Releasable joining system for floor panels, floor panel, floor system, laying method and method of releasing floor panels

Abstract

A joining system for floor panels comprises a female joint formed in a first floor panel (10) and a male joint formed in a second floor panel (20), the female joint comprising a female joint recess (30) arranged on a female joint tongue (32) projecting away from a main body portion (120) of the first floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel, the female joint recess (30) being adapted to receive a male joint tongue (40) projecting from the adjoining second floor panel (20) in a direction away from a main floor surface plane (SP) of the laid floor panels (10, 20), the female joint further comprising an upper guide surface (34) on a side portion (35) of the female joint recess (30) on the first floor panel (10), the upper guide surface forming a guide for the male joint tongue (40) upon insertion of the male joint tongue.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of the patent application with the invention name “Releasable joining system for floor panels, floor panel, floor system, laying method and method of releasing a floor panel”, filed on 11 December 2020, application number 202080086020.9 (international application number PCT / SE2020 / 051203). TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a joining system for floor panels, comprising a female joint recess formed in a first floor panel. The female joint recess is shaped to receive a male joint tongue protruding from an adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from a main floor panel surface plane on which the floor panels are laid. The male joint tongue is provided with vertical locking means which are capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking means in the female joint recess. BACKGROUND

[0003] The current trend for joining systems for prefabricated floor panels is to use one of several variations of an angle-in tongue and groove joint for the long sides of the typically rectangular floor panels, and then use so-called fold-down joints to join the remaining short sides of the floor panels. This combined use of angle-in joints and fold-down joints makes it easier and less time consuming for professionals and DIY (do-it-yourself) customers to lay floors, compared to previous angle-in / angle-in joining systems where both long and short sides of the floor panels were required to be connected with angle-in joints.

[0004] Fold-down joining systems typically comprise some kind of vertical click action, making the joint easy to click into place when the floor panels are folded down and engaged along the short sides of the floor panels. Prior art click designs for fold-down joints include a number of different forms of vertical locking means, such as angled or rounded locking lugs, to be engaged by clicking into corresponding locking recesses, or vice versa. Some fold-down joints comprise a separate inserted resilient plastic or rubber tongue element to obtain an effective positive locking between two adjoining floor panels. These joints generally work well, but are more complex and thus more expensive to produce compared to joints without such separate inserts, making them unsuitable for mass production of floor panels.

[0005] Prefabricated floor panels are manufactured worldwide in a wide variety of materials and structural designs, to name just a few, such as laminate flooring, wood flooring, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), PVC. The materials and manufacturing properties of all these floor panels differ greatly and it has not been determined that a particular drop- down locking system that works well in one type of floor panel will also work equally well in another type of floor panel that differs in composition and material. For this reason, floor manufacturers are very much in need of finding a drop-down locking system that allows an effective snap action in as many of the widely used floor panel types as possible. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a locking system for floor panels that alleviates some of the problems of the prior art solutions.

[0007] To achieve at least one of the above objects and other advantages that will become apparent, according to the present invention a locking system is provided having the features defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the locking system will appear from the dependent claims.

[0008] More specifically, according to the present invention a locking system for floor panels is provided, the locking system comprising a female joint formed in a first floor panel and a male joint formed in a second floor panel. The female joint comprises:

[0009] a female joint recess arranged on a female joint tongue protruding away from a main body portion of the first floor panel towards the adjoining second floor panel. The female joint recess is adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane of the laid floor panels. The female joint further comprises an upper guide face on a side of the female joint recess on the first floor panel forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the first floor panel. The male joint comprises:

[0010] a male joint tongue integrally formed in the second floor panel, the male joint being provided with vertical locking means capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking means of the female joint.

[0011] The female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a groove in a second floor panel to horizontally lock these panels. The locking protrusion is configured to come in contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the first and second floor panels. The female joint tongue further comprises a recess below the locking protrusion enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels. The joining system further comprises:

[0012] a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the groove in the second floor panel enabling a joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means. Thereby a joining system is provided which eliminates the need for a resilient male joint tongue by providing a resilient female joint tongue. Thereby the groove can be made narrower, thereby increasing the load bearing capacity of the joint. The provided joint release channel further facilitates release of the joint.

[0013] In one embodiment, the recess can extend from the distal face of the female joint tongue. The extension D of the recess can be larger than the width F of the locking protrusion. Having the recess extend horizontally longer than the width of the protrusion will facilitate deflection of the female joint tongue by the male joint tongue, since the vertical force exerted on the locking protrusion will cause a momentum force due to the recess below and the momentum force increases as the extension of the recess exceeds the extension of the locking protrusion.

[0014] Further, the recess can extend on the bottom side of the female joint tongue a distance D from its distal face to between 60% to 90% of the length C of the female joint tongue measured from the distal face, preferably about 85% of the length of the female joint tongue.

[0015] The recess can be defined by a slope extending from the distal face of the female joint tongue a distance D from its distal face to between 60% to 90% of the length C of the female joint tongue measured from the distal face, preferably about 85% of the length of the female joint tongue.

[0016] The locking protrusion can further comprise an inclined abutment surface arranged between a substantially vertical abutment surface on the female locking tongue and a top surface of the female locking tongue. The substantially vertical abutment surface and / or the inclined abutment surface cooperate with the abutment surface on the male joint tongue to prevent horizontal movement of the panels away from each other. The provision of the inclined abutment surface facilitates the insertion of the male joint tongue into the female joint recess as it guides the male joint tongue into the female joint recess. The inclined abutment surface is arranged such that when the vertical locking device is arranged against the upper guide surface during the joining process, the male joint tongue will abut against the inclined abutment surface, and subsequently the vertical force exerted on the second floor panel will force the female joint tongue downwards while the male joint tongue slides on the inclined abutment surface into the female joint recess.

[0017] The first floor panel further comprises a support surface configured to cooperate with the support surface on the second floor panel to provide vertical support when the first and second floor panels are connected. The support surface increases the vertical load bearing capacity of the joining system, thereby further improving the alignment between the floor panels.

[0018] In one embodiment, the male joint tongue is rigid and non-elastic.

[0019] The second floor panel can further comprise an upper joint surface contiguous with the support surface, the upper joint surface configured to abut against the upper joint surface on the first floor panel when the first and second floor panels are joined together. The two joint surfaces together with the support surface form an additional load support and increase the structural strength of the joining system.

[0020] The support surface and the joint surface on the second floor panel can together form a protrusion that corresponds to a recess formed by the support surface and the upper joint surface of the first floor panel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the distance M between the upper surface of the recess and the top surface of the locking protrusion is between 10% to 40% of the thickness Q of the first and second floor panels when the first and second floor panels are joined together.

[0022] A horizontal passage can be provided between the female joint tongue and the main body portion of the second floor panel. The horizontal passage can enable horizontal movement of the female joint tongue.

[0023] In one embodiment, the horizontal distance N between the distal surface of the female joint tongue and the distal surface of the main body portion of the second floor panel is between 5% and 15% of the length C of the female joint member. The above relationship between the female joint tongue and the horizontal distance allows for horizontal movement of the female joint tongue, which can occur during the joining of the panels.

[0024] The joint system can further comprise a joint release lever which can be placed in the joint release channel to deflect the female joint tongue and thereby release the locking.

[0025] In an embodiment, the male joint tongue can comprise a bottom face configured to face the female joint recess bottom face, wherein the shape of the bottom face corresponds to the shape of the female joint recess bottom face. Thus, a vertical force exerted on the joint will be transmitted from the male joint tongue to the female joint tongue without causing any momentum force, which is desirable as it increases the load bearing capacity of the joint and reduces the risk of unintentional deflection of the female joint tongue.

[0026] In an embodiment, the joint face protrudes horizontally from the male joint tongue a distance H which is greater than the distance by which the vertical locking means protrudes from the male joint tongue, such that the vertical locking means is positioned closer to the body portion of the second floor panel than the joint face.

[0027] In an embodiment, the inclination of the bevel is between 5° and 20°.

[0028] The male joint tongue can further comprise a clearance face arranged proximal to and adjacent to the bottom face on the male joint tongue, whereby the second floor panel can be released from the first floor panel by pivoting the second floor panel about the male joint tongue. The clearance face reduces the risk of damage to the female joint tongue and the female locking protrusion during release of the first and second floor panels by pivoting. Thus, the joint system can be released by means of a joint release tool by pivoting and / or by sliding the first and second floor panels relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The clearance face can be chamfered or rounded, and the abutment face of the male joint tongue is arranged at an angle relative to the surface plane and configured to abut against the inclined abutment face on the female locking protrusion.

