Decorative glued floor covering system, glued floor covering and glued tile.

Abstract

A DECORATIVE GLUED FLOOR COVERING SYSTEM, GLUED FLOOR COVERING AND GLUED TILE. The invention relates to a decorative glued floor covering system. The invention also relates to a glued floor covering made up of a plurality of tiles of the glued floor covering system according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile for use in a glued floor covering system according to the invention.

Description

1 / 22 Decorative glued floor covering system, glued floor covering and glued tile.

[001] The invention relates to a glued decorative floor covering system. The invention also relates to a glued floor covering made by interlocking a plurality of tiles of the glued floor covering system according to the invention. The invention further relates to a glued tile for use in a glued floor covering system according to the invention.

[002] Developed in the 1970s, Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were created as a means of enhancing the realism of vinyl sheeting composed substantially of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Their popularity grew exponentially in the 2000s when glued-down construction emerged as a low-cost alternative to HDF / MDF laminate, hardwood, and carpet. Around this time, so-called "peel & stick" versions of glued-down tiles were launched as an option for the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) consumer. Glued-down flooring is considered a type of permanent flooring because it is physically bonded to the subfloor beneath it using glue or adhesive tape. Glued-down flooring can typically withstand impacts, scratches, and spills. Furthermore, once a glued-down floor is physically adhered to the subfloor, it will be firmly held in place.This makes the application of glued flooring typically attractive for use in rooms with heavy and frequent traffic. Although glued flooring has been quite popular for decades, the well-known glued flooring also suffers from several drawbacks. A first major disadvantage of glued flooring is that this type of flooring is not easy to install due to the glue required, which often requires a professional to install the flooring correctly. An excessive amount of glue can, for example, easily stain the top surfaces of the flooring. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 32 / 67 2 / 22 tiles, which is obviously undesirable. Furthermore, it was found that it is not easy to properly align the tiles during installation. Another drawback of the well-known glued floors is that the glue used can degrade over time, leading to a less firm bond between the tiles and the subfloor, and even to undesirable loosening of the tile from the subfloor.

[003] Known to the state of the art, document EP2642044A2 discloses a floor panel and a method for its manufacture. The floor panel is provided, on its underside, with a factory-applied adhesive, which consists substantially of synthetic rubber. In the method, the adhesive is applied by means of a roller device.

[004] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved glued decorative floor covering system to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[005] To this end, the invention provides a glued decorative floor covering system according to the preamble, comprising a plurality of interlocking decorative tiles, preferably flexible, wherein each floor tile preferably has a thickness of less than 4.7 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm, and wherein each floor tile comprises at least one substrate layer, preferably flexible, at least partially composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and wherein each floor tile is rectangular, oblong or square and therefore comprises a first pair of edges and a second pair of opposite edges;wherein the first pair of opposite edges comprises mechanical coupling parts that allow a plurality of such tiles to be mechanically coupled together, wherein said coupling parts form a first locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles in the plane of the tiles and perpendicular to their respective edges, as well; Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 33 / 67 3 / 22 how to form a second locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles perpendicular to the plane of the tiles, wherein these coupling pieces are substantially made from said substrate layer; wherein the coupling pieces on said first pair of opposite edges are configured so that two of these tiles can be coupled to each other on these edges by means of a rotational and / or vertical movement and wherein the second pair of opposite edges is preferably free of any mechanical coupling pieces.

[006] The glued floor covering system according to the invention is still configured to be glued or adhered to a subfloor, but wherein the tiles are provided with so-called angled coupling pieces on two opposite tile edges, typically the long tile edges, which significantly facilitate the installation process. Firstly, the coupling pieces facilitate the alignment of the tiles during installation and, secondly, an excess of liquid glue applied under the tiles to be installed and on top of the subfloor will normally be prevented from flowing between the co-acting coupling pieces of adjacent tiles during the angling of a tile to be installed, which considerably reduces the risk of fouling of the top surface of the tiles.Since this glued flooring system according to the invention is relatively easy to install, a professional installer is no longer required, and the installation can be carried out by a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) user. Furthermore, due to the interlocking between the adjacent tile coupling parts, which is preferably achieved by a snap-fit ​​or click mechanism to achieve the desired locking effect in both horizontal and vertical directions, the installed glued flooring will be more durable than conventional glued flooring. Even in the event of degradation of the adhesive by which the tiles are bonded to the subfloor, the cohesion between the adjacent tile coupling parts ensures that the tiles remain in place. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 34 / 67 4 / 22

