WALL PANEL FOR FORMING A WALL COVERING WITH A PLURALITY OF PANELS - Patent application

Abstract

A wall panel for forming a wall cladding having a plurality of panels, comprising a centrally disposed core, the core having a rear side, a decorative side opposite the rear side and at least two side parts with joints for mutual connection of several panels, the joints being configured to be joined by an angling movement, a new panel being arranged to be angled to a panel already forming part of the wall cladding, the joints comprising at least one first joint part and at least one second joint part arranged on either side of the core, the first joint part comprising a lateral tongue, an upper bridge part for connecting the lateral tongue to the core and a downward groove for accommodating at least a part of an upward locking element, the second joint part comprising a groove.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall panel for forming a wall cladding using a plurality of panels, a wall cladding formed of interconnected panels, and a method of installing the wall cladding. [Background technology]

[0002] The last decade has seen many improvements in the world of modular flooring, where multiple floor panels can be interconnected in a manner that allows for DIY installation of a quality flooring product. The present invention is intended to bring similarly easy installation techniques to wall paneling and wall cladding alike. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] While wall and floor panels may appear the same at first glance, they each have their own advantages and challenges. For example, floor panels (typically horizontally oriented) are typically installed at the level of the subfloor and rely on gravity to hold the floor panel above the subfloor, whereas wall panels (typically vertically oriented) do not have such benefits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] To achieve that object, the invention proposes a wall panel for forming a wall covering with a number of panels, a wall panel according to the preamble, comprising a core, typically arranged centrally, the core comprising a rear side, a decorative side opposite the rear side and at least two side parts comprising joints for the mutual connection of several panels, the joints being connected by an angling movement. a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged on opposite sides of a core, the first connecting portion comprising a lateral tongue, an upper bridge portion for connecting the lateral tongue to the core, and a downward groove for receiving at least a portion of the upward locking element, and the second connecting portion comprising a groove for receiving at least a portion of the lateral tongue defined by an upper lip and a lower lip extending from the core, the lower lip being provided with an upward locking element arranged away from the core, the upward locking element having an inner side facing the core, an outer side facing away from the core, and a surface side between the inner side and the outer side, the upward locking element being provided with a recess extending at least partially through the upward locking element, the recess being accessible from a surface side of the upward locking element and extending towards an opposite side of the upward locking element. Upward may be the direction toward the decorative side of the panel. The joints are typically milled or contoured into the core and material is removed to form the joints. When the core is referred to in connection with the joints, the core may be the portion of the panel that is not profiled.

[0005] In describing the panels according to the invention, the decorative side may also be referred to as the upper side or top side, and the rear side may also be referred to as the bottom or bottom side. Panels are typically rated in their horizontal plane, which is common for floor panels, for example. However, wall panels are typically oriented 90 degrees in comparison.

[0006] The lateral tongue and groove allow for relatively easy joining of the panels; the tongue is typically slightly inclined and placed (at least partially) in the groove, and the panel is simply angled into place. Such joining results in a very intuitive joining of the panels. The recesses in the upward locking elements provide a predefined location for attaching the wall panel to a supporting surface or structure, e.g., wood framing or drywall. The panel can be attached, for example, by screwing a screw through the recess and the upward locking element into the supporting structure. Nails or other connecting, fixing or mounting elements may be used instead of screws.

[0007] As a result, the recesses are adapted to secure the wall panel in place. The tongue and groove can also provide additional fixation of the wall panel. When the tongue is placed in the groove, the tongue and groove can come into contact and prevent the panel from coming off. Additionally or alternatively, the inner side of the upward locking element can be configured to contact the side of the lateral tongue facing the core or the proximal side of the lateral tongue. The inner side of the upward locking element and the proximal side of the lateral tongue can provide locking in the plane of the panel, whereas the proximal side of the lateral tongue and the groove can provide locking perpendicular to the plane of the panel, at least in the combined state. In this way, the panels can be secured to each other and to the support structure and the wall covering can be prevented from coming off the wall. Thus, the inner side of the upward locking element can comprise a first locking surface and the side of the lateral tongue facing the core can comprise a second locking surface, which cooperate to provide locking of the panel in the combined state. Alternatively, or in addition, the side of the lateral tongue facing the decorative side can be provided with a third locking surface, and the side of the upper lip facing away from the decorative side can be provided with a fourth locking surface, which cooperate to provide locking of the panels in the joined condition.

[0008] The recess may be provided with a bevelled edge, preferably having a substantially frusto-conical or substantially trapezoidal cross section, widest at the decorative side and narrowing towards the rear side, which may provide guidance of the attachment element towards its intended position on the upward locking element.

[0009] Preferably, the recess is centered within the upward locking element, specifically between the inside and outside of the upward locking element. In this way, both sides of the recess do not have the same amount of upward locking element remaining or recessed, which creates structure on both sides of the recess and creates a stronger panel. The upward locking element is typically thicker compared to other structural features of the locking element. Thus, the element has more body and more material available to accommodate the recess, which creates an overall stronger structure.

[0010] The recess may extend up to the middle of the upward locking element. As a result, the recess can have a bottom side or surface that is located up to the middle of the upward locking element. By having the recess extend up to half the thickness of the upward locking element, sufficient material remains under the recess between the recess and the back side.

[0011] The recess of the upward locking element may be substantially trapezoidal in shape. The recess may also be provided with a second recess or depression, preferably in the middle or center of the recess. The second recess may be used to guide a connecting element, such as a nail or screw, in the middle of the recess (and thus into the second recess). The second recess may be at most half the size or width of the recess, preferably about one third the size or width of the recess.

[0012] At least a portion of the sides of the lateral tongues facing away from the core and / or at least a portion of the groove between the upper and lower lips may be partially rounded. Particularly during angling of the panel, the rounded surfaces or transitions allow for a relatively smooth angling action that is not hindered by sharp transitions in the panel material.

[0013] In the bonded state, there may be a space between the side of the lateral tongue facing the rear and the lower lip, the space tapering from the upward locking element toward the core. Such space between the lower lip and the lateral tongue allows additional flexibility when bonding the panels and creates space to recover material that is potentially scraped off the lower lip or lateral tongue during bonding. There may be no contact between the side of the lateral tongue facing the rear and the lower lip, and in the bonded state, there is contact only between the side of the lateral tongue facing the core and the inside of the groove. Not having contact between the rear side of the lateral tongue and the lower lip further allows for additional flexibility and additional manufacturing tolerances.

[0014] The width of the upward locking element may be small compared to the width of the upper bridge portion, so that preferably, in a joined state, there is a space between the outside of the upward locking element and the core of another panel. The width is typically in the plane of the panel. The space between the upward locking element and the core improves manufacturing tolerances (while still being able to join the panels) and allows for relatively easy joining of the panels without distorting the joint during joining.

[0015] The first joint part may comprise a first upper contact surface between the decorative side and the lateral tongue, and the side of the upper lip facing away from the core may comprise a second upper contact surface, the first and second upper contact surfaces being configured to be in at least partial contact in the joined state. These contact surfaces are the surfaces facing the decorative side of the core of the panels in the joined state in contact. The first and / or second contact surfaces may comprise, for example, upper locking elements, preferably both contact surfaces being configured to cooperate in the joined state to provide locking in one or more directions. The upper contact surfaces may extend over a distance of at least 0.1 times the thickness of the panel, preferably at least 0.15 times the thickness. In appropriate locations, the upper contact surfaces may be surfaces acting against gravity. A larger surface area may be utilized to distribute the load and reduce the occurrence of peak tensions.

[0016] The first joint and / or the second joint may comprise a bevel or grout located on the decorative side of the panel. The bevel is generally represented by a chamfered surface that slopes from the upper contact surface towards the decorative side of the panel. If both of the two joined panels are provided with such a chamfered surface, they align to form a V-shaped recess. If the surfaces are not beveled or chamfered but are mainly square or rectangular, a U-shaped recess can be formed by one panel alone or by the combination of two panels. In a particular embodiment of the invention, only one of the first joint and the second joint is provided with a bevel or chamfered surface. Preferably, it is the joint that faces upwards in its position in the wall covering. As a result, any moisture, liquid or rain that may be present on the decorative side of the panel is guided away from the joint surface between the two joined panels.

[0017] The core may consist of a thermoplastic material, in particular an expanded or non-expanded thermoplastic material or one or more fillers such as PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyurethane and / or calcium carbonate, or a wooden material, for example MDF, HDF or a wood plastic composite, or the core may consist of a wood-based foam or compressed wood.

[0018] A typical preferred specific material for the core may be a thermoplastic filled with at least one filler such as calcium carbonate or other inorganic filler. Suitable plastic materials for forming the base layer may include polyurethane, polyamide copolymers, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and polyethylene plastics, all of which have good moldability. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials are chemically stable, corrosion resistant and have good fire resistance properties. To further improve the hardness and rigidity of the base layer and thus the panel, preferably chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and / or chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and / or other chlorinated thermoplastic materials are used. The plastic material may be free of any plasticizers to improve the desired rigidity of the base layer, which is also preferred from an environmental point of view. The at least one filler may be selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, (other) inorganic fillers, and (other) natural fillers. The filler may be formed by fibers and / or by dust-like particles. Here, the expression "dust" is to be understood as fine dust-like particles (powders) such as wood dust, cork powder, or non-wood dusts such as mineral powders, stone powder, and especially cement.

