Decorative panel, decorative covering comprising a plurality of said panel, and decorative panel system

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a decorative floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel. The invention also relates to a decorative covering consisting of a plurality of decorative panels according to the invention, preferably connected to one another, the covering preferably comprising an entire panel and sawed and / or cut panel parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a decorative floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel. The invention also relates to a decorative covering consisting of a plurality of decorative panels according to the invention, preferably connected to one another, wherein the covering preferably comprises whole panels and sawn panel parts and / or cut panel parts. The invention also relates to a decorative panel system, comprising at least one decorative panel, in particular a decorative panel according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] The flooring market for floor coverings has made great progress over the past decades. It is known to install floor panels on the subfloor in various ways. For example, it is known that floor panels are attached to the subfloor by gluing or nailing them to the subfloor. This technology has the disadvantage of being very complicated: subsequent modification can only be carried out by destroying the floor panels. According to an alternative installation method, the floor panels are loosely installed on the subfloor, wherein the floor panels are matched to each other by a tongue-and-groove joint, so that the floor panels are also mainly glued together in the tongue and groove. The floor obtained in this way (also called floating floor) has the advantages that it is easy to install and the entire floor surface can be moved, which is usually convenient in order to allow for possible expansion and contraction phenomena. Although floor panels used to be made of wood or wood-derived products, recently the market has developed towards plastic-based panels, such as PVC panels, and even towards mineral-based panels, such as magnesium oxide-based panels. A common and unavoidable disadvantage is that consumers, installers and / or dismantlers usually lack knowledge about how to correctly install the panels and / or about other material properties. Summary of the invention

[0003] A first object of the present invention is to provide the user with more information about the panels.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide panel related information to the user in a more efficient manner.

[0005] A third object of the present invention is to provide panel related information to the user in a more permanent manner.

[0006] One or more of these objects may be achieved by providing a decorative panel according to the preamble, the decorative panel comprising:

[0007] a. A core having a lower side and an upper side;

[0008] b. a decorative top structure fixed directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core; and

[0009] c. at least one readable information bearing element carrying and / or provided with information relating to at least one panel-related feature;

[0010] At least one of the information-carrying elements is preferably printed on the rear side of the panel.

[0011] By providing a panel with one or more information bearing elements, the panel itself provides information relevant to the user (e.g., an installer and / or a consumer). Thus, the user no longer relies on the information presented in the original packaging of the panel, which is typically discarded after the panel is installed. The panel-related information remains part of the panel, so the user can access the panel-related information by using the panel itself, such as during installation of the panel, during use of the panel, during removal of the panel, and during discarding of the panel after use. The number of information bearing elements, the location of the one or more information bearing elements, the type of information bearing elements, the method of applying the information bearing elements, and the nature of the information carried directly or indirectly by the one or more bearing elements can vary, and can vary depending on the information bearing elements and / or the panel. Other embodiments of the panel are described below.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the panel is a rectangular panel, preferably a rectangular panel of rectangular shape, with two intersecting main spindles, the main spindles dividing the panel into four quadrants, and wherein the panel comprises a plurality of said information bearing elements, wherein at least two information bearing elements are located in different quadrants. More preferably, the panel comprises at least four said information bearing elements, wherein each quadrant is provided with at least one information bearing element. Preferably, each quadrant can be divided into four sub-quadrants by two auxiliary spindles, wherein a corner sub-quadrant of each quadrant is located at a distance from the main spindles, wherein each corner quadrant is provided with at least one information bearing element. Spreading a plurality of information bearing elements on the panel has a significant advantage, namely: during installation, after the panel is usually cut or sawed into one or more panel segments in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction, in particular in order to adapt the panel to a specific space, each panel segment usually remains provided with an information bearing element. Instead of rectangular panels, other polygonal shapes, in particular simple polygonal shapes such as triangles, hexagons, octagons, etc. can also be used as decorative panels according to the present invention. Furthermore, these alternatively shaped panels may be provided with a plurality of information-bearing elements, which are preferably spread over different (virtual) segments of the panel, said segments being preferably defined by at least two main spindles, wherein said segments are more preferably located on opposite sides of one of said main spindles. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case where the core layer of the panel is cuttable and / or sawable, and preferably also recyclable. To this end, advantageously, the core layer at least partially consists of wood such as HDF or MDF, and / or the core layer comprises at least one polymer-containing layer, for example a PVC-based layer. This enables the panel to be cut (or sawn) into the desired shape, while the remaining panel parts (usually regarded as panel waste) can be used for recycling purposes, wherein the information-bearing elements applied on and / or in said remaining panel parts preferably contain recycling-related information, thereby allowing consumers and / or recycling companies to correctly recycle said panel waste.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least one information bearing element is at least partially printed by using white ink and / or slightly white ink. White ink and / or slightly white ink generally provide good contrast between the information bearing element and the surrounding part of the panel. Preferably, at least one information bearing element is printed on the rear side of the panel. The rear side of the panel can be formed by the core of the panel and / or the backing layer of the panel. The core and the backing layer generally have a darker color (particularly gray, brown or white). On these darker backgrounds, it is advantageous to apply an information bearing element that at least partially has a lighter color (e.g. white or slightly white), which improves the readability of the information bearing element. It is also conceivable to use at least one ink containing one or more of the following pigments: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and / or black (K). This forms a four-color set, commonly referred to as CMYK. All composite colors are formed by superposition of these four primary colors. Additional pigment inks, such as green, orange, red and / or blue, may be used. The ink used is preferably a water-based ink (aqueous ink) and / or an organic solvent-based ink.

[0014] Preferably, at least one information bearing element comprises a plurality of printed layers, wherein at least two printed layers are preferably superimposed on each other. It is conceivable that at least two printed layers are at least partially positioned side by side and are therefore arranged in the same plane. Preferably, at least one information bearing element comprises a fixed first printed layer and a variable second printed layer, which preferably overlaps the first printed layer at least partially. The fixed printed layer can be formed, for example, by a contrasting layer (e.g., a white or slightly white layer). Preferably, the first printed layer is visually distinguishable from the second printed layer. For this purpose, the variable printed layer preferably has a different color compared to the fixed printed layer. The variable printed layer preferably includes and / or displays panel-related information, such as a panel identification number (e.g., a serial number) and / or a production date and / or a (matrix) barcode and / or one or more alternative features. It is conceivable that the first printed layer is formed by one type of printing, such as lithography, screen printing or gravure printing, and the second printed layer is formed by a second type of printing, such as inkjet printing, laser printing, ribbon printing or retransfer printing. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the first printed layer is a lithographic printed layer and the second printed layer is an inkjet printed layer.

[0015] As described above, it is conceivable that at least one information-bearing element is printed directly or indirectly onto the core and / or onto a backing layer fixed to the lower side of the core. As an alternative or in addition to printing, it is conceivable that at least one information-bearing element is at least partially embedded, preferably completely embedded in the core, and / or pressed and / or engraved into the core. In the case of embedded information-bearing elements, the information-bearing element can be completely incorporated in the panel and / or can be completely surrounded by the panel material (preferably the core material). It is conceivable additionally or alternatively that the panel comprises at least one backing layer, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the lower side of the core, and wherein at least one information-bearing element is at least partially embedded and / or fixed to the backing layer. In this embodiment, it is conceivable, for example, that the information-bearing element is pasted and / or glued to the backing layer. As an alternative to the embodiment described in this paragraph, it is conceivable that the backing layer can be omitted, wherein the one or more information-bearing elements are applied to the core and / or another panel layer, or applied to the core and / or another panel layer according to one or more of the above-mentioned application techniques.

[0016] Preferably, at least one information-bearing element is a human-readable information-bearing element. This means that the at least one information-bearing element is visible and can be interpreted (readable) by a user. Here, the term "readable" can also include such expressions as "perceptible" or perceptible by a user. At least one information-bearing element contains visual information, such as text information and / or graphic information, such as installation instructions. These installation instructions can be described in words and / or by pictures showing how to install a covering consisting of a plurality of panels according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one information-bearing element contains tactile information, such as embossed and / or intaglio information. This can be formed, for example, by embossed and / or intaglio logos and / or signs and / or characters and / or graphics, etc. Thus, this tactile information is perceptible and can therefore be interpreted by a user. The tactile information (tactile information) is more significant than the thickness of a conventional ink layer (2.5-3.5 μm). The maximum height and / or depth of the tactile information is preferably at least 1 mm, and is typically between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least one information bearing element is a machine-readable information bearing element, which is configured to be read by a machine such as a camera, a scanner and / or a digital reader. Such an information bearing element may be visible to a user or hidden from a user, as long as a dedicated machine reader is capable of reading information from the information bearing element. Here, for example, it is conceivable that at least one information bearing element comprises a representation of a digital link (e.g. a web link and / or a hyperlink) pointing to at least one digital location (preferably a web page), wherein information related to at least one paneling-related feature is stored and / or retrieved at the digital location, preferably a digital paneling passport. The information related to at least one paneling-related feature stored at the digital location and / or retrievable via the digital location may contain static information, such as text or images; and / or may contain dynamic information, such as video or auditory information. Using a digital location has a significant advantage, namely that an unlimited amount of paneling-related information can be presented to the user.

