edges made in one piece with the panels, as a
result of which several of such panels can be mutually
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, whereby said coupling means
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comprise a tongue and a groove, characterized in that the
interlocking in the horizontal direction is at least formed
of coupling parts in the shape of a local protrusion in the
top side of the above-mentioned tongue, which meshes in a
recess in the lip which borders the top side of the groove.
An advantage of this embodiment consists in that,.since the
protrusion is local, the recess can also have relatively
small dimensions, and the upper lip is only weakened
locally.
According to the sixth aspect, there is preferably no
interlocking in the horizontal direction on the lower lip.
According to a seventh aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with coupling means on at least two
opposite edges made in one piece with the panels, as a
result of which several of such pane.ls can be mutually
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, and whereby:
- the above-mentioned coupling means comprise a tongue and
a groove, whereby this groove is bordered by a lip on
the bottom side,.the top side respectively, hereafter
called the lower lip and the upper lip respectively,
whereby the distal end of the upper lip defines a
vertical plane, hereafter called plane V1;
- the lower lip is longer than the upper lip;
III
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- there is an interlocking part on the part of the lower
lip which extends past the free end of the upper lip,
with a contact surface which, when coupled, works in
conjunction with a contact surface which is provided on
the other panel, whereby these contact surfaces form a
=contact zone when coupled, whose center defines a
vertical plane, hereafter called plane V2;
- before the above-mentioned interlocking part, in the
direction of the groove, is formed a space in the lower
lip which is open on the top side;
- in the coupled situation, there is a contact zone in the
cross section in which the top side of the tongue makes
contact with the bottom side of the upper lip, whereby
the point of this contact zone which is situated most
=
inwardly defines a first vertical plane, hereafter
called plane V3, the most outwardly situated point of
this contact zone defines a second vertical plane,
hereafter called plane V4, and both planes V3 and V4
define a vertical plane situated right irri between,
hereafter called plane V5;
the top side of the interlocking part defines a
horizontal level, hereafter called level N1;
-'the bottom side of the part upon which the tongue is
provided and which extends from the tip of the tongue to
the interlocking zone, defines a horizontal level,
hereafter called level N2;
- the levels N1 and N2 define a horizontal level situated
right in between, hereafter called level N3;
- the average height of the contact zones between the top
side of the tongue and the bottom side of the upper lip
define a horizontal level, hereafter called level N4;
, . .
ii
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- the distance between the planes Vl and V2 is at least
half of the distance between the levels N3 and N4;
characterized in that the floor covering further provides
at least in the combination of the following
characteristics:
that the panels, and basically also the above-mentioned
lips, are made of fiberbo_ard of the_type MDF or HDF;
', - that the coupling.means are made such that the panels
can be assembled by pushing them towards one another;
and
-~hat the above-mentioned space extends to beneath the
upper lip, such that this space is in conformity with at
least one of the following two characteristics:
a) that the part of this space which is situated under the
level N3 extends inwardly to at least past the plane V1;
b) that the part of this space which is situated under the
level Ni extends inwardly to at least past the plane V5.
When all the above-mentioned criteria are met, an
embodiment is obtained according to the invention whereby
the above-mentioned space is relatively large compared to
the other parameters on the one hand, and, thanks to the
specific application of the MDF or HDF material, the
structure nevertheless remains sufficiently stable on the
other hand. The relatively large space which is formed in
the lower lip offers the advantage that the tongue can take
place in the groove more easily, as well as the advantage
that the tongue can be made relatively massive.
According to a particular embodiment, this floor covering
is characterized in that the panels are rectangular and in
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-12-
that coupling means are formed on both pairs of edges which
offer an interlocking in the horizontal and vertical
direction, whereby these coupling means are formed as
mentioned above
on at least one pair of said edges, and whereby on at least
two edges standing at right angles to one another, use is
made of a groove which is bordered by an upper lip and a
lower lip respectively, whereby the lower lip each time
protrudes further than the upper lip, such that two such
longer lips meet in at least one angle of the panel,
whereby at least the above-mentioned space continues up to
the end of the panel in said angle, in other words extends
through the far end of the lip standing at right angles.