[0019] The core layer may be formed of a composite material consisting of at least one copolymer and at least one non-polymeric material. The core layer composite preferably comprises one or more fillers, at least one of which is selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, (other) inorganic fillers, and (other) natural fillers. The fillers may be formed by fibers and / or by dust-like particles. Here, the expression "dust" is to be understood as fine dust-like particles (powders) such as wood dust, cork powder, or mineral powders, stone powders, and especially non-wood dusts such as cement. The average particle size of the dust is preferably between 14 and 20 microns, more preferably between 16 and 18 microns. The main role of this type of filler is to provide the core layer, and thus the parallelogram / diamond tiles, with sufficient hardness. This will allow tiles with their generally relatively fragile sharp vertices to realize the chevron pattern in a reliable and durable manner. Furthermore, such fillers will typically also improve the impact strength of the core layer and thus the tile. The weight content of such fillers in the composite is preferably 35-75%, more preferably 40-48% if the composite is a foamed composite, and more preferably 65-70% if the composite is a non-foamed (solid) composite.

[0020] The side tongue and groove force the two joined panels together In order to achieve this, the panels may be configured to exert a clamping force in the joined state, which may press the joined panels together and improve the connection and thus, for example, the water tightness of the water resistant properties of the panels.

[0021] The groove may include a channel extending from the groove to the rear side of the wall panel. Such a groove may be used to drain water or other liquids that may enter the joint and particularly the groove. In particular, if the groove is on the side of the panel that faces upward in position, the groove may be the part of the joint that is located at the bottom and, as a result, is naturally adapted to collect liquids, water or other loose materials. A channel extending to the back or rear side of the panel allows such materials or liquids to move away from the joint.

[0022] The panels can be elongated and configured to be arranged horizontally to form part of a wall cladding, preferably with the first and second joints arranged on the long sides of the panel and / or with the other two opposing sides of the wall panel being provided with third and fourth joints, as required, preferably arranged to be joined in the same angling motion as the first and second joints. Such panels can be used, for example, to span the left and right sides of a room. Such panels can be about 1.5 to 2.5 meters wide, specifically about 1.8 meters wide, and any number of panels (connected together) can be used to span the width of a room or the outside of a building.

[0023] The panels may also be elongated and configured to be vertically oriented to form a portion of a wall cladding, preferably with the first and second joints located on a long side of the panel and / or with no joints on the other two opposing sides of the wall panel. Such panels may, for example, span from the floor to the ceiling of a room.

[0024] The panel can be elongated, the first and second joints are located on the long side of the panel, and there are multiple recesses along the long side of the wall panel, preferably evenly spaced along the long side, that can be used to connect the panel to a supporting structure or wall. The more recesses there are, the more options there are for connections, which increases the options when installing the panel. Furthermore, it can provide more connections between the panel and the supporting structure or wall, which increases the stability and sturdiness of the formed wall covering.

[0025] Thus, the other side compared to the side with the first and second joints can be similarly provided with joints, which can be the same joints compared to the first and second joints, or these joints can preferably be third and fourth joints arranged to be joined by a downward movement, which can be the same angular movement used to angle the first and second joints.Preferably, the third joint portion comprises an upward tongue, at least one upward flank at a distance from the upward tongue, and an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, the upward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a fourth joint portion of another panel, the side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank being the inside of the upward tongue, and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank being the outside of the upward tongue, the fourth joint portion comprising a downward tongue and at least one upward flank at a distance from the downward tongue. at least one downward flank at a distance therefrom, and a downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward groove being adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward tongue of a first joining portion of another panel, the side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank being the inside of the downward tongue, and the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank being the outside of the downward tongue, both the outside of the downward tongue and the upward flank being located near, on, or adjacent to an upper side of the panel; or upwardly, the contact surface extends at least partially, preferably completely, in a vertical direction; an outer upper contact surface of the downward tongue of a panel is configured to engage with an upper contact surface of an upward flank of an adjacent panel in a joined state of the panels; both the downward tongue and the upward flank have inclined contact surfaces adjacent to their upper contact surfaces; the inclined contact surface of the downward tongue of a panel is configured to engage with an inclined contact surface of the upward flank of an adjacent panel in a joined state of the panels; each vertical portion of the upper contact surface and each adjacent inclined surface mutually subtend an angle (α) of 100 to 175 degrees; the downward tongue has an outer side which lies below the inclined contact surface of the downward tongue when adjacent to the inclined contact surface; and the upward flank has an inner side which lies below the inclined contact surface of the upward flank when adjacent to the inclined contact surface; the outer side and the inner side extend substantially parallel and at least partially in a vertical direction; and in a joined state of the adjacent panels, a space exists between at least a portion of the outer side of the panel and at least a portion of the inner side of the adjacent panel.

[0026] Preferably, the panels or the joints of the panels are configured such that in the joined state they exert a certain locking force that presses the panels towards each other. Such a locking force can be achieved, for example, by a clamping arrangement or by making one joint slightly larger compared to the other. This creates a force that is in the plane of the floor panel. This locking force presses the panels towards each other, preferably at the main faces of the panels, so that the upper contact surfaces are pressed together, this clamping improving the connection between the panels and preferably forming a watertight seal between the panels.

[0027] Adjacent to the upper contact surface, typically directly adjacent to or just below the contact surface, is a beveled contact surface where the panels meet to form a connection or seal between them. The bevel is preferably such that when looking at the downward tongue, the beveled surface extends outwardly and when looking at the upward flank, the beveled surface extends inwardly. The bevel angle results in the downward tongue having a protruding portion and the upward flank having a concave portion, which meet in the mated state, providing a locking effect. The bevel also creates a slight labyrinth, which improves the watertightness of the connection.

[0028] The downward tongue has an outer surface adjacent to the inclined contact surface, typically adjacent to or just below the contact surface. This outer surface can be the outermost surface of the downward tongue or the surface of the outer tongue farthest from the downward flank. Similarly, the upward flank has an inner surface adjacent to the inclined contact surface, typically adjacent to or just below the contact surface. Between the inner and outer surfaces there is a space. This space is intended to prevent any force exerted on or by the panels from pushing the panels together somewhere else than the upper contact surface and / or the inclined contact surface. If the inner and outer surfaces were to come into contact, they would prevent the upper contact surfaces from coming into contact, which would be detrimental to the watertightness of the connection. Thus, at the top, at the upper contact surface and the inclined contact surface, the purpose is to establish a connection between the panels, whereas below those contact surfaces the purpose is to avoid such a connection. The upper contact surfaces (in the joined state) can come into contact to define a surface, or an inner vertical surface.

[0029] As a result, a part of the downward tongue can extend beyond the inner vertical surface and a part can be substantially trapezoidal or wedge-shaped, which allows a part to be pressed into the space formed by the upward flank when subjected to any locking, binding or other force in the plane of the panel, while also forming a sturdy part that can resist the force, creating a tight connection between the panels, which also improves the watertightness of the connection between the panels.

[0030] The recesses of the upward locking elements may form a recessed groove extending along one side of the wall panel, preferably the long side of an elongated panel. The groove may be considered as a number of adjacent recesses, preferably forming a continuous groove together. Such a groove provides infinite options for mounting the elements at any position along the panel.

[0031] The lower lip may extend beyond the upper lip along a distance of at least two times, preferably at least three times, more preferably about four times the thickness of the wall panel. Thus, a relatively long lower lip is provided compared to a relatively thin panel. The wall panels according to the invention can mostly be used, for example, to cover existing walls and may not be structural or load-bearing components. Such panels can be made relatively thin, which saves material and simplifies the placement of these panels. Furthermore, the extending portion provides a guiding surface during installation. The thickness of the upward locking element can be about half the thickness of the wall panel. As a result, the upper surface (or the side facing the decorative side of the panel) can be located approximately in the middle in terms of thickness, which results in a balanced thickness variation along the joint profile and prevents the formation of multiple weak areas in the joint.

[0032] The distal end of the upper lip defines a joint vertical plane and the lower lip extends beyond the joint vertical plane. In the joined state, the distal end of the upper lip and the upper contact surface of the lateral tongue are preferably in contact. When in contact, the lateral tongue may extend beyond the joint vertical plane or may extend beyond the upper contact surface of the lateral tongue by less than half the thickness of the panel. Alternatively, when in contact, the lateral tongue may extend beyond the joint vertical plane or may extend beyond the upper contact surface of the lateral tongue.

[0033] In the joined state of the two panels, a space may exist between the upper bridge of the first panel and the upward locking element of the second panel, at least over the entire width of the upward locking element, which space preferably continues between the distal end of the upward locking element of the second panel and the core of the first panel. The space between the upper bridge and the upward locking element serves several purposes. First, it allows for milling or profiling tolerances that allow the panels to be joined together even if the contouring is not perfect. Second, such a space can be used to collect loose particles, for example core material particles that are released from the panels during joining. Third, it creates additional space at the top of the recess for accommodating attachment elements, such as screws or nails, that may potentially protrude partially from the recess after connection.

[0034] The upward locking element on the rear side opposite the front side can be provided with an adhesive layer, e.g., a release adhesive, for temporarily attaching the wall panel to a support surface. By temporarily fixing the wall panel in place during installation, the installer's hands are freed to install the wall panel without worrying about the panel falling off.

