U.S. patent application number 10/567289 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for covering made form-retaining parts, in particular for a floor, covering parts for use therein and method for connecting the covering parts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Niegel Profiel-Ommanteling B.V.. Invention is credited to Gerrit-Jan Geltink, Marcel Hendricus Maria Nienhuis, Johannes Hendrikus Gerhardu Scholten.
Application Number | 20070062148 10/567289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34114477 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nienhuis; Marcel Hendricus Maria ;
et al. |
March 22, 2007 |
Covering made form-retaining parts, in particular for a floor,
covering parts for use therein and method for connecting the
covering parts
Abstract
The invention relates to a covering (2) which can be arranged on
a floor. The covering comprises a number of parallel
(form-retaining covering parts (4) which are mutually connected
along adjacent side edges (5, 6) and which have a backing side (13)
directed toward the ground surface (1) and a visual side (14)
remote therefrom. The covering parts are provided with co-acting
coupling elements placed along the side edges. The two side edges
take a step-like form with an inner (5I, 6I) and an outer (50, 60)
edge segment such that the first covering part (4) has a protruding
backing side and the second covering part has an overhanging visual
side. The coupling element of the first covering part is a groove
which is formed in the protruding backing side (13) and open to the
visual side, and the coupling element of the second covering part
(4) forms a tongue extending from the overhanging visual side to
the ground surface. The invention further relates to a covering
part for use in such a covering and a method for mutually
connecting these covering parts.
Inventors: |
Nienhuis; Marcel Hendricus
Maria; (Lievelde, NL) ; Scholten; Johannes Hendrikus
Gerhardu; (Losser, NL) ; Geltink; Gerrit-Jan;
(Winterswijk, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE
32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Niegel Profiel-Ommanteling
B.V.
Den Sliem 47
Groenlo
NL
NL-7141 JE
|
Family ID: |
34114477 |
Appl. No.: |
10/567289 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 8, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL04/00541 |
371 Date: |
November 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/592.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/0153 20130101;
E04F 15/02 20130101; E04F 13/08 20130101; E04F 2201/0138 20130101;
E04F 15/02033 20130101; E04F 2201/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/592.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/00 20060101
E04B002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 2003 |
NL |
1024046 |
Claims
1. Covering for arranging on a ground surface, in particular a
floor, comprising: at least two parallel form-retaining covering
parts which are mutually connected along adjacent side edges and
which have a backing side directed toward the ground surface and a
visual side remote therefrom, wherein the two side edges take a
step-like form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that
the first covering part has a protruding backing side and the
second covering part has an overhanging visual side, which covering
parts are provided with co-acting coupling elements placed along
the side edges, wherein the coupling element of the first covering
part is a groove which is formed in the protruding backing side and
at least open to the visual side, and the coupling element of the
second covering part forms a tongue extending from the overhanging
visual side at least to the ground surface, which groove and tongue
each have an at least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove
undercuts the inner edge segment of the first covering part and the
tongue protrudes beyond the outer edge segment of the second
covering part, wherein the undercut of the groove and the part of
the tongue protruding beyond the edge each have an at least partly
chamfered profile, and wherein the outer edge segment of the first
covering part and the inner edge segment of the second covering
part define a gap in the mutually connected position of the
covering parts, wherein each covering part is constructed from a
relatively thick base layer forming the backing side and, connected
thereto, a top layer forming the visual side, and the coupling
elements are formed in the base layer, wherein the groove and the
tongue each form profiles complementary to each other whereby a
form-fitting connection between the covering parts can be
realized.
2. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner edge segment
of the first covering part and the outer edge segment of the second
covering part run substantially transversely of the visual side of
the relevant covering part.
3. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least partly
curved profile forms a segment of a circle.
4. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein a chamfered surface is
defined between the visual side and the side edge of at least one
of the covering parts.
5. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein each covering part has
two parallel step-like side edges, the one of which is embodied
with the protruding backing side with groove, and the other with
the overhanging visual side with tongue.
6. Covering as claimed in claim 5, wherein each covering part has
two mutually parallel end edges which enclose an angle with the
side edges and which are provided with secondary coupling
elements.
7. Covering as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two end edges also
take a step-like form such that the one covering part has a
protruding backing side and the other covering part has an
overhanging visual side, the secondary coupling element of the one
covering part is a recess formed on the top of the protruding
backing side, and the secondary coupling element of the other
covering part is a protrusion formed under the overhanging visual
side.
8. Covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top layer is formed
from a high-grade type of wood, and has a thickness, of at least 1
mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm and most preferably in the order of
4 mm.
9. Covering part for use in a covering as claimed in claim 1, said
covering part having a backing side to be directed toward a ground
surface and a visual side remote therefrom, said covering part
further having two parallel side edges which each take a step-like
form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that the covering
part has a protruding backing side along a first one of the side
edges and an overhanging visual side along the other, second side
edge, said covering part being provided with co-acting coupling
elements placed along the respective side edges, wherein the
coupling element along the first side edge is a groove which is
formed in the protruding backing side and at least open to the
visual side, and the coupling element along the second side edge
forms a tongue extending from the overhanging visual side at least
to the ground surface, which groove and tongue each have an at
least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove undercuts the
inner edge segment of the first side edge and the tongue protrudes
beyond the outer edge segment of the second side edge, and said
covering part being constructed from a relatively thick base layer
forming the backing side and, connected thereto, a top layer
forming the visual side, the coupling elements being formed in the
base layer, wherein the undercut of the groove and the part of the
tongue protruding beyond the edge each have an at least partly
chamfered profile, and wherein the outer edge segment of the first
side edge and the inner edge segment of the second side edge are
dimensioned such as to define a gap in the mutually connected
position of two of these covering parts, wherein the groove and the
tongue each form profiles complementary to each other whereby a
form-fitting connection between two of these covering parts can be
realized.
10. Covering part as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top layer is
formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-grade
type of wood, and has a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at
least 2.5 mm and most preferably in the order of 4 mm.
11. Method for mutually connecting at least two covering parts as
claimed in claim 9, at least one of which is already arranged on a
ground surface, comprising the steps of: a) orienting a side edge
of the second covering part for connecting to the first, already
arranged covering part substantially parallel to a free side edge
of the first covering part, b) moving the second covering part at a
distance above the ground surface to the side edge of the first
covering part, c) rotating the second covering part about an axis
parallel to the side edge thereof, d) placing the tongue of the
second covering part at an angle into the groove of the first
covering part, and e) with forming of the connection, lowering the
second covering part onto the ground surface by rotating it in the
opposite direction.
12. Method as claimed in claim 11, wherein after connection thereof
the second covering part is displaced parallel to the side edge
relative to the first covering part.
13. Method as claimed in claim 11, wherein after the first and
second covering parts have been mutually connected a third covering
part is arranged in line with the second covering part, which third
covering part is attached by connecting a side edge thereof to the
first covering part, and an end edge thereof to the second covering
part.
14. Covering for arranging on a ground surface, in particular a
floor, comprising: at least two parallel form-retaining covering
parts which are mutually connected along adjacent side edges and
which have a backing side directed toward the ground surface and a
visual side remote therefrom, wherein the two side edges take a
step-like form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that
the first covering part has a protruding backing side and the
second covering part has an overhanging visual side, which covering
parts are provided with co-acting coupling elements placed along
the side edges, wherein the coupling element of the first covering
part is a groove which is formed in the protruding backing side and
at least open to the visual side, and the coupling element of the
second covering part forms a tongue extending from the overhanging
visual side at least to the ground surface, which groove and tongue
each have an at least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove
undercuts the inner edge segment of the first covering part and the
tongue protrudes beyond the outer edge segment of the second
covering part, wherein the undercut of the groove and the part of
the tongue protruding beyond the edge each have an at least partly
chamfered profile.
15. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inner edge segment
of the first covering part and the outer edge segment of the second
covering part run substantially transversely of the visual side of
the relevant covering part.
16. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein the groove and the
tongue each form profiles complementary to at least one of the
associated edge segments whereby a form-fitting connection between
the covering parts can be realized.
17. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least partly
curved profile forms a segment of a circle.
18. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein the other edge
segments define a gap in the mutually connected position of the
covering parts.
19. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein a chamfered surface is
defined between the visual side and the side edge of at least one
of the covering parts.
20. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein each covering part has
two parallel step-like side edges, the one of which is embodied
with the protruding backing side with groove, and the other with
the overhanging visual side with tongue.
21. Covering as claimed in claim 20, wherein each covering part has
two mutually parallel end edges, which enclose an angle with the
side edges, and which are provided with secondary coupling
elements.
22. Covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the two end edges also
take a step-like form such that the one covering part has a
protruding backing side and the other covering part has an
overhanging visual side, the secondary coupling element of the one
covering part is a recess formed on the top of the protruding
backing side, and the secondary coupling element of the other
covering part is a protrusion formed under the overhanging visual
side.
23. Covering as claimed in claim 14, wherein each covering part is
constructed from a relatively thick base layer forming the backing
side and, connected thereto, a top layer forming the visual side,
and the coupling elements, are formed in the base layer, wherein
the top layer is formed from a high-quality material, in particular
a high-grade type of wood.
24. Covering as claimed in claim 23, wherein the top layer has a
thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm and most
preferably in the order of 4 mm.
25. Covering part for use in a covering as claimed in claim 14,
said covering part having a backing side to be directed toward a
ground surface and a visual side remote therefrom, said covering
part further having two parallel side edges which each take a
step-like form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that
the covering part has a protruding backing side along a first one
of the side edges and an overhanging visual side along the other,
second side edge, said covering part being provided with co-acting
coupling elements placed along the respective side edges, wherein
the coupling element along the first side edge is a groove which is
formed in the protruding backing side and at least open to the
visual side, and the coupling element along the second side edge
forms a tongue extending from the overhanging visual side at least
to the ground surface, which groove and tongue each have an at
least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove undercuts the
inner edge segment of the first side edge and the tongue protrudes
beyond the outer edge segment of the second side edge, wherein the
undercut of the groove and the part of the tongue protruding beyond
the edge each have an at least partly chamfered profile.
26. Covering for arranging on a ground surface, in particular a
floor, comprising: at least two parallel form-retaining covering
parts which are mutually connected along adjacent side edges and
which have a backing side directed toward the ground surface and a
visual side remote therefrom, wherein the two side edges take a
step-like form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that
the first covering part has a protruding backing side and the
second covering part has an overhanging visual side, which covering
parts are provided with co-acting coupling elements placed along
the side edges, wherein the coupling element of the first covering
part is a groove which is formed in the protruding backing side and
at least open to the visual side, and the coupling element of the
second covering part forms a tongue extending from the overhanging
visual side at least to the ground surface, which groove and tongue
each have an at least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove
undercuts the inner edge segment of the first covering part and the
tongue protrudes beyond the outer edge segment of the second
covering part, and wherein the other edge segments define a gap in
the mutually connected position of the covering parts.
27. Covering for arranging on a ground surface, in particular a
floor, comprising: at least two parallel form-retaining covering
parts which are mutually connected along adjacent side edges and
which have a backing side directed toward the ground surface and a
visual side remote therefrom, wherein the two side edges take a
step-like form with an inner and an outer edge segment such that
the first covering part has a protruding backing side and the
second covering part has an overhanging visual side, which covering
parts are provided with co-acting coupling elements placed along
the side edges, wherein the coupling element of the first covering
part is a groove which is formed in the protruding backing side and
at least open to the visual side, and the coupling element of the
second covering part forms a tongue extending from the overhanging
visual side at least to the ground surface, which groove and tongue
each have an at least partly curved profile, and wherein the groove
undercuts the inner edge segment of the first covering part and the
tongue protrudes beyond the outer edge segment of the second
covering part, and wherein each covering part is constructed from a
relatively thick base layer forming the backing side and, connected
thereto, a top layer forming the visual side, and the coupling
elements, are formed in the base layer, wherein the top layer is
formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-grade
type of wood.
28. Covering as claimed in claim 27, wherein the top layer has a
thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm and most
preferably in the order of 4 mm.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a covering for arranging on a
ground surface, in particular a floor, comprising:
[0002] at least two parallel form-retaining covering parts which
are mutually connected along adjacent side edges and which have a
backing side directed toward the ground surface and a visual side
remote therefrom, wherein the two side edges take a step-like form
with an inner and an outer edge segment such that the first
covering part has a protruding backing side and the second covering
part has an overhanging visual side,
[0003] which covering parts are provided with co-acting coupling
elements placed along the side edges, wherein the coupling element
of the first covering part is a groove which is formed in the
protruding backing side and at least open to the visual side, and
the coupling element of the second covering part forms a tongue
extending from the overhanging visual side at least to the ground
surface, which groove and tongue each have an at least partly
curved profile, and wherein the groove undercuts the inner edge
segment of the first covering part and the tongue protrudes beyond
the outer edge segment of the second covering part.