[0030] In a second aspect, there is provided a floor panel comprising a female joint formed along at least one first side portion of the floor panel for interconnecting the floor panel with a male joint of a second floor panel, the female joint comprising:

[0031] a female joint recess arranged on the female joint tongue, the female joint tongue protruding away from the body portion of the first floor panel towards the adjoining second floor panel. The female joint recess is adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from the main floor surface plane of the laid floor panels.

[0032] The upper guiding surface is located on a side of the female joint recess on the first floor panel, forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the first floor panel.

[0033] The vertical locking means are configured to cooperate with vertical locking means in the male joint, enabling vertical interlocking engagement therewith. The female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a recess in the second floor panel to horizontally lock the panels. The locking protrusion is configured to come into contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the first and second floor panels. The female joint tongue further comprises a lower recess enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels. The female joint forms at least a part of:

[0034] a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the second floor panel, enabling a joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means.

[0035] In one embodiment, the floor panel further comprises a second female joint formed along a side substantially perpendicular to the at least one first side of the floor panel to interconnect the floor panel with a male joint of a second floor panel, the second female joint comprising:

[0036] a female joint recess arranged on the female joint tongue protruding away from the main body portion of the first floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel. The female joint recess is adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from the main floor surface plane of the laid floor panel.

[0037] The upper guiding surface is located on a side of the female joint recess on the first floor panel, forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the first floor panel.

[0038] The vertical locking devices are configured to cooperate with vertical locking devices in the male joint, enabling vertical interlocking engagement therewith. The female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a recess in a second floor panel to horizontally lock the panels. The locking protrusion is configured to come into contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the first and second floor panels. The female joint tongue further comprises a depression enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels. The female joint forms at least a part of:

[0039] a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the second floor panel, enabling a joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking devices.

[0040] The floor panel can further comprise a first male joint formed along a side parallel to at least one first side of the floor panel to interconnect the floor panel with a female joint of another floor panel. The male joint comprises:

[0041] a male joint tongue protruding from the floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane on which the floor panel is laid, the male joint tongue being integrally formed in the floor panel. The male joint is provided with vertical locking devices enabling vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking devices of the female joint.

[0042] The male joint further comprises a recess in the floor panel arranged to receive a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue to horizontally lock the panels. The male joint forms at least a part of:

[0043] a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the second floor panel, enabling a joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking devices.

[0044] In another embodiment, the floor panel further comprises a second male joint formed along a side substantially perpendicular to the side in which the first male joint is formed, the second male joint being adapted to interconnect the floor panel with a female joint on another floor panel, the second male joint comprising:

[0045] A male joint tongue protruding from a floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane on which the floor panel is laid, the male joint tongue being integrally formed in the floor panel. The male joint is provided with vertical locking means capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking means of the female joint.

[0046] The male joint further comprises a recess in the floor panel arranged to receive a locking protrusion arranged distally protruding from the female joint tongue to horizontally lock the panels. The male joint forms at least a part of:

[0047] A joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the floor panel such that a joint release tool placed in the joint release channel can engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means.

[0048] In one embodiment, the floor panel is rectangular.

[0049] In another embodiment, the floor panel is square.

[0050] In one embodiment, the floor panel is parallelogram shaped.

[0051] In a third aspect, a floor system comprising a first floor panel having a female joint according to the first aspect arranged on a short edge of the first floor panel, a male joint according to the first aspect arranged on an opposite short edge of the first floor panel, a female joint according to the first aspect arranged on a long edge of the first floor panel, and a male joint according to the first aspect arranged on an opposite long edge of the first floor panel, the floor system further comprising a second floor panel identical to the first floor panel but mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the short edges of the first floor panel, or mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the long edges of the first floor panel.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, a method for joining a first floor panel with a second floor panel and a third floor panel. The first floor panel has a male joint according to the first aspect arranged on a first side of the first floor panel and a male joint according to the first aspect arranged on an adjoining second side, the method comprising:

[0053] arranging the first floor panel with the first side arranged against a side of the second floor panel provided with a female joint according to the first aspect and the second side arranged against a side of the third floor panel provided with a female joint according to the first aspect,

[0054] joining the first side and the second side of the first floor panel with the second floor panel and the third floor panel, wherein at least the first side of the first floor panel is joined with the side of the second floor panel in a vertical motion.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first side of the first floor panel is joined with the side of the second floor panel in a vertical motion and the second side of the first floor panel is joined with the side of the third floor panel in a vertical motion.

[0056] In another embodiment, the first side of the first floor panel is joined with the side of the second floor panel in a vertical motion and the second side of the first floor panel is joined with the side of the third floor panel in a folding motion pivoting around the first side of the first floor panel after the first side of the first floor panel is joined with the second floor panel.

[0057] In one embodiment, the method further comprises releasing the first floor panel from the second floor panel and / or the third floor panel by depressing the recessed joint tongue on the side of the second floor panel and / or on the side of the third floor panel.

[0058] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined in this specification. All references to a / an / the item, apparatus, component, means etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one and only one item, apparatus, component, means etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed unless explicitly stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] The above mentioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference notations are used to refer to identical elements in the different drawings and in which:

[0060] FIG. 1A A side view of a joining system according to the present application is shown as applied to exemplary floor panels.

[0061] FIG. 1B A side view of a joining system according to the present application is shown, wherein some defined measurements of the joining system are demonstrated.

[0062] FIG. 2 A side view of a joining system according to the present application is shown when a first floor panel is joined with a second floor panel.

[0063] FIG. 3 Another side view of the joining system in the intermediate joining position is shown, wherein the female joint tongue is slightly bent downwards by interaction with the male joint tongue.

[0064] FIG. 4 Another side view of the joining system in the joined, fully engaged and vertically locked state is shown.

[0065] FIG. 5 A disassembled perspective view of a first floor panel is shown, showing a female joint.

[0066] FIG. 6 A disassembled perspective view of a second floor panel is shown, showing a male joint.

[0067] FIG. 7 A side view of a joint release lever of a first embodiment is shown.

[0068] FIG. 8 A side view of a joint release lever of a second embodiment is shown.

[0069] FIG. 9 A side view of a joint release lever of a third embodiment is shown.

[0070] FIG. 10 A cross-section of a joint release lever in one embodiment is shown.

[0071] FIG. 11 Cross-sections of joint release levers in different embodiments are shown.

[0072] FIG. 12 A side view of the joining system is shown, when the joint release lever has been inserted into the joint release channel, thereby pushing the female joint tongue downwards to unlock the joining system.

[0073] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Two further embodiments of joint release levers are shown.

[0074] FIG. 14 A floor panel is shown in a disassembled side view. The floor panel comprises a male joint on the left side and a female joint on the right side.

[0075] FIG. 15 A floor system is shown, with the floor panels laid in a herringbone pattern.

[0076] FIG. 16 A floor system is shown, with the floor panels laid in a fishbone pattern.

[0077] FIG. 17 And FIG. 18 A first floor panel and a second floor panel comprising a vertical locking device according to one embodiment are shown.

[0078] FIG. 19 A side view of a joining system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0079] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 A side view and a connection view of a joining system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0080] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 A side view and a connection view of a joining system according to one embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The present application will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which current preferred embodiments of the application are shown. The application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

[0082] Some prior art drop down joining systems include the use of a resilient slot or groove located adjacent to the vertical locking device. Such a resilient slot will improve the resilient performance of the joint, making it more suitable for a wider range of floor panel types, to avoid stress loads that are not desirable for more brittle materials or composite floor panel designs.

[0083] Typically, drop down joining systems with a resilient slot rely on male joint elements that are at least partially flexible by having a resilient slot, so that it can be flexibly bent during the joining of the panels, in order to be able to be received by a corresponding female joint element. However, a resilient slot will result in a structurally weak joint, which can not be desirable in some embodiments. Furthermore, it can be beneficial to be able to release the joint in case of damaged or incorrectly placed panels.

[0084] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a system for joining floor panels that allows for secure and easy joining of floor panels, which results in a joint structure that is more rigid and releasable.

[0085] Although the present application is described in more detail below with reference to rectangular floor panels, it is equally conceivable that the floor panels have any other geometric shape, such as square.

[0086] Further modifications to disclosed embodiments can also be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of the drawings, the disclosures and the appended claims.

[0087] For example, the floor panels referred to herein can be floor panels comprising a main substrate made of e.g. wood or a wood-based material such as MDF or HDF, or a main substrate made of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or plastic or a composite polymer material such as PVC or LVT or other polymer material and a metal such as aluminium. In addition, the floor panels comprise a top layer. Examples of top layers are wood-based top layers such as veneer, or a decorative film and other layers comprising printed decor such as DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate) or HPL (High Pressure Laminate) laminate layers. The top layer can comprise a carrier sheet, e.g. consisting of paper, which is impregnated with a resin or synthetic material. The carrier sheet shows a printed decor which is visible on the upper side of the floor panel and which forms the so-called decor layer.

