Advanced device for connecting adjacent tiles or planks positioned edge to edge in a floor or wall covering

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (1) for at least two adjacent tiles (2) or planks positioned edge to edge of a floor or wall covering; the device (1) is intended to be positioned in complementary grooves (5) formed from an upper or lower face of the tiles (2) or planks and in a part of their thickness; the device (1) is in the form of a flat body comprising a central part (3) connected to at least two peripheral parts (4), distinct from each other and arranged on either side of the central part (3); the peripheral parts (4) are hollowed out to receive, by insertion, a part of the thickness of the tiles (2) or planks when connecting said tiles (2) or planks.and the central part comprises a bar (9) projecting orthogonally from the body and extending longitudinally, with each end of the bar (9) overhanging the central part (3) so as to form a joint portion between the slabs (2) or blades. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Improved device for connecting adjacent slabs or strips positioned edge to edge of a floor or wall covering Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to means for assembling slabs or strips for the production of floor or wall coverings.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for connecting slabs together for floor coverings, in particular of the resilient type. The slabs are generally of rectangular or other shape, for example hexagonal, and are positioned edge to edge, that is to say with their edges in contact to ensure continuity of the covering.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a slab or blade adapted to receive the connection device according to the invention.

[0004] Finally, the invention also relates to a system of slabs or blades connected to each other by means of connection devices such as those mentioned above. Prior art

[0005] Document EP0108282 discloses a floor covering system comprising a set of PVC gratings covered with a carpet surface. In order to facilitate the installation of the gratings, they are connected by connection devices in the form of rings which fit into corresponding notches provided in the reverse side of the gratings.

[0006] The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that these connection devices have low resistance to traffic and do not allow the passage of heavy loads. In fact, unclipping or breakages can be observed, in particular during the test of the chair with wheels according to standard NF EN 425. On the other hand, the system presented uses, in combination with the aforementioned connection devices, T-section guide bars to receive the gratings, which complicates and lengthens the operation of laying the floor covering.

[0007] Also known is document DE9101959 which presents a system comprising a set of plastic or rubber tiles connected by dovetail assembly means formed on their sides, in combination with circular connection devices which fit into complementary grooves made on the reverse side of the tiles. This system provides better resistance to the passage of heavy loads by combining connection devices with dovetails machined into the thickness of the tiles.

[0008] However, this technique requires, during the manufacture of the slabs, to produce both the dovetail assembly means and the grooves for receiving the connection devices. This complicates the manufacture, and the presence of the grooves on a part of the dovetails can damage or weaken said dovetails. Furthermore, the surface of the slabs, visible to the user, is unsightly because it has a non-rectilinear junction between the slabs.

[0009] Also known are documents DE102008044803B4, EP0203226B1, JP2008308979A and US20140157700A1 which illustrate the technological background and which describe connection devices which can be further improved, in particular in terms of strength, aesthetics and ease of use.

[0010] Another disadvantage lies in the lack of sealing of the systems of slabs or blades connected to each other with the devices of the prior art. On the other hand, phenomena of contraction or expansion of the slabs or blades can cause an unsightly edge to appear or deform the junction between two slabs. Statement of the invention

[0011] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the problems of the prior art by providing a device which makes it possible to connect together at least two adjacent slabs or strips positioned edge to edge of a floor or wall covering, in a simple manner, while resisting the traffic of heavy loads on the slabs, according to standard NF EN 425.

[0012] Another objective is to provide such a device which allows aesthetic assembly of the slabs or blades.

[0013] Another objective is to provide such a device which makes it possible to ensure a certain sealing of the system of slabs or blades connected to each other and which makes it possible to compensate for contraction or expansion phenomena.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide ladies or blades suitable for receiving the aforementioned connection device, and easy to manufacture.

[0015] The invention also relates to a system of adjacent slabs or strips positioned edge to edge and connected to each other for the creation of a floor or wall covering, resistant to heavy load traffic on the slabs according to standard NF EN 425, the installation of which is facilitated, and the visual appearance of which is satisfactory.