[0004] Such a floor covering, which is for instance known from
DE-U-20300306, is marketed in diverse variants by different
suppliers, and is known under the collective name of "snap
laminate".
[0005] The snap laminate described in DE-U-20300306 consists of
elongate strips or planks of a laminated material. This material
comprises a relatively thick base layer, the actual plank, of an
inexpensive and easily processable board material, such as medium
density fibreboard (MDF) or high density fibreboard (HDF), on which
is arranged a relatively thin top layer of a decorative material,
for instance paper printed with a wood design. This top layer is
made wear-resistant by treatment with suitable synthetic resin. The
visual side of the laminate thus has the appearance of natural wood
but, because the laminate can be manufactured industrially, it
costs considerably less.
[0006] Snap laminate is intended mainly for laying by the DIY
enthusiast. It must therefore be possible for laying to take place
in simple manner and with a minimum of tools. To this end the
planks of the known snap laminate have a groove in one of the long
sides, while the opposite long side is provided with a tongue which
co-acts therewith. The groove is bounded at the top and bottom by a
lip, wherein the lip on the bottom side protrudes further than on
the top side. In similar manner the tongue protrudes further from
the bottom side than from the top side of the plank.
[0007] Two types of tongue and groove connection are shown in
DE-U-20300306, form-fitting and force-transmitting.
[0008] In the first variant of the laminate, as shown in FIG. 4,
the tongue and groove have, in each case together with adjoining
parts of the side edge, complementary profiles which fit together
without clearance. The tongue and groove are herein each provided
with a curved profile. As stated, the groove undercuts the visual
side of the plank, while the tongue protrudes outside the side edge
thereof. The undercut and the protruding part of the tongue
likewise have a curved profile. Adjoining planks are connected to
each other by inserting the tongue of the one plank at an angle
into the groove of the other plank and then placing the planks
again in one plane. Here the different curved profiles together
define the form-fitting connection between the planks.
[0009] In the second variant, the actual snap laminate, which is
shown for instance in FIG. 2 of this older publication, the lower
lip takes a thin form such that it is resiliently flexible. This
lip is provided on its end with a relatively low upright snap edge.
In similar manner the tongue is provided on its underside with a
low protruding snap edge which engages behind the snap edge of the
lower lip when two planks are connected on their side edges. As a
result of the resiliently flexible character of the lower lip, the
planks can be connected by sliding them against each other parallel
to their plane and then pressing with some force until the lower
lip bends out so far that the snap edge of the tongue slides over
the snap edge of the lip and fall therebehind. The planks are thus
snapped together.
[0010] Similar connecting systems are provided on the end surface
edges of the planks, whereby a plurality of planks can be laid
mutually in line.
[0011] The known snap laminate has a number of drawbacks. The thin,
resiliently flexible lower lip, which protrudes outside the end
edge of the plank, is thus relatively vulnerable during transport,
whereby there is the risk of damage which makes later connection of
the planks more difficult. Furthermore, once the snap connection
has been formed, it can only be released again with great effort,
wherein there is considerable danger of damage to the lower lip
then still occurring. In the case of for instance moving house, it
is therefore not readily possible to take up the snap laminate
floor once it has been laid. The principle of the snap connection
further entails that it is always under tension, wherein the
dimensioning is of great importance. The planks must therefore be
laid without clearance and under tension, whereby after connection
they cannot be displaced parallel to each other, or only with great
difficulty. A lubricant often has to be applied for this purpose in
practice between the tongue and the groove, whereby the number of
operations increases, as well as the cost. The material used must
moreover remain free of expansion or warping under the influence of
temperature and humidity.
[0012] The variant of the known laminate with the form-fitting
connection has the drawback of being difficult to manufacture as a
consequence of the large number of curved surfaces. The tip of the
tongue is moreover relatively thin, whereby it is vulnerable. The
corresponding angle of the tongue is relatively narrow, whereby
sawdust will soon accumulate there which will interfere with the
fit of the profiles. Finally, owing to the curved progression of
the protruding part of the tongue and the undercut, a clear
abutting surface is lacking, whereby accurate placing of the planks
against each other is made more difficult.
[0013] Other drawbacks of the known laminate are that in the
form-fitting variant of the connection the profiles of the side
edges are embodied such that nowhere is any gap formed. Expansion
or contraction of the base layer, as a consequence of variations in
for instance the air humidity or temperature, will immediately
result in deformation of the whole floor covering. As a result of
the use of printed paper or veneer as top layer, the known laminate
further has a cheap or low-quality appearance, while wear of this
thin top layer immediately results in the base layer becoming
visible.