[0018] Preferably, at least one information bearing element represents a machine readable code, such as a linear barcode and / or a matrix barcode, such as a QR code. Alternatively or additionally, at least one information bearing element represents a machine readable passive tag, such as an RFID tag or an NFC tag, or any other machine readable tangible entity (physical entity and / or physical device and / or programming chip). Such a tag may be completely embedded in the core (and / or one or more other panel layers) and may therefore be completely hidden from the outside.

[0019] At least one, preferably each, information bearing element is configured to directly and / or indirectly provide information relating to at least one panel-related feature, wherein said at least one panel-related feature is selected from the group consisting of: the installation of panels constituting a panel covering (e.g. a floor covering); the dimensions of the panels; the material composition of at least one panel layer; the origin of at least one material used in at least one panel layer; recycling-related information of the panels; the authenticity of the panels; the roundness of the panels; the type of joining profile used at at least two panel edges; embodied carbon; the total amount of volatile compounds; the pigments used; certifications and declarations relating to the panels; panel deposit-related information, such as a deposit mark and / or a (machine and / or human) recognizable deposit mark for (post-use) panel recycling purposes; and / or other documentation relating to the panels. Preferably, a combination of two or more of said features is directly or indirectly accessible to the user. In this way, a digital panel passport containing one or more panel-related features can be created, and access to the digital panel passport can be provided to the user, in particular to allow the user to view the panel content (panel composition) and / or recycling-related information and / or (other) panel properties. For example, the recycling-related information may contain information on whether the recycling of the panel layers and, optionally, the recycling of the panel itself is possible and feasible; if possible and feasible, the recycling-related information contains information on which type of chemical and / or mechanical recycling methods are preferably used in this regard. Additionally or alternatively, the recycling-related information may, for example, include the ratio between the original polymer material present in at least one panel layer and the recycled (same) polymer material. The recycling-related information may be part of the material composition-related information. With the increasing awareness of the environment and sustainability among manufacturers as well as distributors, sellers, installers and end consumers, such material composition-related information, preferably including recycling-related information, becomes increasingly important. This information enables the end consumer to separate and / or sort the waste materials and allows post-consumer recycling companies to properly recycle the used panels.

[0020] As described above, at least one (visible or invisible) information-bearing element may be related to the panel deposit, such as a panel deposit mark and / or a barcode and / or a QR code and / or a chip, such as an RF tag, or any other marking. This usually requires the consumer to pay a deposit when purchasing and / or renting the panel, such as 8 to 12 euro cents per panel. When the consumer returns the panel correctly at the recycling point (usually after use), the consumer will be refunded the deposit. This deposit refund system encourages and promotes the recycling of panels. The recycling of such deposited panels can be carried out at a predetermined recycling location and / or by using a self-service recycling device (return device), which is configured to read the deposit-related information bearing element and preferably handles at least a part of the deposit refund process. The present invention may also relate to a method and / or system for recycling recyclable panels carrying at least one deposit-related information bearing element. This method is preferably a computer-implemented method, which preferably includes the following steps: A) associating the panel with a deposit-related identification, which can be a unique identification among multiple identifications managed in a database, thereby forming a link; B) associating the identification in the database with a deposit value; C) using the panel in at least one intermediate step; D) recovering and / or returning the panel; E) detecting the identification of the panel and identifying the panel based on the identification; F) optionally canceling the link of the identification in the database; and G) refunding the deposit of the panel. The corresponding system preferably includes at least one controller, which is programmed to perform steps A), B), E) and G). The system optionally includes at least one memory in which at least a part of the database is stored. The system can be at least partially an on-premise system and / or a cloud-based system. The same applies to the database (if applied). The present invention may also relate to a return device for a panel carrying deposit information, in particular a return device for a disposable panel carrying at least one deposit-related information bearing element, which is used for use with the deposit method and / or deposit system described in this paragraph, and the device preferably includes a receiving device and at least one detection device, wherein the detection device is configured to detect and identify the panel arranged in the receiving device based on the deposit-related identification applied to the panel. The detection device may include one or more digital scanners. In the case of using multiple digital scanners, this helps to scan the panel, in particular the deposit-related information bearing element, and makes the orientation of the panel relative to the detection device and / or the return device less important and / or no longer important. The return device may also be referred to as a post-use panel recovery device. Preferably, the device includes at least one scanner for scanning the machine-readable information bearing element containing the deposit-related information. After the panel is identified and the deposit and / or (prepaid) deposit value is identified by the return device (controller), the user can obtain a financial refund.Optionally, the return device includes at least one display (and / or speaker) to provide visual (and / or auditory) feedback to the user regarding the status of the recycling process.

[0021] In a practical embodiment, at least one (visible) information-bearing element is formed by a QR code which can be scanned (read) by a machine, which can be a smartphone or a tablet, and which directs the user to a web page displaying the digital panel passport. The web page can be a restricted web page allowing conditional access, wherein the digital key of said web page can be formed by the QR code itself, or said web page can be an unrestricted public web page. The information-bearing element of a panel can carry unique information of a specific panel and / or components of a packaged panel and / or of (another) batch or series of panels.

[0022] As mentioned above, the panel can be and is preferably provided with at least two information bearing elements, wherein at least one information bearing element is preferably printed and / or stamped and / or hot pressed. This usually results in the at least one information bearing element being permanently fixed to at least one panel layer.

[0023] Preferably, the panel comprises a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profile designed to interlockingly engage with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, preferably both horizontally and vertically.

[0024] Preferably, the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to one another by a rotational movement and / or by a vertical movement.

[0025] Preferably, in the coupled state of adjacent panels a first coupling profile of a panel and a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel are configured such that two of such panels can be separated from each other by a rotational movement and / or by a vertical movement and / or by a horizontal movement.

[0026] It is generally preferred that the panel comprises at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile at the third panel edge and the fourth panel edge, respectively.Preferably, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by a rotational movement.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first connecting profile and / or the third connecting profile comprises: an upward tongue; at least one upward wing located at a certain distance from the upward tongue; an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward wing, wherein the upward groove is suitable for receiving at least a portion of the downward tongue of the second connecting profile of an adjacent panel; and at least one first locking element, which is preferably arranged on the far side of the upward tongue away from the upward wing, and wherein the second connecting profile and / or the fourth connecting profile comprises: a first downward tongue; at least one first downward wing located at a certain distance from the downward tongue; a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward wing, wherein the downward groove is suitable for receiving at least a portion of the upward tongue of the first connecting profile of an adjacent panel; and at least one second locking element, which is suitable for cooperating with the first locking element of the adjacent panel, wherein the second locking element is preferably arranged at the downward wing.

[0028] Preferably, the first locking element comprises a projection and / or a recess, and wherein the second locking element comprises a projection and / or a recess. The projection is generally adapted to be at least partially received in a recess of an adjacent coupling panel to achieve a locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is also conceivable that the first locking element and the second locking element are not formed by a projection-recess combination, but by another combination of co-acting profiled surfaces and / or high friction contact surfaces.

[0029] In the above embodiments, it is conceivable that the first connecting profile (and / or the third connecting profile) and the second connecting profile (and / or the fourth connecting profile) are configured so that there is a preload in the connected state, which presses the connecting panels at the corresponding edges towards each other, wherein this is preferably performed by applying overlapping profiles of the first connecting profile (and / or the third connecting profile) and the second connecting profile (and / or the fourth connecting profile), in particular overlapping profiles of downward tongues and upward grooves and / or overlapping profiles of upward tongues and downward grooves, and wherein the first connecting profile (and / or the third connecting profile) and the second connecting profile (and / or the fourth connecting profile) are configured so that two such panels can be connected to each other by a downward folding movement and / or a vertical movement, wherein in the connected state, at least a portion of the downward tongue of the second connecting profile (and / or the fourth connecting profile) is inserted into the upward groove of the first connecting profile (and / or the third connecting profile), so that the downward tongue is clamped by the first connecting profile (and / or the third connecting profile) and / or the upward tongue is clamped by the second connecting profile (and / or the fourth connecting profile).

[0030] It is conceivable that the first coupling contour is designed to cooperate with the second coupling contour and the fourth coupling contour, and the third coupling contour is also designed to cooperate with the second coupling contour and the fourth coupling contour. It is conceivable that the first coupling contour and the fourth coupling contour are identical.

[0031] In an embodiment of the panel according to the present invention, the first connecting profile and / or the third connecting profile comprises: a lateral tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core; at least one second downward wing located at a certain distance from the lateral tongue; and a second downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the second downward wing, and wherein the second connecting profile and / or the fourth connecting profile comprises: a third groove, which is configured to accommodate at least a part of the lateral tongue of the third connecting profile of an adjacent panel, the third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein the lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting profile are configured so that two such panels can be connected to each other by a rotational movement, wherein in the connected state, at least a part of the lateral tongue of the first panel is inserted into the third groove of the adjacent second panel, and at least a part of the upward locking element of the second panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel.

[0032] It is conceivable that each first coupling profile and each third coupling profile is compatible with each second coupling profile and each fourth coupling profile and can therefore interact and interlock with them. This also applies to the case where the interlocking coupling profiles do not have completely complementary shapes.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least some, preferably all, of the coupling profiles are at least partially formed by a core.