[0016] For this purpose, a device has been developed for connecting at least two adjacent slabs or strips positioned edge to edge of a floor or wall covering, intended to be positioned in complementary grooves made from an upper or lower face of the slabs or strips and in a part of their thickness. The device is in the form of a flat body comprising a central part connected to at least two peripheral parts, distinct from each other and arranged on either side other of the central part and, preferably, according to axial symmetry. In other words, the peripheral parts are not directly connected to each other, but are only connected through the central part.

[0017] According to the invention, the peripheral parts are hollowed out, and preferably annular, to receive by insertion a part of the thickness of the slabs or blades when connecting said slabs or blades. By hollowed out, it is meant that the parts have a hollow zone, whether or not it opens out.

[0018] Furthermore, and according to another characteristic of the invention, the central part comprises a bar projecting orthogonally from the plane of the body, preferably forming an integral part with the body, and extending longitudinally, in a rectilinear or corner manner, and each end of which projects beyond the central part so as to form a joint portion between the connected slabs or strips.

[0019] In this way, the design of the device allows two, three or four slabs to be connected together.

[0020] The fact that the peripheral parts are hollowed out, and even more so when they are annular, makes it possible to have a homogeneous and optimal retaining force between the slabs. Since the retaining force is improved, it is not necessary to provide other means of connection between the slabs, such as dovetail type coupling means. The aesthetics of the assembly between two slabs is therefore not degraded.

[0021] Furthermore, since the peripheral parts of the device are hollowed out, the complementary grooves made in the slabs or blades are easy to manufacture, for example using simple rotary tools. This is all the more true when the peripheral parts are annular.

[0022] Finally, the bar, visible on the surface of the slabs or blades, makes it possible to form a portion of joint between the slabs or blades, or to serve as a transition between two decorations. Given that the bar extends longitudinally on either side of the central part, this makes it possible to place the bars of the adjacent connection devices end to end to have a continuous joint along the edge of the slab or blade. The installation is therefore aesthetic.

[0023] The bar also makes installation easier since it guides the installation of the tiles or strips which come into contact with it.

[0024] Advantageously, the bar comprises a surface portion made of elastomer material to improve the sealing of the joint.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface portion of the bar is removable, and possibly has a greater length than that of the bar in order to be able to engage with several adjacent bars.

[0026] Preferably, and in order to ensure optimal maintenance of the surface part, the part surface and the bar have complementary snap-in means.

[0027] Advantageously, the ends of the bar have complementary coupling means so as to be able to couple said bar with that of an adjacent connection device. In this way, the mechanical strength of the assembly is improved, and installation is facilitated. The assembly of the different bars makes it possible to form a chain of connection devices, possibly closed, and can adapt to any format of slab or blade as well as to a positioning of the stone joint type. This chain of connection devices can be assembled prior to the installation of the floor covering to form a laying guide and speed up the installation operation.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the central part of the connection device is in the form of at least one hollowed-out central part, for example annular, and preferably the hollowed-out central part and the hollowed-out peripheral parts are positioned side by side so as to share a portion of edge together. According to different embodiments, the bar crosses diametrically the annular shape of the central part, or forms a right angle with the apex of the right angle positioned at the center of the annular central part when it is a connection device to be positioned in the corner of the slab or blade.

[0029] In the same way, the production of grooves in the slabs or blades, adapted to receive this type of device, is facilitated because the grooves are produced with a simple rotary tool.

[0030] In another embodiment, the central portion is in the form of two hollow, for example annular, central portions, preferably positioned side by side, and linked together so as to share a portion of the edge.

[0031] The hollowed-out peripheral portions may be two or more in number, for example four or six, and are preferably uniformly distributed around the central portion.

[0032] The connection devices are of course adapted in terms of dimensions to the slabs that they are to connect. In practice, when the hollowed-out peripheral parts are annular, they have an internal diameter of between 8 and 70 millimeters, while the annular hollowed-out central part(s) preferably have an internal diameter of between 4 and 50 millimeters, depending on the desired strength. The increase in diameter makes it possible to provide better tensile strength in the assembly plane of the slabs.