[007] The glued floor covering system according to the invention combines both the traditional glued floor principle of fixing tiles to a subfloor by means of glue, but also applies coupling pieces or coupling profiles that are normally used only in floating floor systems. The combination of both aspects leads to a new type of hybrid flooring. It is conceivable that the glued floor covering system could also be used to create a wall covering, a ceiling covering, or an alternative covering such as a furniture covering. The floor covering system according to the invention can be used both indoors and outdoors. Preferably, the floor covering system is a waterproof floor covering system.Since the substrate layer is composed of PVC, commonly also called vinyl, the tiles of the floor covering system can also be called luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP). Instead of PVC, other polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester, polyurethane or other thermoplastic or thermosetting material can also be used in the substrate layer. Alternative materials such as wood, composite materials and / or minerals such as magnesium oxide can also be used as a base material to compose a substrate layer to be used in the tiles of the system according to the invention. The tiles of the floor covering system according to the invention can also be considered as planks, slabs or panels.

[008] As mentioned above, the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges are preferably designed to interlock or snap during mutual coupling. This leads to a click-type locking between the tiles. Preferably, at least one coupling part of the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges is designed to deform resiliently during mutual coupling. This resilient deformation allows for a Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 35 / 67 5 / 22 click-type locking mechanism, particularly in the case where the coupling parts are shaped so that during the coupling of two tiles a resilient part of at least one coupling part is first deformed and subsequently returns at least partially to its initial shape. The coupling parts are preferably configured to properly coerce each other. The coupling parts are preferably complementary to each other. However, this does not exclude the presence of spaces (gaps) between the coupled coupling parts of adjacent tiles.

[009] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling parts of the first pair of opposing edges comprise, in a first edge, a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the tile, the lower front region of said side tongue being at least partially rounded or being flat, the lower rear region of said tongue being configured as a support region, wherein the lower rear region is located closer to the level of the upper side of the tile than a lower part of the lower front region, and wherein the coupling parts of the first pair of opposing edges comprise, in a second opposing edge, a recess to accommodate at least a part of the side tongue of another tile, said recess being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, said lower flange being provided with an upward projection to support the support region of the side tongue,The side tongue is designed so that locking occurs through a movement of inserting another tile into the recess of the side tongue and a downward tilting (rotation) movement around an axis parallel to the first edge, as a result of which an upper side of the side tongue will engage with the upper flange and the support region of the side tongue will be supported by and / or facing the projection of the lower flange, leading to the interlocking of adjacent tiles on the first and second edges. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 36 / 67 6 / 22 Preferably, the side tongue is configured to be inserted into the recess in a manner that conforms to the shape. It is conceivable that the external dimensioning of the side tongue exceeds the dimensioning of the recess. This will normally lead to an active fastening, also called pre-tension, between the mating parts in the mated condition. However, it is also conceivable that the side tongue fits properly into the recess, resulting in a mating between the mating parts without the presence of pre-tension in the mated state. In the mated condition of the mating parts, the side tongue and the recess preferably mutually enclose a plurality of gaps. These gaps may be present to compensate for or absorb the expansion of the mating parts and / or may be used as a glue chamber where glue can flow during installation to make the connection between adjacent tiles firmer.

[010] Preferably, a lower surface of the support region, which is configured to be supported and / or facing the lower flange projection, is inclined upwards towards the lower front region of the side tongue. This will lead to a thinner part of the side tongue between the front and rear regions of the side tongue. This thinner part will typically be the weakest part that is more easily deformed (resiliently), and by positioning this weakest part near the front region of the side tongue, the deformation zone is not only predefined but also located in such a way that the less the side tongue material will be deformed during installation, which will reduce the material stress accumulated during installation and improve the service life of the tiles. An upper surface of the lower flange projection is preferably inclined upwards towards the upper flange.This orientation of the upper surface of the shoulder is typically favorable for creating a desired space between the shoulder and the bearing region, a space that can act as a configured upper glue chamber. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 37 / 67 7 / 22 receive glue during installation, which will further strengthen the connection between the tiles.

[011] Here, it is preferable that the distance between the upper surface of the tile and a lower surface of the support region, which is configured to be supported and / or facing the lower flange projection, be less than the distance between the upper surface of the tile and the lower flange projection. Preferably, the entire space between the projection and the support region is configured to be filled with adhesive during installation and, in the coupled condition, is filled with adhesive.