[0035] The adhesive layer may provide sufficient adhesion to allow the panel to be removably attached to a suitable supporting surface. The adhesion of the adhesive of the adhesive layer is suitable at room temperature (20°C) or at least in a temperature range of 15-25°C. Thus, the adhesion is suitable for the most common temperatures at which the panel is intended to be used. For a wide range of applications, it is advantageous if the adhesion is suitable for a temperature range of 0°C to 50°C.

[0036] The adhesive layer can be a continuous or discontinuous layer. The adhesive layer can be formed by a plurality of interconnected adhesive zones and / or distal adhesive zones, e.g. adhesive spots or adhesive strips. It is conceivable that a plurality of adhesive layers are applied. Here, it is conceivable that at least two adhesive layers are applied on top of each other (parallel) and / or lie in the same plane.

[0037] In a panel according to the invention, the adhesive of the adhesive layer is advantageously present at the edges and / or corners of the bottom or back surface of the panel, preferably on at least 50% of the entire bottom surface of the panel, so that the adhesive of the adhesive layer is particularly resistant to curling at the corners and edges of the panel.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the panel according to the invention, the adhesive of the adhesive layer is configured to provide a moderate adhesive strength to a suitable support surface, less than 15 MPa, preferably less than 10 MPa. Such moderate adhesive strength provides that when attached to a suitable support surface, the panel has an attractive peel strength that allows a typical user to remove the panel from the support surface to which it is attached with moderate effort. Advantageously, in the panel according to the invention, the adhesiveness of the bottom surface is suitable for at least five years, preferably at least ten years.

[0039] In the panels according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the adhesive used in the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), preferably of separable type. Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) are ready-to-use adhesives and are tacky. Generally, they are applied to flexible materials as a film. The special feature of these adhesives is that they do not solidify to form a solid material, but remain tacky. They therefore occupy a special place in the group of adhesives that adhere via physical mechanisms. When producing a pressure sensitive adhesive system, the adhesive can be dissolved in an organic solvent (e.g. natural rubber, acrylates), can be present as a water dispersion (e.g. acrylate dispersion) or can be a solvent-free solution (pressure sensitive solution). The basic formulation of a PSA comprises a base polymer, an adhesive resin and a plasticizer, together with any additives to give special properties.

[0040] The actual adhesion when using pressure sensitive adhesives relies on intermolecular interactions to occur. Typically, pressure sensitive adhesives still have a viscous liquid state in the final bond. Therefore, the tackiness of the PSA has a direct impact on the adhesive strength. In this context, an important distinction can be made between separable and permanent adhesives.

[0041] The group of pressure-sensitive adhesives with low tack has a low adhesive strength, so that the bonded objects can be separated again after use. These PSA types are tacky and have unlimited open time, allowing them to be bonded to another substrate virtually permanently.

[0042] Furthermore, in the panel according to the invention, it is desirable that the adhesive of the adhesive layer is a warm melt pressure sensitive adhesive and / or a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive (HMPSA), preferably of the separable type. Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSA) are a special type of PSA and are based on thermoplastic adhesives. HMPSA are likewise characterized by the fact that they do not completely cure and remain permanently tacky. This allows for good adhesive bonding even when the adhesive is cold. The required contact pressure is key for forming a sufficient coating between the objects to be bonded by HMPSA. HMPSA retains the ability to form a practical bond under light pressure at room temperature. Suitable examples of HMPSA are polyacrylate-based PSAs.

[0043] Particularly preferably, in the panels according to the invention, the adhesive comprises one or more types of thermoplastic elastomers, for example styrene block copolymers (SBC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylates and / or amorphous polyolefins (APO). These very suitable thermoplastic elastomers can be modified by various kinds of tackifiers (natural and synthetic resins) in order to obtain the required special adhesive capabilities. In the context of the present invention, the HMPSA preferably comprises one or more types of SBC. Such HMPSA are permanently tacky at room temperature and exhibit good adhesive strength under light finger pressure.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the panel according to the invention, at least one additional layer is located between the core and the adhesive layer, which may be a backing layer fixedly connected to the bottom side of the core, and the applied adhesive layer, preferably a PSA layer, is applied to the bottom side of the backing layer, although the adhesive layer, in particular the PSA layer, may also be incorporated within the additional layer.

[0045] It is preferred here that the backing layer consists or consists of an elastic layer, preferably having a foam structure with open and / or closed cells. The elastic properties of the backing layer thus enable the panel to conform to any irregularities of the support surface onto which it is applied. Furthermore, the foam structure of the backing layer can further promote the attachment and separation properties of the bottom surface of the panel.

[0046] Preferably, the additional layer, in particular the backing layer, is at least partially formed of the semi-crystalline polyamide nylon 6 (or polycaprolactam), in particular nylon 6 fibers. More preferably, this layer is a perforated and / or open layer, allowing the adhesive layer during manufacture to penetrate the additional layer, which also allows the adhesive layer to be used to bond the perforated and / or additional open layer to the core. A suitable adhesive in this case is, for example, a polyacrylate-based PSA. The perforated and / or open layer is typically formed by a woven and / or nonwoven layer. Alternatively, the additional layer (or backing layer), in particular the elastic layer, is preferably made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the elastic layer may consist of fillers, in particular talc, chalk, wood and / or calcium carbonate.

[0047] Typically, the elastic layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 6 mm. It is envisaged that the elastic backing layer (together with the adhesive layer) defines the underside of the panel. In this case, it is advantageous that a plurality of (surface) suction holes are formed at least on the underside of the elastic layer to allow the panel to be quickly attached to and detached from a supporting surface. Preferably, the elastic backing layer is formed from an anisotropic material. Preferably, a plurality of surface suction holes are formed at least on the underside of the elastic layer, the surface suction holes being open in a direction facing away from the base and substantially closed in a direction facing the base. These surface suction holes thus define isolated cavities. Typically, the superficial suction holes together define a void footprint (void surface area) and the material at the underside of the elastic layer between the surface suction holes defines a material area (solid surface area). Preferably, the surface area ratio of the void area to the material footprint is at least 4, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 6, thereby allowing the panel to be attached quickly and relatively firmly to a support surface while maintaining easy removal of the panel from the support surface. A significant advantage of the panel according to the invention is that, due to the quick release adhesive support structure, the panel is configured to be quickly attached to a support surface in a stable and durable manner, while at the same time allowing the panel to be removed from the support surface in a quick and easy manner without leaving any residue. These properties give the panel, in particular the panel, good dimensional stability, good lay flat characteristics, and flexibility to easily attach and remove the panel from a support surface, preferably also non-porous and substantially flat, such as a floor, wall or ceiling. The lower surface of the elastic layer is free of any adhesive, preferably free of adhesives or other chemical adhesives. The adhesiveness of the lower surface of the elastic layer is provided by the presence of small suction holes (micro-holes, shell-like cavities, and / or hemispherical micro-spaces with suction effect).During installation, the panel to be installed is pressed against the support surface, which forces air to escape through the suction holes, and the elastic material of the lower surface located around and / or between the suction holes forms a substantially airtight seal between the lower surface of the elastic layer and the support surface. Under release of the downward force acting on the panel to be installed, a vacuum (subatmospheric pressure) is created in the suction holes, pulling the panel towards the support surface and pressing it against it. The panel is therefore significantly less susceptible to curling and will remain stable against the support surface until the suction force is exceeded, for example during removal, by the application of a pulling force in the opposite direction to the panel. Since no chemical adhesives (glues) are used, the panel according to the invention can be efficiently manufactured in an in-line manufacturing process. The panel according to the invention is preferably a panel in which pile yarns can be formed from a number of natural or synthetic fibers. Although many types of yarns are formed differently, there are typically two main types of yarns: spun and filament. The yarns can be formed of nylon, but other suitable synthetic yarns can be used, for example polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, or mixtures thereof. The panels can be rigid or flexible. It is envisioned that the base may have no threads or fibers.

[0048] The elastic layer is designed to exhibit a "hard adhesion, soft removal" principle, which can be understood in a simple way as follows: when pulled in a hard direction, less elastic energy can be stored in the material (much like a hard spring can store less energy compared to a soft spring), leading to a lower energy release rate to drive the crack-like random defects caused by the roughness of the support surface. On the other hand, when pulled in a soft direction, significantly more elastic energy can be stored in the material, leading to a significantly higher energy release rate to drive the crack-like defects induced by the roughness of the support surface, especially if the material is strongly anisotropic.

