Skirting board

Abstract

The skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. The front part and the upper part comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color. The skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and a female coupling part at the second short edge, so that two such skirting boards can be coupled together. The skirting board is configured such that the coupling can be easily performed with the coupling parts.

Description

[0001] Skirting board

[0002] The invention relates to a skirting board and to a flooring system comprising floor panels and a skirting board.

[0003] W02005 / 059270A1 describes a skirting board comprising coupling parts at its edges such that such skirting boards can be mechanically coupled together.

[0004] EP3408469A1 relates to a skirting board for a floor covering. The skirting board comprises a body comprising at least a core material and a decorative top layer. The body comprises a longitudinal part forming at least a part of the front side of the skirting board. The body also comprises an upper part forming at least a part of the upper side of the skirting board. The transition between the front side and the upper side is curved, wherein at the level of the transition a part of the core material has been replaced by a filler having a different composition than the core material. The decorative top layer extends continuously in the transition between the front side and the upper side of the skirting board.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide skirting boards that can be easily installed.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide skirting boards that when combined with floor panels form a visually attractive flooring.

[0007] The first aspect of the invention is a skirting board. The skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. The enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color. The skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of a second such skirting board. The core of the front part is at least directly or indirectly attached to the core of the upper part by means of an adhesive connection. The adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board from the end of the second short edge, is not present from the distal end of the female coupling part to a distance DI beyond the proximal end of the female coupling part.

[0008] That the adhesive connection is not present from the distal end of the female coupling part to a distance DI beyond the proximal end of the female coupling part has the important advantage of facilitating the coupling of the male coupling part to the female coupling part. In fact, adhesive on the female coupling part could cause an obstruction to occur, preventing correct insertion of the male coupling part into the female coupling part. In embodiments in which the female coupling part must undergo a deformation, whether or not it is a (partial) temporary deformation, to enable the coupling with proper locking of the two skirting boards, adhesive on the female coupling part can make this deformation more difficult or even completely prevent it.

[0009] The distance DI need not necessarily be large. Therefore, the distance DI is preferably less than 50 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm. Such embodiments have the advantage that the skirting board has a robust construction.

[0010] Preferably, the adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction from the end of the first short edge, is not present from the distal end of the male coupling part to a distance D2 beyond the proximal end of the male coupling part.

[0011] This embodiment has the important, synergistic advantage of facilitating the coupling of the male coupling part to the female coupling part. In fact, adhesive on the male coupling part could cause an obstruction to occur, preventing correct insertion of the male coupling part into the female coupling part. The distance D2 need not be large. Therefore, the distance D2 is preferably less than 50 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm. Such embodiments have the advantage that the skirting board has a robust construction.

[0012] When the core of the front part is indirectly attached to the core of the upper part, this is preferably carried out by means of an insert glued both to the core of the front part and to the core of the upper part.

[0013] The second aspect of the invention is a skirting board. The skirting board is optionally a skirting board according to any embodiment of the skirting board of the first aspect of the invention. The skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. The enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color. The skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board. The skirting board comprises a batten, attached over at least a part of the length of the skirting board to the back of the front part of the skirting board and / or to the underside of the upper part of the skirting board. The batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part.

[0014] Skirting boards according to the second aspect of the invention have the advantage that their coupling parts can be more easily coupled to each other. Because the batten is absent over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part - and preferably over a part of the length as viewed from the distal end of the female coupling part - the female coupling part can bend backwards when coupling, which makes coupling easier. In skirting boards according to the second aspect of the invention, the front part is preferably attached at least by an adhesive connection directly or indirectly to the upper part.

[0015] When the core of the front part is indirectly attached to the core of the upper part, this is preferably carried out by means of an insert glued both to the core of the front part and to the core of the upper part.

[0016] Preferably, the batten is not present, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the female coupling part. These embodiments have the advantage that skirting boards can be coupled together even more easily and securely using the coupling parts.

[0017] Preferably, the female coupling part comprises a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip, wherein the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, in at least a part of the length of the rear lip, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the rear lip.

[0018] These embodiments have the advantage that easy coupling of the coupling parts is possible. The rear lip can bend backwards during coupling, as the batten does not hinder or restrict this.

[0019] Preferably, the male coupling part comprises a tongue, and the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the tongue, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the tongue.

[0020] This embodiment has the advantage of facilitating the insertion of the tongue into the female coupling part, as the batten does not restrict this. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the batten makes contact with at least a part of the upper part of the skirting board, and wherein the batten preferably supports the upper part of the skirting board.

[0021] This ensures a more robust structure of the skirting board, avoiding damage or deformation of the skirting board during coupling.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the batten makes contact with at least a part of the upper part of the skirting board, and wherein the batten preferably supports the upper part of the skirting board; and wherein the batten makes contact with at least a part of the front part of the skirting board.

[0023] This provides a more robust structure of the skirting board as the batten supports the front part and the upper part of the skirting board. This avoids damage or deformation of the skirting board during coupling. It also ensures that an aesthetically pleasing transition is obtained between the upper part and the front part of the skirting board. This allows the skirting board, if the top layer comprises a printed decor, to be a more realistic imitation of a real wood skirting board if the printed decor displays a wood imitation.

[0024] However, it is possible for the batten not to make contact with the upper part of the skirting board. Such embodiments have the advantage that the batten can be placed lower. This allows for a more stable placement of the skirting board against a wall.

[0025] Preferably, the rear side of the front part of the skirting board comprises a recess, and the batten is arranged in the recess at the rear side of the front part of the skirting board. More preferably, the batten is attached in the recess by means of an adhesive.

[0026] These embodiments make it possible to obtain a robust skirting board that can be coupled reliably.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the batten has a concave cross section. More preferably, the batten has a concave part at the rear side of the skirting board, wherein preferably at least two parallel surfaces of the batten are provided to make contact between the skirting board and the wall when the skirting board is applied against a wall.

[0028] It is an advantage that such skirting boards can be applied more reliably.

[0029] The batten can have an L-shaped cross section.

[0030] Preferably, the bottom of the batten is located in the lower half of the height of the skirting board. This has the advantage that the skirting board can be placed correctly against a wall in a stable way.

[0031] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, the batten does not protrude beyond the top layer of the skirting board at the short edges of the skirting board.

[0032] Preferably, the batten comprises a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is provided parallel to the surface of the upper part of the skirting board to make contact with a wall. These embodiments provide a skirting board that can easily be placed correctly against a wall.

[0033] The batten can be a batten made of wood-fiber material (preferably MDF) or plastic, which may or may not be filled.

[0034] The batten can be manufactured from wood fiber material, and the core of the front part of the skirting board and the core of the upper part of the skirting board can be manufactured from wood fiberboard, wherein the density of the batten is lower than the density of the wood fiberboard from which the core of the front part of the skirting board and the core of the upper part of the skirting board are manufactured.

[0035] Both in embodiments of the skirting board of the first aspect of the invention and in embodiments of the skirting board of the second aspect of the invention, the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 80° and 100°. Preferably, in preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the invention, the coupling of skirting boards results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0036] This ensures that stable and correct placement of the skirting board is possible.

[0037] Preferably, the male coupling part comprises a tongue and the female coupling part comprises a groove.

[0038] In skirting boards according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention, the female coupling part comprises a groove flanked by a rear lip and by a front lip; and the male coupling part comprises a tongue; wherein the tongue and the groove, when coupled, provide locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. This ensures that stable and correct placement of the skirting board is possible.

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue; and in that the female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards and perpendicular to the coupled edges. This ensures that stable and correct placement of the skirting board is possible.

[0040] The locking parts preferably comprise a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue. Preferably, the rear lip extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip.

[0041] Preferably, the rear lip can bend backwards during coupling, such that the male coupling part can be easily inserted into the female coupling part.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the male coupling part is coupled into the female coupling part with a preload. This has the advantage that the joint between coupled skirting boards is pressed tightly shut, thus providing a visually attractive coupling of the skirting boards.

[0043] This preload can be obtained, for example, by the rear lip exerting pressure on the tongue in the coupled state.

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board with its first short edge can be coupled to the second short edge of a second such skirting board by means of a turning movement of the front part of the skirting board relative to the front part of the second such skirting board.

[0045] More preferably, both the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board comprise the coupling parts; wherein the coupling parts are configured such that in the turning movement both the coupling part at the front parts of the skirting boards and the coupling parts at the upper parts of the skirting boards can be coupled. These embodiments ensure that the skirting boards can be easily coupled together, wherein the skirting boards are stably coupled.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board with its first short edge can be coupled to the second short edge of a second such skirting board by means of a sliding movement of the skirting board parallel to the second such skirting board; wherein a clicking effect preferably occurs during the coupling. These embodiments ensure that the skirting boards can be easily coupled together, wherein the skirting boards are stably coupled.

[0047] An independent aspect of the invention relates to a skirting board. This skirting board is preferably a skirting board according to the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention. The skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. Preferably, the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color. The front part of the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge. The front part of the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part at the front part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the front part of the second such skirting board; wherein this coupling of the front parts results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The upper part of the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge. The upper part of the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part of the upper part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part of the upper part to the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling of the upper parts results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled upper parts, but wherein these coupling parts at the upper part of the skirting board do not provide locking in the direction in the surface of the coupled upper parts and perpendicular to the surface of the coupled upper parts.