[012] Preferably, the lower flange is provided with a first end surface, more preferably a substantially vertical first end surface. Preferably, the bearing region is connected to a second end surface of the tile, in particular of the substrate layer, more preferably to a substantially vertical second end surface of the tile. The second end surface is located below (at a lower level) the bearing region. Preferably, in the coupled condition of adjacent tiles, the first end surface faces the second end surface, so that the first end surface and the second end surface mutually enclose a lower glue chamber.This lower adhesive chamber is preferably connected to the upper adhesive chamber mentioned above (if applicable) and is configured to receive liquid adhesive during installation to further strengthen the connection between the tiles. Preferably, the connection between the lower and upper adhesive chambers is filled with liquid adhesive during installation, so that a layer of adhesive extends from the upper adhesive chamber to the lower adhesive chamber and to the bottom of the tile(s). Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 38 / 67 8 / 22

[013] Preferably, in the coupled condition of adjacent tiles, the first end surface faces the second end surface, so that the first end surface and the second end surface mutually enclose a lower glue chamber, wherein the first end surface and the second end surface are located at a distance from each other, preferably a distance of at least 0.2 mm, to allow sufficient glue to enter between the faces.

[014] It is preferable that the first end surface and / or the second end surface be provided with at least one glue collection cavity, in particular at least one glue collection groove. This glue collection groove(s) preferably extend(s) in a direction parallel to the mating part and the flange of the corresponding tile. The application of one or more glue collection cavities increases the contact surface between the glue and the tile(s) which reinforces the bond between the glue and the tile(s).

[015] Preferably, the lower glue chamber is positioned at a distance from the bottom of the tile, so that a vertical distance extends from the bottom of the tile to the lower glue chamber, to prevent glue from accumulating at the bottom of the tiles.

[016] The coupling parts in the aforementioned first pair of opposite edges may be configured so that two of these tiles can be coupled together at these edges by means of a vertical movement, also known as a drop movement or lowering movement. To this end, the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges preferably comprise (i), in a first edge, a single ascending tongue, at least one ascending flank situated at a distance from the ascending tongue and a single ascending groove formed between the ascending tongue and the ascending flank, Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 39 / 67 9 / 22 wherein at least a portion of one side of the ascending tongue facing the ascending flank is inclined and extends in a direction toward (or away from) the normal to the upper side of the core, and wherein at least a portion of one side of the ascending tongue facing away from the ascending flank optionally comprises a first locking element and (ii), on a second edge a single descending tongue, at least one descending flank situated at a distance from the descending tongue and a single descending groove formed between the descending tongue and the descending flank, wherein at least a portion of one side of the descending tongue facing the descending flank is inclined and extends toward (or away from) the direction of the normal to the lower side of the core, and wherein the descending flank optionally comprises a second locking element adapted for coercion with the first locking element of the first edge of yet another tile.Preferably, during coupling, the descending tongue of the second edge of the tile to be coupled will be forced into the upward groove of the first edge of said other tile, and the ascending tongue of said other tile will be forced into the downward groove of the tile to be coupled, by deformation of the first and / or second edge, leading to the locking of adjacent tiles on the third and fourth edges in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The first locking element may optionally be provided on the ascending flank, and the second locking element may optionally be provided on one side of the descending tongue facing the descending flank.

[017] Preferably, the second pair of opposite edges is not provided with any coupling piece, and these edges can be cut in a straight manner, preferably vertically, thus defining a third end surface and a fourth end surface, respectively. The second pair of opposite edges is typically Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 40 / 67 10 / 22 formed by the short edges of a tile. Typically, the third end surface and the fourth end surface face each other in a coupled condition of adjacent tiles. Preferably, in a coupled condition of adjacent tiles, an upper section of the third end surface and the fourth end surface engage with each other, preferably in a continuous manner. In a preferred embodiment, the upper section of the third end surface and the fourth end surface engage with each other, or are in contact with each other, for at least half the thickness of the tiles. This creates a relatively large contact portion where the tiles, in a coupled condition, are in contact with each other.

[018] Preferably, at least part of a bottom section of the third end surface and the fourth end surface mutually enclose a lateral glue chamber. This glue chamber is configured to receive glue during installation, which will also strengthen the connection between the tiles in this second pair of opposite edges. Here, the third end surface and / or the fourth end surface may be provided with at least one glue collection cavity, in particular at least one glue collection groove. The glue collection cavity, or the glue collection groove, preferably extends from the bottom of the tile towards the middle or center of the tile, but does not extend beyond half the thickness of the tile. The glue that is collected in the collection cavity or groove is thus prevented from being forced further upwards towards the top surface of the tiles.