[0034] As mentioned above, the core is preferably at least partially made of at least one polymer, in particular a thermoplastic material and / or a thermosetting material, wherein preferably the core comprises a composite material, the composite material comprising at least one polymer, in particular a thermoplastic material and / or a thermosetting material, and at least one non-polymer material. The non-polymer material preferably comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, aluminum oxide, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut fiber, kevlar, nylon, perlon, rock wool, sisal, fique, mineral fillers, in particular chalk. This can further increase the strength of the panel and / or the waterproof and / or fireproof properties of the panel itself, and / or can reduce the cost price of the panel itself.

[0035] Preferably, the substrate of the core or at least one core layer comprises a (primary) polymer, preferably a thermoplastic material, which is more preferably selected from the group consisting of PVC, PET, PP, PS, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), PE, in particular MDPE and / or HDPE, and combinations thereof. The PS may be in the form of foamed PS (EPS) in order to further reduce the density of the floor covering element, which allows cost savings and facilitates the handling of the panels. Likewise, in the case of using another thermoplastic material, this material can be applied in the core in a foamed state to reduce density and costs. However, it is also conceivable that the thermoplastic material used as primary polymer is a solid polymer (i.e. a non-foamed polymer). Preferably, at least a portion of the polymer used may be formed from recycled thermoplastics, such as recycled PVC or recycled PU. It is conceivable that a mixture of virgin thermoplastic material and recycled thermoplastic material is used to form at least a portion of the core. Instead of thermoplastic materials, thermosetting polymers such as thermosetting polyurethanes may also be used.

[0036] At least a portion of the core can be made of a composite material of at least one polymer and at least one non-polymer material. The composite material of the core layer preferably comprises one or more fillers, wherein at least one filler is preferably selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, glass, carbon particles, silicon particles, (other) mineral fillers, rice, (other) natural fillers, (other) (auxiliary) polymers, such as elastomers and / or latex. It is also conceivable that rubber and / or elastomer parts (particles) are dispersed in the composite material to increase flexibility and / or impact resistance at least to a certain extent. The core can (therefore) be rigid, semi-flexible or flexible, and the floor covering element itself can also be rigid, semi-flexible or flexible. The filler can be formed by fibers, such as glass fibers or synthetic fibers or leather fibers, and / or can be formed by dust-like particles. Here, the term "dust" is to be understood as small dust-like particles (powders), such as bamboo chips, wood chips, cork chips or non-wood chips, such as mineral dust, stone powder, in particular cement, and combinations thereof. The average particle size of the dust is preferably 14 to 20 μm, more preferably 16 to 18 μm. The main function of this filler is to provide sufficient hardness to the core and the panel itself, and / or to reduce the cost price of the core and the panel. In addition, this filler will generally also increase the impact resistance of the core and the panel itself. Preferably, the filler content in the core composite material is 30% to 75% (weight percentage) of the core composite material, more preferably 50% to 60% of the core composite material. Preferably, the polymer content in the core composite material is 25% to 70% (weight percentage) of the core composite material, more preferably 40% to 50% of the core composite material. The polymer can be foamed or non-foamed. Preferably, the core composite material contains at least one filler selected from salt, stearate, calcium stearate and zinc stearate. Stearate has the function of a stabilizer and leads to a more favorable processing temperature, and resists the decomposition of the composite material components during and after processing, thereby providing long-term stability. As an alternative or supplement to stearate, calcium zinc, for example, can also be used as a stabilizer. The weight content of the stabilizer in the composite material is preferably 1% to 5%, more preferably 1.5% to 4%. The composite material of the core preferably comprises at least one impact modifier, the impact modifier comprising at least one alkyl methacrylate, wherein the alkyl methacrylate is preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate. Impact modifiers generally improve product properties, in particular impact resistance. In addition, impact modifiers generally toughen the core layer and can therefore also be regarded as toughening agents, which further reduces the risk of fracture. Typically, modifiers also facilitate the production process, for example, as described above, in order to control the formation of foam with a relatively consistent (constant) foam structure. The weight content of the impact modifier in the composite material is preferably 1% to 9%, more preferably 3% to 6%.The at least one plastic material used in the core layer preferably does not contain any (toxic) plasticizers in order to increase the desired rigidity of the core layer, which is also advantageous from an environmental point of view. The core and / or another layer of the panel may comprise a wood-based material, such as MDF, HDF, wood chips, bamboo, prefabricated wood, more particularly so-called engineered wood. Such a wood-based material may be part of the composite material of the core.

[0037] It is conceivable that the core and / or at least one core layer (and / or another layer) comprises a composite material of at least one polymer and rice. Preferably, the rice is formed from rice husks, more preferably a mixture of separated rice husks and / or ground rice husks and / or rice husk powder. Preferably, different rice husk types have different average particle sizes. Polymers are used as polymer binders, wherein at least partially recycled plastic polymers, such as TPU, PP, PE, PET and / or PVC are preferably used. Unground rice husks can be present, for example, in an amount (weight percentage) of 1% to 98% relative to the weight of the rice husk mixture. Similarly, ground rice husks and powdered rice husks can also be present in an amount (weight percentage) of 1% to 98% relative to the weight of the rice husk mixture. Preferably, in one embodiment, the rice husk mixture contains unground rice husks, ground rice husks and rice husk powder in an amount of 20% to 50% by weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rice husk mixture contains unground rice husks, ground rice husks and rice husk powder in an amount of about 33% by weight. The amount of polymer binder present in the rice husk mixture may vary, and the weight percentage may be, for example, 1% to 30%, preferably 10% to 25%, more preferably 12% to 20% of the rice husk mixture. The average particle size of the rice husk powder is preferably 0.175 mm to 1.20 mm.

[0038] It is conceivable that at least one core layer (and / or at least one other layer) comprises rice husk, rice straw and plant adhesive. Preferably, the plant adhesive comprises weeds and / or wood chips. Preferably, the weeds include any one or more selected from rice straw, glutinous rice grass and starch grass. Preferably, rice straw and / or rice husk are used in an amount of 20% to 50%, preferably 40% to 50%, more preferably 35% to 45% by weight, based on the weight of the (core) layer in which the rice straw and / or rice husk are combined, especially embedded. When the weight percentage exceeds 50% of rice straw, there may be a problem of a significant decrease in moisture resistance, and when the weight percentage is less than 20% of rice straw, the bonding force may decrease. Preferably, the amount of plant adhesive accounts for 1% to 20% (weight percentage) of the (core) layer.

[0039] Rice husk can be added as the main component of the insulation material to provide porosity, thereby providing thermal and sound insulation. Rice straw can be added to provide a combination with the insulation material, wherein the rice straw has a stem portion and a leaf portion, and the rice is threshed. Preferably, the rice straw is cut into a suitable length, preferably 3 cm or less.

[0040] The plant adhesive (plant binder) that can be used in at least one core layer (and / or at least one other layer) preferably uses a tree such as weeds, pine bark, rubber tree, etc. prepared by mixing rice flour such as straw, glutinous rice grass, starch grass, and gluten with water. Preferably, a mixture of weeds and trees is preferably used in terms of improving moisture resistance. When weeds and tree liquid are mixed and used, the mixture is preferably used in a ratio of 2.5:7.5 to 6.5:3.5.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one core layer and / or at least one further layer comprises a mixture of clay, in particular kaolin, and rice, in particular rice husks. The clay serves to increase the flash point of the rice, in particular the rice husk, which is advantageous from a fire safety point of view, and the clay also serves to further increase the strength of the core layer (and / or further layer) in which the clay and rice are bound, in particular embedded.

[0042] Alternatively, the core at least partially consists of another substrate, for example a mineral material such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, gypsum, (lightweight) concrete and / or clay; and / or wood or wood-based material such as HDF or MDF or any other thermoplastic-free material can be used as substrate.

[0043] The density of the core is usually about 0.1 g / cm 3 To about 1.5g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.2 g / cm 3 To about 1.4g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.3 g / cm 3 To about 1.3g / cm 3 , even more preferably about 0.4 g / cm 3 To about 1.2g / cm 3 , even more preferably about 0.5 g / cm 3 To about 1.2g / cm 3 , most preferably about 0.6 g / cm 3 To about 1.2g / cm 3 It is conceivable that each panel comprises a plurality of core(sub)layers. Different core(sub)layers may have the same composition or different compositions and / or different densities.

[0044] The decorative top structure preferably comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear-resistant layer covering the decorative layer. The decorative top structure may also comprise at least one backing layer between the decorative layer and the core, wherein the backing layer is preferably at least partially made of vinyl compounds, wood, paper, fabric, etc. and / or combinations thereof. The one or more materials used in the at least one backing layer may be virgin materials, recycled materials and combinations thereof. Here, for example, it is conceivable and even preferred that the backing layer comprises: a mixture of wood, cotton; and at least one binder. Preferably, the backing layer comprises wood in an amount of 20% to 60% of the backing layer (percentage by weight), a cotton-based material in an amount of 30% to 70% of the backing layer (percentage by weight), such as recycled cotton cloth and / or raw cotton (virgin cotton), and at least one binder in an amount of preferably 1% to 7% of the backing layer (percentage by weight). The backing layer may be free of PVC and / or any other synthetic polymer. Optionally, the backing layer may be used as a decorative layer (which does not require a separate decorative layer above).