[0033] The annular peripheral portions and the annular central portion(s) may have identical diameters. Preferably, the annular central portion has an internal diameter between 1 and 2 times greater than that of the annular peripheral portions.

[0034] In order to force the insertion of the connection devices into the complementary grooves that the slabs have, and thus guarantee optimal hold and resistance to heavy load traffic according to standard NF EN 425, the device comprises lugs, continuous or discontinuous, arranged on an internal and / or external wall of the hollowed-out central part. To obtain the same effect, the lugs can be arranged on an internal and / or external wall of the hollowed-out peripheral parts. Alternatively, the lugs can be arranged on the vertical walls of the complementary grooves of the slabs or blades.

[0035] Still for the same purpose, the hollowed-out peripheral parts and / or the hollowed-out central part(s) have inclined internal walls. In the case of the hollowed-out central part(s), this makes it possible in particular to achieve a clamping effect between the slabs after assembly of the device. In the case of the hollowed-out peripheral parts, this makes it possible to forcefully receive the part of the thickness of the slabs or blades. In particular, the connection device is intended to be placed on the ground with the inclined walls widening towards the ground so that the insertion of the slab into the connection device is forced, creating a clipping effect. In a complementary or alternative manner, the grooves complementary to the hollowed-out peripheral parts and / or the hollowed-out central part(s) may be inclined.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the connection device according to the invention, the latter comprises at least two central parts, each connected to at least two peripheral parts, distinct from one another and arranged on either side of each central part, the peripheral parts being hollowed out to receive in insertion a part of the thickness of the slabs or blades during the connection of said slabs or blades, and the central parts comprise a common bar connecting them and projecting orthogonally from the body and extending longitudinally with each of the ends of the bar projecting from the central parts so as to form a joint portion between the slabs or blades. This alternative makes it possible to facilitate and accelerate the installation by limiting the number of devices to be used to join two slabs or blades.

[0037] The invention also relates to a system of adjacent slabs or blades positioned edge to edge and connected to each other for the production of a floor or wall covering, remarkable in that it comprises at least two blades or slabs preferably made of resilient material, and comprising grooves for receiving several connection devices such as those mentioned above.

[0038] Preferably, the slabs are connected to each other by connection devices spaced apart from each other by a pitch of between 5 and 50 cm, preferably between 5 and 15 cm in order to withstand heavy traffic on the surface of the slabs. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a connection device according to the invention, with a rectilinear bar.

[0040] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l], with a right-angled bar.

[0041] [Fig.3] is a top view illustrating four slabs connected to each other by connection devices according to the invention, with the joints between them formed by the bars of each device.

[0042] [Fig.4] is a top view similar to that of [Fig.3], illustrating a single slab and the positioning of the connection devices.

[0043] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a connection device connected to a slab.

[0044] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l], with the surface portion of the bar removed.

[0045] [Fig.7] illustrates the removable surface portion of the bar.

[0046] [Fig.8] illustrates the coupling between the bar and the surface part.

[0047] [Fig.9] illustrates complementary coupling means provided at a end of the bar.

[0048] [Fig. 10] illustrates complementary coupling means provided at another end of the bar.

[0049] [Fig. 11] illustrates the presence of lugs on the internal walls of the hollowed-out central and peripheral parts.

[0050] [Fig. 12] illustrates a section of a system of connected slabs with a connection device of the invention, the section being made at a hollowed-out peripheral part.

[0051] Detailed description of the invention

[0052] With reference to Figures 1 to 12, the invention relates to a device (1) for connecting two, three or four adjacent slabs (2) or strips positioned edge to edge to each other for the production of a floor or wall covering.

[0053] The device (1) is in the form of a flat body with a thickness of between 1 and 8 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm, comprising a central part (3), for example hollow and annular, connected to at least two peripheral parts (4) hollow and for example annular arranged on either side of the central part (3), and preferably according to an axial symmetry, in particular according to the junctions between the slabs (2). The parts (4) are distinct from each other and are therefore not directly connected to each other. The peripheral parts (4) are connected to each other only by the central part (3).