As the above-mentioned space is made continuous, also a
13 large flexibility can be guaranteed in the angle concerned,
as the interlocking parts of the longitudinally directed
lower 1=ip and the transversely directed lower lip are then
disconnected by this continuous recess.
According to an eight aspect, the invention provides for a
floor covering consisting of hard panels, whereby these
panels are provided with coupling means on at least two
o~posite edges made in one piece with the'panels, as a
result of which several of such panels can be mutually
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, and whereby:
- the above-mentioned coupling means comprise a tongue and
a groove, whereby this groove is bordered by a lip on
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the bottom side, the top side respectively, hereafter
called the lower lip and the upper lip respectively;
- the lower lip is longer than the upper lip;
- there is an interlocking part on the part of the lower
lip which extends past the free end of the upper lip,
with a contact surface which, when coupled, works in
conjunction with a contact surface which is provided on
the other panel; and
- before the above-mentioned interlocking part, in the
direction of the groove, is formed a space in the lower
lip which is open on the top side;
characterized in that the coupling means are made such that
II' the panels can be assembled by pushing them towards one
another, and in that in the-bottom side of the part onto
which the tongue is provided, and which extends from the
tip of the tongue up to the interlocking zone, is provided
an excavation, such that this excavation co-operates with
the interlocking part in a position in which the tongue is
situated in front of the groove. Thus is obtained that,
while the tongue is being fit in, something as if it were
falls down at the time when the interlocking part takes
place in the excavation, so that, next, the tongue is
better positioned in front of the groove of the other
panel.
The floor coverings consisting of hard panels known until
now, and which allow for a glueless interlocking, do not
make it possible to temporarily remove panels from the
middle of the floor covering after the floor covering has
been entirely laid. This is disadvantageous in that it is
difficult to replace damaged panels, as well as impossible
~ ,.-......, . .
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to locally remove the floor covering, for example`to work
on or in the rough floor, to lay or remove cables under the
floor covering, etc. With the known systems, the panels
always need to be systematically removed as of an edge of
the floor covering.
Also, according to a ninth aspect, the invention aims a
.floor covering made of hard panels, whereby it is possi-ble
to remove any panel whatsoever from an existing floor
covering, and to put it back, without the floor covering
having to be systematically broken up as of an edge of the
whole.
According to this ninth aspect, the invention to this'end
provides for a floor covering consisting of hard panels,
whereby these panels are provided with coupling means on at
least two opposite edges made in one piece with the panels,
as a result of which several of such panels can be mutually
coupled to one another, whereby these coupling means
provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the floor covering, as well as in a direction
perpendicular to the edges concerned, and parallel to the
plane of the floor covering, whereby the above-mentioned
coupling means are made such that two coupled panels,
25- starting from a flat position, can be turned towards one
another with their bottom sides over at least a certain
angle on the one hand, and this turning movement makes it
possible for said two panels to be removed from in between
adjacent panels on the other hand.
. _-.. ,.. ,,,.... - .,~.._......_ .
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According to a first preferred embodiment, the coupling
means are made such that they make it possible for the two
panels, when they are situated in a floor covering, to be
lifted with their coupled edges, such that there is a
disconnection on at least one of the opposite edges
providing for a connection with the adjacent panels.
According to a second preferred embodiment, the coupling
means are made such that they make it possible for the two
io panels, when they are situated in a floor covering, to be
lifted with their coupled edges, such that the coupling, in
particular the vertical coupling, is interrupted on the
edges concerned and a disconnection becomes possible.
According to a particularly practical embodiment, the floor
covering is characterized in that the coupling means mainly
consist of a tongue and a groove, whereby the lip which is
situated on the bottom side of the groove is longer than
i =
the lip on the top side, and the interlocking is obtained
mainly in the horizontal direction thanks to an
interlocking part on the lip situated on the bottom side of
the groove and an interlocking part working in conjunction
with it on the bottom side of the other panel, whereby
these coupling means make it possible for the panels-to be
assembled by means of a turning movement and whereby, in
the coupled position, spaces are provided above the first-
mentioned interlocking part.as well as under the second-
mentioned interlocking part which allow for a further
turning movement.
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The above-destribed nine aspects of the invention may occur
as separate or they can be mutually combined, in any
possible combination, provided the embodiments as described
according to the above-mentioned nine aspects do not have
any contradictory qualities.