[0048] This skirting board has the advantage that the skirting boards can be coupled together more easily. This embodiment also has the advantage that skirting boards according to the invention can be made from a wider range of floor panels, by allowing adaptation of the coupling parts to the upper part of the skirting board.

[0049] This embodiment is particularly useful for the production of skirting boards from floor panels that can be coupled together by means of a turning movement, but cannot be coupled together by a horizontal sliding movement with respect to each other.

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the male coupling part comprises a lip with a rearwardly directed hook-shaped element, and in that the female coupling part is formed by a recess proximal to a forwardly directed hook-shaped element. The male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such skirting boards can be coupled at their respective short edges by a movement wherein the two skirting boards can be brought together parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transition zone; wherein in the coupled state the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element is contained in the recess in order to provide for a locking of the coupled skirting boards in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0051] It is an advantage of such embodiments that a coupling of skirting boards can be achieved by pushing them together via a diagonal movement.

[0052] Also, these skirting boards can be coupled by pushing the male coupling part of the front part of one skirting board with the front part of this skirting board parallel to another skirting board perpendicular to the front part of the other skirting board into the female coupling part of the front part of the other skirting board, wherein, at the same time, the male coupling part at the upper part of the skirting board is pushed into the female coupling part at the upper part of the skirting board.

[0053] Also, these skirting boards can be coupled by pushing the male coupling part of the upper part of one skirting board with the upper part of this skirting board parallel to another skirting board perpendicular to the upper part of the other skirting board into the female coupling part of the upper part of the other skirting board, wherein at the same time the male coupling part at the front part of the skirting board is pushed into the female coupling part at the front part of the skirting board.

[0054] These embodiments also have the advantage that skirting boards can be manufactured from floor panels that have coupling parts such that the floor panels can be coupled according to what is known as the ‘fold-down’ principle.

[0055] In embodiments in which the male coupling part comprises a lip with a rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and in which the female coupling part is formed by a recess proximal to a forwardly directed hook-shaped element, the coupling members optionally comprise locking parts for providing, in the coupled state of the skirting boards, locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0056] In embodiments in which the male coupling part comprises a lip with a rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and in which the female coupling part is formed by a recess proximal to a forwardly directed hook-shaped element, the coupling parts can be configured so that when the skirting boards are coupled, no locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. These embodiments have the advantage that the skirting boards can be assembled very easily. These embodiments have the advantage that the skirting boards can be easily disassembled.

[0057] More preferably, these locking parts for providing, in the coupled state of the skirting boards, locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards are configured according to one or more of the following options:

[0058] - option 1 : an insert in the second short edge and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element;

[0059] - option 2: an insert in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the second short edge;

[0060] - option 3: a protrusion on the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the second short edge;

[0061] - option 4: a protrusion on the second short edge and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith on the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element;

[0062] - option 5: wherein the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and the forwardly directed hook-shaped element are provided such that, in the coupled state, locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the contact between the proximal flank of the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and the proximal flank of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element;

[0063] - option 6: wherein the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element and the first short edge are configured such that, in the coupled state, locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the interaction between the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element and the first short edge.

[0064] The coupling parts can also be configured according to option 1 or according to option 2, but without the insert mentioned in these options. Preferably, no locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards is then obtained after the skirting boards are coupled. These embodiments have the advantage that the skirting boards are easy to assemble and also easy to disassemble. These skirting boards can be used for a floor covering that comprises floor panels wherein the coupling parts are configured as described above for the skirting boards of option 1 or option 2. The skirting boards can be produced from such floor panels wherein the insert is omitted or removed such that it is not in the skirting board.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the first aspect and / or according to the second aspect of the invention are characterized in that the coupling parts are provided both at the front part of the skirting board and at the upper part of the skirting board. This ensures very stable coupling of the skirting board.

[0066] Preferably, the coupling parts at the front part of the skirting board and the coupling parts at the upper part of the skirting board are configured to be identical. Such skirting board can be produced from a floor panel that already comprises the coupling parts at its short edges.

[0067] Particularly interesting preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized in that the coupling parts are provided both at the front part of the skirting board and at the upper part of the skirting board; and in that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board with its first short edge can be coupled to the second short edge of a second such skirting board by means of a turning movement of the front part of the skirting board relative to the front part of the second such skirting board wherein the coupling means of the front part of the skirting board are coupled; and in that the coupling means are configured such that in this turning movement the coupling means at the first short edge and at the second short edge at the upper side of the skirting boards are coupled together.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, coupling parts are provided only at the front part of the skirting board and not at the upper part of the skirting board. These embodiments provide a simpler construction of the skirting board. Because usually the upper part of the skirting board is smaller than the front part of the skirting board, proper coupling is still achieved.

[0069] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the material of the core of the front part of the skirting board is the same as the material of the core of the upper part.

[0070] This has the advantage that the skirting board can be manufactured from a single panel.

[0071] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the transition zone comprises a curved transition zone, wherein the top layer of the front part of the skirting board extends continuously over the curved transition zone into the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board.

[0072] This has the advantage that the skirting board can be manufactured from a single panel, and that a visually attractive skirting board is obtained. Preferably, the curved transition zone comprises a core, wherein the core of the front part extends continuously in a thinner thickness as the core of the curved transition zone into the core of the upper part. This embodiment has the advantage that the skirting board can be produced more easily, and hot forming of the curved transition zone can be carried out more reliably.

[0073] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the transition zone comprises a contact of an inner edge of the front part of the skirting board with an inner edge of the upper part of the skirting board, wherein this contact comprises at least a contact of at least a part of the top layer of the front part of the skirting board with the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board; wherein preferably no adhesive is present in the contact between the top layer of the front part of the skirting board with the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board.

[0074] These embodiments allow skirting boards to be obtained with a visually attractive transition zone between the front part and the upper part of the skirting board.

[0075] More preferably, the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board are attached to each other as separate mitered parts.

[0076] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention, wherein the core of the front part is at least directly or indirectly attached to the core of the upper part by means of an adhesive connection, is characterized in that the adhesive connection is at least present in the transition zone between the front part and the upper part of the skirting board, wherein more preferably at least the adhesive connection in the transition zone includes an adhesion of the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board with, preferably directly with, the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board. Preferably, the adhesive connection is at least partially or fully present in a recess in the inner edge of the front part of the skirting board and / or is at least partially or fully present in a recess in the inner edge of the upper part of the skirting board.

[0077] This recess / these recesses is / are more preferably located beneath the top layer.

[0078] Embodiments in which the adhesive connection is at least partially or completely present in such recess or recesses have the advantage of producing a skirting board with a more visually attractive transition zone.

[0079] Preferably, the adhesive connection in the transition zone includes an adhesion of the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board with the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board, wherein the adhesive thickness between the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board and the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board is at least 0.05 mm, more preferably at least 0.1 mm, and more preferably at least 0.2 mm.

[0080] These embodiments ensure that the skirting boards can be coupled reliably and correctly via their coupling parts. In particular, a certain space is created which makes it possible that, in the case of coupling parts in which the female coupling part comprises a rear lip, the rear lip can bend backwards such that the male coupling part can be easily inserted into the female coupling part.

[0081] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the skirting board comprises an insert, wherein the curved transition zone curves over the insert; wherein the insert is glued to the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board and is glued to the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board.

[0082] Such embodiments have the advantage that the insert can ensure that a certain space is formed such that the coupling parts of the upper part of the skirting board and of the front part of the skirting board can bend sufficiently so that the male coupling part can be inserted correctly and without difficulty into the female coupling part.

[0083] For skirting boards that comprise a batten as described above, it can be advantageous for the insert to be a part of the batten. This facilitates the production of the skirting board.

[0084] Preferably, the insert is not present, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part. This facilitates the coupling of the skirting boards by means of their coupling parts.

[0085] Preferably, the insert is not present, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, over the entire length of the female coupling part. This facilitates the coupling of the skirting boards by means of their coupling parts.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the female coupling part comprises a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip; wherein the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, in at least a part of the length of the rear lip, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the rear lip. This facilitates the coupling of the skirting boards by means of their coupling parts.

[0087] In preferred embodiments, the male coupling part comprises a tongue; and the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the tongue, and more preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the tongue. This facilitates the coupling of the skirting boards by means of their coupling parts.

[0088] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the decor of the top layer of the front part decoratively continues into the decor of the top layer of the upper part. A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the top layer of the front part of the skirting board, and the top layer of the transition zone, and the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board comprise a texture, more preferably a texture in register with the printed decor.

[0089] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the core of the front part and the core of the upper part comprise or are selected from a wood-based board (e.g., a wood fiberboard - MDF or HDF - or a particle board, or a plywood board) or a plastic-based board optionally filled with fillers (e.g., a PVC-based board, a polyolefin-based board or a polyester-based board).

[0090] As an example, the core of the front part and the core of the top part can consist of or comprise a wood fiberboard; and the batten can be a wood fiber batten, wherein the density of the wood fiberboard of the cores is higher than the density of the wood fiberboard of the batten.

[0091] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the top layer comprises a resin-impregnated paper layer or a polymer film; wherein this paper layer or this printed polymer film comprises the printed decor.

[0092] In embodiments in which the top layer comprises a printed decor, the printed decor is preferably at least formed by printing on the core of the upper part of the skirting board and on the core of the front part of the skirting board.

