Coupling profile for coupling tongue-and-groove panels

Abstract

The invention provides a coupling profile for coupling tongue-and-groove panels along their longitudinal sides, the coupling profile having a tongue side and a groove side, wherein said tongue side comprises a tongue-receiving part adapted to engage the tongue of a first tongue-and-groove panel, the groove side comprises a groove-receiving part adapted to engage the groove of a second tongue-and-groove panel, the tongue-receiving part and the groove-receiving part in transverse direction set apart for providing a panel spacing between the first and second tongue-and-groove panel, and the coupling profile further comprising a filling strip for filling said panel spacing for providing a visible joint between the first and second tongue-and-groove panels.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling profile for longitudinally coupling tongue-and-groove panels, a panels system comprising a coupling profile and tongue-and-groove panels, and a method for longitudinally coupling tongue-and-groove panels.Background of the invention

[0002] Usually, tongue-and-groove panels are used for covering facades both indoor and outdoor. The usual application is to use the tongue-and-groove for coupling panels along their longitudinal sides.

[0003] On the other hand, BE1028822 according to its abstract provides a wall cladding system for attachment to a facade wall comprising elongated wooden profiles and elongated non-wooden profiles, each wooden profile being adapted for connection to a non-wooden profile such that, when two wooden profiles are connected to the same non-wooden profile, the wooden profiles are spaced apart with the non-wooden profile between them, and the wooden profiles being substantially beam-shaped profiles comprising a front side and an opposite rear side in the longitudinal direction of the wooden profile, as well as a first side and an opposite second side extending in the longitudinal direction between the front side and the rear side, the first and second sides being adapted for connection to the non-wooden profile, at least a transition between the front side and the first side and / or between the front side and the second side and / or between the rear side and the first side and / or between the rear side and the second side being rounded and / or bevelled. Evidently, symmetric panels are coupled.Summary of the invention

[0004] A disadvantage of prior art is that it relates to coupling of symmetric panels.

[0005] Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative attachment system, and a coupling profile, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks.

[0006] There is provide a coupling profile for coupling tongue-and-groove panels along their longitudinal sides, the coupling profile having a tongue side and a groove side, wherein said tongue side comprises a tongue-receiving part adapted to engage the tongue of a first tongue-and-groove panel, the groove side comprises a groove-receiving part adapted to engage the groove of a second tongue-and-groove panel, the tongue-receiving part and the groove-receiving part in transverse direction set apart for providing a panel spacing between the first and second tongue-and-groove panel, and the coupling profile further comprising a filling strip for filling said panel spacing for providing a visible joint between the first and second tongue-and-groove panels.

[0007] The coupling profile is easily adapted for accommodating any tongue-and-groove panel. In particular, currently tongue-and-groove panels are anticipated that are extruded from a polymer material. These profiles or panels are well-known in the are and marketed by the current applicant.

[0008] The coupling profile on the one hand creates (and fills!) a space between groove- and-tongue panels. Furthermore, it creates a so-called "shadow joint". Tongue-and-groove panels usually have a deepened "joint" between them. So far, this joint has the same colour and surface structure as the panel outer surface. Currently, these is same tendency to give part of the "tongue region" that defined this joint another colour in order to visually stand out. The different proposals for this have many disadvantages. The current coupling profile has the filling strip that provides such a "shadow joint" and provides a distance between panels requiring less panels and which may reduce fire risks. In fact, the coupling profile may even provide some variable spacing between panels, making cladding of a surface using only complete panels (in width sense) much easier. Usually, the extruded tongue-and-groove panels comprise longitudinally extending hollow chambers.

[0009] Adapting the groove-receiving part and tongue-receiving part to an actually used panel in fact requires copying the cross-section of the tongue and the groove of the panels onto the corresponding parts of the coupling profile.Detailed description of the invention

[0010] Various embodiments are described below. These embodiments may be combined and each may solve an additional problem.

[0011] In an embodiment, the filling strip is provided adjacent (to) the tongue-receiving side.

[0012] In an embodiment, the coupling profile in its transverse direction comprises subsequently the groove-receiving part, the tongue receiving part and the filling strip. This in fact seems counter-intuitive. All the prior art teaches differently.

[0013] In an embodiment, the said groove-receiving part in cross section comprises a groove leg extending in said groove. In a particular embodiment, the groove leg comprises a normal groove leg abutment for in use abutting said groove in a normal direction.