[0054] From this concept, several embodiments can be envisaged.

[0055] For example, the central portion (3) may be in the form of two annular central portions positioned side by side to share a portion of the border.

[0056] For example, the device (1) may comprise two peripheral annular parts (4), aligned with the central part(s) (3), and positioned side by side with it(them) so as to share a portion of edge.

[0057] In the example illustrated, the device (1) comprises four annular peripheral parts (4), namely two on each side of a plane corresponding to the junction between two slabs (2). Each annular peripheral part (4) is linked to the central annular part(s) (3) by sharing with it(them) a portion of annular edge. The four annular peripheral parts (4) are regularly distributed around the central part (3).

[0058] The diameter of the annular central portion (3) may be identical to that of the annular peripheral portions (4), or be between 1 and 2 times greater than those of the annular peripheral portions (4), as illustrated. For example, the internal diameter of the annular central portion (3) is between 4 and 50 mm, such as 15 mm, and the annular peripheral portions (4) have internal diameters, preferably identical to each other, and for example between 8 and 70 millimeters, such as 10 mm. The width of the annular portions (3, 4), that is to say the difference between their external diameter and their internal diameter, is preferably between 3 and 10 mm. The greater the width, the greater the tensile strength in the assembly plane of the slabs.

[0059] According to a characteristic at the basis of the invention, the central part (3) comprises a bar (9) projecting orthogonally from the flat body and extending longitudinally with each of the ends of the bar (9) projecting from the central part (3) so as to form a joint portion between the slabs (2) or blades.

[0060] The connection device (1) according to the invention is intended to be positioned in complementary grooves (5) formed from an upper or lower face, and preferably lower, of the slabs (2) or blades and in only a part of their thickness. In order to facilitate the installation of the connection devices (1) in the grooves (5) of the slabs (2), the edges of the walls of the grooves (5) and / or of the connection device (1) are preferably chamfered.

[0061] According to the invention, the bar (9), visible on the surface of the slabs (2) or blades, makes it possible to form a portion of joint between the slabs or blades, or to serve as a transition between two decorations. Given that the ends of the bar (9) extend longitudinally beyond the central part (3), this makes it possible to place the bars (9) of adjacent connection devices end to end to have a continuous joint along the edge of the slab or blade. The bar (9) has a height adapted to the thickness of the slab. In particular, the sum of the thickness of the flat body and the height of the bar (9) is substantially equal to the thickness of the slab. Preferably, the sum of the thickness of the flat body and the height of the bar (9) is slightly less than the thickness of the slab, of the order of one tenth of a millimeter to two millimeters, in order to make the bar (9) more visible and to imitate a joint present between two ceramic slabs or blades. The bar (9) preferably has a truncated cone-shaped cross-section on the surface, in order to imitate the presence of one or two chamfers along the edge of one or both adjacent slabs or blades. The bar (9) has, for example, a length of between 5 and 50 cm, preferably between 5 and 15 cm, corresponding to the pitch with which the connection devices (1) are spaced in order to withstand heavy traffic on the surface of the slabs.

[0062] The bar (9) also makes installation easier since it guides the installation of the tiles or strips which come into contact with it.

[0063] In order to provide a certain sealing to the slab system, the bar (9) comprises a surface part (10) made of elastomeric material. It may be a two-component bar (9) with a rigid part at the bottom and a flexible surface part (10). The bar (9) may be made by two-material injection for example.

[0064] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the surface portion (10) of the bar (9) is preferably removable, and made for example of EPDM with possibly an integrated metal frame (11) to provide stability. According to other embodiments, it can be made of rubber, or of Butadiene Acrylonitrile, or of any other suitable material used to provide a watertight seal.

[0065] Preferably, the surface portion (10) has a greater length than that of the bar (9) in order to be able to engage with several adjacent bars (9), and form a continuous joint along the edge of the slab and a chain of connection device.