[019] Preferably, the lateral glue chamber on the second pair of edges, or the glue collection cavity or groove, comprises a recessed portion on both second pairs of edges, or on the third and fourth edges. Preferably, the recessed portions extend Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 41 / 67 11 / 22 horizontally and facing each other, and preferably the recessed portions are symmetrical. Once filled with glue, and when the glue has hardened, the glue thus penetrates the second pair of edges horizontally, at least partially. Although this is not considered a mechanical coupling piece that is part of the second pair of edges, the glue in the recessed portions would prevent vertical displacement of the coupled tiles to at least some degree, improving the stability of the tiles.

[020] The second pair of opposite edges is free of any mechanical coupling parts, making the tile suitable for mechanical coupling with only two tiles. The second pair of edges can each be provided with a longitudinal groove extending in a direction parallel to the corresponding edge. Grooves on adjacent edges can be mutually connected and aligned, and together they form a circumferential groove. The circumferential groove is intended, for example, to receive glue during the tiling of the tile onto a subfloor to strengthen the bond between the tile and the subfloor and between tile 1 and adjacent tiles. The groove on the third edge and the groove on the fourth edge are preferably facing each other, and together they form an additional (small) glue chamber. To allow glue to flow into this glue chamber during installation, a glue inlet can be created on the underside between the tiles.This glue entry can be formed by portions cut from the lower parts of the third and fourth edges. The upper sections of the outer surfaces of the third and fourth edges are preferably positioned against each other. The aforementioned additional glue chamber, formed between the grooves, contributes to greater stabilization of the floor covering once the glue has solidified.

[021] Despite the fact that the second pair of opposite edges is preferably free of any mechanical coupling, it is Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 42 / 67 12 / 22 It is conceivable that this second pair of opposite edges further comprises mechanical coupling parts that allow a plurality of such tiles to be mechanically coupled to one another. These coupling parts can be configured to form a first locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles in the plane of the tiles and perpendicular to their respective edges, as well as forming a second locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles perpendicular to the plane of the tiles, wherein these coupling parts are substantially made from said substrate layer. The coupling parts in said second pair of opposite edges can be configured so that two of these tiles can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a rotational and / or vertical movement.In this case, for example, the interlocking between the tiles occurs during the downward tilting of a tile to be coupled at the first edge to the second edge of another tile already installed, where the fourth edge of the aforementioned tile to be coupled makes a scissor-like movement towards the third edge of yet another tile already installed.Here it is conceivable that the third edge comprises a single ascending tongue, at least one ascending flank situated at a distance from the ascending tongue, and a single ascending groove formed between the ascending tongue and the ascending flank, wherein at least a portion of one side of the ascending tongue facing the ascending flank is inclined and extends in the direction of the normal to the upper side of the core, and wherein at least a portion of one side of the ascending tongue facing away from the ascending flank may comprise a first locking element; and that the fourth edge comprises a single descending tongue, at least one descending flank situated at a distance from the descending tongue, and a single descending groove formed between the descending tongue and the descending flank, wherein at least a portion of one side of the descending tongue facing the... Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 43 / 67 13 / 22 The descending flank is inclined and extends in the direction of the normal to the lower side of the core, wherein the descending flank may comprise a second locking element adapted for coercion with the first locking element of the third edge of another tile. Preferably, during coupling, the descending tongue of the fourth edge of the tile to be coupled will be forced into the upward groove of the third edge of said other tile, and the ascending tongue of said other tile will be forced into the downward groove of the tile to be coupled, by deformation of the third edge and / or the fourth edge, leading to the locking of adjacent tiles on the third and fourth edges in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[022] The floor covering system tile according to the invention typically comprises at least one balancing layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to a lower surface of the substrate layer. This balancing layer is intended to keep the tile as flat as possible. The balancing layer is typically formed from a PVC-based film. The balancing layer may act as a sound-dampening layer. Preferably, each tile comprises at least one decorative layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to an upper surface of the substrate layer. The decorative layer may be a printed layer and / or may be covered by at least one protective (top) layer covering said decorative layer. The presence of a printed layer and / or a protective layer may prevent the tile from being damaged by scratches and / or due to environmental factors such as UV / humidity and / or wear.The printing layer can be formed by a film onto which a decorative print is applied, where the film is fixed onto the substrate layer and / or an intermediate layer, such as a primer layer, situated between the substrate layer and the decorative layer. The printing layer can also be formed by at least one layer of ink that is applied directly onto a top surface of the layer. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page 44 / 67 14 / 22 substrate, or over a primer layer applied over the substrate layer. Each tile may comprise at least one wear layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to an upper surface of the decorative layer. Each tile may comprise at least one varnish layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to an upper surface of the decorative layer, preferably to an upper surface of the wear layer.