[0088] Initially with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 The figures show side views of a joining system as applied to exemplary floor panels 10, 20, at the moment the second floor panel 20 is being interconnected with the first floor panel 10 by means of a male joint of the second floor panel 20 which is being applied and pressed into a female joint of the first floor panel 10. The joining system provides locking in both the horizontal direction (direction of the floor plane) and the vertical direction perpendicular to the direction of the floor plane. In FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 In the shown embodiment, the floor panels 10, 20 are each provided with a decorative top layer 12. The joining system 10, 20 comprises a female joint shown to be formed in the first floor panel 10 and a male joint shown to be formed in the second floor panel 20.

[0089] In FIG. 1A to FIG. 3 In the shown embodiment, the respective joint portions are entirely formed in the main substrate of the floor panel, which main substrate is made of a homogeneous material. However, in other embodiments, it is conceivable that the joint portions are partly formed in the top layer 12 and / or that the main substrate is made of a non-homogeneous composite material, such that a certain portion of the joint is substantially formed by a first material, while a second portion of the joint is substantially formed by a second material, both materials being part of the main substrate. The female joint comprises a female joint recess 30 of the first floor panel 10, which first floor panel has the recess 30 opening in a direction towards the top layer 12. The female joint recess 30 is arranged on a female joint tongue 32, which female joint tongue protrudes away from the main body portion 120 of the first floor panel 10. The main body portions 120, 220 of the respective first and second floor panels 10, 20 are considered to be the portions of each panel 10, 20 which do not include the actual joining system. I.e. the main substrate of each panel is not affected by the female joint and the male joint, respectively.

[0090] The male joint tongue 40 preferably has a protruding length K, measured from the upper surface 71 of the recess 70 in the second floor panel, which is between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30% of the thickness Q of the first and second floor panels 10, 20.

[0091] The female joint recess 30 of the first floor panel is adapted to receive the male joint tongue 40, which protrudes from the adjoining second floor panel 20 in a direction away from the main floor surface plane SP (e.g. generally perpendicular to the main floor surface plane SP of the laid floor panels 10, 20) and away from the top layer 12.

[0092] The male joint tongue 40 comprises a bottom surface 46 which is configured to face the female joint recess bottom surface 48. In one embodiment, the shape of the bottom surface 46 corresponds to the shape of the female joint recess bottom surface 48.

[0093] The first floor panel 10 further comprises a locking protrusion 31 which protrudes from the lower part of the substrate in a direction towards the top layer 12, i.e. towards the main surface plane SP. As shown, the locking protrusion 31 is arranged distally of the female joint tongue 32, thereby forming a horizontal lock restricting the movement of the second floor panel 20 away from the first floor panel 10 (and vice versa) by its interaction with the male joint tongue 40.

[0094] The female joint tongue 32 further comprises a lower recess 33 on the opposite side of the female joint tongue 32 relative to the locking protrusion 31. During insertion of the male joint tongue 40, the lower recess 33 allows the female joint tongue 32, which is elastic, to temporarily deflect, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0095] The second floor panel 20 further comprises a recess 70 which is formed in the second floor panel 20 and has an opening in a direction away from the top layer 12. The locking protrusion 31 is configured to be positioned in the recess 70 and to abut the male joint tongue 40 and thus form a horizontal lock together with the male joint tongue 40 when the male joint is engaged in the female joint. The horizontal width F of the locking protrusion is preferably in the range of 4-7 mm, more preferably approximately 5.5 mm. In FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 In the shown embodiment, the horizontal width F is smaller than the horizontal width L of the female joint recess 30. If the width L is longer, it is easier to make the female joint tongue 32 sufficiently elastic without the need for a very elastic material. In FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 In the shown embodiment, the horizontal width F is smaller than half the total length C of the female joint tongue 32. Furthermore, the horizontal width F is larger than the width E of the inclined portion 36, the narrowest part of which lies in the area of the horizontal width L, such that the main elasticity is generated along the distance L and not along the distance F.

[0096] The female joint further comprises vertical locking means 60 adapted to receive the vertical locking means 50 of the abutting second floor panel 20. The vertical locking means 50, 60 on the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 respectively prevent vertical misalignment of the joint between the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. As FIG. 1A to FIG. 3 shown, the vertical locking means 50 on the male joint tongue 40 is in the shape of a bulge 50 configured to engage in a corresponding vertical locking means 60 in the shape of a recess 60 on the female joint. However, it is equally possible that the recess is arranged on the male joint tongue 40, with the bulge arranged in the female joint. It should also be noted that the vertical locking means 50, 60 can take other shapes, such as triangular protrusions / recesses or rectangular protrusions / recesses, etc.

[0097] The female joint further comprises an upper guide face 34 located on the side 35 of the female joint recess 30 on the first floor panel 10. The guide face 34 forms a substantially non-elastic vertical guide for the male joint tongue 40 when inserted, limiting the movement of the male joint tongue 40 in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion 120 of the first floor panel 10. The interaction between the male joint tongue 40 and the guide face 34 is such that the male joint tongue 40 will come into contact with the female joint tongue 32, more specifically with the locking protrusion 31 thereof, during joining of the panels 10, 20.

[0098] The female joint tongue 32 needs to be temporarily depressed, pushed down, as FIG. 3 shown, to enable the male joint tongue 40 to reach its locked position as FIG. 4 shown. This is possible because the female joint tongue 32 comprises a lower recess 33 that allows the part of the female joint tongue 32 having the locking protrusion 31 to be elastically bent to accommodate the male joint tongue 40. The female joint tongue 32 is further configured to elastically return from its depressed position once the male joint tongue 40 has reached its locked position, thereby causing the female joint tongue 32 to provide horizontal locking of the joint.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 , the joining system further comprises a joint release channel 41 that is part of the male joint and the female joint for releasing the male joint from the female joint when the male joint is locked in the female joint, which is FIG. 3The joint release channel 41 can be defined between the locking protrusion 31 and the upper surface 71 of the groove 70 of the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20, respectively. The distance M between the upper surface 71 of the groove 70 and the top surface 42 of the locking protrusion 31 can be between 10% and 40% of the thickness Q of the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined together. In one embodiment, it is between 15% and 25% of the thickness Q.

[0100] When the joint release bar 110 is inserted into the joint release channel 41, the female joint tongue 32 will be pressed downwards until the locking protrusion 31 releases the male joint tongue 40 so that the male joint tongue can move horizontally in order to release the vertical locking means 50, 60, as further detailed in FIG. 12 .

[0101] FIG. 3 A joining system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 is shown, when the second floor panel 20 is pressed / folded substantially vertically into the first floor panel 10 so that the male joint tongue 40 presses against the locking protrusion 31 on the female joint tongue 32. As a result, the female joint tongue 32 is deflected downwards. As shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 , the locking protrusion 31 can comprise a sloped abutment surface 38 arranged between the substantially vertical abutment surface 37 on the female locking tongue 32 and the top surface 41 of the female locking tongue 32. The sloped abutment surface 38 facilitates the insertion of the male joint tongue 40, which can also comprise rounded or chamfered corners. Note that the sloped abutment surface 38 can also be rounded, thereby providing an increased slope towards the female joint recess 30. Providing rounded / chamfered corners also facilitates the distribution of the load generated by the contact between the male joint tongue 40 and the locking protrusion 31, which increases the durability of the joint.

[0102] The interaction between the vertical guiding surface 34 and the vertical locking means 50 on the male joint tongue 40 preferably guides the male joint tongue 40 so that it pushes against the locking protrusion 31 on the inclined abutment surface 38 during the connection of the panels 10, 20. This is done when the vertical locking means 50 protruding from the male joint tongue 40 abuts against the vertical guiding surface 34. This forces the male joint tongue 40 against the inclined abutment surface 38, which preferably has a horizontal width J that substantially corresponds to the horizontal width L of the female joint recess 30. In one embodiment, the horizontal width J of the male joint tongue 40 is between 5 and 7 mm. The horizontal width L of the female joint recess 30 can be between 5 and 7 mm. Both the horizontal width J and the vertical thickness P are wider than the thickness E, so that the female joint tongue 32 is more elastic than the male joint tongue 40, so that the main elasticity and movement is by the female joint tongue 32.