[0014] In an embodiment, the groove-receiving part in cross section comprising a transverse groove abutment, providing abutment in a transverse direction of said panels.

[0015] In an embodiment of the groove-receiving part in cross section comprises a normal groove abutment, providing abutment in (a) normal direction of said panels. In particular, the normal groove abutment and said normal groove leg abutment in normal direction are spaced apart. In a particular embodiment, the normal groove abutment and said normal groove leg abutment are spaced apart and dimensioned to in said normal direction clampingly receive said panel groove.

[0016] In an embodiment, the tongue-receiving part comprises a tongue-receiving slot.

[0017] In an embodiment, the tongue-receiving slot provides an abutment for said tongue at a transverse distance of at least one of said groove abutment and said first leg.

[0018] In an embodiment, the tongue-receiving slot is adapted to provide a blocking in a normal direction of said tongue-and-groove panels. In a particular embodiment, the tongue-receiving slot is dimensions to fittingly receive said tongue. More in particular, the tongue-receiving slot and said tongue are mutually dimensioned to clampingly fit.

[0019] There is further provided a method for providing a wall cladding comprising tongue-and-groove panels, comprising: providing at least two tongue-and-groove panels; providing at least one coupling profile as described, and subsequently mounting one of the tongue-and-groove panels, mounting the coupling profile to the tongue or groove of the tongue-and-groove panel, and mounting a subsequent one of the tongue-and-groove panels to the coupling profile.

[0020] There is further provided a kit of parts comprising at least two tongue-and-groove panels and at least one coupling profile as described, wherein said tongue-receiving part and said groove-receiving part dimensioned to fit on said respective tongue and said groove, in particular clampingly fit.

[0021] In the description of embodiments, various dimensions are recited that may be combined with features described in the description of preferred embodiments.

[0022] The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially consists", will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of'.

[0023] The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" as well as "functionally" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in "functionally parallel", a skilled person will understand that the adjective "functionally" includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective "functionally" was not present. The term "functionally" is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word "functionally" as for instance used in "functionally parallel" is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word "substantially" explained above. For instance, "functionally parallel" relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0025] The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0026] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0027] The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings.

[0028] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the coupling profile in use for coupling two hollow chamber extrusion tongue-and-groove panels in perspective view; Figure 2 the coupling profile and panels of figure 1 in cross section; Figure 3 the cross section of figure 2 in more detail, and Figure 4 the coupling profile in cross section, free standing.

[0030] The drawings are not necessarily on scaleDescription of preferred embodiments

[0031] Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the coupling profile 2 in use for coupling two hollow chamber extrusion tongue-and-groove panels 1, 1' in perspective view. In perspective view, the effect of the coupling profile 2 that will be described further can be seen. In the free-standing drawing of the coupling profile 2, figure 4, details of the coupling profile are indicated. The panels 1, 1' have a longitudinal direction line L, a transverse direction line T and a normal direction line N which is normal to the longitudinal and transverse direction.

[0032] The coupling profile 2 can provide a joint 3 between two panels 1, 1'. In particular, it allows a joint 3 that is in contrast. In contrast may comprise having a different colour, having a different surface structure, having a different gloss, and / or having a different material used appearance. The coupling profile many also extend a width of the joint.

[0033] In the current embodiment, the coupling profile 2 in addition allows an interspacing between panels 1, 1'. Such a spacing has several advantages. It can provide a fire buffer. Furthermore, the interspacing can provide a so called dilatation joint, providing a relieve of expansion tension through for instance temperature changes.

[0034] The coupling profile 2 can further provide a (or an additional) attachment mode for attaching the panels to a background, like a battening, of a facade.

[0035] Finally, the number of panels that are required to fill a surface can be reduced.

[0036] The coupling profile 2 is in the current embodiment especially designed for coupling tongue-and-groove panels 1, 1' along their longitudinal sides. The coupling profile 2 has a tongue side 4 and a groove side 5.

[0037] The panels 1. 1'depicted in figures 1-3 are so called extrusion panels. These panels 1, 1'are extruded and comprise a high percentage of thermoplastic polymer, usually polyvinyl (PVC). The panels 1, 1'have a front side 8 and a rear side 9 which is usually directed towards a building onto which they are attached. The panels 1, 1'have a tongue side 6 and a groove side 7. A tongue and groove are usually designed to be filled together, in particular snap-fitted together. Many designs are possible, from very basic grooves for receiving a basic extending strip, to a complex snap coupling. Below, dimensions and ranges thereof are explicitly disclosed that fit current tongue-and-groove panels. These dimensions may be combined. Some of these dimensions are a trade-off between required material stiffness of the coupling strip and minimizing the use of material.