[0014] The invention therefore has for its object to provide a
covering of the above stated type, wherein these drawbacks do not
occur. According to a first aspect of the invention this is
achieved in that the undercut of the groove and the part of the
tongue protruding beyond the edge each have an at least partly
chamfered profile. By making use of oblique profiles instead of
curved profiles for the undercut and the protruding part of the
tongue, a less vulnerable profile is obtained which furthermore
defines clear abutting surfaces.
[0015] A subsequent covering part can be connected to an already
laid part of the covering by simply lowering it from above into the
groove with its tongue at an angle and then rotating it back until
the chamfered profile parts rest against each other. No great
forces need be applied here to deform one of the two parts. In the
fitted position the covering parts are therefore still slidable
relative to each other parallel to the side edges.
[0016] A still simpler and more precise placing of the covering
parts is achieved when the inner edge segment of the first covering
part and the outer edge segment of the second covering part run
substantially transversely of the visual side of the relevant
covering part.
[0017] In order to enable the realization of a form-fitting
connection between the covering parts, the groove and the tongue
preferably each form profiles complementary to at least one of the
associated edge segments. This prevents clearance in the connection
without the tension-free character thereof being lost.
[0018] In order to achieve the most even possible movement during
laying of the covering parts, the at least partly curved profile
preferably forms a segment of a circle.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, the other
edge segments define a gap in the mutually connected position of
the covering parts. This achieves that possible expansion of the
covering parts as a result of heat or moisture does not result in
the connection bulging outward.
[0020] In order to simplify still further the placing of the
covering parts against each other, and thereby the realization of
the connection, a chamfered surface is preferably defined between
the visual side and the side edge of at least one of the covering
parts. The visual side hereby also acquires the appearance of a
traditional plank floor.
[0021] When each covering part has two parallel step-like side
edges, the one of which is embodied with the protruding backing
side with groove and the other with the overhanging visual side
with tongue, they can be connected on either side to adjoining
covering parts.
[0022] Each covering part can also have two mutually parallel end
edges which enclose an angle with the side edges and which are
provided with secondary coupling elements, so that a plurality of
covering parts can be laid mutually in line. A coupling of the end
edges which is easily combined with the coupling of the side edges
is obtained when the two end edges also take a step-like form such
that the one covering part has a protruding backing side and the
other covering part has an overhanging visual side, the secondary
coupling element of the one covering part is a recess formed on the
top of the protruding backing side, and the secondary coupling
element of the other covering part is a protrusion formed under the
overhanging visual side.
[0023] Each covering part can be constructed from a relatively
thick base layer forming the backing side and, connected thereto, a
top layer forming the visual side, wherein the coupling elements
are formed in the base layer. The cost of the covering can be
limited by making use of a base layer which is not visible and can
thus be manufactured from a relatively inexpensive material such as
MDF or HDF. A material can moreover be chosen for this purpose in
which the coupling elements can be formed with great accuracy and
dimensional stability.
[0024] In order to give the covering a "luxurious" appearance,
according to a third aspect of the invention the top layer is
formed from a high-quality material, in particular a high-grade
type of wood such as oak. The effect hereof is enhanced still
further when the top layer has a thickness of at least 1 mm,
preferably at least 2.5 mm and most preferably in the order of 4
mm. such a thick top layer, just as solid wood floor parts, can be
regularly sanded during its lifespan without the base material
becoming visible.
[0025] The invention also relates to a covering part intended for
use in a covering as described above.
[0026] Finally, the invention relates to a method for mutually
connecting in rapid and simple manner at least two such covering
parts, at least one of which is already arranged on a ground
surface. The method according to the invention comprises the steps
of orienting a side edge of the second covering part for connecting
to the first, already arranged covering part substantially parallel
to a free side edge of the first covering part, moving the second
covering part at a distance above the ground surface to the side
edge of the first covering part, rotating the second covering part
about an axis parallel to the side edge thereof, placing the tongue
of the second covering part at an angle into the groove of the
first covering part and, with forming of the connection, lowering
the second covering part onto the ground surface by rotating it in
the opposite direction. A strong and reliable connection can thus
be brought about with a simple rotation movement, wherein no force
need be exerted on the covering parts, and the use of additives
such as lubricant is not required.