[0045] A paint layer or other protective layer may be applied above the wear layer. The protective layer and / or the wear layer preferably contain silicon oxide (SiO2). A finishing layer may be applied between the decorative layer and the wear layer. The decorative layer will be visible and will be used to provide the panel with an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer may have a design pattern, such as a wood grain design, a mineral grain design similar to marble, granite or any other natural stone grain, or a color pattern, a color mixture or a single color, to name just a few design possibilities. It is conceivable and even possible that the decorative layer contains at least one recycled material and / or at least one natural material, such as wood, textiles and / or a mixture. The decorative layer may be free of PVC and / or any other synthetic polymer. It is also conceivable to customize the appearance, which is usually achieved by digital printing during the panel production process. The decorative top structure may also be formed by a single layer. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative top structure is omitted in the panel according to the present invention, so that the decorative top structure is not applied. In the latter embodiment, the upper side of the core constitutes the upper side of the panel.

[0046] The decorative layer can be formed at least partially by a (digitally) printed plastic layer, in particular a thermoplastic layer or a (digitally) printed film, in particular a paper film or a thermoplastic film. The plastic material, in particular the thermoplastic material used can have various properties, but PVC or PU, in particular TPU, is generally preferred as the material. Preferably, the (thermo)plastic layer or the paper film is preferably a white plastic layer or a white film, preferably an opaque white layer or an opaque white film. White, in particular opaque white, will provide a bright background, thereby reflecting light that passes through the transparent ink color back to the viewer.

[0047] The decorative layer can also be formed by an ink layer printed directly or indirectly (preferably digitally) onto the core. The decorative layer can be made at least partially from at least one bio-based material, such as a polymer, in particular TPU, based on plant-based oils such as canola oil or castor oil. The decorative layer can also contain mineral components, such as chalk. This combines sustainability with extremely high elasticity, improving the performance of the panel in terms of acoustic properties, resistance to indentation, etc.

[0048] The decorative top structure may also include and / or constitute a carpet base having pile yarns protruding upward therefrom. The pile yarns may be made of a variety of natural or synthetic fibers. However, many types of yarns are manufactured in different ways, with two main types of yarns generally present: staple and filament. The yarns may be made of nylon, but other suitable synthetic yarns may also be used, such as polyester, polypropylene, acrylic acid, or blends thereof. The carpet piece may be rigid or flexible. It is also conceivable that the base does not contain any yarn or fiber. The pile yarns may be composed of loop pile. However, the pile yarns may also be composed of cut pile, twisted pile, or any other suitable pile yarns, such as in a single or multilayer configuration. The loop pile may be a synthetic yarn, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic acid, or blends thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the loop piles are clustered in the carpet base. The carpet substrate preferably also includes a backing sheet, which can be, for example, a nonwoven sheet, a woven sheet, a nonwoven polyester sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a glass fiber scrim or a tissue paper or a combination thereof. The backing sheet generally serves as a support structure (holding structure) for holding the yarn. In order to more efficiently bind the tufts to a suitable position on the carpet substrate, particularly on the backing sheet, a pre-coat layer is preferably applied. The pre-coat layer can be, for example, a latex layer.

[0049] The panel thickness is typically between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm.

[0050] The invention also relates to a decorative covering consisting of a plurality of decorative panels according to the invention, preferably connected to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the covering comprises sawn panel parts and / or cut panel parts, wherein each panel part is provided with at least one information-bearing element; preferably, at least one information-bearing element is printed on the rear side of the panel part.

[0051] The invention also relates to a decorative panel system comprising:

[0052] at least one decorative panel, in particular a decorative panel according to the invention, wherein the panel comprises: a core having a lower side and an upper side; a decorative top structure fixed directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core; and at least one machine-readable information-bearing element carrying and / or provided with information relating to at least one panel-related feature, wherein the machine-readable information-bearing element comprises a representation, such as a barcode, in particular a QR code, pointing to at least one digital location, wherein the representation is preferably associated with a digital link, such as a web link and / or a hyperlink, at which the information relating to at least one panel-related feature is stored and / or retrieved, preferably a digital panel passport;

[0053] at least one digital scanner, such as a smartphone or tablet, for reading, in particular scanning, said representation, preferably reading and scanning said digital link, preferably for directing a user to said digital location for displaying information relating to at least one panel-related feature, preferably a digital panel passport;

[0054] At least one server, in particular a web server, having at least one digital location for storing and retrieving said information.

[0055] Preferably, the digital scanner is configured to communicate wirelessly with the server, more preferably using the Internet. Typically, the display of panel-related information is performed via a user screen, which is preferably an integral part of the user's digital scanner (e.g., a camera, in particular a smartphone or tablet of the user). It is conceivable that when the information-bearing element is scanned, the panel-related information is displayed directly on the screen, which may be an augmented reality (AR) view, in which the user sees an image of the panel actually scanned on the user's screen, which is enhanced (or supplemented) by computer-generated panel-related information, which may be in the form of, for example, sound, video, graphics, text, symbols, or location (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) data) and / or location-based data, such as local temperature and / or humidity and / or time. Today, smartphones or tablets have advanced computing power and connectivity, typically with sufficient computing power to allow running applications such as complex AR applications and / or communicating with AR-based web pages. The one or more AR layers displayed on the user's screen can present information in 2D and / or 3D. At least one information-carrying element may also be formed by and / or represent a trigger element, which may be, for example, a specific image, symbol and / or code, which (triggers and) activates the visualization of the information and / or the above-mentioned augmented reality on an external screen (e.g. a user's screen) - typically on a live image (scanned at that moment) of at least a portion of the decorative panel. Such a trigger element is also referred to as an AR trigger element.

[0056] In another embodiment of the invention, the machine-readable information bearing element contains deposit related information and wherein the at least one digital scanner forms part of a used panel recycling device and preferably includes a controller configured to return the prepaid panel deposit to the user once the returned deposited panel has been identified. The recycling device may include a screen that provides visual feedback to the user on the status of the recycling process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The invention will be explained on the basis of the following non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figures 1a to 1b shows a schematic top view of a possible embodiment of a decorative panel according to the invention;

[0059] Figures 2a to 2b shows a schematic top view of another possible embodiment of a decorative panel according to the invention;

[0060] Figures 3a to 3b shows a schematic top view of a further possible embodiment of a decorative panel according to the invention;

[0061] Figure 4a Shows Figure 1a , 2a or a cross-section of the decorative panel along line AA as shown in 3a;

[0062] Figure 4b Shows Figure 1a , 2a or a cross-section of the decorative panel shown in 3a along line BB;

[0063] Figures 5a to 5c Two examples are shown respectively. Figure 1a , 2a or 3a, a cross-sectional view of the decorative panel in the first, second and third coupled states;

[0064] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the bottom of a decorative panel according to the invention;

[0065] Figure 7a A schematic diagram showing a possible method of applying an information bearing element to the underside of a core of a decorative panel;

[0066] Figures 7b to 7c a schematic rear view showing a possible embodiment of a decorative panel according to the invention; and

[0067] Figure 8 A schematic rear view of another possible embodiment of a decorative panel according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a decorative panel (100) for a decorative panel system (110) is shown. The figure shows a panel (100) comprising a core having an upper side (107) and a lower side. A decorative layer is fixed to the upper side (107) and a backing layer is fixed to the lower side, thereby forming a bottom side (109). The panel (100) also includes: a first pair of opposing edges including a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103); and a second pair of opposing edges including a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103). The first edge (101), the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) are provided with a first coupling profile (104), a second coupling profile (105) and a third coupling profile (106), respectively. The first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that two of such panels (100) can be coupled to each other at the first edge (101) and the third edge (103) by a rotational movement. Furthermore, the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106) are configured such that two of such panels (100) can be connected to each other at the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) by a downward folding movement and / or a vertical movement. Furthermore, an information-bearing element (115) is arranged in the core or fixed on the bottom side (109) (not shown in the figure). The information-bearing element (115) is shown as a scannable code and contains information about the panel (100), such as instructions on how to install the decorative panel (100) in the decorative panel system (110), or contains information about the source of the material used in the panel (100). The proportional relationship between the width and length of the panel (100) can be selected arbitrarily. Figure 1a Only one of many possibilities is shown, where the upper side (107) of the panel has a rectangular profile (108). However, it is also possible to make the width and length of the panel (100) the same, so that the upper side (107) of the panel (100) has a square profile.

[0069] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of a decorative panel system (110) is shown, the system comprising a plurality of Figure 1aDecorative panels (100) are shown. Although each panel (100) is identical, having a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103) and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103), due to the compatibility of the joining profile of the third edge (103) with the joining profiles of both the first edge (101) and the second edge (102), the panels (100) can be connected in different ways, thereby producing different panel patterns (111, 112) within one decorative panel system (110). In the depicted decorative panel system (110) - in which each panel (110) includes an upper side (107) having a rectangular profile (108), the panels (100) each have a long side (113) and a short side (114). Different panel patterns (111, 112) are created by coupling a first panel pattern (111) of interconnected panels (100) whose long sides (113) are connected to the long sides (113) of adjacent panels (100) to a second panel pattern (112) of interconnected panels (100) whose long sides (113) are connected to the long sides (113) of adjacent panels (100) and whose short sides (114) are connected to the short sides (114) of another adjacent panel (100). The first panel pattern (111) and the second panel pattern (112) are thereby rotated relative to each other so that the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) are at a 90 degree angle relative to the long sides (113) of the panels (100) in the second panel pattern (112). Such coupling between different panel patterns (111, 112) can be achieved by connecting the short edges (114) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) to the long edges (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). Installation of the panel system (110) can be achieved by tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (100) to be installed downwardly relative to the third edge (103) of the installed panel (100), which will generally lock the panels (100) to each other both vertically and horizontally. During this tilting or turning movement of the panel (100) to be installed relative to the installed panel (100), the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed will (simultaneously) be connected to the third edge (103) of the other installed panel (100), which is usually achieved by lowering or folding the panel (100) to be installed relative to the other installed panel (100); during this, the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed and the third edge (103) of the other installed panel (100) will engage with each other in a scissor-like movement (zipper movement). This results in the panel (100) to be installed being locked relative to the other installed panel (100) both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction.