Naturally, the invention also concerns panels with which
the above-described floor coverings can be made.
In order to better explain the characteristics of the
invention, the following preferred embodiments are
described as an=example only without being limitative in
any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
1~
figure 1 schematically represents a hard panel;
figure 2 schematically represents a part of a floor
~, ..
covering made of hard panels;
figure 3 represents an embodiment of coupling means
applied in a floor covering according to the
invention, seen from a section which corresponds for
example to section III-III in figure 2;
=
figure 4 represents a section according to line IV-IV
in figure 2;
figure 5 represents a variant of figure 4;
figures 6 to 8 represent the coupling means from
figure 3 in different positions;
figure 9 represents a variant of the coupling means
from figure 3;
figure 10 represents another variant;
, . '
~, = =
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figures 11 to 13 represent the variant from figure 10
in different positions;
figure 14 represents another variant;
figure 15 represents yet another variant;
figures 16 and 17 represent the coupling means from
figure 15 in two other positions;
figure 18 represents an angular part of a panel
according to the invention;
figure 19 represents a section of another embodiment
according to the invention;
figure 20 represents a section of another embodiment
~, .
of a floor covering according to the invention;,
figure 21 represents the part indicated by F21 in
figure 20 to a larger scale;
figure 22 represents how the panels of the floor
covering from figure 20 can be disco=nnected, connected
respectively;.
figure 23 represents the part indicated by F23 in
figure 22 to a larger scale;
figure 24 represents a view analogous to that in
figure 21 for another variant;
figure 25 represents how the panels of figure 24 can
be mutually disconnected, connected respectively;
figure 26 represents the part indicated by F26 in
figure 25 to'a larger scale.
As represented in figures 1 and 2, the invention concerns a
floor covering 1, as we11 as"the hard panels 2 of which
such a floor covering 1 is made.
=
=
. . . .M ... ..,=e a .F+k+i,. .wrt~YY~-n.M ... . , -
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As described in international patent application No.
97/47834, it is known that such panels 2 can be connected
without any glue being required by making use of coupling
means which, when the panels 2 are rectangular, provide for
an interlocking in a direction R1, perpendicular to the
plane of the floor covering 1, at least on one pair.of
opposite edges 3-4, and preferably on both pairs of edges
3-4, 5-6 respectively, as well as in a direction R2
perpendicular to the edges 3-4 or 5-6 concerned, and
parallel to the plane of the floor covering 1.
Coupling means can be used hereby which allow for different
coupling methods, but preferably a coupling by rotating as
well as by pushing the panels together. The latter makes
it possible for such panels 2 to be coupled to one another
in a known manner by first rotating them into one another
on their edges 3-4, as represented by means of the panel 2A
in figure 2 with a movement of rotation W1, and by
subsequently snapping them together on their edges 5-6 by
means of a translation Ti. According to a variant, the
connection on the edges 3-4 of the panels 2 concerned, can
also be realized by starting from a position as is
~ =
sc'hematically indicated by reference 2B, and by coupling
the panel 2 concerned by means of a translation T2.
Also, while a panel 2A is maintained in the rotated
position, a following panel,2C can be coupled to the edges
5 and 6 concerned, either by means of a translation T3, or
by means of a mutual rotation between the panels 2A and 2C,
after which both panels 2A and 2C ar.e then turned down so
as to be locked to'the preceding row of panels.
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As mentioned in the introduction, the present=invention
aims different new embodiments of coupling means to
mutually connect such panels 2.
Figure 3 represents an embodiment according to the above-
mentioned first aspect of the invention.
Also, in this embodiment, the floor covering 1 consists of
hard panels 2 which are provided with coupling means 7 made
in one piece with the panels 2 on at least two opposite
edges, in this case 5-6, so that several of such panels 2
can be mutually connected to one another. These coupling
=
means 7 provide for an interlocking in the direction R1, as
well as R2.
Further, these coupling means 7 have a tongue 8 provided on
. the edge 5, and a groove 9 provided on the edge 6, in which
the tongue 8 fits. The groove 9 is hereby bordered on the
top side by means of a lip 10, hereafter called the upper
lip. At the bottom, it is bordered by a lip 11, hereafter
called the lower lip, which is longer than the top lip 10,
in other words, which extends further than the distal end
12 of the lip 10 in the horizontal direction.