[0093] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the top layer comprises a wear layer, wherein the wear layer comprises a resin-impregnated paper layer which optionally comprises hard particles such as aluminum oxide particles. A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the wear layer comprises a plastic film, optionally with a polymer coating thereon, for example with an acrylic coating thereon.

[0094] A skirting board according to one or more of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the top layer comprises a wear layer, wherein the wear layer comprises a coating, preferably an acrylic coating. More preferably, the wear layer does not comprise a paper layer or a plastic film.

[0095] It has been found that such skirting boards have the advantage that they can be easily produced, as folding the panel from which the skirting board is manufactured into a skirting board having a front part, a curved transition zone and an upper part is easy and less risky.

[0096] A preferred embodiment of a skirting board according to one of the aspects of the invention is characterized in that the top layer is a direct pressure laminate (DPL) top layer.

[0097] The third aspect of the invention relates to a skirting board. The skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. Preferably, the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color. The skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge. The skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board. Preferably, the coupling results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The core of the front part is at least directly or indirectly attached to the core of the upper part by means of an adhesive connection. The male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue. The female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip. Preferably, the rear lip extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. Both the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board are provided with these coupling parts; wherein a gap is provided in the transition zone between the inner edge of the rear lip of the upper part of the skirting board and the inner edge of the rear lip of the front part of the skirting board.

[0098] The presence of this gap between the inner edge of the rear lip of the upper part of the skirting board and the inner edge of the rear lip of the front part of the skirting board creates space such that both rear lips can bend backwards during coupling of the skirting boards, such that coupling can be carried out easily and correctly.

[0099] This gap preferably extends from the distal end of the rear lip of both the front part of the skirting board and the distal end of the rear lip of the upper part of the skirting board. This gap need not extend from the distal end of the rear lip over the entire length of the rear lips. The gap can extend from the distal end of the rear lips along part of the length of the rear lips.

[0100] In embodiments wherein the rear lip of the upper part and the rear lip of the front part both comprise a locking part in the form of a protrusion on the rear lip, the gap preferably extends from the distal end of the rear lips in the proximal direction of the skirting board at least over the entire length of this protrusion.

[0101] Preferably, in the skirting board of the third aspect of the invention, the tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts, which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards, the locking parts preferably comprising a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue. The skirting board of the third aspect of the invention can be a skirting board according to any embodiment of the skirting board of the first aspect of the invention or according to any embodiment of the skirting board of the second aspect of the invention.

[0102] The skirting board according to the third aspect of the invention can also comprise one or more features as described in embodiments of the skirting board of the first aspect or of the second aspect of the invention.

[0103] Skirting boards according to embodiments of one or more of the aspects of the invention have the advantage that they can be manufactured from floor panels. This means that the skirting board, in the case of floor panels with top layers comprising a printed decor, has the same visual decor - with respect to printed decor and with respect to texture - as these floor panels. Such skirting boards can thus also be combined with such floor panels so that in a floor covering, the skirting board has the same decor as the floor panels.

[0104] “The same decor” does not necessarily mean photographically identical, but the same visual appearance. For example, that of a wood decor, wherein the different floor panels and the skirting board exhibit variations that are an expression of the natural variations of wood panels.

[0105] The fourth aspect of the invention is a skirting board system. The skirting board system comprises at least two skirting boards attached to a wall. The skirting boards comprise a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. Preferably, the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer. The top layer can comprise a printed decor or have a uniform color. The skirting boards comprise a male coupling part at the first short edge of their front part and a female coupling part at the second short edge of their front part. The at least two skirting boards are coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts. The male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue. The female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip. Preferably, the rear lip extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The locking parts comprise a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue. The skirting boards are attached to the wall by means of a nail, screw, staple or other attachment means, wherein the nail, screw, staple or other attachment means are applied through the rear lip and / or through the locking part of the female coupling part.

[0106] In this way, skirting boards can be quickly attached to the wall without the attachment means being visible, since the nail, screw or staple or other attachment means is covered by the coupled skirting board.

[0107] A preferred embodiment of the skirting system of the fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the skirting boards each comprise a batten, attached over at least a part of the length of the skirting boards to the back of the front part of the skirting board and / or to the underside of the upper part of the skirting boards; wherein the nail, screw or staple is applied through the batten.

[0108] Preferably, the skirting board system of the fourth aspect of the invention comprises skirting boards according to any one embodiment of the first aspect, the second aspect or the third aspect of the invention.

[0109] Preferably, the skirting boards of the skirting board system of the fourth aspect of the invention comprise one or more features of embodiments of skirting boards according to one or more of the aspects of the invention.

[0110] The fifth aspect of the invention is a skirting board system. The skirting board system comprises two skirting boards that can be attached to a wall and a clip. The skirting boards comprise a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between their front part and their upper part. Preferably, the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is between 30° and 150°. The front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer. The top layer can comprise a printed decor or have a uniform color. The skirting boards comprise a male coupling part at the first short edge of their front part. The skirting boards comprise a female coupling part at the second short edge of their front part. The two skirting boards can be coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts. The male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue. The female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip. Preferably, the rear lip extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The locking parts comprise a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue. The skirting boards can be attached to the wall using the clip. The clip comprises a panel part and a wall portion. The panel part comprises a holding portion, wherein the locking part of the female coupling part can be contained in the holding portion. The wall portion comprises an attachment portion, wherein the wall portion can be attached to a wall by means of a screw through the attachment portion or by means of another mechanical attachment element through the attachment portion.

[0111] The skirting board system of the fifth aspect of the invention allows skirting boards to be mechanically attached to the wall in a quick manner without attachment means being visible.

[0112] A preferred embodiment of the skirting board system of the fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the clip is configured or can be attached to the wall in such a way that expansion and contraction of the skirting boards can be accommodated. This embodiment has the advantage that skirting boards can be mounted to the wall with mechanical attachment means without fear of problems due to expansion or contraction of the skirting boards.

[0113] Preferably, the clip is configured in such a way that the attachment portion is flexible and / or movable relative to the holding portion.

[0114] In this way, in the skirting board system of the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to efficiently accommodate expansion or contraction of the skirting boards.

[0115] Preferably, the skirting board system of the fifth aspect of the invention comprises skirting boards according to any one embodiment of one or more of the aspects of the invention.

[0116] Preferably, the skirting boards of the skirting board system of the fifth aspect of the invention comprise one or more features of embodiments of skirting boards according to the one or more of the aspects of the invention.

[0117] The sixth aspect of the invention is a flooring system. The flooring system is characterized in that the flooring system comprises a plurality of floor panels and a skirting board - and preferably a plurality of skirting boards - as in any embodiment of the first aspect and / or of the second aspect and / or of the third aspect of the invention. The top layer of the skirting board comprises a printed decor. The floor panels comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer of the floor panels comprises a printed decor. The decor of the floor panels corresponds with the decor of the skirting board. The floor panels and the skirting board have an identical structure with respect to the core and the top layer.

[0118] Such flooring system has the advantage that the skirting board(s) that it comprises can be manufactured from a floor panel. The floor panel comprises a core and a top layer. The core of the floor panel then forms the core of the skirting board, and the top layer of the floor panel then forms the top layer of the skirting board. As a result, no separate materials - and no supply of separate materials - are required to produce the skirting board. The skirting board also comprises an identical decor to the floor panel from which it is manufactured. When the skirting board is used in the flooring system with similar floor panels to those from which the skirting board is manufactured, a floor covering is obtained in which the skirting board has the same decor as the floor panels. This creates a very aesthetically pleasing effect in the floor covering.

[0119] The printed decor of the floor panels corresponds with the printed decor of the skirting board. Preferably, the printed decor of the skirting board is essentially the same as the printed decor of the floor panels of the flooring system.

[0120] The expression “essentially the same printed decor” means that the same visual impression of material is obtained, for example the imitation of the same wood decor, including the natural variations of the wood, so that the printed decor of the skirting board and of the floor panels also has variations.

[0121] This has the advantage that in the flooring system both the skirting board and floor panels can be an imitation of the same natural material, for example, an imitation of the same wood decor.

[0122] Preferably, both the skirting board and the floor panels have a texture in their decorative surface. More preferably, these textures are also corresponding, thus producing an even better imitation of the same natural material, for example, an imitation of the same wood decor.

[0123] Preferably, the flooring system comprises a plurality of floor panels of the same length as the length of the skirting board. In a floor covering, this allows a skirting board to be placed on a floor panel, wherein both short edges of skirting board and floor panel lie together.

[0124] Preferably, the floor panels in the flooring system are rectangular and oblong, wherein the floor panels at the first short edge comprise a male coupling part and at the second short edge comprise a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part is provided for coupling the floor panel at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such floor panel via the female coupling part at the second short edge of a second such floor panel; wherein the coupling parts of the floor panels are configured the same as the coupling parts of the skirting board.

[0125] Preferably, the male coupling part and the female coupling part are provided at the respective short edges of the skirting board both at the front part of the skirting board and at the upper part of the skirting board.

[0126] The flooring system can comprise a skirting board system according to any one embodiment of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0127] In the aspects of the invention, the top layer can comprise a printed decor or have a uniform color. Top layers with a uniform color can be top layers that have been provided with a uniform color by a dyeing process - for example, a process of dyeing the paper of the top layer, for example, white. Top layers of uniform color can also be top layers suitable for painting.