[0027] Because the formed connection is tensionless, the second
covering part can, after connection thereof, be displaced parallel
to the side edge relative to the first covering part. It can thus
be carried easily to a desired position.
[0028] In order to form rows of covering parts that fit together,
it is possible after the first and second covering parts have been
mutually connected to arrange a third covering part in line with
the second covering part, which third covering part is attached by
connecting a side edge thereof to the first covering part, and an
end edge thereof to the second covering part. A relatively large
area can thus be covered very quickly.
[0029] The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of an
exemplary embodiment, wherein reference is made to the annexed
drawing, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a
covering according to the invention arranged on a ground
surface,
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section along line II-II in FIG. 1,
wherein the connection of the side edges of two adjoining covering
parts can be seen in the fitted situation,
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section in the same direction of two
adjoining covering parts during connection thereof
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view according to arrow IV in FIG. 1,
wherein the connection of the end edges of two covering parts lying
mutually in line can be seen in the fitted situation, and
[0034] FIG. 5 is side view in the same direction of two adjoining
covering parts during connection thereof.
[0035] A covering 2 arranged on a ground surface 1 consists of a
number of covering parts 4 laid in successive rows 3 on the ground
surface (FIG. 1). Each covering part 4 has two parallel, relatively
long side edges 5, 6, in addition to two likewise parallel,
relatively short end edges 7, 8. End edges 7, 8 enclose an angle
with side edges 5, 6, here a right angle.
[0036] Covering parts 4 in adjoining rows 3 of covering 2 are
connected to each other along their side edges 5, 6, while covering
parts 4 in the same row 3 are connected to each other along their
end edges 7, 8. Co-acting coupling elements 9, 10 are formed for
this purpose on side edges 5, 6 (FIG. 2), while end edges 7, 8 are
provided with co-acting secondary coupling elements 11, 12 (FIG.
4). These two pairs of coupling elements 9, 10 and 11, 12
respectively are adapted to form a force-transmitting and
form-fitting, tensionless connection between said edges 5, 6 and 7,
8 respectively.
[0037] Each covering part 4 has a backing side 13 directed toward
ground surface 1 and a visual side 14 remote therefrom. In the
shown exemplary embodiment each covering part is embodied as
laminate with a relatively thick base layer 15 of a less high-grade
material, such as MDF or HDF, and a top layer 16 of a higher grade
material, for instance oak. In the shown exemplary embodiment top
layer 16 has a thickness of about 4 mm, while the base layer 15 is
about 12 mm thick, so that the total thickness of covering part 4
amounts to about 16 mm. Covering part 4 could optionally be further
provided on the backing side with an underlay (not shown here) of a
damping or insulating material.
[0038] In the shown exemplary embodiment the side edges 5, 6 of
covering parts 4 each take a step-like form, and have an inner edge
segment 5i, 6i respectively and an outer edge segment 5o, 6o
respectively. The backing side 13 thus protrudes along the one side
edge 5, while the visual side 14 overhangs along the other side
edge 6. It should be borne in mind here that, although in FIGS. 2
and 3 the side edges 5, 6 form part of two different covering parts
4, each covering part 4 has two of these differently embodied side
edges 5, 6. The same applies for the end edges 7, 8 to be discussed
below.
[0039] The (primary) coupling elements 9, 10 along side edges 5, 6
of covering parts 4 form a kind of "tongue and groove" connection.
The first coupling element 9 herein takes the form of a groove
which is formed in the upper surface 17 of the protruding part of
backing side 13. The second coupling element 10 is formed by a
tongue which protrudes out of the lower surface 18 of the
overhanging part of visual side 14. Both coupling elements 9, 10
are here formed integrally with covering part 4 in base layer 15.
In the shown exemplary embodiment the groove 9 undercuts the inner
edge segment 5i, while tongue 10 protrudes beyond outer edge
segment 6o. In this manner the covering parts 4 are fixed
transversely of their plane in the fitted situation.
[0040] Groove 9 and tongue 10 have a corresponding profile form
and, together with the adjoining edge segments 5i, 6o and surfaces
17, 18, result in a form-fitting connection. The distance between
the outer edge segment 5o and the outermost undercut point of
groove 9 is however smaller than the distance between the inner
edge segment 6i and the outermost point of tongue 10, so that a
space 24 is defined between edge segments 5o and 6i in the fitted
situation of the covering parts. Expansion of the base material 15
can hereby be absorbed without this resulting in deformation on the
visual side 14.