The interlocking in the direction R2 is obtained as the
lower lip 11 forms an interlocking part 13 with an.inwardly
directed contact surface 14 which can co-operate with an
opposite contact surface 15 formed on the edge 5 when being...
coupled.
; = = .
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According to the invention, the edge 5 which is provided
with the tongue 8.is made flexible, whereas the lip 11 is
preferably made rigid, the latter by making it relatively
thick, as is clearly visible in figure 3.
The edge 5 is made such that it can bend in several places.
Thus, for example, the tongue 8 is flexible, but even more
important is that this tongue 8 is preferably situated on a
part 16, as represented, which is connected to the actual
1o panel 2 via a flexible zone 17 in the shape of a local
constriction.
. .
This flexible zone 17 is preferably situated on the place
as indicated in figure 3, in other words seen as of the
tongue 8, past the contact surface 15, and said flexible
zone 17 has a thickness D1, according to the direction R1,
which is smaller than half the thickness of the panels 2
and/or smaller than 2/3 of the thickness D2 of the part 16
upon which'the tongue 8 is situated.
If the panels 2 are made of fiberboard, of the type MDF or
HDF, the thickness Dl is preferably even smaller than 3 mm,
and better still smaller than 2 mm.
The flexible zone 17 is situated against the top side 18 of
the panel 2 concerned, which is particularly useful when
MDF or HDF board is used, as such materials have a larger
density on the outer surfaces, and thus the thickness on
these places can be maximally reduced so as to obtain an
optimal flexibility.
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Apart from the advantages already mentioned in the
introduction, the invention according to.the first aspect
also offers the following advantageous characteristics:
- As the contact surface 14 is situated relatively high,
said contact surface 14 can be provided in a more
vertical position, without much deviation from the
tangential directions P1 and P2 represented in figure 3.
Thus is obtained a solid interlocking.
- As the flexibility of the connection is situated in the
top side of the panel, this results in the interlocking
being pulled even more tightly together when a tensile
force is exerted on the panels.
In the design of figure 3 is created a stress
concentration on the top side of the panel 2, right
behind the tongue 8, which results in a bending. As'a
consequence, the stress concentration is transferred to
the strongest place of the board. During the joining, it
is practically impossible for forces to be created in
the deepest pQint of a groove 9, so that it is almost
excluded that 'splits are created at this deepest point.
II'i According to the above-mentioned second aspect of the
invention, which in the given example of figure 3 is
combined with.the above-inentioned first aspect, the
coupling means 7 consist at least of first.coupling parts
formed of contact surfaces 19-20 working in conjunction
with one another, on the top side of the tongue 8 and the
bottom side of the upper lip 10 respectively; second
coupling parts forined of contact surfaces 21-22, on the top
side of the lower lip 11 and the opposite part 16 of the
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other panel 2 respectively; and third coupling parts which
provide for the horizontal interlocking situated on the
lower lip 11, but further than the free end 12 of the upper
lip 10, formed of the above-mentioned contact surfaces 14
and 15. What is special here, is that the third coupling
parts are situated between the first and the second ones.
The second coupling parts are preferably situated
immediately next to the third coupling parts. The contact
surface 21 is hereby formed of-the top side of the above-
mentioned interlocking part 13, whereas the contact surface
22 is situated precisely'opposite to it.
= .
According to the embodiment of figure 3, there is a free
space 23 under the tongue 8 which extends as of the tip 24
of the tongue 8 up to the third coupling parts, in other
words the contact surface=14.
The coupling means 7 are mainly designed to be provided on
one pair of edges 5-6, whereas coupling means 25'are
preferably provided on the other edges 3-4, as represented
in figure 4 or figure 5, which are described in
international patent application No. 97/47834 and which
make it possible for the panels 2 concerned to be assembled
along their top edges, disassembled respectively, at least
by means of a movement of rotation. In the case where the
panels 2, as represented, are longitudinal, the coupling
means 7 will=preferably be provided on the short edges 5-6.