[0128] With a view to better demonstrating the characteristics of the invention, the following, as an example without any restrictive character, describes some preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0129] Fig. 1 shows an example of a floor panel that can be used in the invention;

[0130] Fig. 2 shows a step from the production of a skirting board according to the invention from the floor panel of Fig. 1;

[0131] Fig. 3 shows an example of a skirting board according to the invention;

[0132] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the skirting board of Fig. 3;

[0133] Fig. 5 shows a cross section of another example of a skirting board according to the invention;

[0134] Fig. 6 shows a detail of Fig. 5;

[0135] Fig. 7 shows the skirting board of Fig. 3 viewed from the rear side thereof; Fig. 8 - in the same view as Fig. 4 and 5 - shows another example of a skirting board according to the invention;

[0136] Fig. 9 shows a detail of Fig. 8;

[0137] Fig. 10 illustrates the principle of coupling two skirting boards with coupling parts as in Fig. 7;

[0138] Fig. 11 A, 11B and 11C illustrate ways in which skirting boards with coupling parts as in Fig. 7 can be coupled;

[0139] Fig. 12A-12F illustrate alternative coupling parts for use in skirting boards and floor covering systems according to the invention;

[0140] Fig. 13 A and 13B show methods for coupling skirting boards with coupling parts according to Fig. 12A-12F;

[0141] Fig. 14 shows a detail of an example of a skirting board according to the invention; Fig. 15 shows a detail according to F15 of the skirting board of Fig. 3; Fig. 16 shows skirting boards attached to a wall according to an aspect the invention;

[0142] Fig. 17 shows skirting boards attached to a wall with a clip according to an aspect of the invention;

[0143] Fig. 18 - 20 show embodiments of clips that can be used for attachment, according to aspects of the invention, of skirting boards to a wall;

[0144] Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of a skirting board according to the invention in a similar view to that in Fig. 7; and

[0145] Fig. 22 shows the skirting board of Fig. 21 in the same view as in Fig. 15.

[0146] Fig. 1 shows an example of a floor panel 1 which can be used to produce a skirting board according to the invention, and which can also be used in a flooring system according to the invention.

[0147] The floor panel 1 is rectangular and oblong and comprises a top layer 2. The floor panel 1 comprises coupling parts 3a, 3b at its long edges such that two such floor panels can be coupled together at their long edges. The floor panel comprises coupling parts 3c, 3d at its short edges such that two such floor panels can be coupled together at their short edges.

[0148] Fig. 2 shows a step from the production of a skirting board according to the invention from the floor panel of Fig. 1, in the view indicated by II-II of Fig. 1. The floor panel has a core 5 and a top layer 2. The top layer 2 comprises a printed decor and a texture in register with the decor. The floor panel can, for example, realistically imitate a parquet floor panel. The floor panel is brought to the desired width, wherein the coupling parts are removed at the long edges. Material is removed from the back of the floor panel. This can be done up to just in front, up to on (as shown in Fig. 2), up to just in, or up to just through the top layer 2. By removing material, a recess 8 and a first panel section 6a and a second panel section 6b are created.

[0149] By means of a turning movement W, the inner edge 9b of the second panel part 6b can be brought up to the inner edge 9a of the first panel part 6a and glued thereto. As a result, a skirting board 10 according to the invention can be obtained, as shown in Fig. 3. Here, the first panel part 6a forms the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board and the second panel part 6b forms the front part I la of the skirting board. A transition zone 12 is located between the front part I la and the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board. In the example in Fig. 3, the enclosed angle A between the front part I la and the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board is 90°. However, other angles are also possible.

[0150] Thus, the front part I la and the upper part 1 lb each comprise the core and the top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor of the floor panel from which the skirting board 10 is manufactured.

[0151] In the example, the transition zone 12 is a curved transition zone, wherein the top layer of the front part 1 la of the skirting board extends continuously over the curved transition zone 12 into the top layer of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board. This can be achieved by - as shown in Fig. 2 - not cutting through - and preferably not into - the top layer 2 of the floor panel 1 from which the skirting board is manufactured. In this case, the curved transition zone comprises a thin section of the core of the floor panel from which the skirting board is manufactured. As a result, the decor of the top layer of the front part 1 la of the skirting board decoratively extends into the decor of the top layer of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board.

[0152] In the example, the skirting board - because the skirting board has been manufactured from the floor panel of Fig. 1 - comprises at the first short edge a male coupling part 3 c (namely, the male coupling part of the short edges of the floor panel) and at the second short edge a female coupling part 3d (namely, the female coupling part of the short edges of the floor panel. The coupling parts 3c, 3d are present both at the short edges of the front part I la and the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10. The male coupling parts 3c at the front part 1 la are equal to the male coupling parts 3c of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board. The male coupling parts 3d at the front part 1 la are equal to the male coupling parts 3d of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board.

[0153] The male coupling part 3c is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part 3d at the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0154] As already indicated, in the example, the core of the front part 1 la is attached to the core of the upper part 1 lb at least by an adhesive connection.

[0155] Fig. 4 shows the cross section of the skirting board 10 according to IV-IV of Fig. 3, attached to a wall 18. The skirting board comprises a front part I la and an upper part 1 lb both of which comprise a core 5 and a top layer 2 comprising a decorative printing. By means of an adhesive connection 15, the front part I la and the upper part 11b are glued together. The skirting board also comprises a batten 17 attached over a part of the length of the skirting board to the back of the front part 1 la of the skirting board and at the bottom of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board.

[0156] As indicated in Fig. 7 - which shows the skirting board 10 from the rear side thereof according to F7 in Fig. 4 - the adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board from the end of the second short edge, which edge comprises the female coupling part 3d, is not present from the distal end of the female coupling part 3d to a distance DI beyond the proximal end of the female coupling part 3d.

[0157] This distance DI is preferably less than 50 mm, and more preferably less than 10 mm.

[0158] In the skirting board of the example, and as shown in Fig. 7, the adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction from the end of the first short edge - which comprises the male coupling part 3c - is not present from the distal end of the male coupling part 3c to a distance D2 beyond the proximal end of the male coupling part 3c.

[0159] This distance D2 is preferably less than 50 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm.

[0160] As can be seen in Fig. 7, the batten 17 is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part 3d. In the example shown, the batten is not present from the distal end of the female coupling part 3d to a distance DI beyond the proximal end of the female coupling part 3d. This is the same distance over which the adhesive connection 15 is absent. However, these distances can also be different from each other.

[0161] In the example of Fig. 4, the batten 17 makes contact with and supports a part of the upper part 11b of the skirting board 10. The batten 17 makes contact with a part of the front part I la of the skirting board. In the example, the batten 17 is glued both to the front part I la and the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board.

[0162] In other embodiments, however, it is possible for the batten not to make contact with the upper part of the skirting board. The batten 17 can have a concave cross section, as shown in the example in Fig. 4.

[0163] The batten 17 can have an L-shaped cross section, as shown in an alternative example in Fig. 5. The reference signs in Fig. 5 have the same meaning as in the other figures.

[0164] In examples of Fig. 4 and 5, the adhesive connection 15 is at least present in the transition zone between the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board, wherein the adhesive connection in the transition zone includes an adhesion of the inner edge 70 of the core 5 of the front part 1 la of the skirting board 10 directly with the inner edge 71 of the core 5 of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board. This adhesive connection is at least partially or fully present in a recess in the inner edge 70 of the front part of the skirting board and in a recess in the inner edge 71 of the upper part of the skirting board. These recesses are located beneath the top layer 2. This adhesive connection is at least 0.1 mm thick in these examples. Figure 6 shows a detail according to F6 of Fig. 5.

[0165] In the examples of Fig. 4 and 5, the bottom of the batten 17 is located in the lower half of the height of the skirting board. In these examples, the batten also comprises a rear surface 27 and this rear surface is provided parallel to the surface 28 of the upper part of the skirting board to make contact with a wall 18.

[0166] The batten 17 can be manufactured from wood fiber material or from filled or unfilled plastic.

[0167] The batten 17 can be manufactured from of wood fiber material, while the core 5 of the front part I la of the skirting board 10 and of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board is manufactured from wood fiber board, wherein the density of the batten 17 is lower than the density of the wood fiber board from which the core 5 of the front part I la of the skirting board 10 and the core 5v of the upper part 11b of the skirting board 10 are manufactured. As shown clearly in Fig. 7, the female coupling part 3d of the skirting board 10 of this example comprises a groove 20 bounded by a rear lip 21 and a front lip 22. The rear lip 21 extends distally further than the front lip 22. The male coupling part 3c comprises a tongue 23. When coupled, the tongue 23 and the groove 20 provide a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0168] The tongue 23 and the female coupling part 3d are provided with additional locking parts 25, 26 which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards and perpendicular to the coupled edges. The locking parts comprise a protrusion 26 on the rear lip 21 and a recess 25 cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue 23.

[0169] Fig. 8 shows - in the same view as Fig. 4 and 5 - another example of a skirting board 10 according to the invention. The reference signs have the same meaning as in the other examples. In this example, the skirting board comprises an insert 30. In the example, the insert is a part of the batten 17. However, the insert can also be a separate component, for example - but not exclusively - in a skirting board that does not comprise a batten.