[0103] FIG. 4 A joined, fully engaged and vertically locked state of the joining system according to FIG. 1A to FIG. 3 the embodiment shown. The female joint tongue 32 is deflected in the state shown FIG. 2 The female joint tongue 32 is now elastically returned to form a horizontal locking, and the locking protrusion 31 is firmly positioned in the groove 70, while the vertical locking means 50, 60 on the first and second floor panel 10, 20 are engaged with each other, providing vertical locking. The male joint tongue 40 is fully lowered into the first female joint recess 30. In one embodiment, the female joint tongue 32 can be configured not to be allowed to fully return to its relaxed state when the male joint tongue 40 is in the female joint recess 30. The locking protrusion 31 can then provide a pre-tension to the joint, reducing the risk of a gap being formed between the first and second floor panel 10, 20.

[0104] The horizontal locking by the female joint tongue 32 can be formed by a substantially vertical abutment surface 37 on the locking protrusion 31, which can cooperate with an abutment surface 47 arranged also substantially vertically on the male joint tongue 40. This can also be formed by the inclined abutment surface 38, as FIG. 19 shown.

[0105] In FIG. 4It can be seen in the fully engaged condition shown that a horizontal passage 80 is provided between the recessed tongue 32 and the body portion 220 of the second floor panel 20. The horizontal passage 80 between the distal face 44 of the recessed tongue 32 and the distal face 43 of the second floor panel 20 enables horizontal movement of the recessed tongue 32, which is desirable because the bending of the recessed tongue 32 can also cause horizontal movement. The width N of the horizontal passage 80, i.e. the horizontal distance N from the distal face 44 of the recessed tongue 32 to the distal face 43 of the second floor panel 20, is between 5% and 15% of the length C of the recessed tongue member 32. In one embodiment, the distance (or width) N is dependent on the height R of the locking protrusion 31. An increase in the height of the locking protrusion 31 will result in an increase in the horizontal movement when the recessed tongue 32 is depressed during the joining of the panels 10, 20. The horizontal distance N can therefore be between 5% and 25% of the height R of the locking protrusion 31.

[0106] It can also be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 that the undercut 33 of the recessed tongue 32 can extend from the distal face 44 of the recessed tongue 32 and the extension D can be greater than the width F of the locking protrusion 31. This helps to deflect / depress the recessed tongue 32 because the force from the male tongue 40 is applied to the locking protrusion 31. The force therefore creates a moment force in the recessed tongue 32 due to the undercut 33, which causes the recessed tongue to temporarily bend, as FIG. 3 shown.

[0107] The undercut 33 in the recessed tongue 32 can also be formed by a ramp 45 extending a distance D from the distal face 44 of the recessed tongue 32 to between 60% and 90% of the length C of the recessed tongue 32 measured from the distal face 44, preferably about 85% of the length C of the recessed tongue 32. The ramp can have a slope a of between 5° and 20°, preferably about 7°.

[0108] To avoid a material too narrow between the bevel 45 and the recess 30 in the female joint tongue 32, the female joint recess bottom 48 can thus comprise a beveled recess portion 39, which can be arranged opposite the bevel 45. If the female joint recess 30 had a completely flat bottom 48 without a beveled recess portion 39, the distal corner of the female joint recess bottom 48 and the bevel 45 on the bottom side of the female joint tongue 32 would result in a potentially structurally weakened female joint tongue 32, which can be undesirable in some embodiments. These two opposite bevels 45 and beveled recess portions 39 prevent this and provide the female joint tongue 32 with an increased structural integrity. The bevel 45 and the beveled recess portion 48 form a beveled portion 36 of the female joint tongue 32. The beveled portion 36 has a thickness E, which at least partly defines the flexibility of the female joint tongue 32, more specifically the force needed to depress the female joint tongue 32. As mentioned, the thickness E is preferably less than the thickness P of the second floor panel 20. In one embodiment, the thickness E is about 50% to 80% of the thickness P. The female joint tongue 32 can alternatively or additionally be made of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than the material of the male joint, thereby facilitating elastic deformation by the female joint rather than the male joint.

[0109] The male joint can be vertically supported by the female joint tongue 32, more specifically by the interaction between the male joint tongue 40 and the bottom of the female joint recess 30 in the female joint tongue 32. The vertical locking devices 50, 60 on the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20, respectively, add to the vertical support.

[0110] In one embodiment, to increase the vertical load bearing capacity of the joint and to improve the vertical alignment between the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20, the first floor panel can comprise a support face 111 configured to cooperate with a support face 112 on the second floor panel 20. The support faces 111, 112 are arranged horizontally but face opposite, such that a ledge is formed by the surface 111 on the first floor panel 10, against which the support face 112 on the second floor panel 20 abuts when the two panels are joined together. Preferably, the support face 111 on the first floor panel 10 faces upwards and the support face 112 on the second floor panel 20 faces downwards.

[0111] The support faces 111, 112 facilitate the distribution of vertical loads applied to the joint when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined and prevent the male joint tongue 40 from being depressed unintentionally. The support face 111 on the first floor panel 10 is arranged proximally of the female joint recess 30, while the support face 112 on the second floor panel 20 is arranged distally of the male joint tongue 40.

[0112] The second floor panel can further comprise an upper joint surface 114 adjoining the support surface 112, which upper joint surface is configured to abut against the upper joint surface 113 of the first floor panel 10. In one embodiment, at least one of the joint surfaces 113, 114 can be arranged vertically. However, in the embodiment shown, they can be arranged at a negative angle, such that when the panels 10, 20 are joined together, a small space is formed between the joint surfaces 113, 114 at the lower part, i.e. close to the support surfaces 111, 112. Thereby, only the upper part of the joint surfaces 113, 114 abut when the panels 10, 20 are joined. In another embodiment, at least one of the joint surfaces 113, 114 can comprise a cut-out forming a space at the lower part of the joint surface 113, 114 close to the support surface 111, 112. Forming a space at least at the lower part between the joint surfaces 113, 114 is advantageous for manufacturing purposes. For example, dust or removed material that can unintentionally be left over during the manufacturing process can collect in said space and will thus not cause any tolerance problems that can occur if the joint surfaces are arranged completely vertically. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 In the embodiment shown, they can be arranged at a negative angle, such that when the panels 10, 20 are joined together, a small space is formed between the joint surfaces 113, 114 at the lower part, i.e. close to the support surfaces 111, 112. Thereby, only the upper part of the joint surfaces 113, 114 abut when the panels 10, 20 are joined. In another embodiment, at least one of the joint surfaces 113, 114 can comprise a cut-out forming a space at the lower part of the joint surface 113, 114 close to the support surface 111, 112. Forming a space at least at the lower part between the joint surfaces 113, 114 is advantageous for manufacturing purposes. For example, dust or removed material that can unintentionally be left over during the manufacturing process can collect in said space and will thus not cause any tolerance problems that can occur if the joint surfaces are arranged completely vertically.

[0113] The support surface 112 and the joint surface 114 on the second floor panel 20 together form a protrusion 116, which corresponds to a recess 118, i.e. a shelf, formed by the support surface 111 and the upper joint surface 113 on the first floor panel 10. Preferably, the upper joint surface 114 on the second floor panel 20 protrudes a distance H that is greater than the distance I by which the vertical locking device 50 protrudes. In the embodiment shown, the distance I is also substantially shorter than the horizontal width L of the tongue-and-groove recess 30, such that the tongue of the tongue-and-groove joint is more flexible than the vertical locking device 50. FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 In the embodiment shown, the distance I is also substantially shorter than the horizontal width L of the tongue-and-groove recess 30, such that the tongue of the tongue-and-groove joint is more flexible than the vertical locking device 50.

[0114] FIG. 1B The horizontal distance A between the joint surface 114 on the tongue-and-groove joint and the vertical abutment surface 47 shown is preferably about equal to FIG. 1B The horizontal distance B between the vertical abutment surface 37 on the locking protrusion 31 and the joint surface 113 on the tongue-and-groove joint shown is preferably about equal to

[0115] In the embodiment shown, the distance I is also substantially shorter than the horizontal width L of the tongue-and-groove recess 30, such that the tongue of the tongue-and-groove joint is more flexible than the vertical locking device 50. FIG. 1BIn some embodiments, a side view of the joint system is shown, with various measurements of the joint system illustrated on the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. In one embodiment, the distance G, which defines the height of the recess 33 at the distal edge of the female joint tongue 32, is approximately equal to or greater than the vertical overlap dimension between the male joint tongue 40 and the vertical abutment surface 37 of the locking protrusion 31 when the panels 10, 20 are joined together. This facilitates the release of the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion 31 when the locking protrusion 31 is depressed, in order to release the panels 10, 20 from one another.

[0116] Preferably, the horizontal width F of the locking protrusion is equal to or less than the horizontal width O of the recess 70.