[0038] The tongue side 4 comprises a tongue-receiving part 11 adapted to engage the tongue of a first tongue-and-groove panel.

[0039] The groove side 5 comprises a groove-receiving part 12 adapted to engage the groove 7 of a second tongue-and-groove panel. The tongue-receiving part 11 and the groove-receiving part 12 in transverse direction are set apart for providing a panel spacing between the first and second tongue-and-groove panel 1, 1'. The coupling profile 2 further comprising a filling strip 13 for filling said panel spacing for providing a visible joint 3 between the first and second tongue-and-groove panels 1, 1'.

[0040] As mentioned, the filling strip 13 is an extrusion profile, but may also be produces using additive manufacturing, for instance 3D printing. The filling strip 13 may be from aluminium or from another suitable material, for instance a polymer material, which may be fiber reinforced. Often, al least the colour and / or the surface structure of the filling strip contrast with the colour and / or structure (gloss, wood like structure, and the like) of the panels.

[0041] In an embodiment, the thickness of the material is between 1 and 2.5 mm. In an embodiment the thickness is between 1.5 and 2 mm.

[0042] In an embodiment in order to attach to a panel 1, the filling strip 13 may be provided with a slight bias 14 of between 1 and 3 degrees with respect to the transverse line T and towards the panel 1'. In an embodiment, the bias is between 1 and 2 degrees. In particular the bias 14 is between 1.2 and 1.8 degrees. The same effect may be reached by thickening an end of filling strip 13 at a side facing the panel 1'. In this way, the coupling profile 2 clamps against the panel joint face 30.

[0043] In an embodiment, filling strip 13 extends or has a width 21 between 15 and 27 mm, in particular, the filling strip extends 18-26 mm. More in particular, the filling strip 13 extends 20-24 mm.

[0044] The coupling profile 2 has a coupling profile tongue 25 and a coupling profile groove 20. The coupling profile groove 20 has a coupling profile groove width 22. The coupling groove width 22 is adapted to a thickness of the panel tongue 35. This coupling profile groove width 22 can be between 6 and 15 mm. In an embodiment the coupling groove width 22 can be between 8 and 12 mm. In an embodiment, the coupling groove width 22 can be between 9 and 11 mm.

[0045] The panel tongue 35 has a panel tongue outer surface 38 and a panel tongue inner surface 34. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling profile groove 20 has a corresponding coupling profile groove panel tongue engagement surface 39 that is adapted to the panel tongue outer surface 38. In comprises a shallow indent to provide a snap fit together with the filling strip angle. The indent effect may also be accomplished by a slight thickening just near the current indent position.

[0046] The panel 1' has an panel groove inner engagement surface 37 that would, without the coupling profile 2, engage the panel joint face 30 of a coupled panel 1'. With the coupling profile 2 installed, that engagement surface 37 now engages a coupling profile upper panel groove engagement surface 18. In an embodiment, a thickness between the coupling profile upper panel groove engagement surface 18 and the coupling profile groove panel tongue engagement surface 39 is adapted to match the space between the panel tongue outer surface 38 and the panel groove inner engagement surface 37. The thickness can be selected to provide a slight force pressing the panel tongue 35 and the panel groove inner engagement surface 37 slightly apart to improve clamping. In an embodiment, the thickness is between 1 and 4 mm. In particular the thickness is between 2 and 3.5 mm. More in particular the thickness is between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.

[0047] The panel 1, 1' has a panel groove width 36. The coupling profile 2 is in an embodiment designed to clampingly fit in the panel groove 26. As described, coupling profile upper panel groove engagement surface 18 engages one surface of the panel groove 26. The opposite surface of the panel groove 26 is engaged by a coupling profile tongue engagement surface 17. A normal direction distance 24 between the coupling profile upper panel groove engagement surface 18 and the coupling profile tongue engagement surface 17 is selected to clampingly fit in the panel groove 26. In an embodiment, the normal direction distance 24 is 1-7 mm. In particular, the normal direction distance 24 is 2-6 mm. In particular, the normal direction distance 24 is between 3 and 5 mm.