[0070] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of two different types of decorative panels (201, 202) for another embodiment of a decorative panel system (200) is shown. Figure 1aLike the decorative panel (100) shown, each of these panels (201, 202) includes a core having an upper side (107) and a lower side, and each of these panels (201, 202) includes: a first pair of opposing edges including a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103); and a second pair of opposing edges including a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103). Similarly, the first edge (101), the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) are provided with a first coupling profile (104), a second coupling profile (105) and a third coupling profile (106), respectively, wherein the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (201, 202) can be coupled to each other at the first edge (101) and the third edge (103) by a rotational movement, and the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (201, 202) can be coupled to each other at the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) by a downward folding movement and / or a vertical movement. A plurality of information-bearing elements (115) are arranged at a plurality of positions in the core of the panels (201, 202) or at a plurality of positions on the bottom side (109) (not shown in the figure), wherein each information-bearing element (115) contains information about the characteristics of the panels. However, this time there are two different types of panels (201, 202), wherein the joining profiles (105, 106) of a pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the first type of panel (201) are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the joining profiles (105, 106) of a corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the second type of panel (202). Note that the depicted edge pair of the mirror-inverted different types of panels (201, 202) is formed by the second edge (102) and the third edge (103). However, it is also possible that the mirror-inverted edge pair is formed by the first edge (101) and the third edge (103). Furthermore, the upper side (107) of the decorative panels (201, 202) used in the decorative panel system (200) has a parallelogram profile (208). Two adjacent edges (101, 102, 103) of the panels (201, 202) thus enclose an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204). In this particular embodiment, the first edge (101) and the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) and the third edge (103) enclose an obtuse angle (204) of the same magnitude, while the first edge (101) and the third edge (103) and the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) enclose an acute angle (203) of the same magnitude. The difference in the panel configuration and the parallelogram profile (208) of their upper side (107) allows the panels (201, 202) to form a herringbone pattern (205) in the connected state.

[0071] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of a decorative panel system (200) is shown, the system comprising a plurality of Figure 2a Decorative panels (201, 202) shown. As previously mentioned, the decorative panels (201, 202) forming part of the decorative panel system (200) are of two different (mirror image) types / configurations. Although the difference in the panel configuration and the parallelogram shape of their top surface (107) allows these panels (201, 202) to form a herringbone pattern (205) in the connected state, having a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103) and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103), wherein the connecting profile (106) of the third edge (103) is compatible with the connecting profiles (104, 105) of both the first edge (101) and the second edge (102), allows the panels (201, 202) to be connected in different ways, thereby producing different panel patterns (206, 207) within one interconnected decorative panel system (200). Figure 4b The decorative panel system (110) shown is similar, creating different panel patterns (206, 207) by coupling a first panel pattern (206) of interconnected panels (201, 202) to a second panel pattern (207) of interconnected panels (201, 202). Within these individual panel patterns (206, 207), each pair of opposing edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of each panel (201, 202) is connected to the edges (101, 102, 103) of an adjacent panel (201, 202), wherein the edges (101, 102, 103) are part of a corresponding pair of opposing edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of the adjacent panels (201, 202). However, the coupling of the first panel pattern (206) and the second panel pattern (207) is achieved by connecting the panels (201, 202) of the first panel pattern (206) (having edges (101, 103) forming part of a pair of opposing edges (101, 103)) to the panels (201, 202) of the second panel pattern (207) (having edges (102, 103) forming part of another pair of opposing edges (102, 103) that are not corresponding. The result is an interconnected decorative panel system (200) that includes two different panel patterns (206, 207) in which the edges (101, 102, 103) of adjacent panels (201, 202) are rotated 70 degrees relative to each other. Figure 2b The installation of the panel system (200) shown is generally similar to Figure 1b Installation of the panel system (110) is shown.

[0072] Figure 3a A schematic diagram of a decorative panel (301) for use in yet another embodiment of a decorative panel system (300) is shown. Figure 1a and Figure 2a Similar to the decorative panels (100, 201, 202) shown, the panel (301) includes a core having an upper side (107) and an underside. As with the decorative panels (201, 202), the panel (301) includes a plurality of information bearing elements (115) arranged at a plurality of locations in the core of the panel (301) or at a plurality of locations on the underside (109) (not shown in the figure), wherein each information bearing element (115) contains information about a feature of the panel. Figure 1a and 2a The decorative panels (100, 201, 202) shown, each of these panels (301) includes three pairs of opposing edges and includes an upper side (107) having a regular hexagonal profile (302). The first pair of opposing edges consists of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103). The second pair of opposing edges and the third pair of opposing edges consist of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103). The first edge (101), the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) are thus positioned so that the third edge (103) is directly adjacent to each other, while the second edge (102) is located on two edges adjacent to the first edge (101). Therefore, the second edges (102) are not adjacent to each other. Figure 1a and 2a The decorative panels (100, 201, 202) shown are similar, and these decorative panels (301) also have a first edge (101), a second edge (102) and a third edge (103) respectively provided with a first connecting profile (104), a second connecting profile (105) and a third connecting profile (106), wherein the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (301) can be connected to each other at the first edge (101) and the third edge (103) by a rotational movement, and the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (301) can be connected to each other at the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) by a downward folding movement and / or a vertical movement.

[0073] Figure 3b A schematic diagram of a decorative panel system (300) is shown, the system comprising a plurality of Figure 3a The decorative panels (301) shown. In the depicted panel structure, the panels (301) are all oriented in the same direction. The panel system (300) can be installed in the same way as Figure 1b and2b The invention relates to a panel system (110, 200) of the present invention. By tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (301) to be installed downwardly relative to the third edge (103) of the installed panel (301), the panels (301) will usually be locked to each other both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction. During this tilting or turning movement of the panel (301) to be installed relative to the installed panel (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300) to be installed will be (simultaneously) connected to the third edge (103) of one or more other installed adjacent panels (301), which is usually achieved by lowering or folding the panel (301) to be installed relative to another installed panel (301); during this period, the second edge (102) of the panel (301) to be installed and the third edge (103) of the other installed panel (301) will engage with each other in a scissor-like movement (zipper movement). This results in the panel (301) to be installed being locked both horizontally and vertically relative to the other installed panel (301).

[0074] Figure 4a It shows that Figure 1a , 2aA cross-sectional view of a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) along line AA as shown in FIG. 3a. At least one information-carrying element (115) is fixed to the bottom side (109) of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301). In the figure, a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, respectively having a first connection profile (104) and a third connection profile (106). The first coupling profile (104) comprises a lateral tongue (400) extending in a direction substantially parallel to an upper side (107) of a panel (100, 201, 202, 301); at least one first downward flank (401) located at a distance from the lateral tongue (400); and a first downward recess (402) formed between the lateral tongue (400) and the first downward flank (401). The first downward flank (401) is in particular free of any locking elements. A proximal side (403) of the lateral tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104) facing the first downward recess (402) is thereby inclined downwards in a direction away from the first downward flank (401). The proximal side (403) of the lateral tenon (400) may comprise a first proximal contact portion (403'), wherein the first proximal contact portion (403') cooperates with a third upper contact portion (434a) of an upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106). In order to achieve an efficient locking between the first coupling profile (103) and the third coupling profile (106), the first proximal contact portion (403') is angled (β) relative to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). The angle (β) is preferably between 20 degrees and a maximum of 50 degrees. It has been shown that the absolute value allows easy coupling and decoupling. A first transition region (404), which may also be referred to as a heel, may be defined between a proximal side (403) of a lateral tongue (400) of a first coupling profile (104) and a bottom side (405) of the lateral tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104), wherein the first transition region (404) is curved in the present example. The bottom side (405) of the lateral tongue (400) is located between a tip (444) of the lateral tongue (400) and the heel (404). The bottom side (405) of the lateral tongue (400) is inclined upwards in a direction towards the first downward flank (401), wherein the inclined bottom side (405) in particular forms an angle (α) with respect to an upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). The angle (α) may be relatively small but contributes significantly to the inventive concept of the present invention as it allows for an easier tilting downwards movement by reducing the contact surface during the stage of placing the panels (100, 201, 202, 301).The upper side (406) of the first downward recess (402) is inclined downwardly towards the first downward flank (401) in the depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301). The first coupling profile (104) may also include a first bottom side contact portion (405'), wherein during the coupling movement, the first bottom side contact portion (405') may partially slide on a support surface (500) formed by the upper side of the lower lip (432) of the third coupling profile (106). Furthermore, the lateral tongue (400) includes a lateral tongue contact portion (409), which acts together with a portion of the third coupling profile (106). The first closing surface (425) may be located between the lateral tongue contact portion (409) and the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301).