What precedes does not prevent, however, that the coupling
means 7 are provided on both pairs of edges 3-4 and 5-6, or
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on the longitudinal edges 3-4, whereas another connection
is provided for on the short edges.
Nor is it excluded to provide the panels 2 on merely one
pair of edges with coupling means,-in this case the
coupling means 7.
Further, the coupling means 7 are preferably made such that
the panels 2 with their edges concerned, in this case the
edges 5 and 6, can be connected to one another by pushing
the panels 2 freely towards one another, as is represented
step'by step in figures 6 to 8, and as will be further
described into more detail. Moreover, the coupling means 7
are made such that the edges concerned, in this case the
edges 5 and 6, can also be connected to one 'another by
means of a movement of rotation, disconnected resp(~ctively,
as is represented by means of a dot and dash line in figure
3.
II 20 The laying of the floor covering 1, with panels 2
containing coupling means 7, can then for example, yet not
necessarily, be carried out as follows. In a=situation as
represented in figure 2, the panel 2A is first connected
with its edge 3 to an edge 4 of already laid panels by
presenting the panel 2A at an angle and by rotating the
above-mentioned edges 3-4 into one another, so that a
connection such as for example in figure 4, or, as an
alternative, figure 5, is created.
Then, the panel 2A can be connected to the preceding panel
with a translation T1, whereby the situations as
.
II
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represented in figures 6 to 8 are successively witnessed on
the coupling means 7. It is clear that this is accompanied
by'a bending in the tongue 8, and to a larger extent also
in the flexible zone 17, whereby the part 16 with the
contact surface 15 finally snaps down behind the contact
surface 14.
Figure 9 represents an embodiment which is realized
according to the above-mentioned third aspect of the
II 10 invention. The coupling means 26 used hereby represent
II first coupling parts analogous to the coupling means 7,
I11 formed by contact surfaces 19 and 20, and third coupling
III parts formed by contact surfaces 14 and 15. What is
special hereby, is that the above-mentioned second coupling
parts are situated between the first and third ones, and
that the second coupling parts consist of contact surfaces
27-28 working in conjunction with one another and which
define a local contact zone 29 which is situated in the
middle or practically in the middle between the tip 24 of
the tongue 8 and the third coupling parts, in other words
the contact surface 14.
=
As represented in figure 9, a bulge 30 can be provided in
the lower lip 11 on the contact zone 29.
Figures 10 to 13 represent an embodiment for different
positions with coupling means 31 which are in conformity
with the above-mentioned fourth aspect of the invention.
The upper lip 10 is hereby longer than the lower lip 11,
and the coupling means 25 which realize the interlocking in
the horizontal direction consist of coupling parts formed
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-25
of contact surfaces 32-33 working in conjunction with one
another, which are provided on the bottom side of the upper
lip 10, outside the distal end of the lower lip 11, and on
the opposite part of the edge of the other panel.2
respectively.
The coupling means 31 are hereby made such that the
connection can be realized by pushing the panels 2 towards
one another with the edges 5-6 concerned, for example over
II' 10 a base, whereby they systematically fit into one another,
as represented in figures 10 to 12.
.
As shown in the-figures, the tongue 8 has one end 34 which
has been made thinner. There is also a free space 35
between the free end 36 of the lower lip 11 and the
opposite part 37 under the tongue 8 of the other panel 2.
The embodiment of figures 10 to 13 also illustrates the
fifth aspect of the invention, in other words that the
edges, in this case the edges 5-6, are provided with
coupling means 31 which make it possible for the panels 2
concerned to be mutually disconnected by rotating them with
their bottom sides 38 down and towards one another, as is
specifically shown in figure 13. The above-mentioned space
35 is helpful thereby.
The embodiment of figures 10 to 13 also corresponds to the
sixth aspect of the invention, characterized in that the
interlocking in the horizontal direction is formed of
'coupling part's in the shape of a local protrusion 39 in the
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top side 40 of the above-mentioned tongue 8, which meshes
in a recess 41 in the upper lip 10.
Figure 14 represents a variant which also applies the
above-mentioned characteristics of the sixth aspect of the
invention.