[0117] Turning now to FIG. 5 which shows a perspective view of the first floor panel 10, showing FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 the female joint of the illustrated embodiment. The perspective view shows the female joint extending along the length of one side of the floor panel 10.

[0118] FIG. 6 which shows a perspective view of the second floor panel 20, showing the male joint. The perspective view shows the male joint extending along the length of one side of the second floor panel 20. The male and female joints of the first and second floor panels 10, 20 can be connected to one another along the overall length (or width) of these floor panels, which forms a strong releasable joint between the floor panels. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 the illustrated embodiment, the joint is shown along only the first side of the floor panel. However, in alternative embodiments, the female joint can extend along at least one long edge and at least one short edge of a rectangular floor panel.

[0119] FIG. 7 which shows a joint release lever 110 according to the first embodiment. The joint release lever 110 comprises an introduction section 180 of constant cross-sectional area extending from a tip portion 120 to a tapered unlocking section 190, wherein the cross-sectional area of the tapered unlocking section increases towards a base portion 130 of the joint release lever 110. The length Lt of the tapered unlocking section 190 can exceed the length Li of the introduction section 180. The introduction section 180 can facilitate guiding the joint release lever 110 into the joint release channel 90 (as shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 6 and FIG. 13A to FIG. 14 illustrated) before the tapered unlocking section 190 begins to urge the second male joint tongue 50 for release. In some examples, the length Li of the introduction section can be 30% to 50% of the length Lt of the tapered unlocking section 190. In one advantageous example, the length Li of the introduction section 180 can be 40% of the length Lt of the tapered unlocking section 190. FIG. 6A first example of a tapered joint release lever 110 is also shown, in which the tapered unlocking section 190 exhibits a linear tapered profile.

[0120] FIG. 8 A second example of the tapered joint release lever 110 is shown, wherein the tapered unlocking section 190 exhibits a concave tapered profile. (See attached image.) FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 As seen, the connector release lever 110 may include an operating handle 195 at its base portion 130. The connector release lever 110 may be made of a polymer material. Alternatively or additionally, the connector release lever may be made of other materials such as metal.

[0121] FIG. 10 A cross-sectional view of a first exemplary cross-sectional shape of the connector release lever 110 is shown. In this example, the connector release lever 110 has a generally rectangular cross-section.

[0122] FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of a second exemplary cross-sectional shape of the connector release lever 110 is shown. In this example, the connector release lever 110 also includes a generally rectangular cross-section, but is more rounded at the edges.

[0123] FIG. 12 A side view of the connection system is shown, as applied in conjunction with... FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 Exemplary floor panels 10, 20 in the same embodiments shown. FIG. 12 In the indicated state, the connector release lever 110 has been inserted into the connector release channel 41, causing the connector release lever 110 to push the concave connector tongue 31 downwards. The convex connector tongue 40 is then released from its locked state in the concave connector recess 30, allowing the convex connector tongue to pass horizontally through the locking protrusion 31. As the convex connector tongue 40 of the second floor panel 20 can be horizontally displaced relative to the first floor panel 10 when the horizontal lock has been released by the deflection of the concave connector tongue 32, the convex connector tongue 40 can be lifted / unfolded from the first concave connector recess 30. As a result, this will further disengage the vertical locking devices 50, 60. Therefore, the second floor panel 20 can be disengaged from the first floor panel 10.

[0124] The connector release rod 110 may be at least partially tapered, with its cross-sectional area increasing from its end portion or a certain distance from the end portion toward its base portion (e.g., FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 (As shown). Therefore, as the connector release lever 110 is gradually inserted into the connector release channel 41, the increase in cross-sectional dimensions can push against the concave connector tongue 32. In some examples, a connector release lever 110 that is at least partially tapered can help deflect the concave connector tongue 32 and disengage the connection system.

[0125] FIG. 13AAnother embodiment of the connector release lever 110 is shown, wherein the unlocking section 190 of the connector release lever 110 is generally perpendicular to the operating handle 195. The operating handle 195 includes a hole H adapted to receive at least one finger to operate the connector release lever 110.

[0126] FIG. 13B It shows FIG. 13A The connector release lever 110 shown is operated by a push / bend action on the handle 195 after the unlocking section 190 has been inserted into the connector release channel 41. FIG. 11 As shown, the concave joint tongue 32 is pushed downwards, specifically its locking protrusion 31, and due to the bending movement of the concave joint tongue 32, it is slightly pushed to the right in the horizontal channel 80, thereby releasing the convex joint tongue 40 from its locked state in the concave joint recess 30. It is sufficient to release only a small portion of the longitudinal part of the joint, typically at one end of the panels 10, 20, as this will allow the remaining joint to be released by lifting the second floor panel 20, which will release the rest of the joint.

[0127] FIG. 13C Another embodiment of the connector release lever 110 is shown, wherein the unlocking section 190 of the connector release lever 110 is generally perpendicular to the operating handle 195. After the unlocking section 190 has been inserted into the connector release channel 41, operation is performed by a turning action on the operating handle 195, wherein the operating handle 195 rotates downward about a center of rotation located in the unlocking section 190. The cross-sectional geometry of the unlocking section 190 is asymmetrical, and when rotated, it generates a pushing action on the concave connector tongue 32. The concave connector tongue 32 is pushed downward into the recess 33, thereby releasing the convex connector tongue 40 from its locked state in the concave connector recess 30.

[0128] FIG. 14 A rectangular floor panel 10' according to a first embodiment is shown. The rectangular floor panel includes a recessed joint integrally formed along at least one side of the rectangular floor panel 10' to allow the floor panel 10' to be interconnected with a second floor panel (not shown). The recessed joint includes a recessed joint recess 30 disposed on a recessed joint tongue 32 and adapted to receive a convex joint tongue 40 projecting from the adjacent second floor panel in a direction away from the main floor surface plane SP on which the floor panel 10' is laid. The convex joint tongue 40 may project substantially perpendicularly to the main surface plane SP. The convex joint tongue 40 may project substantially perpendicularly to the top plane 12.

[0129] The female joint tongue 32 further comprises a lower recess 33 arranged distally of the female joint tongue 32. The female joint tongue 32 further comprises a locking protrusion 31 arranged distally, which protrudes upwards from the female joint tongue 32 towards the main floor surface plane SP. The locking protrusion 31 is configured to be arranged in the groove 70 of an adjoining second floor panel to form a horizontal lock therewith. The recess 33 allows the female joint tongue 32 to be depressed by interaction with the male joint tongue 40 and to elastically snap back into place of the locking protrusion 31 in the groove 70 when the male joint tongue 40 is in the female joint recess 30.

[0130] FIG. 14 The illustrated floor panel 10’ further comprises a male joint (on the left side in the figure) formed along a side which is parallel and opposite to the side on which the female joint is formed. The male joint is adapted to interconnect the floor panel 10’ with a further floor panel 20.

[0131] The male joint comprises a male joint tongue 40 integrally formed in the floor panel 10’. The groove 70 is adapted to leave room for the deflection of the female joint tongue 32 when forming a snap-joint interlocking engagement.

[0132] The groove 70 forms together with the locking protrusion 31 a joint release channel 41 for receiving a joint release lever. The joint release lever (as FIG. 12 illustrated) can be placed in the joint release channel 41 to deflect the female joint tongue 32 and thus release the horizontal lock and thus also the vertical lock, for example as further described with reference to FIG. 11 .

[0133] FIG. 15 A floor system 100 is shown, which comprises a floor panel 10’’ which is interconnected with adjoining floor panels A, B, C, D in a herringbone pattern. The floor panel 10’’ is rectangular and comprises a male joint MC’ along a first short side of the floor panel 10’’ and a male joint MC’’ along a first long side of the floor panel 10’’. FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 or a different male joint configured to be joined with a female joint of the floor panel A by an angular movement.

[0134] The floor panel 10’’ further comprises a second short side with a female coupling FC’ and a second long side with a female coupling, both female couplings being the female couplings described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 5 、 FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 . The abutting floor panels A, B are identical to the floor panel 10’’ and thus each have the same set of two male and two female couplings on the substantially perpendicular short and long sides sharing the same edge. The panels C and D are mirrored with respect to the substantially perpendicular arrangement of the panels 10’, A, B, such that if the panel 10’ has the following listed side type pattern in a clockwise direction starting with the short side with male coupling C: MC’-MC’-FC’-FC’, the panels C and D have the clockwise pattern MC’-FC’-FC’-MC’ starting with the short side with male coupling. Naturally, the skilled person can realize that the opposite arrangement can also be the case. In other words, the panels C, D are identical to the first floor panel 10’’ but mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the short sides of the first floor panel 10’’ or mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the long sides of the first floor panel 10’’.