[0170] The curved transition zone 12 curves over the insert 30. The insert 30 is glued to the inner edge of the core 5 of the front part 1 la of the skirting board 10 and is glued to the inner edge of the core 5 of the upper part 11b of the skirting board 10. In the example, the insert 30 is a part of the batten 17. The batten 17 has the same length and positioning as for the skirting board of Fig. 3, 4 and 7. The insert 30 has the same length and positioning as the batten.

[0171] Figure 9 shows a detail of the skirting board according to F9 of Fig. 8. The insert 30 is connected by adhesive connections 15 to the front part I la and to the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10. The batten 17 is connected by adhesive connections 16 to the front part I la and to the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10. In the example, the transition zone 12 comprises the top layer 2 and a thin layer 5a of the core of the floor panel from which the skirting board has been produced. However, it is also possible that the transition zone does not comprise a thin layer of the core, or that the top layer was just completely cut through it when the skirting board was produced from the floor panel.

[0172] Fig. 10 illustrates the principle of coupling two skirting boards with coupling parts as in Fig. 6, although with a different size of batten 17. The reference signs here have the same meaning as in the other figures.

[0173] The coupling parts on the skirting board originate from the coupling parts at the short edges of the floor panel from which the skirting board was manufactured. The long edges of the floor panel were provided with the same type of coupling parts; however, these have been cut off. In floor covering systems that comprise these floor panels and skirting boards made from such floor panels, the floor panels can comprise the coupling parts at their short edges and at their long edges. The skirting boards then have the same coupling parts at their short edges as the coupling parts at the short edges of the floor panels.

[0174] Fig. 11 A, 1 IB and 11C illustrate ways in which skirting boards with coupling parts as in Fig. 6 can be coupled.

[0175] Fig. 11 A illustrates that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board 10 with its first short edge - which comprises the male coupling part - can be coupled to the second short edge - which comprises the female coupling part - of a second such skirting board 10 by means of a turning movement W1 of the front part 1 la of the skirting board 10 relative to the front part 1 la of the second such skirting board. Here, both the coupling parts of the front parts I la and the coupling parts of the upper parts 11b are coupled together.

[0176] Fig. 1 IB illustrates that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board 10 with its first short edge - which comprises the male coupling part - can be coupled to the second short edge - which comprises the female coupling part - of a second such skirting board 10 by means of a turning movement W2 of the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10 relative to the upper part 11b of the second such skirting board. Here, both the coupling parts of the front parts I la and the coupling parts of the upper parts 11b are coupled together.

[0177] Fig. 11C illustrates that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board 10 with its first short edge - which comprises the male coupling part - can be coupled to the second short edge - which comprises the female coupling part - of a second such skirting board 10 by means of a sliding movement S of the skirting board 10 parallel to the second such skirting board 10. Here, both the coupling parts of the front parts I la and the coupling parts of the upper parts 1 lb are coupled together. This coupling results in a clicking effect.

[0178] Fig. 12A-12F illustrate alternative coupling parts for use in skirting boards 10 and floor covering systems according to the invention. In these embodiments, the male coupling part comprises a lip 41 with a rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42. The female coupling part is formed by a recess 43 proximal to a forwardly directed hook-shaped element 44. The male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such skirting boards can be coupled at their respective short edges by a movement wherein the two skirting boards can be brought together parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transition zone. This is illustrated in Fig. 13 A and 13B, which show two ways of coupling such skirting boards 10, respectively via movements indicated by V and indicated by H. In the coupled state, the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 is contained in the recess 43 in order to provide for a locking of the coupled skirting boards in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards.

[0179] In the skirting boards of the embodiments shown in Fig. 12A-12F, the coupling parts comprise locking parts for providing, in the coupled state of the skirting boards, locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The embodiments shown in Fig. 12A-12F differ in the configurations of these locking parts.

[0180] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12A, the locking parts comprise a protrusion 51 at the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part) and, in the coupled state, a recess 52 cooperating therewith at the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42. Further, the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 and the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 44 are provided such that, in the coupled state, a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the contact between the proximal flank 54 of the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and the proximal flank 55 of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 44.

[0181] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12B, the locking parts comprise a protrusion 57 at the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part) and, in the coupled state, a recess 58 cooperating therewith at the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42. The distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 44 and the first short edge (this is the edge that comprises the male coupling part) are also configured such that, in the coupled state, a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the interaction between the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 and the first short edge.

[0182] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12C, the locking parts comprise an insert 60 in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 and, in the coupled state, a recess 61 cooperating therewith in the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part).

[0183] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12D, the locking parts comprise an insert 63 in the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part) and, in the coupled state, a recess 64 cooperating therewith in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42.

[0184] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12E, the locking parts comprise an insert 63 in the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part) and, in the coupled state, a recess 64 cooperating therewith in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12F, the locking parts comprise a protrusion 66 on the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 and a recess 67 cooperating therewith in the second short edge (this is the edge comprising the female coupling part) in the coupled state. The distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 44 and the first short edge (this is the edge that comprises the male coupling part) are also configured such that, in the coupled state, a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the interaction between the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element 42 and the first short edge.

[0185] The coupling parts on the skirting boards of the examples in Fig. 12A-12F originate from the coupling parts at the short edges of the floor panel from which the skirting board was manufactured. The long edges of the floor panel have been provided with the same type of coupling parts as in the previously mentioned examples (this is also the type of coupling parts as at the short edges of the skirting boards illustrated in Fig. 3, 7 and 10); however, these have been cut off. In floor covering systems that comprise these floor panels and skirting boards made from such floor panels, the floor panels can comprise the coupling parts at their short edges and at their long edges. The skirting boards then have the same coupling parts at their short edges as the coupling parts at the short edges of the floor panels. These are floor panels that can be installed according to the “fold down” principle.

[0186] The configurations of coupling parts shown in Fig. 12C, 12D and 12E can be changed by omitting the insert. This then means that the configuration of Fig. 12C does not comprise the insert 60 shown in Fig. 12C. This then means that the configurations of Fig. 12D and Fig. 12E do not comprise the insert 63. Such skirting boards are easier to assemble and can be disassembled in a simple manner. These skirting boards can be used in the case of a floor covering made of panels which, at a pair of opposite edges - preferably at the short edges - comprise coupling parts, with an insert, as shown in Fig. 12C, 12D and 12E, respectively.

[0187] Fig. 14 shows a detail of an example of a skirting board according to the invention in a similar cross section as shown in Fig. 5. The reference signs have the same meaning as in the other figures. In this configuration - unlike the example of Fig. 1 - the top layer 2 has been just completely cut through when removing material from the back of the floor panel. On both inner edges 70, 71 of the core 5, a recess has been provided into which glue 15 has been applied. As a result, the upper part 1 lb of the skirting board is glued to the front part 1 la of the skirting board, and thus the transition zone 12 is formed. There is also contact between the cut top layer 2 of the upper part 1 lb and the cut top layer 2 of the front part I la. No glue is present between the contacting cut top layers, such that the skirting board in the transition zone 12 displays an appealing continuous decor.

[0188] Fig. 15 shows a detail according to Fl 5 of the skirting board of Fig. 3. Fig. 15 illustrates that in the skirting board 10 of this example in the transition zone 12, a gap 75 is provided between the inner edge 76 of the rear lip 21 (which comprises a locking part 26) of the upper part 1 lb and the inner edge 77 of the rear lip 21 of the front part 1 la of the skirting board.

[0189] The floor panels from which the skirting boards of the examples are manufactured can comprise a core made of wood fiberboard (MDF or HDF) and a top layer applied thereon by direct pressure laminate (DPL) technology. In this technology, one or more layers are pressed onto a core under the action of pressure and temperature, wherein the layers are laminated together by means of the resin of one or more of the layers, and a texture can also be obtained in the surface of the floor panel.

[0190] The top layer can comprise a resin-impregnated paper layer, wherein this paper layer comprises a printed decor. This resin can be used for the adhesion with the core in the DPL process.

[0191] The top layer can comprise a wear layer. The latter can comprise a resin-impregnated paper layer, which can optionally comprise hard particles such as aluminum oxide particles.

[0192] However, the wear layer can alternatively be formed by a coating, for example by an acrylic coating, on the resin-impregnated paper layer. However, the skirting boards according to the invention can also be manufactured from other types of floor panels.

[0193] The batten can be manufactured from wood fiber material, preferably with lower density than the core of the floor panel from which the skirting board is manufactured.

[0194] As already indicated in the description of the embodiments, the skirting board according to the invention can be manufactured from a floor panel. This makes it possible to obtain a flooring system comprising a plurality of floor panels and a skirting board according to the invention. The floor panels 1 comprise a core 5 and a top layer 2 which comprises a printed decor. Since the skirting board is manufactured from a floor panel of the same batch as the floor panels, the decor of the skirting board corresponds to the decor of the floor panels. The floor panels and the skirting board also have an identical structure with respect to the core and the top layer.

[0195] As a result, a floor covering can be obtained with floor panels that display a wood decor, with skirting boards that correspond to the wood decor of the floor panels. This means that the decor of the skirting board is essentially the same as the decor of the floor panels.