[0041] The upper side 19 of groove 9 and the underside 20 of tongue
10 co-acting therewith, which together form the major part of the
contact surface, have a curved profile to enable mutual connection
of covering parts 4 by means of a rotation movement. In the shown
exemplary embodiment these two curved surfaces take the form of a
segment of a circle. In respect of the rotating insertion movement,
the undercut 21 of groove 9 and the upper side 22 of tongue 10
protruding beyond edge segment 6o further take an inclining form
relative to the plane of covering parts 4. The corners 23 between
the visual side 14 and side edges 5, 6 are also chamfered, whereby
covering parts 4 can be readily positioned for the connection to
each other.
[0042] The secondary coupling elements 11, 12 along end edges 7, 8
of covering parts 4 form a kind of hook connection. The one
secondary coupling element 11 is herein formed by a groove which is
recessed into the upper surface 25 of the protruding part of
backing side 13. The second secondary coupling element 12 takes the
form of a protrusion on the lower surface 26 of the overhanging
part of visual side 14. Both these secondary coupling elements 11,
12 are also formed integrally with covering part 4 in base layer
15.
[0043] Recess 11 and protrusion 12 once again have a corresponding
profile form, so that here too a form-fitting connection is
obtained. In order to simplify connection of end edges 7, 8, recess
11 and protrusion 12 are further provided with chamfered edges,
whereby they are self-centring.
[0044] For the purpose of laying a covering part 4 on the ground
surface and connecting thereof along side edge 6 to the side edge 5
of a covering part 4 already laid in a preceding row 3, the
covering part 4 for laying is first held parallel to the already
laid part 4. It is then rotated about an axis parallel to side
edges 5, 6, whereby tongue 10 is oriented obliquely toward groove
9. This covering part 4 is subsequently placed with its chamfered
corner 23 close to or against the corner 23 of the already laid
part 4, and then rotated back again on the same axis, wherein the
curved underside 20 of tongue 10 slides over the curved upper side
19 of groove 9 until the upper surface 22 of tongue 10 rests
against the surface 21 of groove 9.
[0045] When a subsequent covering part 4 must be laid in a row 3
where a covering part 4 has already been laid, it is first
positioned with its corner 23 against the corner 23 of a covering
part 4 in a preceding row 3 in the manner described above. The thus
positioned covering part is then displaced parallel to side edges
5, 6 until its end edge 8 reaches the end edge 7 of the covering
part 4 already laid in the same row 3. Covering part 4 is
subsequently rotated downward, wherein its tongue 10 drops into the
groove 9 of the covering part 4 laid in the preceding row 3, and
its protrusion 12 drops into the recess 11 of the covering part 4
already laid in the same row 3. The new covering part 4 is thus
hereby fixed simultaneously in longitudinal and in transverse
direction.
[0046] This covering part 4 can otherwise also be connected first
to the covering part 4 in the preceding row 3, and then be
displaced in the connected position to the end edge 7 of the
preceding covering part 4 in its row 3. Here the new covering part
4 can then be rotated upward again to allow protrusion 12 to pass
over end edge 7, whereafter it can be rotated back again. These
movements are possible because all connections between side edges
5, 6 and between end edges 7, 8 are tensionless according to the
invention.
[0047] The invention thus makes it possible to provide a large area
with a form-retaining covering in relatively short time and with
little effort. In addition, the covering can also be removed again
at a later time in rapid and simple manner. Furthermore, owing to
the laminated character with a relatively thick top layer of
high-quality material the covering has a luxurious appearance,
while it can nonetheless be manufactured at relatively low
cost.
[0048] Although the invention is elucidated above with reference to
one exemplary embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is
not limited thereto. The tongue and groove whereby the side edges
are connected could thus take a different form, for instance with
only partly curved surfaces, or surfaces with a varying radius of
curvature. The undercut and the protruding part of the tongue could
also be formed differently. In addition, the tongue and the groove
do not have to extend over the whole length of the covering parts.
Different variants can also be envisaged for the connection of the
end edges. It is for instance possible to envisage a number of
studs and holes instead of coupling elements over the whole width
of the covering parts. Finally, it is also possible to envisage the
covering being arranged on a surface other than a floor, for
instance a wall.
[0049] The scope of the invention is therefore defined solely by
the appended claims.
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