Surface covering kit comprising panels and an extraneous locking element

Abstract

A surface covering kit is disclosed, comprising a plurality of generally rectangular panels (100). Each panel is provided with grooves (301, 302, 301', 302') forming an insertion channel (303) when two panels (100) are laid next to each other along their transverse sides (105, 105') in a common laying plane (101). An extraneous locking element (210) is received by the insertion channel (303), the extraneous locking element (210) having a longitudinal dimension and a cross-section perpendicular to said longitudinal dimension which forms a cross with at least four cross arms. The corresponding cross arms of the insertion channel have two parallel flank surfaces (1603, 1604) each, and each of the cross arms is oriented diagonally in a plane perpendicular to the panel plane (102).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a surface covering, in particular to a floor, ceiling or wall covering comprising a panel comprising a laminate flooring panel and an external locking element. Background technique [0002] In the prior art, many different types of surface coverings, in particular floor, ceiling or wall coverings, are known. Rectangular panels, sometimes having the appearance of wood panels or tiles, are quite common, especially for interior applications. [0003] Such panels are often provided with trim on one side, for example to replicate the look of a solid wood panel. This decoration can be provided as a printed paper layer or veneer, or it can be printed directly on the carrier sheet. Typically these panels are rectangular and can be coupled to each other using complementary coupling means, usually formed as an integral part at the sides of the panels. Thus, similar panels can be joined at respective adjacent sides to form eg a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Milling tools used for such complex profiles with multiple surfaces are expensive to maintain over time because the necessary tight tolerances cannot be met if the milling tool wears over time

Periodic maintenance and replacement of tools and shutdowns for maintenance of production equipment are also costly

[0009] According to the above description, in order to mill such a profile on the lateral sides, a portion of the panel material is milled off and is wasted if it cannot be easily recycled

In the case of mostly wood-based materials such as MDF, HDF, particleboard and OSB boards, not only is the wood material wasted, but the components of chemical adhesives (resins, etc.) combustible dust

[0010] Another disadvantage of this prior art is that such complex contours cannot be employed on relatively thin panels

With such a tongue and groove system on the lateral sides, long thin rods are left at the short ends of the panels which can be easily damaged or broken during transport and installation

[0011] Another disadvantage of the prior art described above is that this profile requires a certain amount of overlap on the lateral sides of the two panels

A further consequence of this complex profile may also be a relatively large number of defective products

As with other prior art mentioned above, its production is quite complex and expensive

[0014] A further disadvantage of DE'016 is that the disclosed wedge connection element may be difficult to insert into its groove due to friction

This profile can be achieved by broaching according to EP'670 or by laser cutting, both methods known to be tedious, slow and expensive

The unique profile mentioned in EP'670, which can be achieved by traditional methods such as milling, is not very suitable for reliable connection

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