[0135] If an error occurs when installing the floor or if for some reason the floor panels need to be repositioned, the coupling between the two panels on at least the short end can be released by using the coupling release lever shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 . In the example of the herringbone shown in FIG. 15 , the coupling between the short side of the floor panel B and the long side of the coupled floor panel D needs to be released. After this coupling has been released, the coupling between the floor panel B and the floor panel 10’’ can be released by the coupling release lever.

[0136] FIG. 16 A floor system 200 is shown comprising a floor panel 10’’’ which is interconnected with the abutting floor panels A’, B’ in a herringbone pattern. The floor panel 10’’’ has a parallelogram shape and comprises a male coupling MC’ along a first short side of the floor panel 10’’’ and a male coupling MC’’ along a first long side of the floor panel 10’’’. The male coupling MC’ along the first short side of the floor panel 10’’’ is the male coupling described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 、 FIG. 6 、 FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 , while the male coupling MC’’ along the first long side of the floor panel can be the male coupling described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 、 FIG. 6 、 FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 or a different male coupling configured to be joined with the female coupling of the floor panel A’ by an angular movement.

[0137] The floor panel 10’’’ further comprises a second short side with a female coupling FC’ and a second long side with a female coupling, both female couplings being the female couplings described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 5 、 FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 The abutting floor panel A’ is identical to the floor panel 10’’’ and thus has the same set of two male and two female couplings on the adjacent short and long sides sharing the same edge. In the plane of the joint between the two rows of panels, the panel B’ and each panel below and above it are mirrored with respect to the panel A’, 10’’’. The panel to be arranged to the left of the panel B’ would be identical to the panel A, 10’’’, etc. as is common in herringbone pattern floor panels and as would be realized by the skilled person. In other words, the panel B’ is identical to the first floor panel 10’’’ but mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the short sides of the first floor panel 10’’’.

[0138] If an error occurs when installing the floor, or if for some reason the floor panels need to be repositioned, the joint between the two panels on at least the short end can be released by using the joint release lever shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 In the example of the herringbone shown in FIG. 16 , the joint between the short side of the floor panel B’ and the short side of the coupled floor panel 10’’’ needs to be released. After this joint has been released, the joint between the floor panel 10’’’ and the floor panel A’ can be released by the joint release lever.

[0139] Turning now to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , it is shown that the joining system comprises vertical locking means 50, 60, formed by a triangular recess 60 on the female coupling on the first floor panel 10 and by a triangular protrusion 50 on the male coupling on the second floor panel 20, respectively. The triangular protrusion 50 and the triangular recess 60 are preferred in some materials over the circular knobs and recesses shown in other embodiments.

[0140] As mentioned before, the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 can also comprise joint faces 113, 114 having a negative angle or inclination such that a small space is formed between the joint faces 113, 114 when the panels 10, 20 are joined together. In another embodiment, the joint faces 113, 114 are substantially vertical and wherein at least the joint face 113 on the first floor panel 10 or the joint face 114 on the second floor panel 20 comprises a recess forming a space between the joint faces 113, 114 when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined together. Although FIG. 17 andFIG. 18 The embodiments are shown together, but it should be understood that each of these embodiments can be applied individually and separately to the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20.

[0141] Turn now FIG. 19 This illustrates another embodiment of the connection system. FIG. 19 The linking system in the middle includes those that have the following characteristics: FIG. 1A to FIG. 4 The first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 of the concave and convex joints described herein. FIG. 19 The convex joint also includes a gap surface 46a, which is located near and adjacent to the bottom surface 46 of the convex joint tongue 40. The gap surface 46a is preferably chamfered or rounded, allowing the second floor panel 20 to be more easily connected to the first floor panel 10 by folding / angle. Furthermore, the gap surface 46a facilitates the release of the second floor panel 20 from the first floor panel 10 by pivoting the second floor panel 20 about the contact area between the convex joint tongue 40 and the concave recess 30, thereby pushing the concave joint tongue 32 downward and thus releasing the connection.

[0142] The abutting surface 47 on the convex joint tongue 40 is preferably arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal plane SP of the floor panels 10, 20. The angle of the abutting surface 47 can be between 50° and 70°, preferably about 60°. The abutting surface 47 is configured to abut against the inclined abutting surface 38 on the concave joint tongue 32, and the inclined abutting surface 38 is preferably arranged such that it faces the abutting surface 47 and is substantially parallel to it.

[0143] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 Another embodiment of the connection system is disclosed, shown in side-by-side view and connected view, respectively. FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 The embodiments shown share many features with the foregoing embodiments, and these features can therefore be freely combined with any of the embodiments described herein.

[0144] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 The illustrated embodiment facilitates the connection between the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 via a downward fold and / or an angled connection. The second floor panel 20 can also be released from the first floor panel 10 by pivoting the second floor panel 20 about the contact portion between the convex joint tongue 40 and the concave recess 30. The two panels 10, 20 can also be released by a joint release tool (joint release lever) 110 and / or by sliding the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0145] The female joint comprises a protruding vertical locking device 60 arranged on the side 35 of the female joint recess 30. The protruding vertical locking device 60 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding recessed vertical locking device 50 on the side of the male joint tongue 40.

[0146] An upper bevel 61 can be provided on the vertical locking device 60 on the first floor panel 10, which upper bevel is configured to be arranged facing a corresponding upper bevel 54 in the recessed vertical locking device 50 on the second floor panel 20 when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined together (as shown in FIG. 21 FIG. 20 As shown, the upper bevel 61 on the first floor panel 10 and the upper bevel 54 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle β with respect to a plane parallel to the surface plane SP, respectively. Preferably, the angle β is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle β can be between 100° to 150°, preferably about 125°.

[0147] The upper bevel 61 is adjacent to and forms an extension of the upper guide surface 34 on the first floor panel 10. When connecting (e.g. by folding) the two panels 10, 20 together, the upper bevel 61 of the first floor panel 10 and the upper bevel 54 on the second floor panel 20 will slide fit to achieve the connection between the panels 10, 20, and the male joint tongue 40 will be elastically pressed down / deflected of the female joint tongue 32 during insertion until the two panels 10, 20 are joined together.

[0148] A lower bevel 62 can be provided on the vertical locking device 60 of the first floor panel 10, which lower bevel 62 is configured to be arranged facing a corresponding lower bevel 55 on the second floor panel 20 when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined together (as shown in FIG. 21

[0149] As shown, the lower bevel 62 on the first floor panel 10 and the lower bevel 55 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle γ with respect to a plane parallel to the surface plane SP, respectively. Preferably, the angle γ is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle γ can be between 100° to 150°, preferably about 125°. FIG. 20 ​​As shown, the lower bevel 62 on the first floor panel 10 and the lower bevel 55 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle γ with respect to a plane parallel to the surface plane SP, respectively. Preferably, the angle γ is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle γ can be between 20° and 40°, preferably approximately 30°. The cooperation between the lower bevels 55, 62 on the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20, respectively, provides vertical locking. As such, the angle γ should preferably not be too large, as this can cause the vertical locking to weaken as the surfaces 62, 55 can start to slide towards each other in overcoming the friction forces between them. A smaller angle γ is therefore preferred, and an angle of less than 20° is also conceivable. The female joint recess 30 can further be provided with a beveled side 63, which is arranged facing a corresponding beveled side 56 on the male joint tongue 40. The beveled side 63 is arranged on a side of the female recess 30 close to the body portion 120 of the first floor panel 10, while the beveled side 56 on the male joint tongue 40 is arranged on a side thereof away from the body portion 220 of the second floor panel 20.

[0150] The beveled side 63 on the first floor panel 10 and the beveled side 56 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle δ with respect to a vertical plane, respectively. Preferably, the angle δ is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle δ can be between 20° and 50°, preferably approximately 35°.

[0151] The bottom surface 48 of the female joint recess 30 is substantially parallel to the surface plane SP, as is the corresponding bottom surface 46 of the male joint tongue 40. However, these surfaces 46, 48 can also be arranged at other orientations with respect to the surface plane SP.

[0152] The female joint recess 30 can further be provided with a corner recess 51. The corner recess 51 is arranged in a corner of the recess 30 furthest away from the body portion 120 of the first floor panel 10. The bottom surface 48 is arranged between the corner recess 51 and the beveled side 63. The corner recess 51 is recessed below the bottom surface 48.

[0153] The male joint tongue 40 can be provided with a corner recess 53, which is intended to be arranged facing the corner recess 51 in the female joint recess 30. Thus, the male joint tongue 40 and the female joint recess 30 will no longer be in contact with each other in the parts thereof constituting the respective corner recesses 51, 53.