[0075] The third coupling profile (106) comprises a third recess (430) configured to accommodate at least a portion of a lateral tongue (400) of a first coupling profile (104) of another panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the third recess being defined by an upper lip (431) and a lower lip (432), wherein the lower lip (422) is provided with an upward locking element (433). The upper lip (431) further comprises a third closing surface (420) and an upper lip contact portion (424), wherein the third closing surface (420) and the upper lip contact portion (424) are located on opposite sides of a fifth locking element (407), wherein in the present example, the fifth locking element is formed by a cutout portion (408). A proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) facing the third recess (430) is inclined upwards in a direction away from the upper lip (431). The proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) includes a third upper contact portion (434a) and a third lower contact portion (434b), wherein the third upper contact portion (434a) and the third lower contact portion (434b) extend in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second direction deviates from the first direction. The third lower contact portion (434b) and the third upper contact portion (434a) are connected by at least one intermediate bending area, which is a raised area in this example. Preferably, the third upper contact portion (434a) extending in the first direction is inclined at a second angle (γ) relative to the lower side (437) of the lower lip (432). The third lower contact portion (434b) extending in the second direction is inclined at a first angle (φ) relative to the lower side (437) of the lower lip (432). The second angle (γ) can be substantially similar to the angle (β) of the first proximal contact portion (403') of the lateral tenon (400) of the second panel (100, 201, 202, 301), so that these contact portions (434a, 403') act together in the locked configuration. Preferably, the second angle (γ) is smaller than the first angle (φ). The third transition region (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433), in particular its third upper contact portion (434a) and the upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433), wherein the third transition region (435) partially deviates from the curved first transition region (404) in this example. The upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433) in the depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downward in the direction away from the upper lip (431) of the third coupling profile (106). At the underside (437) of the lower lip (432) of the third coupling profile (106), there is a recess (438). This recess (438) allows the lower lip (432) to bend in a downward direction, in particular during coupling.The third coupling profile (106) may also include a third locking element (440), which may cooperate with the second locking element (422) of the second coupling profile (105) of the adjacent panels (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Here, the third locking element (440) may be disposed on a distal side (441) of the lower lip (432) facing away from the third recess (430) and / or on a distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) facing away from the third recess (430). As depicted here, the third locking element (440) may be specifically positioned at a distance from both the lower side (437) of the lower lip (432) and the upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433). In the panel currently depicted, the third locking element (440) includes at least one outward protrusion (443), which can be provided with a third locking element contact portion (440'), wherein the third locking element contact portion (440') is configured to cooperate with at least one second locking element (422) of the second connecting profile (105), in particular its second locking element contact portion (422'), for achieving a (vertical) locked connection.

[0076] Figure 4b It shows that Figure 1a , 2aA cross-sectional view of a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) along line BB as shown in FIG. 3a. At least one information-carrying element (115) is fixed to the bottom side (109) of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301). In the figure, a second edge (102) and another opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, respectively having a second connection profile (105) and a third connection profile (106). In the case where the third connecting profile (106) cooperates with the third connecting profile (106) arranged on the adjacent third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) - these features are given in the above description of the cross-sectional view along the AA line of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second connecting profile (105) includes: a downward tongue (410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301); at least one second downward side wing (411) located at a certain distance from the downward tongue (410); and a second downward recess (412) formed between the downward tongue (410) and the second downward side wing (411). A proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105) facing the second downward recess (412) is thereby inclined downwardly in a direction away from the second downward flank (411). The proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) comprises at least one second proximal contact portion (413'), wherein the second proximal contact portion (413') is at an angle (δ) relative to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). Preferably, the angle (δ) may be substantially similar to the first angle (φ) of the third lower contact portion (434b) of the third coupling profile (106) of the second panel (100, 201, 202, 301), so that these contact portions (413', 434b) interact with each other in the locked configuration of the second transition region (414), wherein the second transition region (414) may also be referred to as a heel, which may be defined between a proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105) and a bottom side (415) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105), the heel (414) being provided with a cutout portion (414') in this example. The cutout portion (414') is provided to facilitate separation of the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106). The cutout portion (414') is configured to allow the downward tongue (410) to pass over a protrusion connecting the third upper contact portion (434a) and the third lower contact portion (434b) of the third locking element (433).The distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) facing away from the second downward recess (412) comprises: at least one vertical upper wall portion (417) adjacent to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301); and a fourth locking element (418) adjacent to and below the vertical upper wall portion (417). The fourth locking element (418) in particular extends beyond the vertical upper wall portion (417) by a distance (D). The fourth locking element (418) is configured to cooperate with a fifth locking element (407), wherein the fifth locking element (407) is formed in the present example by a cutout portion (408) of an upper lip (431) of the third coupling profile (106); wherein the cutout portion (408) of the fifth locking element (407) is configured to receive the protruding portion of the fourth locking element (418). Furthermore, a lower wall portion (419) of a distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) can be connected to a bottom side (415) of the downward tongue (410). The bottom side (415) can include a bottom side contact portion (415'), which can rest on a portion of a support surface (500) of the third coupling profile (106). The bottom side contact portion (415') is in particular formed by a portion of the downward tongue (410) that extends furthest from the upper surface (107). The upper side (421) of the second downward recess (412) in the depicted panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downwardly towards the second downward flank (411). The second coupling profile (105) may also include at least one second locking element (422), which in the coupled position may cooperate with a third locking element (440) of a third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The second locking element (422) may thus be arranged at the second downward flank (411) of the second coupling profile (105). In the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) currently depicted, the second locking element (422) comprises at least one second locking recess (423), which is adapted to at least partially receive an outward protrusion (443) of a third locking element (440) of an adjacent coupling panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to achieve a (vertically) locked coupling. In particular, the second locking element contact portion (422') of the second locking element (422) is configured to abut against a third locking element contact portion (440') of a third locking element (440) of an adjacent coupling panel (100, 201, 202, 301) in the coupling position, so that the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) are locked vertically and horizontally.

[0077] Figure 4b The joining profiles (105, 106) of the decorative panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in the drawings may optionally be provided with a chamfer (bevel) (450) at or near the upper side (107) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Figure 4a The illustrated joining profiles (104, 106) of the decorative panels (100, 201, 202, 301) may optionally be provided with grouting (451) at or near the upper side (107) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The grouting (451) may be substantially rectangular, such as seen at or near the upper side (107) of the first joining profile (104). The rectangular grouting (451) may be located entirely within the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). Figure 4a The grouting may be applied on the first connecting profile (451) of one of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) or may be applied on both the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) of two adjacent panels (100, 201, 202, 301). However, it is also conceivable to apply a circular grouting (451), such as Figure 4a The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of circular grouts (451) for manufacturing a plurality of panels (100, 201, 202, 301) of a plurality of panels (100, 201, 202, 301) and a plurality of circular grouts (451) for manufacturing a plurality of panels (100, 201, 202, 301) of ...

[0078] Figures 5a to 5c Two examples are shown respectively. Figure 1a , 2a Or a cross-sectional view of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in 3a in the first, second and third connection states. Figure 5a and 5b Each depicts a mutual connection of a first connection profile (104) and a third connection profile (106), wherein: Figure 5a The connection of a first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the right and a second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the left is depicted, wherein the first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is a cross-sectional view along line AA and the second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is a cross-sectional view along line BB. Figure 5bThe connection of a first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the right and a second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the left is depicted, wherein the first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is a cross-sectional view along line AA, and the second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is also a cross-sectional view along line AA. Figure 5c The mutual connection of the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) is depicted, wherein Figure 5c The connection of a first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the right and a second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) on the left is depicted, wherein the first panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is a cross-sectional view along line BB, and the second panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is also a cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0079] exist Figure 5a and 5b As can be seen in the figure, in the coupled state, at least a portion of a lateral tongue (400) of a first coupling profile (104) of a panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inserted into a third recess (430) of a third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least a portion of an upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) is inserted into a first downward recess (402) of the first coupling profile (104). In order to establish a fixation in the mutual position of the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), a portion of a bottom side (405) of the lateral tongue (400), in particular a first bottom side contact portion (405') of the first coupling profile (104), can therefore be supported by a support surface (500) of the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106), in particular by a second support portion (500a) of the support surface (500). In the coupled state, the first edge (101) and the third edge (103) define a first closed surface (501) which is defined as a first vertical plane (502) passing through the upper edge (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). In particular, the third closed surface (430) of the third edge (103) abuts against the first closed surface (425) of the first edge (101). Thus, the first closed surface (501) defined by the first vertical plane (502) is located between the third closed surface (430) and the first closed surface (425). Thus, each of the lateral tongue (400) and the third recess (430) extends through the first vertical plane (502).