Other particularities of this embodiment, which must not
all be combined according to variants which are not
represented, consist in that the top side 40 of the tongue
8, with the exception of the 'local protrusion 39, is mainly
parallel to the surface of the floor-covering 1, and in
that the bottom side 42 of the tongue 8 is mainly formed of
I . ,
a smoothly bent surface which reaches up to the top side 40
of the tongue S. Also this embodiment makes it possible
for the panels 2 to be assembled by means of a mainly
horizontal movement.
=
Figure 15 represents a connection with coupling means 43
realized according to the above-mentioned seventh aspect of
the invention. It concerns a connection whereby:
- the coupling means 43 comprise a tongue 8 and a groove
9, whereby this groove 9 is bordered on the bottom side,
the top side respectively, by a lip, hereafter called
the lower lip 11 and the upper lip 10 respectively,
whereby the distal end 12 of.,.the upper lip 10 defines a
vertical plane, hereafter called plane Vi;
- the lower lip 11 is longer than the upper lip 10;
- there is an interlocking part 13 on the part of the
lower lip 11 which extends past the free end 12 of the
upper lip 10, with a contact surface 14 which, when
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coupled, works in conjunction with a contact surface 15
which is provided on the other panel 2, whereby these
contact surfaces 14-15 form a contact zone when coupled,
whose center Ml defines a vertical plane, hereafter
called plane V2;
- before the above-mentioned interlocking part 13, in the
direction of the groove 9, is formed 'an open space 44 in
II' the lower lip 11 which is open on the top side;=
- in the coupled situation, there is. a contact zone in the
cross section in which the tQp side of the tongue 8
makes contact with the bottom side of the upper lip 10,
whereby the point C3 of this contact zone which is
situated most inwardly defines a first vertical plane,
hereafter called plane V3, the most outwardly situated
point C4 of this contact zone defines a second .vertical
plane, hereafter called plane V4, and both planes V3 and
V4 define a vertical plane situated right in between,
hereafter called plane V5;
I! - the top side of the interlocking part 13 defines a.
horizontal level, hereafter called level N1;
- the bottom side of the part 16 upon which the tongue 8
is provided and which extends from the tip 24 of the
tongue 8 to the interlocking zone, defines a horizontal
level, hereafter called level N2;
- the levels N1 and N2 define a horizontal level situated
right in between, hereafter called level N3;
the average height of the contact zone between the top
side of the tongue 8 and the bottom side of the upper
lip 10 define a horizontal level, hereafter called level
N4;
, , .
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- the distance between the planes V1 and V2 is at least
half of the distance between the levels N3 and N4.
This floor covering 1 is special in that it provides at
least in the combination of the following characteristics:
- that the panels 2, and basically also the above-
mentioned lips 10-11, are made of fiberboard of the type
MDF or HDF;
- that the coupling means 43 are made such that the panels
2 can be assembled bypushing them towards one another;
and
- that the above-mentioned space 44 extends to beneath the
upper lip 10, such that this space 44 is in conformity
with at least one of the follo,~ring two characteristics:
a) that the part of this space 44 which is situated under
Ij the level N3 extends inwardly to at least past the plane
V1;
b) that the part of this space 44 which is situated under
the level N1 extends inwardly to at leasf, past the plane
V5.
Thanks to this specific combination is obtained a space 44
which acts as an excavation in relation to the other
dimensions extending over a relatively large distance in
the direction R2, as a result of which the advantages
mentioned in the introduction are obtained. In spite of
the relatively large excavation and, consequently, the fact
that the lower lip 11 is relatively thin, the rigidity
remains nevertheless sufficient thanks to the use of MDF or
-30 HDF as a base material, which has a layered fibrous
structure.
, ..., w~ . .~. ~..
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The distance between the levels N1 and N2 is preferably
smaller than 1/3 of the distance between the levels N2 and
N4. Thus, the obstruction formed by the interlocking part
13 while the panels are being pushed together, is
restricted to a minimum, as a result of which the panels 2
can smoothly slide into one another.
Further, the intersection P4 between the plane V4 and the
bottom side of the tongue 8 is situated beneath level N1,
seen from a cross section, and better still beneath level
Ij N3. The tongue 8 thus obtains a relatively large
thickness, which improves its rigidity. Further, it is
even more indicated for the section P5 between the plane V5
and the bottom side of the tongue 8 to be situated berieath
level N1, and better still beneath level N3.