[0066] With reference to [Fig. 8] and in order to ensure optimal holding of the removable surface part (10), the surface part (10) and the bar (9) have complementary snap-fastening means (12a, 12b), such as for example locking notches (12a) arranged along the surface part (10) and regularly distributed over its height, and a complementary locking notch (12b), such as a shoulder, arranged in the bar (9). The bar (9) has for example a U-shaped cross-section in which the surface part (10), for example T-shaped, is intended to engage, or vice versa. Of course, any other form of complementary engagement can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0067] The ends of the bar (9) have complementary coupling means (13a, 13b) so as to be able to couple said bar (9) with that of a adjacent connecting device (1).

[0068] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, these coupling means are for example in the form of a stud (13b) extending vertically, that is to say orthogonally to the plane of the body of the device, downwards or upwards, and positioned at one end of the bar (9), intended to be inserted into a complementary orifice (13a) provided at another end of a bar (9) of an adjacent connection device. These means may have complementary shoulders (14a, 14b) intended to snap into place to secure the coupling.

[0069] Preferably the slabs (2) or blades are made of a resilient material, preferably composed of PVC or also linoleum, polyolefin, or even rubber, and the insertion of the connection devices (1) into the complementary grooves (5) is forced in order to guarantee a good hold. It is also conceivable that the slabs (2) or blades are made of a non-resilient material such as wood or rigid PVC, a material formed of rigid laminated layers based on wood, a natural or reconstituted mineral material, the insertion of the connection devices (1) into the complementary grooves (5) also being forced in order to guarantee a good hold.

[0070] For this purpose, and with reference to Figures 11, the device (1) comprises lugs (6) provided on an internal and / or external wall of the annular central part (3), and / or lugs (6) provided on an internal and / or external wall of the annular peripheral parts (4).

[0071] The lugs (6) may take the form of annular beads, with a triangular or semi-circular section. Preferably, the annular peripheral parts (4) and / or the annular central part(s) are frustoconical so as to have inclined internal walls with a flared part facing the ground, so as to be able to position the annular opening of smaller diameter facing the slab (2). Thus, the insertion of a part of the thickness of the slab (2) into the annular part (3, 4) is forced.

[0072] The grooves (5) formed in the slabs (2) may have, on their vertical walls, grooves (7) intended to receive in engagement the lugs (6) of the connection device (1), see [Fig. 12]. In this way, the insertion of the lugs (6) in the grooves (7) makes it possible to create a clipping effect, but also an indexing and a retention of the device (1) in the grooves (5). In this example, it is the lugs (6), in the form of annular beads with semi-circular section (6b) which are engaged in the grooves (7) and which make it possible to position the slabs (2) vertically and which guarantee the correct positioning, or even the flushness of the devices (1) relative to the slab. The lugs can be continuous or discontinuous on each of the vertical walls, depending on the desired resistance.

[0073] The depth of the complementary grooves (5) provided in the slabs (2) is less than or equal to the thickness of the connection devices (1). However, it is preferable to leave a clearance (8) of a few tenths of a millimeter between the face of the slabs (2) and the corresponding face of the connection device (1), see [Fig. 12], in order to avoid creating excess thicknesses, which are unsightly if the devices (1) are positioned on the upper face, or which create alignment defects if the devices (1) are positioned on the lower face of the slabs (2).

[0074] In another embodiment, the grooves (5) do not include a groove, the insertion of the device (1) into the grooves (5) is carried out until it is flush with the faces of the slabs (2) and the devices (1), possibly respecting the aforementioned clearance (8), and the lugs (6) ensure a firm hold by compression of the walls of the grooves (5).

[0075] In this configuration, the lugs (6) are for example the annular beads with a triangular section, and create a circular compression force generating a constraint bringing the slabs (2) together.