[0080] At least a portion of the lateral tongue (400), in particular a distal portion, extends beyond the left side of the first vertical plane (502), where it is clamped between a portion of the support surface (500), in particular the third support portion (500a), and a portion of the upper lip contact portion (424). This clamping can be achieved in different ways. It is conceivable that the thickness of the lateral tongue (400), in particular a vertical line and / or a portion extending from the bottom contact portion (405') essentially vertically towards the lateral tongue contact portion (409), is thicker than a vertical line and / or a portion between the third support portion (500a) and a portion of the upper lip contact portion (424), in particular a portion of the upper lip contact portion (424) located vertically above the third support portion (500b). The different thicknesses may be the result of a small difference in angle (i.e. an angle difference of about 1 degree) between the first angle, which may be defined by the upper side (107) and the lateral tongue contact portion (409), and the second angle, which may be defined by the upper side (107) and the upper lip contact portion (424). The difference in thickness allows the lateral tongue (400) to be clamped and to lock the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) vertically to each other. It is also conceivable that the shape of the lateral tongue (400) follows the contour of the inward part of the third recess (430), so that in the locked position the lateral tongue (400) fits precisely in said inward part of the third recess (430) and locks the two panels (100, 201, 202, 301) vertically to each other. In the locked configuration, there is a first cavity (506) to the left of the tip (444) of the lateral tongue (400). The cavity (506) allows two panels (100, 201, 202, 301) to be coupled and decoupled more easily, in particular because the coupling and decoupling of the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) takes place under a tilting movement, wherein the lateral tongue (400) tilts into or out of the third recess (430). During this tilting movement, the cavity (506) allows the tip (444) of the lateral tongue (506) to move, thereby preventing the lateral tongue (400) from remaining stuck due to friction between the tip (444) of the lateral tongue (400) and the third recess (430). Furthermore, during this tilting movement when coupling or decoupling the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), the bottom side contact portion (405') acts as a sliding line contact; due to this sliding line contact, the bottom side contact portion (405') can easily slide on the supporting surface (500) of the third coupling profile (106). In the coupled position, the bottom side contact portion (405') will be supported by the third support portion (500a).In the coupling configuration of the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), there may be a second cavity (507) towards the heel (404) of the lateral tongue (400). Due to the second cavity (507), during the tilting movement, more space may be available for the lateral tongue (400), as a result of which it is possible to more easily couple the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106). In the coupling configuration, the first proximal contact portion (403') abuts against the upper contact portion (434a) of the upward locking element (433), which results in a horizontal locking of the two panels (100, 201, 202, 301). This horizontal locking may be achieved by friction between the first proximal contact portion (403') and the upper contact portion (434a) of the upward locking element (433). On the right side of the distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) facing away from the third recess (430), in the coupling configuration of the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), a third cavity (508) may be present. Due to the third cavity (508), an open space (508) is present between the first downward flank (401) and the lower lip (431), in particular between the upward locking element (433). Due to the open space (508), the downward movement of the panel may be easier, because there is only little friction, preferably no friction, between the first downward flank (401) and the distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) facing away from the third recess (430).

[0081] also, Figure 5cThe invention shows that in the coupled state, at least a portion of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106), and at least a portion of the upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) is inserted into the second downward recess (412) of the second coupling profile (105). In order to establish a fixation in the mutual position of the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106), a portion of the bottom side (415) of the downward tongue (410), in particular the bottom side contact portion (415') of the second coupling profile (105) can therefore be supported by the support surface (500) of the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106), in particular by the second support portion (500b) of the support surface (500). In the coupled state, the second edge (102) and the third edge (103) define a second closed surface (504), which defines a second vertical plane (505) passing through the upper edge (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The fourth locking element (418) or at least a part thereof and the rest of the downward tongue (410) are located on the opposite side of the second vertical plane (505), while the third recess (430) extends through the second vertical plane (505). The coupling of the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) can be achieved by lowering or folding down the second coupling profile (106), in particular the downward tongue (410), into the third coupling profile (106), in particular into the third recess (430) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301). In this example, at the top side (107) close to the second vertical plane (505), a chamfer (bevel) is provided on the top side (107) of the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106). The two chamfers form a bevel with each other at the vertical plane (505). On the opposite side of the vertical plane, close to the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the third closed surface (420) of the third coupling profile (106) abuts against the vertical upper wall portion (417) of the second coupling profile (105). There is a cutout portion (408) near the bottom of the vertical wall portion (417), which forms a recess extending in a direction away from the second vertical plane (505). The cutout portion (408) is particularly configured to receive a fourth locking element (418) during the downward folding movement, so that vertical locking can be achieved. In the coupled state, at least a portion of the fourth locking element (418) is located on the side of the second vertical plane (505) facing away from the downward tongue (410). In order to ensure that the entire fourth locking element (418) can be received by the cutout portion (408), the cutout portion (408) is larger than the fourth locking element (418).The fourth locking element (418) can in particular have a maximum width between 0.008 mm and 0.12 mm, measured from the vertical upper wall portion (416) in a direction perpendicular to the vertical upper wall portion (417). The bottom side contact portion (415') of the second coupling profile (105) is supported by a portion of the support surface (500) of the third coupling profile (106). In particular, the bottom side contact portion (415') is supported by the second support portion (500b). Towards the right side of the bottom side contact portion (415') is a cutout portion (414'), which is used to make the separation movement easier. The cutout portion (414') can in particular allow the downward tongue (410) to move on the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433), in particular on its third upper contact portion (434a) and third lower contact portion (434b). The third lower contact portion (434b) is used to realize horizontal locking of the downward tongue (410) in combination with the second proximal contact portion (413'). This horizontal locking can be the result of friction between the third lower contact portion (434b) and the second proximal contact portion (413'). The second proximal contact portion (413') can enclose an angle with the upper side (107), which is a maximum of 70 degrees, but is preferably kept below 65 degrees. Keeping this angle below this level will make it easier to separate the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106). In addition, the downward tongue (410) can be shaped so that it is clamped in the third connection profile (106) in the connection configuration, in particular between the third closed surface (420) of the third connection profile (106) and the third lower contact portion (434b). In the connected state, near the distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433), there is a fourth cavity (509). During the folding-down movement, there is a minimum elastic deformation of the neck, i.e. the thinnest part of the second coupling profile (105), which allows the second locking element (422) to move on the third locking element (440) formed by the outward protrusion (443). In the final position, i.e. when the two panels (100, 201, 202, 301) are flush, the third locking element (440) comprises a protrusion (443) having an inclined, substantially flat third locking surface (440'), and wherein the second locking element (422) comprises a recess (423) partially defined by the inclined, substantially flat second locking surface (422'), wherein the recess (423) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the protrusion (443), and wherein the second locking surface (422') is configured to face the third locking surface (440') and preferably to cooperate with the third locking surface (440').

[0082] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 1aA schematic rear view of a decorative panel (100, 201, 202) shown in or 2a, which is used in a decorative panel system (110, 200) and includes a core having an upper side (107) and a lower side. A decorative layer is fixed to the upper side (107), and a backing layer is fixed to the lower side forming a bottom side (109) of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202). A plurality of information bearing elements (115) are fixed to the core and / or the bottom side (109) of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202). These information bearing elements (115) contain information about the characteristics of the panel, such as material composition, or provide installation instructions. The information bearing elements (115) can be read directly or indirectly by using a machine (601) such as a telephone or a scanner. After the information bearing element (115) is scanned by the machine (601), the machine directs the user to an external digital platform, which provides the required information to the user. The configuration shown in this figure can also be applied to another embodiment of the decorative panel, such as Figure 3a and 3b An embodiment of a decorative panel (301) in a decorative panel system (300) is shown.

[0083] Figure 7a The underside of a core (802) of a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is shown after contact with a forming roller (801) as shown. The forming roller (801) includes protrusions that include a mirror image of an information bearing element (115a). The decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is brought into contact with the forming roller (801) so that the mirror image information bearing element (115a) of the forming roller (801) is pressed into the underside of the core or the backing layer of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301). This results in a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) including an information bearing element (115). The information bearing element (115) can be stamped or printed on the underside of the core or the backing layer of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) with ink or paint. Optionally, the forming roller (801) is heated and then brought into contact with the core of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301). The information bearing element (115a) of the mirror image of the forming roller (801) is then heat pressed into the core to obtain a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) including the information bearing element (115).

[0084] Figure 7b and Figure 7c The decorative panels (100, 201, 202, 301) are shown in Figure 7aThe result of the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) after the contact of the forming roller (801) is shown, wherein the decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301) includes a ( Figure 7c ) or more ( Figure 7b )Information carrying element (115). Figure 7b A plurality of information bearing elements (115) are shown fixed to a backing layer (109) of a decorative panel (100, 201, 202, 301). These information bearing elements (115) are machine readable (here QR codes) pointing to an external digital location. Figure 7c An information bearing element (115) is shown, which is fixed to the backing layer (109) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). The information bearing element (115) is human readable (here graphical information) which directly provides visual information.

[0085] Figure 8 The back side (109) of a rectangular panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is shown. The panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is divided into four quadrants by the intersection of the longitudinal axis (L) and the transverse axis (T). In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis (L) and the transverse axis (T) intersect at the center point of the rectangular panel (100, 201, 202, 301). In this embodiment, the intersection of the two main axes (L, T) divides the panel into four equally sized quadrants. Each of the four quadrants is further divided into four sub-quadrants by the intersection of the longitudinal axis (QL) in the quadrant and the transverse axis (QT) in the quadrant. The longitudinal axis (QL) in the quadrant intersects with the transverse axis (T), and the transverse axis (QT) in the quadrant intersects with the longitudinal axis (L). Four corner sub-quadrants are located at the four corners of the rectangular panel (100, 201, 202, 301) at a certain distance from the main axis (L, T). In this embodiment, two intersecting auxiliary axes (QL, QT) divide the quadrant into four sub-quadrants of equal size. Four information bearing elements (115) are applied to the back side of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301). In each quadrant of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), an information bearing element (115) is applied. Each information bearing element (115) is located in another sub-quadrant of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301); in particular, each information bearing element (115) is located in a corner sub-quadrant.