=
=
In particular, the section P3 between the plane V3 and the
bottom side of the tongue 8 will be situated beneath level
Ni, and better still beneath level N3.
According to a preferred characteristic of the invention,
the part of the above-mentioned space 44 situated under the
plane N3 extends at least inwardly up to the vertical plane
V6=which is determined by the tip 2'4 of the tongue 8.
In the case where the panels 2 are.rectangular and coupling
= means are formed on both pairs of edges 3-4 and 5-6 which
provide for a vertical and a horizontal interlocking,
whereby both edges 4 and 6 have a lower lip 11, 11A
respectively, which is longer than the upper lip 11, at
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least the above-mentioned space 44 is preferably made
continuous up to the end of the panel 2, as represented in
figure 18, in the angle 45, in other words it extends
through the far end of the square lip 10A, in particular
the interlocking part 13A thereof. As the space 44 is
relatively large on the one hand, and this space 44 extends
through the interlocking part 13A on the other hand, and
the interlocking parts 13 and 13A are disconnected from one
another, a particularly flexible angle is obtained, which
makes it easier to assemble the panels.
Figure 19 illustrates the above-mentioned eight aspect of
the invention, whereby an excavation 46 is provided in the
bottom side of the tongue 8, such that in the mutual
position of the two panels 2 as represented in figure 19,
the tongue 8 is better positioned in front of the groove.
It should be noted that in=all the above-mentioned
embodiments, the contact surfaces prbviding for the
horizontal interlocking are preferably directed slantingly
in relation to the plane of the floor covering 1. This
does not exclude, however, that according to a variant, one
or both contact surfaces can also be directed perpendicular
to the plane of the floor covering. The contact surfaces
can also be bent as such, whereby the.tangent line in the
middle of the contact zone determines the above-mentioned
gradient.
In=the case where these contact surfaces, or their tangent
line, are directed slantingly, they preferably extend in a
direction which is tangential or almost tangential to a
1~ .
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circle, whose center is situated on a point of rotation
around which the panels 2 can be turned apart. As
indicated in figure 3, this means that the gradient or
direction B1 of the contact surfaces deviates only little
from the gradient of the tangent B2 onto the circle C.
In order to provide for a snap-in effect, the direction B1
pertaining to the contact surfaces preferably does deviate
from the direction of the above-mentioned tangent B2 and is
directed inwardly, such that a snap-in effect is created
when the panels are rotated into one another, whereby the
above-mentioned direction B1 deviates 30 at the most from
the above-mentioned tangential direction B2.
What precedes can be applied in all the rotatable
embodiments described above, also in the embodiments
whereby the panels 2 are rotated apart by turning them
,I .
down.
, .
~ . .
The coupling means which are realized according to one or
several of the first eight aspects of the invention are all
particularly suitable to be provided on edges 3-4 and/or 5-
6, whereby it must be possible to assemble.the panels 2 by
shifting them.
In the case where the panels 2 are rectangular, in other
words square or longitudinal, they are preferably provided
with coupling parts on all four edges 3-4 and 5-6 which
allow for a vertical and a horizontal interlocking, whereby
coupling means as described in one or.several of the above- ' =
,1 .
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mentioned first eight a8pects are then provided on at least
two opposite edges 3-4 or 5-6.
In the case where the panels 2 are rectangular,the new
coupling means are preferably provided at least on the
short edges 5-6. Further, coupling means are then
preferably provided on the long edges 3-4 which allow for
an 'assembly, disassembly respectively by means of a
movement of rotation, which can be of a known nature or
which can also be made according to any of the above-
mentioned eight aspects.
~, .
' .
Figures 20 to 23 show an embodiment according to the ninth
aspect of the invention. According to this ninth aspect,
it concerns a floor covering 1, consisting of hard panels
2, whereby these panels 2 are provided on at least two
opposite edges, in the case of elongated panels 2
preferably on the longitudinal edges 3-4, with coupling
means 7 made in one piece with the panels 2, so that
several of such panels 2 can be mutually connected to one
another, whereby these coupling means 7 provide for an
interlocking in a direction R1, perpendicular to the plane
of the floor covering 1, as well as.in a direction R2
perpendicular to the edges 3-4 concerned, and parallel to
the plane of the floor covering 1, whereby the above-
mentioned coupling means 7 are made such that two connected
panels 2 can be turned towards one another with their
bottom side, starting from a flat position, over at least a
certain angle on=the one hand, whereby this turning
=
movement makes it possible for the two above-mentioned
_....._...M...,.....,. ,._.:._ .