[0076] In another embodiment, the lugs (6) are replaced in whole or in part by a modification of the surface condition of the internal and / or external wall of the annular central part (3), and / or of the internal and / or external walls of the annular peripheral parts (4) of the device (1). It is for example envisaged to carry out a knurling of these walls or a vertical grooving so as to increase their roughness and consequently their resistance to assembly and disassembly.

[0077] The connection device (1) according to the invention can be made of any suitable material, and for example of thermoplastic material such as: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPE) with polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), alone or in a mixture if they are compatible.

[0078] All these thermoplastic materials can be loaded for example with inorganic fillers (calcium carbonate or other) and / or reinforced with reinforcing fibers (glass fibers, polyester fibers or other).

[0079] Alternatively, the connection device (1) according to the invention may be made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, for example shaped by stamping and folding.

[0080] The connection device (1) can also be made from a two-component material, for example to have a hard core for strength, and a more flexible casing to compensate for adjustment and dimensional defects.

[0081] The device (1) according to the invention can be manufactured in any suitable manner, such as for example by injection, bi-injection, overmolding, thermoforming, punching of a plate. Examples of materials that can be used in bi-injection are thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS), thermoplastic polyolefins TPO and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).

[0082] Ideally, the desired mechanical characteristics of the material constituting the connection device (1) are a Young's modulus of between 1000 and 3000 Mpa to withstand heavy load traffic and the wheeled chair test according to standard NF EN 425. The Young's modulus is preferably greater than 1000 Mpa to withstand heavy load traffic and traction in the assembly plane. The Young's modulus is preferably between 1000 and 3000 Mpa to maintain resilience facilitating assembly. The Young's modulus may well be greater than 3000 Mpa, for example in the case of steel. In this case, it is preferable for the slab to be made of resilient material, also to facilitate assembly.

[0083] It is clear from the above that the invention provides a system of adjacent slabs (2) or strips positioned edge to edge and connected to each other by devices (1), for the production of a floor or wall covering, resistant to heavy load traffic on the slabs according to standard NF EN 425, the installation of which is facilitated, and the visual appearance of which is satisfactory.

Claims

Claims

1. Connection device (1) of at least two adjacent slabs (2) or strips positioned edge to edge of a floor or wall covering, the device (1) is intended to be positioned in complementary grooves (5) provided from an upper or lower face of the slabs (2) or strips and in a part of their thickness, the device (1) is in the form of a flat body comprising a central part (3) linked to at least two peripheral parts (4), distinct from each other and arranged on either side of the central part (3), the peripheral parts (4) are hollowed out to receive in insertion a part of the thickness of the slabs (2) or strips during the connection of said slabs (2) or strips,and the central part comprises a bar (9) projecting orthogonally from the body and extending longitudinally with each of the ends of the bar (9) projecting from the central part (3) so as to form a joint portion between the slabs (2) or blades.,

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bar (9) comprises a surface part (10) made of elastomeric material.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface part (10) of the bar (9) is removable and preferably has a greater length than that of the bar (9).

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the surface part (10) and the bar (9) have complementary latching means (12a, 12b).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of the bar (9) have complementary coupling means (13a, 13b) so as to be able to couple said bar (9) with that of an adjacent connection device.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two peripheral parts (4) are arranged on either side of the central part (3) according to axial symmetry.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central part (3) is in the form of at least one hollow central part.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollowed-out peripheral parts (4) are four in number.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 7 characterized in that that it comprises lugs (6) provided: - on an internal and / or external wall of the hollowed-out central part (3), and / or; - on an internal and / or external wall of the hollowed-out peripheral parts (4).

10. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 7 characterized in that the hollowed-out peripheral parts (4) and / or the hollowed-out central part (3) have inclined internal walls to forcefully receive part of the thickness of the slabs (2) or blades.

11. Slab or blade for producing a floor or wall covering, at least part of the thickness of which is made of a resilient material and comprises grooves (5) for receiving one or more connection devices (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. System of adjacent slabs (2) or blades positioned edge to edge and connected to each other for the production of a floor or wall covering, characterized in that it comprises at least two blades or slabs (2) according to claim 11 connected to each other by connection devices (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.