[0049] Preferably, substantially the entire lower surface of the elastic layer is provided with suction holes. This will generally improve and increase the overall suction effect that can be achieved during installation of the panel on the support surface. Although the size of the suction holes can be uniform, and the suction holes may be, for example, stamped, punched and / or mechanically applied to the lower surface of the elastic layer, it is generally advantageous for the size of the suction holes to vary over the entire lower surface of the elastic layer, which allows, for example, the elastic layer to be formed by an elastic foam. The elastic foam may have closed cells (voids) and / or open cells (voids). In the foam, there are typically cells with different sizes. In one embodiment, the elastic layer is formed from a foam material consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, rubber, polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), (plasticized) polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a mixture thereof. The elastic layer may optionally contain other ingredients, for example fillers such as chalk, talc, sand, fiber, wood, minerals and / or carbon, blowing agents such as azodicarbonamide, crosslinking agents such as dicumyl peroxide, blowing agents such as zinc oxide, and / or colorants. Preferably, the elastic layer of the panel according to the invention provides a cellular rubber-like material with respect to softness and flexibility. The material has low temperature toughness, stress crack resistance, waterproofing, airtight sealing, and bubble recovery after compression. The backing layer may consist of, for example, a nonwoven sheet, a woven sheet, a nonwoven polyester sheet, a polypropylene sheet, a glass fiber scrim or a thin woven fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The panel according to the invention is at least partially formed from or based on, for example, magnesium oxide. The panel according to the invention may comprise a core with an upper side and a lower side and a decorative superstructure (or upper part) attached directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core, the core being composed of at least one composite layer of at least one magnesium oxide (magnesia) and / or magnesium hydroxide based composition, in particular magnesia cement. Particles, in particular cellulose particles and / or silicone based particles, may be dispersed in the magnesia cement. Optionally, one or more reinforcing layers, for example glass fiber layers, may be embedded in the composite layer. The core composition may also contain magnesium chloride resulting in magnesium oxychloride (MOC) cement and / or magnesium sulfate resulting in magnesium oxysulphate (MOS) cement.

[0051] It has been found that the application of magnesia cement, including magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide based compounds, specifically MOS and MOC, significantly improves the flammability (non-combustibility) of the decorative panel itself. Furthermore, the relatively fire-resistant panels also have significantly improved dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations during normal use. Magnesia-based cements are cements that are based on magnesia (magnesium oxide), the cement being the reaction product of a chemical reaction in which magnesium oxide acted as one of the reactants. Magnesia may still be present in the magnesia cement and / or has undergone a chemical reaction in which other chemical bonds are formed, as explained below. Additional advantages of magnesia cement compared to other cement types are presented below. A first additional advantage is that magnesia cement can be produced in a relatively energy-efficient, i.e. cost-effective, manner. Furthermore, magnesia cement has relatively high compressive and tensile strength. Another advantage of magnesia cement is that it has a natural affinity for cellulosic materials such as plant fibers, wood flour (saw dust) and / or wood chips, which are typically inexpensive. This not only improves the bond of magnesia cement, but also leads to weight reduction and additional sound insulation (damping). Magnesium oxide when combined with cellulose and optionally clay creates a magnesia cement that absorbs water vapor, i.e., it does not deteriorate (rot) because it efficiently expels moisture. An additional advantage of magnesia cement is that it has a relatively low pH compared to other cement types, which allows for significant durability of glass fibers, either as particles dispersed in the cement matrix and / or as a reinforcing layer (as fiberglass), and also allows for the use of other types of fibers in a durable manner. An additional advantage of the decorative panels is that they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

[0052] As already mentioned, magnesia cement is based on magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide. The magnesia cement itself may be free of magnesium oxide, depending on the other reactants used to produce the magnesia cement. Here, for example, it is conceivable that magnesia as a reactant is converted to magnesium hydroxide during the production of the magnesia cement. The magnesia cement itself may therefore contain magnesium hydroxide. Typically, the magnesia cement may contain water, in particular water of hydration. Water is usually used as a binder to produce a strong and coherent cement matrix.

[0053] Magnesia-based compounds, specifically magnesia cement, may contain magnesium chloride (MgCl2). Typically, when magnesia (MgO) is mixed with magnesium chloride in an aqueous solution, magnesia cement containing magnesium oxychloride (MOC) will be formed. The binding phases are Mg(OH)2, 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (5 form), 3Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (3 form), and Mg2(OH)ClCO3·3H2O. The 5 form phase is the preferred phase because it has good mechanical properties. In relation to other cement types such as Portland cement, MOC has good properties. MOC does not require wet curing, has high fire resistance, low thermal conductivity, and good abrasion resistance. MOC cement can be used with different aggregates (additives) and fibers with good adhesion resistance. MOC cement can also be subjected to different types of surface treatments. MOC develops high compressive strength (e.g., 8,000-10,000 psi) within 48 hours. Compressive strength gain occurs early during curing, i.e., the 48 hour strength is at least 80% of the ultimate strength. The compressive strength of MOC is preferably between 40-100 N / mm 2 The flexural tensile strength is preferably 10 to 17 N / mm 2The surface hardness of the MOC is preferably 50 to 250 N / mm 2 The elastic modulus is preferably 1 to 3 10 4 N / mm 2 The flexural strength of MOC is relatively low, but can be significantly improved by the addition of fibers, particularly cellulose-based fibers. MOC is compatible with a wide range of synthetic resin fibers, mineral fibers (such as basalt fibers), and organic fibers such as bagasse, wood fibers, and hemp. The MOC used in the panels according to the invention can be reinforced with one or more of these fiber types. MOC is non-shrinking, mar-resistant and acceptably abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, indentation-resistant, and scratch-resistant. MOC is resistant to heat and freeze-thaw cycles and does not require air entrainment to improve durability. MOC also has good thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity, and good bonding to various substrates and additives, and has acceptable fire resistance properties. MOC is less preferred in cases where the panel is exposed to relatively extreme weather conditions (temperature and humidity) that affect not only the setting properties but also the phase development of the magnesium oxychloride. Over a period of time, atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with the magnesium oxychloride to form a surface layer consisting of Mg2(OH)ClCO3·3H2O. This layer acts to slow the leaching process. Eventually, additional leaching results in the formation of hydromagnesite, or 4MgO·3CO3·4H2O, which is insoluble and allows the cement to maintain its structural integrity.

[0054] Magnesium-based compositions, specifically magnesia cements, are based on magnesium sulfate, specifically magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4·7H2O). This latter salt is also known as Epsom salt. In aqueous solution, MgO reacts with MgSO4, which results in magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOS), which has very good bonding properties. In MOS, 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·8H2O is the most commonly found chemical phase. Although MOS is not as strong as MOC, it is well suited for fire-resistant applications, since MOS starts to decompose at temperatures more than twice as high as MOC, providing longer fire protection. Furthermore, the products of their decomposition at high temperatures are less harmful (sulfur dioxide) and, in addition, less corrosive than those of acid chlorides (hydrochloric acid). Furthermore, weather conditions during application (humidity, temperature and wind) are less critical for MOS than for MOC. The mechanical strength of MOS cement depends mainly on the type and relative content of the crystalline phases in the cement. Four basic magnesium salts capable of contributing to the mechanical strength of MOS cements, namely 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·3H2O (513 phase), 3Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·8H2O (318 phase), Mg(OH)2·2MgSO4·3H2O (123 phase) and Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·5H2O (115 phase), have been found to exist in the ternary system MgO-MgSO4-H2O at different temperatures between 30 and 120 degrees Celsius. Usually, the 513 and 318 phases can only be obtained by curing the cement under saturated steam conditions, when the molar ratio of MgO to MgSO4 is fixed at (approximately) 5:1. It has been found that the 318 phase contributes significantly to the mechanical strength, is stable at room temperature and is therefore preferred to be present in the applied MOS. This also applies to the 513 phase. The 513 phase typically has a (micro)structure consisting of needle-like structures, which can be confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.The needles of magnesium oxysulfate 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·3H2O can be formed substantially uniformly and will typically have a length of 10-15 μm and a diameter of 0.4-1.0 μm. When referring to needle-like structures, flaky and / or whisker-like structures may also be meant. In practice, it does not seem feasible to obtain MOS containing more than 50% of the 513 or 318 phase, but it may be applied by tailoring the crystalline phase configuration to improve the mechanical strength of the MOS. Preferably, the magnesia cement contains at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30% of 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·3H2O (513 phase). This preferred embodiment will provide a magnesia cement with sufficient mechanical strength for use in the core layer of floor panels.

[0055] The crystal phase of MOS can be adjusted by using an organic acid, preferably citric acid, and / or by modifying MOS with phosphoric acid and / or phosphates. During this modification, new MOS phases can be obtained, which can be represented by 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·5H2O (515 phase) and Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O (517 phase). The 515 phase can be obtained by modifying MOS by using citric acid. The 517 phase can be obtained by modifying MOS by using phosphoric acid and / or phosphates (H3PO4, KH2PO4, K3PO4 and K2HPO4). These 515 and 517 phases can be measured by chemical elemental analysis, and SEM analysis proves that the microstructure of both the 515 and 517 phases are needle-like crystals insoluble in water. In particular, the compressive strength and water resistance of MOS can be improved by the addition of citric acid. Therefore, MOS, when applied to panels according to the invention, preferably contains 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·5H2O (515 phase) and / or Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O (517 phase). As mentioned above, the addition of phosphoric acid and phosphates can extend the setting time and improve the compressive strength and water resistance of MOS cement by modifying the hydration process and phase composition of MgO. Here, phosphoric acid or phosphates ionize in solution to form H2PO4 - , HPO4 2- and / or PO4 3- These anions form [Mg(OH)(HO) x ] +It adsorbs to the MOS cement, suppressing the formation of Mg(OH)2 and further promoting the generation of new magnesium sulfite phase, resulting in compact structure, high mechanical strength and good water resistance of MOS cement. The improvement caused by adding phosphoric acid or phosphates to MOS cement follows the order H3PO4=KH2PO4>>K2HPO4>>K3PO4. MOS has better volume stability, less shrinkage, better bonding properties and lower corrosion resistance than MOC under a significantly wider range of weather conditions and may therefore be preferred over MOS. The density of MOS is typically 350-650 kg / m 3 The bending tensile strength is preferably in the range of 1 to 7 N / mm 2 It is.