[0086] Thus, the above-described inventive concepts have been described by way of several illustrative embodiments. It is contemplated that each inventive concept may also be applied without applying the other details of the described examples. It is not necessary to describe in detail all conceivable examples of combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as those skilled in the art will appreciate that many inventive concepts may be (re)combined to achieve a particular application.

[0087] "Horizontal" refers to a direction extending parallel to a plane defined by the floor panels and which may intersect the core. "Vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to said plane defined by the floor panels. Ordinal numbers used herein, such as "first", "second" and "third", are used for identification purposes only. Thus, the use of the expressions "third locking element" and "second locking element" does not necessarily require the coexistence of a "first locking element".

[0088] The "floor panels" according to the invention can also be used as wall covering elements, ceiling covering elements or alternative covering elements. If "floor tiles" or "floor panels" are mentioned in this text, these expressions can be replaced by the expressions "tiles", "wall tiles", "ceiling tiles" and "covering tiles".

[0089] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but many variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims, which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0090] The verb "to comprise" and its variations as used in this patent should be understood to mean not only "to include", but also to mean the phrases "to include", "consisting essentially of", "formed of" and their variations.

Claims

1. A decorative panel, in particular a decorative floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel, comprising: a. A core having a lower side and an upper side; b. a decorative top structure fixed directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core; as well as c. at least one readable information bearing element carrying and / or provided with information relating to at least one panel-related feature; Therein, at least one information carrying element is printed onto the rear side of the panel.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein The panel is a rectangular panel, preferably an oblong rectangular panel, having two intersecting main axes dividing the panel into four quadrants, and wherein the panel comprises a plurality of said information bearing elements, wherein at least two information bearing elements are located in different quadrants.

3. The panel according to claim 2, wherein The panel comprises at least four of the information bearing elements, wherein at least one information bearing element is disposed in each quadrant.

4. A panel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: Each quadrant can be divided into four sub-quadrants by two secondary main axes, wherein a corner sub-quadrant of each quadrant is located at a distance from the main main axis, wherein each corner quadrant is provided with at least one information carrying element.

5. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is at least partially printed by using white ink and / or whitish ink.

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element includes a plurality of printed layers.

7. The panel according to claim 6, wherein At least one information bearing element comprises a fixed first printed layer and a variable second printed layer, which preferably at least partially overlaps the first printed layer.

8. The panel according to claim 7, wherein The first printed layer is visually distinguishable from the second printed layer.

9. A panel according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The first printed layer is a lithographic printed layer, and the second printed layer is an inkjet printed layer.

10. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is printed directly or indirectly onto the core and / or onto a backing layer secured to the underside of the core.

11. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information-carrying element is at least partially embedded, preferably completely embedded, and / or pressed and / or engraved into the core.

12. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The panel comprises at least one backing layer which is directly or indirectly fixed to the underside of the core and wherein at least one information carrying element is at least partially embedded in and / or fixed to the backing layer.

13. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is a human-readable information bearing element.

14. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element contains visual information, such as textual information and / or graphical information, such as installation instructions.

15. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the information bearing elements contains tactile information, such as embossed and / or intaglio information.

16. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is a machine-readable information bearing element configured to be read by a machine, such as a camera, scanner, and / or digital reader.

17. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element comprises a representation of a digital link, such as a web link and / or a hyperlink, pointing to at least one digital location, where information related to at least one panel-related characteristic is stored and / or retrieved, preferably a digital panel passport.

18. The panel according to claim 17, wherein The information relating to at least one panel-related characteristic stored in and / or retrieved via the digital location may comprise static information, such as text or images, and / or dynamic information, such as video or audio information.

19. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element represents a machine readable code, such as a linear barcode and / or a matrix barcode, such as a QR code.

20. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the information carrying elements represents a machine-readable passive tag, such as an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

21. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The panel comprises at least two printed information bearing elements.

22. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is a stamped and / or heat pressed information bearing element.

23. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The panel comprises a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profile designed to interlockingly engage with the first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, preferably both horizontally and vertically.

24. The panel of claim 23, wherein The first coupling profile comprises: First upward tenon; at least one first upward flank located at a distance from said upward tongue; a first upward groove formed between the first upward tongue and the first upward wing, wherein the first upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a second downward tongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel; and Preferably, at least one first locking element, said first locking element being more preferably arranged on a distal side of said first upward tongue facing away from said upward flank; and wherein the second coupling profile comprises: second downward tenon; at least one second downward flank located at a distance from said downward tongue; a second downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward wing, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of an adjacent panel; and Preferably, at least one second locking element, which is adapted to co-act with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, wherein the second locking element is more preferably arranged at the downward flank.

25. A panel according to claim 23 or 24, wherein The first connecting profile and the second connecting profile are configured so that the two panels can be connected to each other by rotational movement and / or by vertical movement; and / or wherein, in the connected state of adjacent panels, the first connecting profile of the panel and the second connecting profile of the adjacent panel are configured so that the two panels can be separated from each other by rotational movement and / or by vertical movement and / or by horizontal movement.

26. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The panel comprises at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile at a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, respectively, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: a lateral tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the panels and / or substantially parallel to an upper side of the core; at least one third downward flank located at a distance from said lateral tongue; and a third downward groove formed between the lateral tongue and the third downward flank; Therein, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the two panels can be coupled to one another by a rotational movement.

27. The panel of claim 26, wherein The fourth connecting profile comprises a fourth groove, which is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lateral tongue of the third connecting profile of an adjacent panel, the fourth groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein the lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein in a connected state, at least a portion of the lateral tongue of a first panel is inserted into the fourth groove of an adjacent second panel, and at least a portion of the upward locking element of the second panel is inserted into the third downward groove of the first panel.

28. The panel of claim 27, wherein A fourth locking element is arranged on the distal side of the upward locking element facing away from the fourth groove, wherein the fourth locking element is designed to interact with a locking element of a complementary coupling profile of another panel, in particular a second locking element of a second coupling profile, in the coupled state of the panels.

29. The panel according to one of claims 23 to 25 and one of claims 26 to 28, wherein The first coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are identical.

30. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The information bearing element is configured to provide information relating to at least one panel-related characteristic, wherein the at least one panel-related characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: the installation of panels constituting a panel covering, such as a floor covering; the dimensions of the panels; the material composition of at least one panel layer; the origin of at least one material used in at least one panel layer; recycling-related information of the panels; the authenticity of the panels; the roundness of the panels; The type of joining profile used at at least two panel edges; certifications and declarations related to the panels; and / or other documents related to the panels.

31. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The panel includes a plurality of information bearing elements.

32. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element is permanently secured to at least one panel layer.

33. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one information bearing element contains information related to the panel deposit, such as at least one deposit mark and / or at least one identifiable deposit indicia for the purpose of recycling the panel after use.

34. A decorative covering consisting of a plurality of decorative panels according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably connected to each other.

35. A decorative covering according to claim 34, wherein The covering comprises sawn panel portions and / or cut panel portions, wherein each panel portion is provided with at least one information-carrying element; preferably, at least one information-carrying element is printed on the rear side of the panel portions.

36. A decorative panel system comprising: at least one decorative panel, in particular a decorative panel according to one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the panel comprises: a core having a lower side and an upper side; a decorative top structure fixed directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core; and at least one machine-readable information-bearing element carrying and / or provided with information relating to at least one panel-related feature, wherein the machine-readable information-bearing element comprises a representation of a digital link, such as a web link and / or a hyperlink, such as a barcode, in particular a QR code, pointing to at least one digital location, wherein the information relating to at least one panel-related feature is stored and / or retrieved at the digital location, preferably a digital panel passport; at least one digital scanner, such as a smartphone or a tablet, for reading, in particular scanning, the representation and, optionally, reading and scanning the digital link for directing a user to the digital location for displaying information related to at least one panel-related feature on a screen, in particular on a user's screen, preferably a digital panel passport; at least one digital location for storing and retrieving said information, wherein preferably said digital scanner is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with said server, wherein more preferably this is done using the Internet.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein: At least one digital scanner and the screen are integrated in a single device, in particular a user device, such as a smartphone or a tablet.

38. A system according to claim 36 or 37, wherein: The machine-readable information bearing element contains deposit-related information and wherein at least one digital scanner forms part of a used panel recovery device and preferably includes a controller configured to return a prepaid panel deposit to the user once a returned deposited panel has been identified.

39. The system according to one of claims 36 to 38, wherein: The at least one digital location forms part of a server, for example a web server, and / or the at least one digital location forms part of a device, in particular part of an application installed on the device.

40. A system according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein: At least a portion of at least one information bearing element represents an augmented reality triggering element for displaying the information as an augmented reality layer over a real-time image of at least a portion of the decorative panel.

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