[0196] Figure 16 shows the view according to XVI-XVI of Fig. 11A of an embodiment of an aspect of the invention. The skirting boards are attached to the wall 18. The skirting boards comprise a front part I la, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. The skirting boards are coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts. The male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue 23. The female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip 21 and a front lip 22. The rear lip 21 extends distally further than the front lip 22. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts 25, 26 which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The locking parts comprise a protrusion 26 on the rear lip 21 and a recess 25 cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue 23. In the example of Fig. 16, the skirting boards are attached to the wall 18 by a nail 201; wherein the nail 201 is inserted through the rear lip 21. The nail is also inserted through the batten 17. In Fig. 16, the nail 201 is inserted perpendicular to the wall. However, the nail can also be inserted at an oblique angle to the wall.

[0197] Optionally, the nail 201 can be inserted through the locking part 26 of the female coupling part.

[0198] As an alternative to a nail 201, it is possible to attach skirting boards to the wall 18 in a similar manner by means of a screw, staple or other attachment means through the rear lip or through the locking part of the female lip.

[0199] Fig. 17 shows - in a similar view to Fig. 16 - skirting boards attached to a wall 18 with a clip 101 according to an embodiment of the invention. The clip 101 is a clip as shown in Fig. 18. The reference figures in Fig. 17 that are not explained in the discussion of Fig. 17 have the same meaning as in Fig. 18 and will become clear when Figure 18 is explained. The skirting boards are attached to the wall 18. The skirting boards comprise a front part 1 la, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part. The skirting boards are coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts. The male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue 23. The female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip 21 and a front lip 22. The rear lip 21 extends distally further than the front lip 22. On the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts 25, 26 which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The locking parts comprise a protrusion 26 on the rear lip and a recess 25 cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue. As shown in Fig. 18, the clip 101 comprises a panel part 104 and a wall portion 106. The panel part 104 comprises a holding portion 105. The locking part 26 of the female coupling part is contained in the holding portion 105. The wall portion 106 comprises an attachment portion 107. The wall portion 106 is attached to the wall 18 by a screw 108 through the attachment portion 107.

[0200] The clip 101 of the example of Fig. 17 is configured such that expansion of the skirting boards can be accommodated. This is achieved in the example in that the clip 101 is configured such that the attachment portion 107 is flexible and movable with respect to the holding portion 105.

[0201] Fig. 18 - 20 show embodiments of clips 101 that can be used for attaching skirting boards to a wall according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0202] The clip 101 of Fig. 18 comprises a panel part 104 and a wall portion 106, wherein the panel part 104 is a metal plate or alloy plate, and wherein the metal plate or alloy plate has preferably undergone at least one punching operation. A punching operation can consist of making cuts, bends and removing pieces of sheet metal to create different sections. The objective is to ensure that all sections are properly connected to each other, minimizing the risk of breakage. Preferably, the panel part 104 is a stainless steel plate or a spring steel plate. Said panel part 104 further comprises a base portion 109, a holding portion 105 and an edge portion 111. The base portion 109 extends substantially along a base surface. The base portion 109 is plate-shaped and comprises a surface 116 facing the wall when the clip 101 is in use and a surface 117 facing the skirting board when in use. The surface 116 facing the wall is located opposite the surface 117 facing the skirting board when in use. The base portion 109 comprises a frame-shaped portion 113. The frame-shaped portion 113 encloses a space, e.g., a circular opening through the base portion 109, wherein said opening extends parallel to the base surface. Preferably, the frame-shaped portion 113 comprises a portion that is curved with respect to another portion or other portions of the base portion 109. The latter can improve the overall stiffness of the clip 101. The holding portion 105 comprises a connecting portion 112 and a clamp part 110. The connecting portion 112 serves as a connection between the base portion 109 and the clamp part 110. The clamp part 110 is used to make contact with the locking part of the female coupling part of the skirting board. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base surface, the holding portion 105 extends beyond the base portion 109 and the holding portion 110 is located at a distance dl from the base portion 109. This distance dl is preferably measured as the maximum distance between the surface 117, which when in use, faces the skirting board, and the holding portion 105, in a direction perpendicular to the base surface, and in an undisturbed state, e.g., when the clip 101 is not connected to a skirting board. By positioning the clamp part 110 at a distance dl from the base portion 109, the clamp part 10 of the clip 101, when installed, can be more easily connected to coupling means of a skirting board. The clamp part 110 can then make contact with the locking part of the rear lip of the female coupling part of the skirting board when the clip 101 is in use. In this embodiment, the holding portion 105 is hookshaped. A hook-shaped holding portion 105 is very suitable for the application of attaching skirting boards to a wall.

[0203] The edge portion 111 at least partially encloses the base portion 109. At least 25% of the perimeter of the base portion 109 is enclosed by the edge portion 111. Preferably, the edge portion 111 is obtained by bending at least a portion of the sheet metal or sheet alloy. More preferably, the edge portion I l l is obtained by a punching operation and / or a bending operation. The edge portion 111 provides additional bends to the clip 101, thereby increasing the overall stiffness, and more particularly the bending stiffness, of the clip 101.

[0204] This wall portion 6 is manufactured entirely from compressible and / or expandable rubber. This wall portion 6 further comprises a connecting portion 125 and an attachment portion 107. This wall portion 106 in its entirety has a circular shape. The connecting portion 125 connects the attachment portion 107 to the frame-shaped portion 113 of the base portion 109, effectively providing a connection between the wall portion 106 and the panel part 104. This connecting portion 125 is flexibly and / or movably mounted with respect to said holding portion 105. Because the connecting portion 125 is capable of at least partially compressing and / or expanding, movement of the attachment portion 107 of the wall portion 106 with respect to the base portion 109 of the panel part 104 can occur. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 107 comprises an attachment part 120. This attachment part 120 is preferably a countersunk hole.

[0205] Fig. 19 shows another configuration of a clip 101 that can be used in the invention. The clip 101 comprises a panel part 104 and a wall portion 106, wherein the panel part 104 is a metal plate or an alloy plate, and wherein the metal plate or alloy plate has preferably undergone at least one punching operation. Preferably, the panel part 104 is a stainless steel plate or a spring steel plate. This panel part 104 further comprises a base portion 109 extending along a base surface, a holding portion 105 and an edge portion 111. This base portion 109 is plate-shaped and comprises a surface 116 facing the wall when in use and a surface 117 facing the skirting board when in use. The base portion 109 comprises a frame-shaped portion 113.

[0206] The holding portion 105 comprises a connecting portion 112 and a clamp part 110. The connecting portion 112 serves as a connection between the base portion 109 and the clamp part 110.

[0207] The clamp part 110 is used to make contact with the locking part of the female coupling part of the skirting board. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base surface, the holding portion 105 extends beyond the base portion 109. The clamp part 10 is located at a distance dl from the base portion 109. The distance dl is preferably measured as the maximum distance between the surface facing the skirting board 117 when the clip 101 is in use and the holding portion 105, in a direction perpendicular to the base surface. By having the clamp part 110 positioned at a distance dl from the base portion 109, the holding portion 110 can more easily connect to coupling means of a skirting board when installed. In this embodiment, the holding portion 105 is hook-shaped.

[0208] The edge portion 111 encloses at least 75% of the outer perimeter of the base portion 109 and is offset from the base surface, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base surface. Preferably, the edge portion I l l is obtained by bending at least a part of the sheet metal or sheet alloy; more preferably the edge portion 111 is obtained by a punching operation and / or a bending operation.

[0209] The wall portion 106 is manufactured entirely from a compressible and / or expandable rubber. The wall portion 106 also comprises a connecting portion 125 and an attachment portion 107. This connecting portion 125 connects the attachment portion 107 to the frame-shaped part 113. The connecting portion 125 further comprises a geometric design that allows additional compression and / or expansion of the connecting portion 125. The connecting portion 125 comprises a number of cavities 138 and a number of circular bendable portions 124, which comprise deformable legs 139. The attachment portion 107 is flexibly and / or movably mounted with respect to the holding portion 105, as the attachment portion 125 is capable of compressing and / or at least partially expanding by virtue of the material properties of the attachment portion 125 and by virtue of the geometric design of the attachment portion 125. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 107 comprises an attachment part 120. The attachment part 120 is preferably a countersunk hole.

[0210] Fig. 20 shows another configuration of a clip 101 that can be used in the invention. The clip 101 comprises a panel part 104 and a wall portion 106, wherein the panel part 104 is a metal plate or an alloy plate. Preferably, the metal plate or alloy plate has undergone at least one punching operation. Preferably, the panel part 104 is a stainless steel plate or a spring steel plate. This panel part 104 further comprises a base portion 109 extending along a base surface, a holding portion 105, corresponding to the holding portion 105 described in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, and an edge portion 111.

[0211] The base portion 109 is plate-shaped and comprises a surface 116 facing the wall when the clip 101 is in use and a surface 117 facing the skirting board when the clip 101 is in use. These two surfaces 116, 117 are located opposite each other. The base portion 109 comprises a frame-shaped portion 113. The frame-shaped portion 113 encloses a square opening through the base portion 109, wherein the square shape preferably has rounded corners. This opening extends along the base surface. Preferably, the frame-shaped portion 113 comprises a portion 134 that is curved with respect to another portion or other portions of the base portion 109. The latter can improve the overall stiffness of the clip 101.