[0056] The magnesium cement composition preferably includes one or more silicone-based additives. A variety of silicone-based additives can be used, including but not limited to silicone oils, neutral cure silicones, silanols, silanol fluids, silicone (micro)spheres or particles, and mixtures and derivatives thereof. Silicone oils include liquid polymerized siloxanes with organic side chains, including but not limited to poly(methyl)siloxanes and their derivatives. Neutral cure silicones include silicones that release alcohol or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they cure. Other silicone-based additives and / or siloxanes (e.g., siloxane polymers) can also be used, including but not limited to hydroxyl (or hydroxy) terminated siloxanes and / or siloxanes terminated with other reactive groups, acrylate siloxanes, urethane siloxanes, epoxy siloxanes, and mixtures and derivatives thereof. One or more crosslinkers (e.g., silicone-based crosslinkers) can also be used, as described in more detail below. The viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) can be about 100 cSt (at 25° C.), which is referred to as low viscosity. In alternative embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is about 20 cSt (at 25° C.) to about 2000 cSt (at 25° C.). In other embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is about 100 cSt (at 25° C.) to about 1250 cSt (at 25° C.). In other embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is about 250 cSt (at 25° C.) to 1000 cSt (at 25° C.).In yet other embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is from about 400 cSt (25° C.) to about 800 cSt (25° C.). And, in certain embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is from about 800 cSt (25° C.) to about 1250 cSt (25° C.). One or more silicone-based additives having higher and / or lower viscosities can also be used. For example, in another embodiment, the viscosity of one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is from about 20 cSt (25° C.) to about 200,000 cSt (25° C.), from about 1,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 100,000 cSt (25° C.), or from about 80,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 150,000 cSt (25° C.). In other embodiments, the viscosity of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is from about 1,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 20,000 cSt (25° C.), from about 1,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 10,000 cSt (25° C.), from about 1,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 2,000 cSt (25° C.), or from about 10,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 20,000 cSt (25° C.). In yet another embodiment, the viscosity of one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is about 1,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 80,000 cSt (25° C.), about 50,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 100,000 cSt (25° C.), or about 80,000 cSt (25° C.) to about 200,000 cSt (25° C.). In yet another embodiment, the viscosity of one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silicone oil, neutral cure silicone, silanol fluid, siloxane polymer, etc.) is about 20 cSt (25° C.) to about 100 cSt (25° C.). Other viscosities can be used as needed.In a preferred embodiment, the magnesium cement composition, specifically the magnesium oxychloride cement composition, includes a single type of silicone-based additive. In other embodiments, a mixture of two or more types of silicone-based additives is used. For example, in some embodiments, the magnesium oxychloride cement composition can include a mixture of one or more silicone oils and neutral curing silicones. In certain embodiments, the ratio of silicone oil to neutral curing silicone can be about 1:5 to about 5:1 by weight. In other such embodiments, the ratio of silicone oil to neutral curing silicone can be about 1:4 to about 4:1 by weight. In other such embodiments, the ratio of silicone oil to neutral curing silicone can be about 1:3 to about 3:1 by weight. In yet other such embodiments, the ratio of silicone oil to neutral curing silicone can be about 1:2 to about 2:1 by weight. In another such embodiment, the ratio of silicone oil to neutral curing silicone can be about 1:1 by weight.

[0057] It is contemplated that one or more crosslinking agents may be used in the magnesia cement. In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent is a silicone-based crosslinking agent. Exemplary crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane, and mixtures and derivatives thereof. Other crosslinking agents (including other silicone-based crosslinking agents) may also be used. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxychloride cement composition includes one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., one or more silanols and / or silanol fluids) and one or more crosslinking agents. The ratio of the one or more silicone-based additives (e.g., silanols and / or silanol fluids) to the crosslinking agent may be about 1:20 to about 20:1 by weight, about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight, or about 1:1 to about 10:1 by weight.

[0058] Magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives may exhibit reduced sensitivity to water compared to standard magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions. Furthermore, in some embodiments, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives may exhibit little or no sensitivity to water. Furthermore, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives may exhibit hydrophobicity and water resistance. Also, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives may exhibit improved hardening properties. For example, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions harden to form various reaction products including 3Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 3) and 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structures. In some circumstances, a higher proportion of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure is preferred. In such circumstances, the addition of one or more silicone-based additives to the magnesium oxychloride cement composition can stabilize the curing process, which can increase the yield of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure. For example, in some embodiments, magnesium oxychloride compositions including one or more silicone-based additives can cure to form 80% or more of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure. In other embodiments, magnesium oxychloride compositions including one or more silicone-based additives can cure to form 85% or more of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure. In yet other embodiments, magnesium oxychloride compositions including one or more silicone-based additives can cure to form 90% or more of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure.In yet another embodiment, magnesium oxychloride compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can be cured to form 95% or more of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure. In yet another embodiment, magnesium oxychloride compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can be cured to form 98% or more of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure. In yet another embodiment, magnesium oxychloride compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can be cured to form about 100% of the 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (phase 5) crystal structure.

[0059] Furthermore, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can also exhibit improved strength and bonding properties. If desired, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can also be used to produce relatively thin magnesium (oxychloride) cement or concrete structures. For example, magnesium (oxychloride) cement compositions containing one or more silicone-based additives can also be used to produce cement or concrete structures or layers having a thickness of less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm.

[0060] As a result of the beneficial blending of magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide and / or magnesium chloride and / or magnesium sulfate with one or more silicone-based additives to achieve bonding between the joints, temporary deformation of the joints may be desirable and / or necessary because this leads to a degree of increased flexibility and / or resilience. For example, in some embodiments, cement and concrete structures formed using magnesium oxychloride cement compositions can bend or flex without cracking or breaking.

[0061] The magnesium (oxychloride) cement composition containing one or more silicone-based additives can further include one or more additional additives. The additional additives can be used to enhance certain properties of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, the additional additives can be used to make structures formed using the disclosed magnesium oxychloride cement compositions look like rocks (e.g., granite, marble, sandstone). In certain embodiments, the additional additives can include one or more pigments or colorants. In other embodiments, the additional additives can include fibers, including but not limited to paper fibers, wood fibers, polymeric fibers, organic fibers, and fiberglass. The magnesium oxychloride cement composition can also form UV-stable structures such that the color and / or appearance is not subject to significant fading over time due to UV light. Other additives can also be included in the composition, including but not limited to plasticizers (e.g., polycarboxylic acid plasticizers, polycarboxylic acid ether-based plasticizers, etc.), surfactants, water, and mixtures and combinations thereof. As mentioned above, the magnesium oxychloride cement composition, if applicable, can include magnesium oxide (MgO), water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)), and one or more silicone-based additives. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) powder can also be used in place of water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2). For example, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) powder can be used in combination with some water that would be equivalent or otherwise similar to the addition of water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)).

[0062] In some embodiments, when applied, the ratio of magnesium oxide (MgO) to water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) in the magnesium oxychloride cement composition may vary. In some of such embodiments, the ratio of magnesium oxide (MgO) to water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) is about 0.3:1 to about 1.2:1 by weight. In other embodiments, the ratio of magnesium oxide (MgO) to water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) is about 0.4:1 to about 1.2:1 by weight. In still other embodiments, the ratio of magnesium oxide (MgO) to water-soluble magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) is about 0.5:1 to about 1.2:1 by weight.

[0063] Aqueous magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) may be described (or otherwise generated) as a magnesium chloride brine solution. Aqueous magnesium chloride (MgCl2(aq)) (or magnesium chloride brine) may also contain relatively small amounts of other compounds or substances, including, but not limited to, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the amount of one or more (liquid) silicone-based additives in the magnesium oxychloride cement composition can be defined as the ratio of the silicone-based additive to magnesium oxide (MgO). For example, in some embodiments, the weight ratio of the silicone-based additive to magnesium oxide (MgO) is between 0.06 and 0.6.

[0065] It is also conceivable and advantageous to preferably mix at least one oil, such as linseed oil or silicon oil, into the core layer. This makes the magnesium-based core layer and / or thermoplastic-based core layer more flexible and reduces the risk of breakage. Instead of or in addition to oil, it is conceivable to mix one or more water-soluble polymers or polycyclic condensation (synthetic) resins, such as polycarboxylic acids, into the core layer. This has the advantage that the panel does not shrink during drying, curing and hardening, which prevents the formation of cracks, and furthermore gives the core layer after drying, curing and hardening a greater hydrophobicity, which prevents the ingress of water (humidity) during subsequent storage and use.