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panels 2 to be removed from between other adjacent panels
2D and 2E on the other hand.
Moreover, according to the embodiment of figures 20 to 23,
the coupling means 7 are made such that, as represented in
figure 22, they make it possible for the two panels 2 to be
lifted with their coupled edges 3-4, from a flat position,
such that there is a disconnection-on at least one of the
opposite edges which provide for,the connection with the
adjacent panels 2D and 2E. Thus, the panels 2 can be
removed from an existing floor covering 1 by first lifting
them as mentioned above and by subsequently turning the
left panel 2 from figure 22 up, as represented by means of
a dot and dash line, so that the left panel 2 of figure 22
can be removed. Next, also the right panel 2 cari be
removed. The initial lifting of the panels 2 can take
place in any way whatsoever, for example by means of a
suction cup or by sticking.:a hook or such through an
opening made in the floor covering, for example a bore
hole.
Figures 20 to 26 represent variants whereby the coupling
means 7 are made such that they make it possible for the
two panels 2 to be lifted, from a flat position, with their
coupled edges 3-4, such that the connection, in particular
the vertical connection on the'edges 3-4 concerned is
undone. Iri this case, it is-not necessary to disconnect
the panels 2D and/or 2E.first in order to disconnect the
two panels 2.
~ . . ..
' =
__ _~--.. ....-... ,_ .,...~,...-.~-., .
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Both in the embodiment of figures 20 to 23 and in the one
of figures 24 to 26, the coupling means 7 mainly consist of
a tongue 8 and a groove 9, whereby the lip 11 which is
situated on the bottom side of the groove 9 is longer than
the lip 10 on the top side, and the interlocking is mainly
obtained in the horizontal direction by means of an
interlocking part 13 on the lip 11 and an interlocking part
47 on the bottom side of the other panel 2 working in
conjunction with it, whereby these coupling means 7 make it
i0 possible for the panels 2 to be assembled by means of a
turning movement, and whereby, in the coupled position,
there are spaces 48-49 above the first-mentioned
interlocking part 13, as well as under the second-mentioned
interlocking part 47, which allow for a further turning.
Practically, the above-mentioned interlocking parts 13-47
are positioned such that a lateral play S is created during
the above-mentioned further turning, as is schematically
represented in figure 21, so that a certain freedom of
movement is obtained which is desirable in order to remove
the panels 2 from between the fixed panels 2D and 2E.
In the embodiment of figures 24 to 26, this lateral play S,
as well as the design of the tongue 8 and the groove 9, are
selected such that the right panel 2, in the situation of
figure 26, comes loose so to say and can simply be removed
from the left panel 2.
In particular, the distance Zi between the tip of the
tongue 8 and the interlocking part 47 situated on the same
edge is smaller than or equal to the distance Z2 between
....~. ...... ~., _ CA 02580830 2007-03-16
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the tip of the lip 10 bordering the top side of- the groove
9 and the interlocking part 13 situated on the lip 11
bordering the bottom side of the groove 9.
It should be noted that in the embodiments of figures 20 to
26, the tongue 8 is preferably made such that it can make a
movement of rotation in the groove 9, as said tongue 8 is
more or less round, as represented in figures 20 to 23, or
because it is relatively short, as represented in figures
24 to 26.
I =
As represented, coupling means are preferably provided both
on the short edges and on the longitudinal edges which
allow for an interlocking both in the vertical and in the
horizontal direction, whereby they can all be made such.-
that they allow for a connection and disconnection as
described above by means of figures 20 to 26. It is also
possible to apply the coupling means represented in these
figures only on the longitudinal edges, whereas coupling
.20 means'with another shape are applied 'on the short sides,
for example as represented in figure'4.
The invention is by no means limited to the above-described
embodiments represented in the accompanying drawings; on
the contrary, such a floor covering can be made in
different shapes and dimensions while still remaining
within the scope of the invention.
.