[0212] The edge portion 111 encloses the base portion 109 at least partially and is offset from the base surface, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base surface. At least 50% of the outer perimeter of the base portion 109 is enclosed by the edge portion 111. In this embodiment, the edge portion 111 comprises two opposite curved edges, which are not connected to each other. Preferably, the edge portion 111 is obtained by bending at least a part of the sheet metal or sheet alloy. More preferably, the edge portion I l l is obtained by a stamping operation and / or a bending operation.

[0213] The wall portion 106 is manufactured entirely from plastic, preferably from a thermoplastic material, more preferably from a rigid thermoplastic material, for example a filled plastic composite comprising a thermoplastic polymer and comprising plasticizers and / or fillers. The thermoplastic polymer is preferably selected from the list of PVC, PP, PE, and PET. More preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is PP. The filler can be an inorganic filler, such as calcium carbonate or talc. Preferably, the filled composite material has a plasticizer content of less than 10 phr. The connecting portion 125 connects the attachment portion 107 to the frame-shaped portion 113, effectively providing a connection between the wall portion 106 and the panel part 104. The connecting portion 125 further comprises a geometric design that allows elastic deformation of the plastic material. The connecting portion 125 comprises, for example, multiple cavities 138 and a number of bendable portions 124, which comprise deformable legs 139. The attachment portion 107 is flexibly and / or movably mounted with respect to the holding portion 105 by virtue of the geometric design of the connecting portion 125. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 107 comprises an attachment part 120. This attachment part 120 is preferably a countersunk hole.

[0214] In the context of the fifth aspect of the invention, clips other than those illustrated in Fig. 18 - 20 can of course be used. Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of a skirting board 10 according to aspects of the invention in an identical view to that in Fig. 7. Fig. 22 shows a detail of this skirting board in the same view as in Fig. 15. The reference signs in Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 have the same meaning as in the other figures. The front part of this skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge. The front part of this skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge. The male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board, wherein this coupling of the front parts results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards. The coupling parts at the front part of the skirting board are not visible in Fig. 21, because the skirting board is shown from the rear side in Fig. 21. These coupling parts can be configured as shown in Fig. 10.

[0215] The upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10 of Fig. 21 (a detail of which is shown in Fig. 22) comprises at the first short edge a male coupling part 3c. The upper part 1 lb of the skirting board 10 comprises at the second short edge a female coupling part 3d which comprises a groove 20 between a front lip 22 and a rear lip 21. The male coupling part 3d of the upper part 1 lb comprises a tongue 13. The male coupling part 3c of the upper part 1 lb is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part 3d of the upper part 1 lb at the second short edge of the second such skirting board. This coupling of the upper parts 1 lb results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled upper parts 1 lb, but these coupling parts at the upper part of the skirting board do not provide locking in the direction in the surface of the coupled upper parts and perpendicular to the surface of the coupled upper parts.

[0216] With respect to an embodiment of a skirting board according to Fig. 7, the skirting board 10 of Fig. 21 (a detail of which is shown in Fig. 22) can be obtained by removing, in the upper part of the skirting board 10 of Fig. 7 at the second short edge, a part of the rear lip 21 - including the locking part 26. The part indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 21 has been removed. As a result, in the case of coupling at the upper parts, there is no locking in the direction in the surface of the coupled upper parts and perpendicular to the surface of the coupled upper parts.

[0217] The embodiment shown in Fig. 21 (a detail of which is shown in Fig. 22) makes coupling a skirting board in the manner shown in Fig. 11 A simpler and possible for a wider range of embodiments of coupling parts at the short edges of the front part of the skirting board.