[023] The tiles of the glued floor covering system according to the invention can have any thickness, typically ranging from 2 to 12 mm, but preferably have a limited thickness of less than 4.7 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm, such as 2.5 mm (or less), 2.8 mm (or less), 3.0 mm (or less), 3.5 mm (or less) or 3.8 mm (or less), which is more typical for glued tile floors. The tiles of the glued floor covering system according to the invention are preferably flexible. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the PVC of the substrate layer be provided with a plasticizer, typically in an amount between 0 and 20% by weight. However, it is not excluded that the substrate layer be semi-rigid or rigid and / or that each tile as such be semi-rigid or rigid. The substrate layer may be foamed, but for glued tiles it is more common to apply a solid substrate layer.The substrate layer preferably comprises at least one inert filler, such as calcium carbonate (chalk) or talc, or a mixture of several fillers, wherein the amount of filler(s) is preferably between 20 and 70% by weight.

[024] It is conceivable that the underside (back) of each tile is provided with an adhesive that allows the tile to be bonded to the subfloor. This can be any suitable adhesive and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which becomes adhesive when said pressure-sensitive adhesive is subjected to mechanical pressure. In this way, it can Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 45 / 67 15 / 22 The application of separate glue to fix the tiles to a subfloor is dispensed with. Optionally, the adhesive is initially covered by a peel-off cover, resulting in a type of peel-and-stick glued floor covering.

[025] The invention also relates to a glued floor covering made by interlocking a plurality of tiles of the glued floor covering system according to the invention.

[026] The invention also relates to a tile for use in a glued floor covering system according to the invention.

[027] The ordinal numbers used in this document, such as “first”, “second” and “third”, are used for identification purposes only. By coupling parts or complementary coupling profiles, it is understood that these coupling parts can cooperate with each other. However, for this purpose, the complementary coupling parts do not necessarily need to have complementary shapes. In this document, the directional expression “horizontal” should be understood as being parallel or parallel to a plane defined by the tile(s), and the directional expression “vertical” should be understood as perpendicular to the plane of the tile(s). Thus, by locking in the vertical direction, it is understood to mean locking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tile. By locking in the horizontal direction, it is understood to mean locking in a direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges of two tiles and parallel to or falling along with the plane defined by the tiles.

[028] The invention will be elucidated based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, in which:

[029] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a glued tile of a glued floor covering system according to the invention, Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 46 / 67 16 / 22

[030] Figure 2 a lateral cross-section of the tile according to figure 1,

[031] Figure 3 a longitudinal cross-section of the tile according to figure 1,

[032] Figure 4 a glued floor covering consisting of a plurality of glued tiles interconnected according to figure 1,

[033] Figure 5 a detailed view of part A of the floor covering according to figure 4,

[034] Figure 6 a cross-section along line BB of the floor covering according to figure 4,

[035] Figure 7 a top view of a glued floor covering consisting of a plurality of glued tiles interconnected according to figure 1 installed according to a first installation pattern, and

[036] Figure 8 a top view of a glued floor covering consisting of a plurality of glued tiles interconnected according to figure 1 installed according to a second installation pattern, and

[037] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of (a part of) two identical panels according to the invention, in the coupled condition.