[0066] It is contemplated that the core layer will be made of polycaprolactone (PCL). This biodegradable polymer is particularly preferred since it has been found to be formed to dissolve due to the exothermic reaction of the reaction mixture. The polymer has a melting point of about 60° C. The PCL may be low density or high density, the latter being particularly preferred since it produces a stronger core layer. Alternatively or in addition, other polymers may be used, preferably polymers selected from the group consisting of other poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymers (PLGA), poly(lactic-acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyesteramide (PEA), polylactic-caprolactone copolymer, polylactic-trimethylene carbonate copolymer, polysebacic-ricinoleic acid copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0067] Alternatively, the panel, and in particular the core layer, can be at least partially made of PVC, PET, PP, PS or (thermoplastic) polyurethane (PUR). PS can be in the form of expanded PS (EPS) to further reduce the density of the panel, which leads to cost savings and makes the panel easier to handle. Preferably, a fraction of the polymer used can be made of recycled thermoplastics, such as recycled PVC or recycled PUR. Recycled PUR can be made based on recyclable polymers, for example based on recyclable PET. PET can be chemically recycled by utilizing glycolysis or depolymerization of PET into monomers or oligomers and then finally into polyurethane polyols. It is also conceivable that rubber and / or elastomeric elements (particles) are dispersed in at least one composite layer to improve flexibility and / or impact resistance at least to some extent. It is envisaged that a mixture of virgin and recycled thermoplastic materials is used to constitute at least a part of the core. Preferably, in this mixture, the virgin and recycled thermoplastic materials are essentially the same. For example, such mixtures can be entirely PVC-based or entirely PUR-based. The core (layer) can be solid or foamed, or it can be either in the case where the core is composed of several members / layers. The core can also consist of fillers, e.g. natural fillers.

[0068] It may be advantageous if the core layer consists of porous granules, in particular porous ceramic granules. Preferably, the granules have a plurality of micropores with an average diameter of 1 micron to 10 microns, preferably 4 microns to 5 microns. That is to say, each individual granule preferably has micropores. Preferably, the micropores are connected to each other. The micropores are preferably not restricted to the surface of the granule but are found substantially over the entire cross section of the granule. Preferably, the size of the granules is 200 microns to 900 microns, preferably 250 microns to 850 microns, in particular 250 microns to 500 microns or 500 microns to 850 microns. Preferably, at least two different sizes of granules are used, most preferably two different sizes of granules. Preferably, small granules and / or large granules are used. The small granules may have a size range of 250 to 500 microns. Preferably, the large granules have a diameter of 500 microns to 850 microns. The granules may each be of substantially the same size or of two or more predefined sizes. Alternatively, two or more different size ranges may be used with particles of various different sizes within each range. Preferably, two different sizes or ranges of sizes are used. Preferably, the granules each comprise a plurality of microparticles, each of which is substantially partially bonded to one or more adjacent microparticles so as to define a lattice that defines a micropore. Each microparticle preferably has an average size of 1 micron to 10 microns, with an average of 4 to 5 microns. Preferably, the average size of the micropores is 2 to 8 microns, most preferably 4 to 6 microns. The micropores may be of irregular shape. Thus, the size of the micropores, and indeed the midi-pores referred to below, is determined by adding the widest diameter pore to the narrowest diameter pore and then dividing by two. Preferably, the ceramic material is uniformly distributed throughout the cross section of the core layer without substantially forming agglomerates of ceramic material. Preferably, the microparticles have an average size of at least 2 or 4 microns, and / or less than 10 microns, or less than 6 microns, most preferably between 5 and 6 microns.This particle size range has been found to allow for the controlled formation of micropores.

[0069] The granules may also contain a plurality of substantially spherical mesopores having an average diameter of 10-100 microns. They substantially increase the total porosity of the ceramic material without compromising the mechanical strength of the material. The mesopores are preferably connected to one another via a plurality of micropores. That is, the mesopores may be in fluid communication with one another via the micropores. The average porosity of the ceramic material itself is preferably at least 50%, more preferably 60% or more, most preferably 70-75% average porosity. The ceramic material used to manufacture the granules may be any known (non-toxic) ceramic, for example a calcium phosphate or a glass ceramic. The ceramic may be a silicate, but is preferably a calcium phosphate, in particular α- or β-tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the mixture is hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate, in particular 50% or more β-tricalcium by weight, most preferably 85% β-tricalcium phosphate and 15% hydroxyapatite. Most preferably the material is 100% hydroxyapatite.Preferably the cement composition or dry premix comprises 15-30% by weight of granules of the total dry weight of the composition or premix.

[0070] The porous particles can lead to a lower average density of the core layer and therefore a reduced weight, which is advantageous from an economic and handling standpoint. Furthermore, the presence of the porous particles in the core layer typically leads to a degree of increased porosity of the porous top and bottom surfaces of the core layer, which is beneficial for attaching additional layers, such as an undercoat layer, an (initially liquid) adhesive layer, or another decorative or functional layer, to the top and / or bottom surfaces of the core layer. Often these layers are applied in an initially liquid state, and the pores allow the liquid material to be imbibed (permeated) into the pores, which increases the contact surface area between the layers and thus improves the bond strength between the layers.

[0071] The panel may comprise, for example, a layered structure comprising a central core (or core layer) and at least one decorative upper part, directly or indirectly attached to or integral with the core layer, the upper part defining the upper surface of the panel. The upper part preferably comprises at least one decorative layer, directly or indirectly attached to the upper surface of the core layer. The decorative layer may be a printing layer and / or may be covered by at least one protective (top) layer covering the decorative layer. The protective layer also forms part of the decorative upper part. The presence of the printing layer and / or the protective layer may prevent the panel from being damaged by scratches and / or by environmental factors such as UV / moisture and / or wear and tear. The printing layer may be formed by a film on which a decorative print is applied, the film being applied on an intermediate layer such as a substrate layer and / or a primer layer arranged between the substrate layer and the upper decorative layer. The printing layer may also be formed by at least one ink layer applied directly to the upper surface of the core layer or to a primer layer applied to the substrate layer. The panels may comprise at least one durable layer attached directly or indirectly to the upper surface of the decorative layer, the durable layer also forming part of the decorative upper portion. Each panel may comprise at least one lacquer layer attached directly or indirectly to the upper surface of the decorative layer, preferably to the upper surface of the durable layer.

[0072] The lower surface (back side) of the core (layer) may also constitute the lower surface (back side) of the panel itself. However, it is conceivable and may be preferred that the panel comprises a backing layer attached directly or indirectly to the lower surface of the core. Typically, the backing layer acts as a balancing layer to stabilize the shape, particularly the flatness, of the panel itself. Furthermore, the backing layer contributes to the sound attenuation properties of the panel itself. Since the backing layer is typically a closed layer, applying the backing layer to the lower surface of the core results in at least partial, and preferably total, coverage of the core grooves. Here, the length of each core groove is preferably smaller than the length of the backing layer. The backing layer may be provided with cutouts, at least a portion of which overlaps at least one core groove. The at least one backing layer is preferably at least partially formed of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. The thickness of the backing layer typically varies from about 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Non-limiting examples of materials from which the backing layer may at least partially be composed are polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and ethylene vinyl acetate. Optionally, the backing layer includes one or more additives, such as fillers (such as chalk), dyes, resins and / or one or more plasticizers. In certain embodiments, the backing layer is at least partially formed of a composite consisting of powdered (or shaved) cork particles bonded with resin. Other tree-related products, such as wood, may be used instead of cork. The thickness of the polyethylene backing layer is, for example, typically 2 mm or less. The backing layer may be solid or foamed. A foamed backing layer may further improve the sound-attenuating properties. A solid backing layer may improve the desired balance effect and stability of the panel.

[0073] The panels may comprise a core comprising a rigid closed-cell foamed plastic material. An additional advantage of using a foamed plastic material is that the presence of closed cells not only results in improved stiffness and improved impact resistance, but also in reduced density and lighter weight compared to non-foamed plastic materials of similar dimensions. The rigidity of the base or core layer may be further improved by applying a reinforcing agent, the base layer of the closed-cell foamed plastic material comprising, for example, 3% to 9% of the reinforcing agent by weight. The joints are given a specific shape so that the substantially complementary formed joints of adjacent panels can be bonded to each other in a relatively simple but durable and efficient manner.

[0074] Suitable foamed plastic materials for forming the foamed base layer may include polyurethane, polyamide copolymers, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and polyethylene foamed plastics, all of which have good moldability. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foamed materials are particularly suitable for forming the foamed base layer, since they are chemically stable, corrosion resistant and have good fire resistance properties. Preferably, chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and / or chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and / or other chlorinated thermoplastic materials are used to further improve the hardness and rigidity of the base layer and of the panel itself. The plastic material used as the foamed plastic material in the base layer may not contain any plasticizers to improve the desired rigidity of the base layer, which is also preferred from an environmental point of view. The foamed plastic material according to the present invention also includes foamed plastic composites and foam composites containing plastic materials. The substantially rigid base layer of each panel is composed of a composite of a closed-cell foamed plastic material and at least one filler. Conventional materials such as HDF and MDF are more fragile than the foamed composites mentioned above and would easily lead to breakage and / or damage. The composite of the base layer comprises one or more fillers, at least one of which is selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, (other) inorganic fillers and (other) natural fillers. The fillers may be formed by fibres and / or by dust-like particles. Here, the expression "dust" is to be understood as fine dust-like particles (powders) such as wood dust, cork powder or non-wood dusts such as mineral powders, stone powders and especially cement. The average particle size of the dust is preferably between 14 and 20 microns, more preferably between 16 and 18 microns. The weight content of this type of filler in the composite is between 40 and 48% if the composite is a foamed composite and between 65 and 70% if the composite is a non-foamed (solid) composite. The filler of the base layer may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of salt, sodium stearate, calcium stearate, and zinc stearate.Stearic acid has the function of a stabilizer, leading to more favorable processing temperatures and preventing the decomposition of the components of the composite during and after processing, which therefore results in long-term stability. Instead of or in addition to stearic acid, for example calcium zinc may be used as a stabilizer. The weight content of the stabilizer in the composite is preferably 1-5%, more preferably 1.5-4%.