[0048] The coupling profile 2 in an embodiment has a panel spacer that provides an additional transverse spacing between adjacent panels 1, 1'. This in order to provide a wider joint 3. The spacer in an embodiment is between 8 and 20 mm. In particular, the spacer is 10-15 mm. More in particular, the space is 11-14 mm.

[0049] In the depicted embodiment, the coupling profile 2 is provided with a first and second abutment 15 respectively 16, which are a spacer distance apart. The first abutment 15 provides an abutment against a panel groove extending part or stop face 32. The second abutment 16 provides an abutment against an abutment at a panel tongue base or stop face 31.

[0050] It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.Reference numbers

[0051] 1, 1' Panel or tongue and groove panel 2 coupling profile 3 (shadow) joint 4 coupling profile tongue side 5 coupling profile groove side 6 panel tongue side 7 panel groove side 8 panel front surface 9 panel rear surface 10 hollow chamber 11 tongue-receiving part 12 groove-receiving part 13 filling strip 14 filling strip bias 15 first abutment 16 second abutment 17 coupling profile tongue engagement surface 18 coupling profile upper panel groove engagement surface 19 ledge 20 coupling profile groove 21 filling strip width 22 coupling groove width 23 panel distance extension distance 24 coupling profile normal direction distance 25 coupling profile tongue 26 panel groove 30 panel joint face 31 panel tongue stop face 32 panel groove stop face 33 panel groove abutment ledge 34 panel tongue inner surface 35 panel tongue 36 panel groove width 37 panel groove inner engagement surface 38 Panel tongue outer surface 39 coupling profile groove panel tongue engagement surface L Longitudinal direction T transverse direction N normal direction

Claims

1. A coupling profile for coupling tongue-and-groove panels along their longitudinal sides, the coupling profile having a tongue side and a groove side, wherein said tongue side comprises a tongue-receiving part adapted to engage the tongue of a first tongue-and-groove panel, the groove side comprises a groove-receiving part adapted to engage the groove of a second tongue-and-groove panel, the tongue-receiving part and the groove-receiving part in transverse direction set apart for providing a panel spacing between the first and second tongue-and-groove panel, and the coupling profile further comprising a filling strip for filling said panel spacing for providing a visible joint between the first and second tongue-and-groove panels.

2. The coupling profile of claim 1, wherein the filling strip is provided adjacent the tongue-receiving side.

3. The coupling profile of claim 1 or 2, wherein in transverse direction the coupling profile comprises subsequently the groove-receiving part, the tongue receiving part and the filling strip.

4. The coupling profile of claim 1-3, wherein said groove-receiving part in cross section comprising a groove leg extending in said groove, in particular said groove leg comprising a normal groove leg abutment for in use abutting said groove in a normal direction.

5. The coupling profile of claim 4, wherein said groove-receiving part in cross section comprising a transverse groove abutment, providing abutment in transverse direction of said panels.

6. The coupling profile of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said groove-receiving part in cross section comprises a normal groove abutment, providing abutment in normal direction of said panels, in particular said normal groove abutment and said normal groove leg abutment in normal direction are spaced apart, in particular spaced apart and dimensioned to in said normal direction clampingly receive said panel groove.

7. The coupling profile of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tongue-receiving part comprises a tongue-receiving slot.

8. The coupling profile of claim 7, wherein said tongue-receiving slot provides an abutment for said tongue at a transverse distance of at least one of said groove abutment and said first leg.

9. The coupling profile of claim 7 or 8, wherein said tongue-receiving slot is adapted to provide a blocking in a normal direction of said tongue-and-groove panels, in particular said tongue-receiving slot is dimensions to fittingly receive said tongue, more in particular clampingly receive said tongue.

10. A method for providing a wall cladding comprising tongue-and-groove panels, comprising: providing at least two tongue-and-groove panels; providing at least one coupling profile according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9, and subsequently mounting one of the tongue-and-groove panels, mounting the coupling profile to the tongue or groove of the tongue-and-groove panel, and mounting a subsequent one of the tongue-and-groove panels to the coupling profile.

11. A kit of parts comprising at least two tongue-and-groove panels and at least one coupling profile according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9, wherein said tongue-receiving part and said groove-receiving part dimensioned to fit on said respective tongue and said groove, in particular clampingly fit.

Images