[038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a glued rectangular tile 1 of a glued floor covering system 2 (see figures 4-8) according to the invention, figure 2 shows a side cross-section of the tile according to figure 1, and figure 3 a longitudinal cross-section of the tile according to figure 1. The tile 1 is mechanically interconnected with two similar tiles to form said covering 2. The tile 1 comprises Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 47 / 67 17 / 22 a first pair of long opposing edges 1a, 1b, identified as the first edge 1a and the second edge 1b, and a second pair of short opposing edges 1c, 1d, identified as the third edge 1c and the fourth edge 1d. The first pair of opposing edges 1a, 1b comprises complementary mechanical coupling parts 3, 4, identified as the male coupling part 3, and the female coupling part 4 to allow tile 1 to be mechanically coupled with two other tiles 1. The second pair of opposing edges 1c, 1d is free of any mechanical coupling parts, which makes tile 1 suitable for being mechanically coupled only to two other tiles. Each edge 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d is provided with a longitudinal groove 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d that extends in a direction parallel to the corresponding edge. The grooves 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d of the adjacent edges 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d are mutually connected and together form a circumferential groove 5.The circumferential groove 5 is intended to receive glue during the bonding of the tile 1 onto a subfloor 6 to strengthen the bond between the tile 1 and the subfloor 6 and between the tile 1 and adjacent tiles. The male coupling piece 3 comprises a side tongue 7 that is integrally connected to a central body 8 of the tile 1. A front region 7a of the side tongue 7 is provided with a flat bottom surface 9. An outer end (a tip) of the front region 7a of the side tongue 7 is provided on an upper side with an inclined locking surface 10. A rear region 7b of the side tongue 7 is situated between the front region 7a and the central body and connects the front region 7a to the central body 8. A lower side of the rear region 7b can be identified as a bearing surface 11. This bearing surface 11 is inclined towards the front region 7a of the side tongue 7.The bearing surface 11 connects to a first vertical end surface 12 of the central body 8. The female coupling part 4 comprises an upper tab 13 and a lower tab 14 defining a recess 15. Both tabs 13, 14 are integrally connected to... Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 48 / 67 18 / 22 central body 8. As shown in Figure 1, the width of the upper tab 13 is substantially smaller than the width of the lower tab 14. The recess 15 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the side tongue 7. More specifically, an upper surface 16 of a rear region 14a of the lower tab 14 has a flat (complementary) shape, configured to coerce with the flat lower surface of the front region 7a of the side tongue 7, while a front surface 14b of the lower tab 14 is provided with an upward protruding ridge 17, configured to face the bearing surface 11 of the side tongue 7 of another tile, at a distance from said bearing surface 11. The space created in this way, in the coupled condition, is defined as the upper glue chamber 21. A lower surface 18 of the upper tab 13 is inclined and corresponds to the locking surface 10 of the side tongue 7.A substantially vertical distal end surface 19 of the lower flange 14 is connected to a lower surface 20 of tile 1, and in the coupled condition to another tile, will face the end surface 12 of the central body 8 and will be positioned at a distance from said end surface 12 of the central body 8. The space created in this way, in the coupled condition, is defined as the lower glue chamber 22, which is connected to the upper glue chamber 21, as visualized in more detail in Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4-8 show a floor covering system according to the invention and, more particularly, a floor covering implemented by said floor covering system, in which a plurality of tiles 1 are interconnected and in which the tiles 1 are glued to the subfloor 6 using solidified glue 23. As shown in Figure 5, the glue has flowed (and solidified) into the upper and lower glue chambers 21, 22.As shown in figure 6, groove 5c of the third edge 1c and groove 5d of the fourth edge 1d face each other and together form an additional (small) glue chamber 24. To allow glue 23 to flow into this glue chamber 24 during installation, a glue inlet 25 is provided. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 49 / 67 19 / 22 is created at the bottom between tiles 1. This glue entry 25 is actually formed by cut-out parts of the lower parts of the third edge 1c and the fourth edge 1d. The upper sections of the outer surfaces of the third edge 1c and the fourth edge 1d are typically positioned against each other, where direct (uncoupled, loose) contact is present between these upper sections. Optionally, during installation, a thin film of glue may flow between these upper sections. The aforementioned additional glue chamber 24, formed between grooves 5c and 5d, contributes to greater stabilization of the floor covering once the glue has solidified. As shown by arrow C in Figure 4, two tiles 1 can be mechanically connected by downward angling (rotating) one tile 1 to be coupled while the male coupling piece 3 of tile 1 is inserted into the female coupling 4 of an already installed tile 1.During this downward tilting motion, in which coupling pieces 3, 4 interact with each other, the tile 1 to be installed will be automatically installed and properly aligned, preventing glue from flowing between coupling pieces 3, 4 onto the upper surfaces of tiles 1 (which would soil tiles 1). During this downward tilting motion, at least coupling pieces 3, 4 will have to be temporarily deformed to allow the side tab 7 to be inserted into the complementary recess 15. In the installed state, coupling pieces 3, 4 will normally return to their initial shape to the complementary shapes of both coupling pieces 3, 4. This temporary deformation of one or more coupling pieces 3, 4 will lead to a click or snap-fit ​​connection, as the male coupling piece 3 will have to be fitted or snapped into the female coupling piece 4.This interconnection will lead to the locking of two tiles 1 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. As shown in figures 5 and 6, the tiles 1 have a layered structure, in which a substrate layer 26 (layer. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 50 / 67 The core layer (20 / 22) is normally the thickest layer and comprises PVC, plasticizer and, preferably, at least one filler. The plasticizer softens the PVC, which normally gives the tile 1 such a flexible character. A support layer 27, also referred to as a balancing layer, is fixed to a lower side of the substrate layer 26 and normally has the function of balancing the tile 1 as such. On top of the substrate layer 26, a decorative printed layer 28, a wear layer 29 and a UV-hardened varnish layer 30 are successively applied. The thickness of this panel is preferably between 2.8 and 4.7 mm. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the rectangular tiles 1 can be installed in a horizontal grid, but, as shown in Figure 8, it is also possible to install the tiles, for example, in an offset or staggered masonry pattern.