[0154] The corresponding corner recesses 51, 53 are particularly advantageous when the second floor panel 20 is released from the first floor panel 10 by pivoting around the convex joint tongue 40, thus preventing the convex joint tongue from directly contacting the locking protrusion 31 due to the presence of the corresponding corner recesses 51, 53. Therefore, pivoting movement of the second floor panel 20 can be achieved without generating significant strain by pushing the convex joint tongue 40 against the concave locking protrusion 31, which might occur if the convex joint tongue 40 perfectly conforms to the shape of the concave recess 30. This reduces the risk of connection system failure due to structural failure of the concave joint tongue 32 during the pivoting release process.

[0155] The corner recess 51 in the concave joint recess 30 also facilitates the connection of the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 by increasing the elasticity of the concave joint tongue 32. Specifically, its locking protrusion 31 can be elastically bent outward and downward, for example by the force generated on the locking protrusion by the convex joint tongue 40 during the sliding engagement of the upper inclined surfaces 61, 54 when connecting the panels 10, 20, as described above.

[0156] An inclined abutment surface 38 of a concave joint tongue 32 is provided in the concave joint recess 30. The inclined abutment surface 38 is configured to face the corresponding inclined abutment surface 57 on the convex joint tongue 40. The inclined abutment surface 38 is located on the side of the concave joint 30 furthest from the main body portion 120 of the first floor panel 10, while the inclined abutment surface 57 on the convex joint tongue 40 is located on the side of the convex joint tongue facing the main body portion 220 of the second floor panel 20.

[0157] The inclined abutment surface 38 on the first floor panel 10 and the inclined abutment surface 57 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle ε relative to a plane parallel to the surface plane SP. Preferably, the angle ε is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle ε can be between 40° and 80°, preferably about 60°.

[0158] The inclined abutment surface 38 on the first floor panel 10 is configured to abut against the inclined abutment surface 57 on the second floor panel 20, thus forming a horizontal lock so that the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 cannot move horizontally away from each other. The inclined abutment surface 38 of the first floor panel can be arranged between the corner recess 51 of the concave locking protrusion 31 and the top surface 42. The inclined abutment surface 57 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged between the corner recess 53 of the groove 70 in the second floor panel 20 and the upper surface 71.

[0159] The female locking protrusion 31 can also be provided with an inclined top surface 42 configured to be arranged facing a corresponding inclined upper surface 71 in the groove 70 in the second floor panel 20. The respective inclined top surface 42 and upper surface 71 therebetween form a joint release channel 41.

[0160] The inclined top surface 38 on the first floor panel 10 and the inclined upper surface 71 on the second floor panel 20 can be arranged at an angle Θ with respect to a plane parallel with the surface plane SP, respectively. Preferably, the angle Θ is substantially the same for both the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20. The angle Θ can be between 0° and 40°, preferably about 16°.

[0161] The height G and / or the distance R of the locking protrusion 31, as FIG. 1B illustrated, but applicable FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 to all embodiments, can influence the nature of the joining system as to whether it facilitates a drop-down or a bevelled corner. For example, a locking protrusion 31 having a higher height G and / or a larger distance R can result in a joining system that is more easily drop-down than bevelled corner by a lower height G and / or distance R. Thus, the joining system disclosed herein can be adapted by adapting the height G and / or the distance R accordingly so that both drop-down and bevelled corner are feasible, or so that one of the above-mentioned ways facilitates assembly of the joining system. Furthermore, the relationship between the distance from the vertical locking device 60 to the locking protrusion 31 and the shape of the locking protrusion 31, i.e. its height G and / or distance R, also influences the nature of the joining system as to whether it facilitates a drop-down or a bevelled corner or both.

[0162] Finally turning to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 , another embodiment of a joining system is shown. FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 The embodiment shown shares many features with the previously described embodiments, and these features can thus be freely combined with any of the previously described embodiments.

[0163] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 The embodiment in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 shares many features with the embodiments in and

[0164] , and the common features are therefore referred to above, and the following will focus on the description of the differentiating features.

[0164] As shown, the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 can be provided with respective corner recesses 51, 53. The female locking protrusion 31 is further provided with a first vertical abutment surface 37a and a second vertical abutment surface 37b. The first vertical abutment surface 37a and the second vertical abutment surface 37b are offset from each other in the direction of the surface plane SP.

[0165] An inclined abutment surface 52 is arranged between adjacent first vertical abutment surfaces 37a and second vertical abutment surfaces 37b.

[0166] The convex joint tongue 40 has a first abutment surface 47a and a second abutment surface 47b on the side of its main body portion 220 facing the second floor panel 20. These abutment surfaces are arranged vertically and correspond to the vertical abutment surfaces 37a and 37b on the first floor panel 10.

[0167] The first abutment surface 47a and the second abutment surface 47b are offset from each other along the direction of the surface plane SP and are configured to face the vertical abutment surfaces 37a and 37b when the two panels 10 and 20 are joined. An inclined abutment surface 58 is disposed between the adjacent first abutment surfaces 47a and 47b on the convex joint tongue 40 and is configured to face the inclined abutment surface 52 in the concave joint recess 30 when the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 are joined. The shapes of the locking protrusion 31 and the corresponding convex joint tongue 40 provide a robust lock in the horizontal direction, i.e., in the surface plane SP, thus preventing the formation of a gap between the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20.

[0168] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 The illustrated embodiment facilitates the connection between the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 by folding down and / or by beveling. The second floor panel 20 can also be released from the first floor panel 10 by pivoting the second floor panel 20 about the contact between the convex joint tongue 40 and the concave recess 30. The two panels 10, 20 can also be released by a joint release tool 110 and / or by sliding the first floor panel 10 and the second floor panel 20 relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0169] The connection system according to the present invention is also applicable to various materials, such as solid wood, laminated wood panels, different types of fiberboard materials such as MDF or HDF, plastics or composite polymer materials such as PVC or LVT, or other polymer materials, and metals such as aluminum. The connection system can also be used to connect hollow profile beams made of plastic, steel, or aluminum.

[0170] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Therefore, various modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present invention, and thus the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drop down joining system for floor panels, the drop down joining system comprising a drop down female joint integrally formed with a first floor panel and a drop down male joint formed in a second floor panel, the drop down female joint comprising a female joint recess arranged on a female joint tongue protruding away from a main body portion of the first floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel, the female joint recess being adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane on which the floor panels are laid, the drop down female joint further comprising an upper guide face located on a side of the female joint recess on the first floor panel, the upper guide face forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of said male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the first floor panel; the drop down male joint comprising the male joint tongue integrally formed in the second floor panel, the drop down male joint being provided with vertical locking means capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching integral vertical locking means of the drop down female joint, wherein the female joint tongue being resilient and comprising a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a recess in the second floor panel for horizontal locking of the panels, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to come into contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the first and second floor panels, the female joint tongue further comprising a lower recess enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels, wherein the male joint tongue has a protrusion length measured from a bottom face of the male joint tongue to an upper face of the recess in the second floor panel, the protrusion length being between 10-40% of a thickness of the second floor panel, the drop down joining system being configured to be released by a joint release tool or by pivoting the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel, wherein the drop down joining system further comprises: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and the upper face of the recess in the second floor panel, such that the joint release tool, which can be placed in the joint release channel, can engage the female joint tongue, thereby depressing the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or a clearance face arranged proximal and adjacent to the bottom face of the male joint tongue and an inclined abutment face provided on the male joint tongue for abutment with the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue, and an inclined abutment face provided on the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue for abutment with the male joint tongue.

2. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The lower recess extends from a distal face of the female joint tongue, the extension of the lower recess being greater than the width of the locking protrusion.

3. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The lower recess extends on a bottom side of the female joint tongue a distance from its distal face to 85% of the length of the female joint tongue measured from the distal face.

4. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The lower recess is defined by a slope extending a distance from a distal face of the female joint tongue to between 60% and 90% of the length of the female joint tongue.

5. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The locking protrusion further comprises an inclined abutment face arranged between a vertical abutment face on the female joint tongue and a top face of the female joint tongue, the vertical and / or the inclined abutment face cooperating with an abutment face on the male joint tongue to prevent horizontal movement of the panels away from each other.

6. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The first floor panel comprises a support face configured to cooperate with a support face on the second floor panel to provide vertical support when the first and second floor panels are connected.

7. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 6, wherein, The second floor panel further comprises an upper joint face adjoining the support face, the upper joint face being configured to abut against an upper joint face on the first floor panel when the first and second floor panels are joined together.

8. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 7, wherein, The support face and the upper joint face on the second floor panel together form a protrusion corresponding to a recess formed by the support face and the upper joint face on the first floor panel.

9. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 7, wherein, The upper joint face protrudes horizontally from the male joint tongue a distance greater than the distance the vertical locking device protrudes from the male joint tongue, such that the vertical locking device is positioned closer to the body portion of the second floor panel than the upper joint face.

10. The drop-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 1, wherein, The male joint tongue is rigid and non-elastic.

11. The fold-down linking system for floor panels of claim 1, wherein, The distance between the upper surface of the recess and the top face of the locking protrusion is between 10% and 40% of the thickness of the first and second floor panels when the first and second floor panels are joined together.

12. The drop-in joint system for floor panels according to claim 1, further comprising a joint release tool which can be placed in the joint release channel to depress the female joint tongue and thereby release the lock.

13. The fold-down linking system for floor panels of claim 1, wherein, The male joint tongue comprises a bottom face configured to face the bottom face of the female joint recess, and wherein the shape of the bottom face corresponds to the shape of the bottom face of the female joint recess.

14. The fold-down linking system for floor panels of claim 1, wherein, A horizontal channel is provided between the female joint tongue and the body portion of the second floor panel, wherein the horizontal channel enables horizontal movement of the female joint tongue.

15. A fold-down linking system for floor panels according to claim 14, wherein, The horizontal distance between the distal face of the female joint tongue and the distal face of the body portion of the second floor panel is between 5% and 15% of the length of the female joint member.

16. A floor panel comprising a female joint formed along at least one first side portion of the floor panel for interconnecting the floor panel with a male joint of a second floor panel, the female joint comprising: a female joint recess arranged on a female joint tongue protruding away from the main body portion of the floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel, the female joint recess being adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from the main floor surface plane of the laid floor panels, an upper guide face on a side of the female joint recess on the floor panel forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the floor panel, vertical locking means configured to cooperate with vertical locking means in a male joint enabling vertical interlocking engagement therewith, wherein the female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a groove in the second floor panel to horizontally lock the panels, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to come into contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the floor panels, the female joint tongue further comprising a lower recess enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels, wherein the male joint tongue has a protrusion length measured from a bottom face of the male joint tongue to an upper face of the groove in the second floor panel, the protrusion length being between 10-40% of a thickness of the second floor panel, wherein the female joint is configured to be released from the second floor panel by a joint release tool or by pivoting the second floor panel relative to the floor panel, wherein the female joint forms at least one of: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and the upper face in the groove in the second floor panel, enabling the joint release tool to be placed in the joint release channel and to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or an inclined abutment face provided on the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue for abutment with the male joint tongue.

17. The floor panel according to claim 16, wherein The floor panel further comprises a second female joint formed along a side perpendicular to the at least one first side of the floor panel to interconnect the floor panel with a male joint of a second floor panel, the second female joint comprising: a female joint recess arranged on a female joint tongue protruding away from the main body portion of the floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel, the female joint recess being adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction away from the main floor surface plane of the laid floor panels, an upper guide face on a side of the female joint recess on the floor panel forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the floor panel, an upper guiding surface, the upper guiding surface being located at a side of the female joint recess on the floor panel, the upper guiding surface forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted, limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the main body portion of the floor panel, vertical locking means configured to cooperate with vertical locking means in a male joint, enabling vertical interlocking engagement therewith, wherein the female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a recess in a second floor panel for horizontal locking of the panels, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to be in contact with the male joint tongue during joining of the floor panels, the female joint tongue further comprises a lower recess enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels, wherein the second female joint is configured to be released from the second floor panel by a joint release tool or by pivoting the second floor panel relative to the floor panel, wherein the second female joint forms at least one of: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the second floor panel, enabling the joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or an inclined abutment surface provided on the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue for abutment with the male joint tongue.

18. The floor panel of claim 16, wherein, The floor panel further comprises a first male joint formed along a side parallel to the at least one first side of the floor panel for interconnecting the floor panel with a female joint of another floor panel, the male joint comprising: a male joint tongue protruding from the floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane on which the floor panel is laid, the male joint tongue being integrally formed in the floor panel, wherein the male joint is provided with vertical locking means enabling vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking means of the female joint, a recess in the floor panel arranged to receive a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from a female joint tongue for horizontal locking of the panels, wherein the male joint is configured to be released from the other floor panel by a joint release tool or by pivoting the floor panel relative to the other floor panel, wherein the male joint forms at least one of: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the floor panel, enabling the joint release tool placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or an inclined abutment surface provided on the locking protrusion of the male joint tongue for abutment with the female joint tongue. a clearance face arranged proximal to and adjacent to a bottom face of the male joint tongue and an inclined abutment face provided on the male joint tongue for abutment with the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue.

19. The floor panel according to claim 18, wherein, The floor panel further comprises a second male joint formed along a side perpendicular to the side on which the first male joint is formed, the second male joint being adapted to interconnect the floor panel with a female joint on another floor panel, the second male joint comprising: a male joint tongue protruding from the floor panel in a direction away from a main floor surface plane on which the floor panel is laid, the male joint tongue being integrally formed in the floor panel, wherein the male joint is provided with vertical locking means capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching vertical locking means of the female joint, a recess in the floor panel arranged to receive a locking protrusion arranged distally protruding from the female joint tongue for horizontal locking of the panels, wherein the male joint is configured to be released from the other floor panel by a joint release tool or by pivoting the floor panel relative to the other floor panel, wherein the male joint forms at least a part of: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion and an upper surface in the recess in the floor panel, such that the joint release tool, which can be placed in the joint release channel, can engage the female joint tongue to depress the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or comprising: a clearance face arranged proximal to and adjacent to a bottom face of the male joint tongue and an inclined abutment face provided on the male joint tongue for abutment with the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue; wherein the male joint tongue has a protrusion length measured from a bottom face of the male joint tongue to an upper surface of the recess in the other floor panel, the protrusion length being between 10% to 40% of a thickness of the other floor panel.

20. A drop floor system comprising a first floor panel having drop-in female joints disposed on short edges of the first floor panel and integrally formed with the first floor panel, drop-in male joints disposed on opposite short edges of the first floor panel, drop-in female joints disposed on long edges of the first floor panel, and drop-in male joints disposed on opposite long edges of the first floor panel, the drop floor system further comprising: a second floor panel identical to the first floor panel but mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the short sides of the first floor panel, or mirrored in a vertical plane along one of the long sides of the first floor panel, each lower foldable female joint of the first floor panel comprising: a clearance face arranged proximal to and adjacent to a bottom face of the male joint tongue and an inclined abutment face provided on the male joint tongue for abutment with the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue; a female joint recess arranged on a female joint tongue protruding from the body portion of the first floor panel towards an adjoining second floor panel, the female joint recess being adapted to receive a male joint tongue protruding from the adjoining second floor panel in a direction perpendicular to a main floor surface plane on which the floor panels are laid, the drop down female joint further comprising an upper guiding face located on a side of the female joint recess on the first floor panel, the upper guiding face forming a guide for the male joint tongue when inserted in a downward direction, thereby limiting movement of the male joint tongue in a horizontal direction towards the body portion of the first floor panel; each drop down male joint of the first floor panel comprises: the male joint tongue integrally formed in the first floor panel, the drop down male joint being provided with vertical locking means capable of vertical interlocking engagement with matching integral vertical locking means of the drop down female joint, wherein the female joint tongue is resilient and comprises a distally arranged locking protrusion protruding from the female joint tongue in a direction towards the main floor surface plane and arranged to be received in a recess in the second floor panel for horizontal locking of the panels, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to come into contact with the male joint tongue of the second floor panel during joining of the floor panels, the female joint tongue further comprising a lower recess enabling the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue to be depressed during joining of the panels, wherein the male joint tongue has a protruding length measured from a bottom face of the male joint tongue to an upper face of the recess in the second floor panel, the protruding length being between 10-40% of a thickness of the second floor panel, the drop down floor system being configured to be assembled and released in a downward direction by a joint release tool or by pivoting the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel, wherein the drop down floor system further comprises: a joint release channel arranged between the locking protrusion of the first floor panel and the upper face of the recess in the second floor panel, enabling the joint release tool to be placed in the joint release channel to engage the female joint tongue, thereby depressing the female joint tongue to release the horizontal locking from the locking protrusion and / or release the vertical locking means, or a clearance face arranged proximal to and adjacent to the bottom face of the male joint tongue and an inclined abutment face provided on the male joint tongue for abutment with the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue, and an inclined abutment face provided on the locking protrusion of the female joint tongue for abutment with the male joint tongue.

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