[0075] The base layer or the composite of the base layer preferably comprises at least one impact modifier comprising at least one alkyl methacrylate, preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate. The impact modifier typically improves the product performance, in particular the impact resistance. Furthermore, the impact modifier typically reinforces the base layer and therefore can also be considered as a reinforcing agent, which further reduces the risk of breakage. In many cases, the modifier facilitates the manufacturing process, for example to control the formation of a foam with a relatively stable (constant) foam structure. The weight content of the impact modifier in the composite is preferably 1-9%, more preferably 3-6%.

[0076] The base layer may also be at least partially composed of a (PVC-free) thermoplastic composition. This thermoplastic composition may consist of a polymer matrix comprising (a) at least one ionomer and / or at least one acid copolymer, (b) at least one styrenic thermoplastic polymer, and, optionally, at least one filler. An ionomer is understood to be a copolymer consisting of repeating units consisting of electrically neutral units and ionized units. The ionized units of the ionomer may in particular be carboxylic acid groups that are partially neutralized with metal cations. The ionic groups, generally present in small amounts (typically less than 15 mol % of the constitutional units), cause micro-phase separation of the ionic domains from the continuous polymer phase and act as physical crosslinks. The result is an ionically reinforced thermoplastic with improved physical properties compared to conventional plastics.

[0077] The density of the foam base layer is typically about 0.1 to 1.5 g / cm 3 up to about 0.2 to 1.4 g / cm 3 More preferably, about 0.3 to 1.3 g / cm 3 and even more preferably about 0.4 to 1.2 g / cm 3 and more preferably about 0.5 to 1.2 g / cm 3 up to about 0.6 to 1.2 g / cm 3 The range is varied.

[0078] The base layer may include at least one blowing agent. The at least one blowing agent will take care of the foaming of the base layer, which will reduce the density of the base layer. This will result in a lightweight panel that is lighter in weight compared to a panel with the same dimensions but a non-foamed base layer. The suitable blowing agent depends on the (thermoplastic) plastic material used in the base layer, as well as on the desired foaming ratio, foam structure, and preferably also on the desired (or required) foaming temperature to achieve the desired foaming ratio and / or foam structure. For this purpose, it may be advantageous to apply multiple blowing agents, each configured to foam the base layer at a different temperature. This will allow the foamed base layer to be achieved in a more gradual and more controlled manner. An example of two different blowing agents that may be present (simultaneously) in the base layer is azodicarbonamide and baking soda. In this respect, it is often also advantageous to apply at least one modifier, for example methyl methacrylate (MMA), to keep the foam structure relatively stable throughout the base layer.

[0079] Each panel may comprise an upper substrate attached above the base layer, the substrate preferably including a decorative layer. The upper substrate is preferably at least partially formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, alloys, polymeric materials such as vinyl monomer copolymers and / or homopolymers, condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenol formaldehyde resins, and urea resins, and natural polymeric materials or modified derivatives thereof such as vegetable fibers, animal fibers, mineral fibers, ceramic fibers, and carbon fibers. Here, the vinyl monomer copolymers and / or homopolymers are preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polymethacrylic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamide, ABS, (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) copolymers, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, and styrene maleic anhydride copolymers and derivatives thereof. The top substrate is most preferably made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polyethylene can be low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, or ultra high density polyethylene. The top substrate layer can also include filler materials and other additives that improve the physical and / or chemical properties and / or processability of the product. These additives include known toughening agents, plasticizers, reinforcing agents, mold inhibitors (preservatives), flame retardants, etc. The top substrate typically comprises a decorative layer and a wear-resistant layer covering the decorative layer, the top surface of the wear layer being the top surface of the panel, and the wear layer being a transparent material, such that the decorative layer is visible through the transparent wear layer.

[0080] The thickness of the upper substrate typically varies from about 0.1 to 2 mm, preferably from about 0.15 to 1.8 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and most preferably from about 0.3 to 1.5 mm. The thickness ratio of the base layer to the upper substrate generally varies from about 1 to 15:0.1 to 2, preferably from about 1.5 to 10:0.1 to 1.5, more preferably from about 1.5 to 8:0.2 to 1.5, and most preferably from about 2 to 8:0.3 to 1.5, respectively.

[0081] Each panel may include an adhesive layer for directly or indirectly attaching the top substrate to the base layer. The adhesive layer may be any known bonding or joining agent capable of bonding the top substrate and the foamed base layer together, such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, etc. Preferably, the adhesive layer is a hot melt bonding agent. The base layer or core and the top substrate may be bonded together.

[0082] The decorative or design layer, which may be part of the upper substrate as described above, may comprise any suitable known plastic material, e.g., known formulations consisting of PVC resin, stabilizers, plasticizers, and other additives known in the art. The design layer may be formed or printed with printed patterns, e.g., wood grain, metal or rock designs, and fiber patterns or three-dimensional forms. Thus, the design layer may give the panel a three-dimensional appearance resembling a heavy product, e.g., granite, rock or metal. The thickness of the design layer typically varies from about 0.01 to 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.015 to 0.08 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and most preferably from about 0.02 to 0.5 mm. The wear layer, which typically constitutes the upper surface of the panel, may be composed of any suitable known wear-resistant material, e.g., a wear-resistant polymeric material coated on a layer below it, or a known ceramic bead coating. If the wear layer is provided in layers, the layers may be bonded to the layer below the wear layer. The wear layer can also be composed of an organic polymer layer and / or an inorganic material layer, such as an ultraviolet coating, or a combination of another organic polymer layer and an ultraviolet coating. For example, an ultraviolet paint, which can improve the surface scratch resistance, gloss, antibacterial properties, and other properties of the product. It can also include other organic polymers, including polyvinyl chloride resins, or other polymers such as vinyl resins, with appropriate amounts of plasticizers and other processing additives, as needed. A decorative or design layer may be digitally printed directly onto the core layer.

[0083] The foamed plastic used in the base layer preferably has a modulus of elasticity greater than 700 MPa (at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%). This will generally provide sufficient stiffness to the base layer, and thus to the panel itself.

[0084] In an embodiment, the joint is configured to be joined by an action perpendicular to the plane of the panel. The joint can be, for example, substantially hook-shaped and can be comparatively formed into a third and fourth joint as described for this invention. That is, in an embodiment, the wall panel may be provided with only a third and a fourth joint, instead of the first and second joint. Preferably, the third joint comprises an upward tongue, at least one upward flank at a distance from the upward tongue, and an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, with an upward bridge connecting the upward tongue to the core, the upward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a fourth joint of another panel, the side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank being the inside of the upward tongue, and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank being the outside of the upward tongue. and the fourth joint comprises a downward tongue, at least one downward flank at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank with a downward bridge connecting the downward tongue and the core, the downward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue of the first joint of another panel, the side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank being the inside of the downward tongue, and the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank being the outside of the downward tongue. The inside of the upward tongue and the inside of the downward tongue can be inclined towards the core so as to achieve a so-called closed groove locking. In that case, the upward bridge can be provided with a recess that extends at least partially through the bridge and is accessible from the front side of the upward bridge. Other configurations disclosed in the other embodiments may also be relevant to this embodiment.

[0085] Preferably, the upper surface of the lower lip defines a bottom portion of the groove, in particular a bottom surface of the bottom portion of the groove. Preferably, the distal end of the upper lip defines a joint vertical plane (VP), and the lower lip and the bottom portion of the groove extend beyond the joint vertical plane. This facilitates the manufacture of the joining profile, and further the joining of the joining profiles of adjacent wall panels to one another, since the groove is relatively well accessible, which makes it relatively easy to insert the lateral tongues into the groove. Preferably, the bottom portions of the groove are located on both sides of the joint vertical plane. In addition to the advantages mentioned above in this paragraph, this further helps to achieve a reliable joining between the joining profiles, preferably both in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the joint vertical plane) and in the vertical direction (parallel to the joint vertical plane). The bottom portion of the groove is preferably partially defined by the inner surface of the upward locking element. The inner surface is typically sloped, preferably subtending an angle with the joint vertical of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, more preferably about 45 degrees.

[0086] The upper surface of the lower lip preferably defines a lowermost bottom surface of the groove, which extends to the upward locking element without including the upward locking element. Preferably, the lowermost bottom surface extends beyond the joint vertical plane. More preferably, the lowermost bottom surface of the groove is located on either side of the joint vertical plane. The lowermost bottom surface of the groove is preferably substantially flat. Preferably, the lowermost bottom surface of the groove is substantially perpendicular to the joint vertical plane (and consequently is substantially horizontal when the panel is supported by a horizontal support surface). The bottom portions of the groove are preferably located on either side of the joint vertical plane, substantially dividing the bottom portion into an inner bottom portion and an outer bottom portion, the bottom portion having a width perpendicular to the joint vertical plane, the width of the outer bottom portion exceeding the width of the inner bottom portion, more preferably the width of the outer bottom portion being at least twice the width of the inner bottom portion. As mentioned above, this improves the accessibility of the grooves, making insertion of the lateral tongues into the grooves relatively easy and convenient.