[039] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of (a part of) two identical panels 31 according to the invention, in the coupled condition. In this figure only the first pair of complementary opposite edges is shown, in particular their complementary coupling parts. The panels 31 are typically square or rectangular (oblong), wherein a second pair of opposite edges is preferably free of any coupling parts. The thickness of the panels shown 31 is 4.7 mm or less, and is preferably in the range of 3.2-3.5 mm. In this cross-section, not all panel layers are shown, but normally these panels 31 comprise a core 32 and a top layer structure, typically with a decorative character, affixed to the top of said core 32.Core 32 is typically PVC-based, although alternatively, mineral-based and / or wood-based and / or polymer-based compositions may be used to compose core 32. A backing layer attached to a lower side of core 32 may also be applied. The coupling parts are an integral part of said core. One of the parts of... Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 51 / 67 The 21 / 22 coupling, which forms part of panel 31, shown on the left, comprises a lower bridge 33 to which an ascending tongue 34 is attached. The ascending tongue 34 comprises an inner side 34a that faces an ascending flank 32a of the first coupling part. Said inner side 34a of the ascending tongue 34 and the ascending flank 32a enclose an ascending groove. An outer side 34b of the ascending tongue 34 is provided with a locking element, such as a protrusion 35. The second coupling part shown forms part of the right side panel 31 and comprises an upper bridge 36 to which a descending tongue 37 is connected. The lower bridge 33 and / or the upper bridge 36 is / are preferably resilient (to some extent) to facilitate coupling. The descending tongue 37 is inserted into the groove upwards.The ascending tongue 37 is inserted into a descending groove enclosed by said descending tongue 37 and a descending flank 32b. The descending flank 32b is provided with a second locking element, such as a recess 37 configured to constrain, in a coupled position, preferably a coupled offset position (where the panels are slightly inclined relative to each other). A gap 38 is present between the outer side 34b of the ascending tongue 34 and the descending flank 32b, which allows glue to flow into said gap 38 to increase the bond between the panels 32 and a subfloor (not shown). Optionally, additional mutually acting locking elements 39a, 39b, and 39c are provided. A protrusion and co-adhesive recess, shown with dashed lines, are applied near a top seam between the two panels 32. Several spaces are present between the panels 32 to allow for panel expansion and / or to receive glue.A portion of the inner side 34a of the ascending tongue 34 is inclined towards the ascending flank 32 and, preferably, a portion of the inner side 37a of the descending tongue 37 is inclined towards the descending flank 32b, in order to achieve an (additional) locking effect. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pages 52 / 67 22 / 22 vertical (that is, perpendicular to a plane defined by panels 31). As will be evident, the coupling parts shown are configured to be coupled by means of a vertical movement, also referred to as a drop movement or lowering movement or drop locking movement.

[040] The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in doing so, also applying other details of the example described. It is not necessary to elaborate examples of all conceivable combinations of the inventive concepts described above, as one skilled in the art will understand that several inventive concepts can be (re)combined to arrive at a specific application.

[041] It will be evident that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described in this document, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the appended claims which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[042] The verb comprehend and its conjugations used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only comprehend, but also to mean the phrases contain, substantially consist of, formed by and their conjugations. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 53 / 67