[0218] The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above, but such skirting boards and floor coverings can be implemented according to different variants without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1 Skirting board, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part; wherein preferably the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and wherein the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge, wherein the male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling preferably results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the core of the front part is at least directly or indirectly attached to the core of the upper part by means of an adhesive connection; wherein the adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board from the end of the second short edge, is not present from the distal end of the female coupling part to a distance DI beyond the proximal end of the female coupling part.2.- Skirting board according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance DI is less than 50 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm.3.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the adhesive connection, as viewed in the longitudinal direction from the end of the first short edge, is not present from the distal end of the male coupling part to a distance D2 beyond the proximal end of the male coupling part.4.- Skirting board according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance D2 is less than 50 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm.5.- Skirting board, optionally a skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part; wherein the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and wherein the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge, wherein the male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling preferably results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the skirting board comprises a batten, attached over at least a part of the length of the skirting board to the back of the front part of the skirting board and / or to the underside of the upper part of the skirting board; wherein the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part.6.- Skirting board according to claim 5, characterized in that the front part is attached at least by an adhesive connection directly or indirectly to the upper part.7.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 6, characterized in that the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the female coupling part.8.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 7, characterized in that the female coupling part comprises a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip; wherein the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, in at least a part of the length of the rear lip, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the rear lip.9.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 8, characterized in that the male coupling part comprises a tongue; and in that the batten is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the tongue, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the tongue.10.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 9, characterized in that the batten makes contact with at least a part of the upper part of the skirting board, and wherein the batten preferably supports the upper part; and wherein the batten preferably makes contact with at least a part of the front part of the skirting board.11.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 10, characterized in that the batten does not make contact with the upper part of the skirting board.12.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 11, characterized in that the rear side of the front part of the skirting board comprises a recess, and that the batten is arranged in the recess at the rear side of the front part of the skirting board.13.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 12, characterized in that the batten has a concave cross section.14.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 13, characterized in that the batten has an L-shaped cross section.15.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 14, characterized in that the bottom of the batten is located in the lower half of the height of the skirting board.16.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 15, characterized in that, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, the batten does not protrude beyond the top layer of the skirting board at the short edges of the skirting board.17.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 16, characterized in that the batten comprises a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is provided parallel to the surface of the upper part of the skirting board to make contact with a wall.18.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 17, characterized in that the batten is a batten made of wood fiber material or of filled or unfilled plastic.19.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 18, characterized in that the batten is manufactured from wood fiber material and in that the core of the front part of the skirting board and the core of the upper part of the skirting board are manufactured from wood fiberboard, wherein the density of the batten is lower than the density of the wood fiberboard from which the core of the front part of the skirting board and the core of the upper part of the skirting board are manufactured.20.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the male coupling part comprises a tongue; and in that the female coupling part comprises a groove.21.- Skirting board according to claim 20, characterized in that the female coupling part comprises a groove flanked by a rear lip and by a front lip; wherein the tongue and the groove, when coupled, provide locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards.22.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 20 - 21, characterized in that the male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue; and in that the female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip, - wherein the rear lip preferably extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip -; wherein on the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards of the coupled panels; wherein the tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; the locking parts preferably comprising a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue.23.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board with its first short edge can be coupled to the second short edge of a second such skirting board by means of a turning movement of the front part of the skirting board relative to the front part of the second such skirting board.24.- Skirting board according to claim 23, characterized in that both the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board comprise the coupling parts; wherein the coupling parts are configured such that in the turning movement both the coupling part at the front parts of the skirting boards and the coupling parts at the upper parts of the skirting boards can be coupled.25.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts are configured such that the skirting board with its first short edge can be coupled to the second short edge of a second such skirting board by means of a sliding movement of the skirting board parallel to the second such skirting board; wherein a clicking effect preferably occurs during the coupling.26.- Skirting board, preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part; wherein the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the front part of the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and wherein the front part of the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge, wherein the male coupling part of the front part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part of the front part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling of these front parts results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the upper part of the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and wherein the upper part of the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge, wherein the male coupling part of the upper part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part of the upper part to the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling of the upper parts results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled upper parts, but wherein such coupling parts to the upper part of the skirting board do not provide locking in the direction in the surface of the coupled upper parts and perpendicular to the surface of the coupled upper parts.27.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 19, characterized in that the male coupling part comprises a lip with a rearwardly directed hook-shaped element; wherein the female coupling part is formed by a recess proximal to a forwardly directed hook-shaped element;wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such skirting boards can be coupled at their respective short edges by a movement wherein the two skirting boards can be brought together parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transition zone; wherein in the coupled state the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element is contained in the recess in order to provide for locking of the coupled skirting boards in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein, optionally, the coupling members comprise locking parts for providing, in the coupled state of the skirting boards, a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; or optionally wherein the coupling parts are configured so that when the skirting boards are coupled, no locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards.28.- Skirting board according to claim 27, characterized in that the coupling parts comprise locking parts for providing, in the coupled state of the skirting boards, locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and in that the locking parts are configured according to one or more of the following options:- option 1 : an insert in the second short edge and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element;- option 2: an insert in the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the second short edge;- option 3: a protrusion on the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith in the second short edge;- option 4: a protrusion on the second short edge and, in the coupled state, a recess cooperating therewith on the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element;- option 5: wherein the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and the forwardly directed hook-shaped element are provided such that, in the coupled state, locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the contact between the proximal flank of the rearwardly directed hook-shaped element and the proximal flank of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element;- option 6: wherein the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element and the first short edge are configured such that, in the coupled state, locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards through the interaction between the distal end of the forwardly directed hook-shaped element and the first short edge.29.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts are provided both at the front part of the skirting board and at the upper part of the skirting board, wherein the coupling parts at the front part of the skirting board and the coupling parts at the upper part of the skirting board are preferably identical.30.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 28, characterized in that coupling parts are provided only at the front part of the skirting board and not at the upper part of the skirting board.31.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the core of the front part is the same as the material of the core of the upper part.32.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition zone comprises a curved transition zone, wherein the top layer of the front part of the skirting board extends continuously over the curved transition zone into the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board.33.- Skirting board according to claim 32, characterized in that the curved transition zone comprises a core, wherein the core of the front part of the skirting board extends continuously in a thinner thickness as the core of the curved transition zone into the core of the upper part of the skirting board.34.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 32 - 33, characterized in that the skirting board comprises an insert, wherein the curved transition zone curves over the insert, and wherein the insert is glued to the inner edge of the core of the frontpart of the skirting board and is glued to the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board.35.- Skirting board according to claim 34, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a batten according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 19, characterized in that the insert is a part of the batten.36.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 34 - 35, characterized in that the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, over at least a part of the length of the female coupling part.37.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 34 - 36, characterized in that the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, over the entire length of the female coupling part.38.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 34 - 37, characterized in that the female coupling part comprises a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip; wherein the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, in at least a part of the length of the rear lip, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the rear lip.39.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 34 - 38, characterized in that the male coupling part comprises a tongue; and in that the insert is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over at least a part of the length of the tongue, and preferably is not present, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the skirting board, over the entire length of the tongue.40.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 31, characterized in that the transition zone comprises a contact of an inner edge of the front part of the skirting board with an inner edge of the upper part of the skirting board, wherein this contact comprises at least a contact of at least a part of the top layer of the front part ofthe skirting board with the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board; wherein preferably no adhesive is present in the contact between the top layer of the front part of the skirting board with the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board.41 Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims and according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4 on one hand and on the other hand according to any one of claims 32 - 40, characterized in that the adhesive connection is at least present in the transition zone between the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board, wherein preferably at least the adhesive connection in the transition zone includes an adhesion of the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board with, preferably directly with, the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board.42.- Skirting board according to claim 41, characterized in that the adhesive connection is at least partially or fully present in a recess in the inner edge of the front part of the skirting board and / or is at least partially or fully present in a recess in the inner edge of the upper part of the skirting board; wherein this recess / these recesses is / are preferably located beneath the top layer.43.- Skirting board according to claim 42, characterized in that the adhesive connection in the transition zone includes an adhesion of the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board with the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board, wherein the adhesive thickness between the inner edge of the core of the front part of the skirting board and the inner edge of the core of the upper part of the skirting board is at least 0.05 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm, and more preferably at least 0.2 mm.44.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decor of the top layer of the front part decoratively continues into the decor of the top layer of the upper part.45.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer of the front part of the skirting board, and the top layer of the transition zone, and the top layer of the upper part of the skirting board comprise a printed decor and a texture, preferably a texture in register with the printed decor.46.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core of the front part and the core of the upper part comprise or are selected from a wood-based board (e.g., a wood fiberboard - MDF or HDF - or a particle board, or a plywood board) or a plastic-based board optionally filled with fillers (e.g., a PVC-based board, a polyolefin-based board or a polyester-based board).47.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer comprises a resin-impregnated paper layer or a polymer film; wherein if the top layer comprises a printed decor, this paper layer or this printed polymer film comprises the printed decor.48.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 46, characterized in that the printed decor is at least formed by printing on the core of the front part of the skirting board and on the core of the upper part of the skirting board.49.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer comprises a wear layer, wherein the wear layer comprises a resin- impregnated paper layer which optionally comprises hard particles such as aluminum oxide particles.50.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 49, characterized in that the wear layer comprises a plastic film, optionally with a polymer coating thereon, for example with an acrylic coating thereon.51.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer comprises a wear layer, wherein the wear layer comprises a coating, preferably an acrylic coating.52.- Skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer is a direct pressure laminate (DPL) top layer.53.- Skirting board, optionally a skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims and / or optionally having one or more features as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part; wherein the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the skirting board comprises a male coupling part at the first short edge and wherein the skirting board comprises a female coupling part at the second short edge, wherein the male coupling part is provided for coupling the skirting board at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such skirting board via the female coupling part at the second short edge of the second such skirting board; wherein the coupling preferably results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; and / or results in a locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the core of the front part is at least directly or indirectly attached to the core of the upper part by means of an adhesive connection; wherein the male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue; and wherein the female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip, - wherein the rear lip preferably extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip; wherein on the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein both the front part of the skirting board and the upper part of the skirting board are provided with these coupling parts; wherein a gap is provided in the transition zonebetween the inner edge of the rear lip of the upper part of the skirting board and the inner edge of the rear lip of the front part of the skirting board.54.- Skirting board according to claim 53, wherein the tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts, which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards, the locking parts preferably comprising a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue.55.- Skirting board system, wherein the skirting board system comprises at least two skirting boards attached to a wall, characterized in that the skirting board comprises a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between the front part and the upper part; wherein the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer preferably comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the skirting boards comprise a male coupling part at the first short edge of their front part and wherein the skirting boards comprise a female coupling part at the second short edge of their front part, wherein the at least two skirting boards are coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts; wherein the male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue; and wherein the female coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip, - wherein the rear lip preferably extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip; wherein on the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts, which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards, wherein the locking parts preferably comprise a protrusion on the rear lip and a recesscooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue; wherein the skirting boards are attached to the wall by means of a nail, screw, staple or another attachment means; wherein the nail, screw, staple or other attachment means is applied through the rear lip and / or through the locking part of the female coupling part.56.- Skirting board system according to claim 55, characterized in that the skirting boards each comprise a batten, attached over at least a part of the length of the skirting boards to the back of the front part of the skirting board and / or to the underside of the upper part of the skirting boards; wherein the nail, screw, staple or other attachment means is applied through the batten.57.- Skirting board system according to claims 55 or 56, characterized in that the skirting boards are skirting boards according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 54.58.- Skirting board system according to claims 55 or 56, characterized in that the skirting boards comprise one or more features of skirting boards described in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 54.59.- Skirting board system, wherein the skirting board system comprises at least two skirting boards that can be attached to a wall and a clip, characterized in that the skirting boards comprise a front part, an upper part, and a transition zone between their front part and their upper part; wherein the enclosed angle between the front part and the upper part is preferably between 30° and 150°; wherein the front part and the upper part each comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer preferably comprises a printed decor or has a uniform color; wherein the skirting boards comprise a male coupling part at the first short edge of their front part and wherein the skirting boards comprise a female coupling part at the second short edge of their front part, wherein the two skirting boards can be coupled together by means of their male and female coupling parts; wherein the male coupling part is primarily configured as a tongue; and wherein thefemale coupling part is primarily configured as a groove bounded by a rear lip and a front lip, - wherein the rear lip preferably extends distally further from the respective edge than the front lip; wherein on the one hand the tongue, and on the other hand the groove, the rear lip and the front lip are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the front part of the coupled skirting boards; wherein the tongue and the female coupling part are provided with additional locking parts, which are primarily responsible for the locking in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the surface of the front part of the coupled skirting boards, wherein the locking parts comprise a protrusion on the rear lip and a recess cooperating therewith on the underside of the tongue; wherein the skirting boards can be attached to the wall by means of the clip; wherein the clip comprises a panel part and a wall portion; wherein the panel part comprises a holding portion, wherein the locking part of the female coupling part can be contained in the holding portion; wherein the wall portion comprises an attachment portion, wherein the wall portion can be attached to a wall by means of a screw through the attachment portion or by means of another mechanical attachment element through the attachment portion.60.- Skirting board system according to claim 59, characterized in that the clip is configured or can be attached to the wall in such a way that, in the mounted state, expansion of the skirting boards can be accommodated.61.- Skirting board system according to claim 59 or 60, characterized in that the clip is configured such that the attachment portion is flexible and / or movable relative to the holding portion.62.- Skirting board system according to any one of claims 59 - 61, characterized in that the skirting boards are skirting boards according to any one of the preceding claims63.- Skirting board system according to any one of claims 59 - 61, characterized in that the skirting boards comprises one or more features of skirting boards described in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 54.64.- Flooring system, characterized in that the flooring system comprises a plurality of floor panels and a skirting board according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 54, wherein the top layer of the skirting board comprises a printed decor; wherein the floor panels comprise a core and a top layer, wherein the top layer of the floor panels comprises a printed decor; wherein the decor of the floor panels corresponds with the decor of the skirting board; and wherein the floor panels and the skirting board have the same structure with respect to the core and the top layer.65.- Flooring system according to claim 64, characterized in that the plurality of floor panels comprises the same length as the length of the skirting board.66.- Flooring system according to any one of the preceding claims 64 - 65, characterized in that the decor of the print is essentially the same as the decor of the floor panels.67.- Flooring system according to any one of the preceding claims 64 - 66, characterized in that the floor panels are rectangular and oblong, wherein the floor panels at the first short edge comprise a male coupling part and at the second short edge comprise a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part is provided for coupling the floor panel at its first short edge to the second short edge of a second such floor panel via the female coupling part at the second short edge of a second such floor panel; wherein the coupling parts of the floor panels are configured the same as the coupling parts of the skirting board.68.- Flooring system according to any one of the preceding claims 64 - 66, characterized in that the flooring system comprises a skirting board system according to any one of the preceding claims 55 - 63.