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. A glued decorative floor covering system comprising a plurality of interlocking decorative flexible floor tiles (1), wherein each floor tile (1) has a thickness of less than 4.7 mm, and wherein each floor tile (1) comprises at least one layer of flexible substrate (26) at least partially composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wherein each tile (1) is rectangular, oblong or square, and thus comprises a first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) and a second pair of opposite edges (1c, 1d); wherein the first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) comprises mechanical coupling parts (3, 4) that allow a plurality of such tiles (1) to be mechanically coupled together, wherein said coupling parts (3, 4) form a first locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles (1) in the plane of the tiles (1) and perpendicular to their respective edges (1a, 1b),as well as forming a second locking system that effects a locking of mutually coupled tiles (1) perpendicular to the plane of the tiles (1), wherein these coupling pieces (3, 4) are substantially made from said substrate layer (26); wherein the coupling pieces (3, 4) on said first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) are configured so that two of these tiles (1) can be coupled to each other on those edges (1a, 1b) by means of a rotational and / or vertical movement and wherein the second pair of opposite edges (1c, 1d) is free of any mechanical coupling pieces (3, 4), wherein the coupling pieces (3, 4) of the first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) comprise: Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page. 62 / 67 2 / 6 on a first edge (1a) a side tongue (7) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the tile plane (1),the lower front region of said side tongue (7) being at least partially rounded or flat, the lower rear region of said tongue being configured as a support region, wherein the lower rear region is located closer to the level of the upper side of the tile (1) than a lower part of the lower front region, and on a second opposite edge (1b) a recess (15) to accommodate at least part of the side tongue (7) of another tile (1), said recess (15) being defined by an upper tab (13) and a lower tab (14), said lower tab (14) being provided with an upward protrusion (17) to support the support region of the side tongue (7), the side tongue (7) being designed so that locking occurs by an insertion movement into the recess (15) of the side tongue (7) of another tile (1) and a downward inclined movement around an axis parallel to the first edge (1a),as a result of which an upper side of the side tongue (7) will engage in the upper tab (13) and the support region of the side tongue (7) will be supported and / or facing the projection of the lower tab (14), leading to the interlocking of adjacent tiles (1) on the first and second edges (1a, 1b), wherein the lower tab (14) is provided with a first substantially vertical end surface (12), wherein the support zone is connected to a second substantially vertical end surface (12) of the tile (1), in particular of the substrate layer (26), and characterized in that, in the coupled condition of adjacent tiles (1), the first end surface (12) faces the second end surface (12), so that the first Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, page. 63 / 67 3 / 6 end surface (12) and the second end surface (12) mutually enclose a lower glue chamber (22),and wherein the second pair of opposite edges (1c, 1d) consists of a third edge (1c) and a fourth opposite edge (1d), wherein the third edge (1c) is provided with a substantially vertical third end surface (12) and wherein the fourth edge (1d) is provided with a substantially vertical fourth end surface (12), wherein each of the third end surface (12) and fourth end surface (12) is provided with at least one glue collection groove (5c, 5d).

2. Floor covering system according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling parts (3, 4) of the first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) are designed to snap or snap together during mutual coupling.

3. Floor covering system according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one coupling piece of the coupling pieces (3, 4) of the first pair of opposite edges (1a, 1b) is designed to deform resiliently during mutual coupling, wherein during mutual coupling of the coupling pieces (3, 4) in a coupling piece is forced to deform.

4. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external dimension of the side tongue (7) exceeds the dimension of the recess (15).

5. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the condition Petition 870260065076, of 02 / 07 / 2026, page 64 / 67 4 / 6 of coupling of the coupling parts (3, 4), the side tongue (7) and the recess (15) mutually enclose a plurality of gaps (38).

6. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lower surface (18, 20) of the support region, which is configured to be supported and / or facing the projection of the lower flange (14), is inclined upwards towards the lower front of the side tongue (7).

7. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower glue chamber (22) is disposed at a distance from the bottom of the tiles (1) and / or in that the first end surface (12) and the second end surface (12) are located at a distance from each other to allow sufficient glue to enter between the faces.

8. Floor coating system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end surface (12) and / or the second end surface (12) are provided with at least one glue collection cavity, in particular at least one glue collection groove.

9. Floor coating system according to claim 8, characterized in that the adjacent edge glue collection grooves (1a, 1b) are mutually connected and aligned, and together form a circumferential groove (5).

10. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper section of the third end surface (12) and the fourth end surface (12) engage with each other, or are in contact with each other, in at least half the thickness of the tiles (1); Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, pp. 65 / 67 5 / 6 wherein, in the coupled condition of adjacent tiles (1), the third end surface (12) faces the fourth end surface (12), such that an upper section of the third end surface (12) and the fourth end surface (12) fit into each other and such that at least a part of a bottom section of the third end surface (12) and the fourth end surface (12) mutually enclose a lateral glue chamber.

11. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side of the tile (1) is adapted to engage substantially seamlessly with the upper side of another tile (1).

12. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tile (1) comprises at least one decorative layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to an upper surface of the substrate layer (26), wherein each tile (1) comprises at least one wear layer (29) fixed, directly or indirectly, to an upper surface of the decorative layer.

13. Floor coating system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate layer (26) comprises at least one inert filler, such as calcium carbonate.

14. Floor covering system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lower surface (18, 20) of each tile (1) is provided with an adhesive that allows the tile (1) to be adhered to the subfloor (6), and wherein the adhesive is initially covered by a removable cover. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 66 / 67 6 / 6 15. Glued floor covering characterized in that it is made by interlocking a plurality of tiles (1) of the glued floor covering system (2) as defined by any one of claims 1 to 14. Petition 870260065076, dated 02 / 07 / 2026, p. 67 / 67

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