[0087] The lateral tongues preferably have a lowermost bottom surface which, in the joined state of the adjacent wall panels, is located on both sides of the joint vertical plane. The lateral tongues preferably have a substantially flat lowermost bottom surface. At least a part of the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongues preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the joint vertical plane. It is also conceivable that at least a part of the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongues is inclined upwards towards the upper bridge part, the inclined lowermost bottom surface and the joint vertical plane mutually encircling an angle preferably between 85° and 90°.

[0088] Preferably, the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongue abuts against the bottom surface of the groove in the joined state of the adjacent panels. Such abutment typically improves the stability of the joint between the panels. More preferably, the lowest point (deepest part) of the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongue abuts against the bottom surface of the groove in the joined state of the adjacent panels. Preferably, a part of the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongue abuts against the bottom surface of the groove in the joined state of the adjacent panels such that the abutment occurs below the upper lip. Beyond the joint vertical plane, at least a part of the lowermost bottom surface of the lateral tongue in the joined state of the adjacent panels and the bottom surface of the groove are preferably located at a distance from each other. Typically, this facilitates the joining of the joining profiles of the adjacent wall panels and results in a stable and reliable joint.

[0089] The lateral tongue preferably comprises an inner contact surface adjacent to the downward groove, the inner contact surface of the lateral groove being arranged to cooperate, preferably under bias, with the inner side of the upward locking element. Preferably, the bottom part of the lateral tongue extending between the inner contact surface and the end of the lateral tongue is located at a level that coincides with or below the level of the upper side of the upward locking element. This means that a significant part of the lateral tongue is located at a relatively low level, which allows the panel to be manufactured in a relatively efficient manner and the thickness of the panel can be kept limited. This saves material, reduces costs and makes the wall panel easier to handle and install.

[0090] Preferably, the lateral tongues have ends that are at least partially substantially parallel to the joint vertical plane, which results in ends that are at least partially substantially vertical. Preferably, at least a part of the ends of the lateral tongues is located at a level below the level of the upper side of the upward locking element.

[0091] The recesses and grooves of the upward locking elements are preferably arranged at a distance from each other, which means that the second connecting profile is provided with a connecting portion for the interconnection of the panels and with a separate mounting portion for attaching the panel to the supporting structure (wall, ceiling or subfloor).

[0092] The present invention further preferably relates to a method for installing a wall cladding using a wall panel according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a. providing a first wall panel having first and second joints on at least two opposing sides; b. attaching a first wall panel to a support surface such that a second joint of the first wall panel is accessible; c. providing a second wall panel having first and second joints on at least two opposing sides; d. placing the first joint of the second wall panel into the second joint of the first wall panel; e. angling a second wall panel into alignment with the first panel to make a second joint of the second wall panel accessible; f. repeating steps c through e with additional panels as needed; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0093] The base wall panel may have only the second joint installed before the first wall panel is installed, and / or the last wall panel may be the last wall panel with only the first joint. These members may be used at the ends of the wall cladding, so the sides or top and bottom depend on the orientation of the panel. At the edges or ends, typically the panel is not attached to further panels because there is no room. Then, only one of the joints is installed so that the cladding can be flush with or aligned with the edge of the wall to be cladded.

[0094] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the following set of non-limiting clauses. 1. A wall panel for forming a wall covering having a plurality of panels, comprising: a. a core having a back side, a decorative side opposite the back side, and at least two sides of the core having joints for interconnection of several panels; b. the coupling portion comprises at least one first coupling portion and at least one second coupling portion disposed on opposite sides of the core, the at least one first coupling portion and the at least one second coupling portion being configured to be coupled by an angling motion; c. the first coupling portion includes a lateral tongue, an upper bridge portion connecting the lateral tongue to the core, and a downward groove for receiving at least a portion of the upward locking element; d. the second coupling portion includes a groove for receiving at least a portion of the lateral tongue, the groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip extending from the core, the end of the lower lip being provided with an upward locking element, the upward locking element having an inner side facing the upper lip, an outer side facing away from the upper lip, and an upper side between the inner side and the outer side; e. the upper side of the upward locking element is provided with a recess extending at least partially through the upward locking element for receiving at least one mounting element, e.g. a screw, for mounting the wall panel to a wall; Wall panel. 2. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein an inner side of the upward locking element is provided with a first locking surface and a side of the lateral tongue facing the core is provided with a second locking surface, which locking surfaces cooperate to provide locking of the panel in the joined state. 3. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a side of the lateral tongue facing the decorative side is provided with a third locking surface and a side of the upper lip facing away from the decorative side is provided with a fourth locking surface, said locking surfaces cooperating to provide locking of the panel in the joined condition. 4. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess is provided with a bevelled edge, preferably the recess has a substantially chamfered conical shape in cross section, being widest at the decorative side and narrowing towards the rear side. 5. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess is centred within the upward locking element, specifically between an inner side and an outer side of the upward locking element. 6. The wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess extends up to the middle of the upward locking element. 7. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the side of the lateral tongue facing away from the upper bridge portion and / or at least a portion of the groove between the upper lip portion and the lower lip portion is partially rounded. 8. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein in the joined condition, there is a space between the side of the lateral tongue facing rearward and the lower lip, the space tapering inwardly from the upward locking element. 9. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the width of the upward locking element is preferably reduced compared to the width of the upper bridge part so that in the joined state there is a space between an outside of said upward locking element and the core of the further panel. 10. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first joining portion comprises a first upper contact surface between the decorative side and the lateral tongue portion, and a side of the upper lip portion facing away from the core comprises a second upper contact surface, the first upper contact surface and the second upper contact surface being configured to be in at least partial contact in the joined state. 11. A wall panel as described in clause 10, wherein the first and / or second contact surface are provided with upper locking elements, preferably both contact surfaces are provided with upper locking elements configured to cooperate in the coupled state to provide locking in one or more directions. 12. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and / or second joints comprise a bevel or grout disposed on the decorative side of the panel. 13. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the core consists of a thermoplastic material, in particular an expanded or non-expanded thermoplastic material or one or more fillers, such as PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyurethane and / or calcium carbonate, or a wooden material, for example MDF, HDF or a wood plastic composite. 14. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lateral tongue and groove are configured to exert a clamping force in the joined condition to press two joined panels together. 15. A wall panel according to any preceding clause, wherein the groove comprises a channel extending from the groove to a rear side of the wall panel. 16. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel is elongated and configured to be arranged horizontally to form part of a wall cladding, preferably the first and second joints are arranged on a long side of the panel and / or two other opposing sides of the wall panel are preferably provided with third and fourth joints arranged to be joined with the same angling motion as the first and second joints. 17. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel is elongated and configured to be arranged vertically to form part of a wall cladding, and preferably the first and second joints are located on a long side of the panel and / or no joints are provided on the other two opposing sides of the wall panel. 18. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel is elongated, the first and second joints are located on a long side of the panel, and along the long side of the wall panel there are a plurality of recesses, preferably evenly spaced along the long side. 19. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recess in the upwardly facing locking element constitutes a recessed groove extending along one side of the wall panel, preferably along the long side of an elongate panel. 20. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lower lip extends beyond the upper lip along a distance at least two times, preferably at least three times, and more preferably about four times the thickness of the wall panel. 21. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness of the upward locking element is approximately half the thickness of the wall panel. 22. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein in the joined state of the two panels there is a space between the upper bridge portion of the first panel and the upward locking element of the second panel, at least across the entire width of the upward locking element, the space preferably continuing between the distal end of the upward locking element of the second panel and the core of the first panel. 23. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upward locking element on the rear side opposite the front side is provided with an adhesive layer, e.g. a release part consisting of an adhesive, for temporarily attaching the wall panel to a supporting surface. 24. A wall panel according to any preceding clause, wherein an upper surface of the lower lip defines a bottom portion of the groove, a distal end of the upper lip defines a joint vertical plane (VP), and the lower lip and bottom portion of the groove extend beyond the joint vertical plane. 25. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bottom portions of the grooves are located on both sides of the joint vertical plane. 26. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bottom portion of the groove is defined in part by an inner surface of the upward locking element. 27. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein an upper surface of the lower lip defines a lowermost bottom surface of the groove, the lowermost bottom surface extending to but not including the upward locking element, and the lower bottom surface extending beyond the joint vertical plane. 28. A wall panel as described in clause 27, wherein the lowermost bottom surfaces of the groove are located on either side of the joint vertical plane. 29. A wall panel according to clause 27 or clause 28, wherein the lowermost bottom surface of the groove is substantially flat. 30. A wall panel according to one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the lowermost bottom surface of the groove is substantially perpendicular to the joint vertical plane. 31. A wall panel as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bottom portions of the grooves are disposed on either side of the joint vertical plane to substantially divide the bottom portion into an inner bottom portion and an outer bottom portion, the bottom portions having a width perpendicular to the joint vertical plane, and the width of the outer bottom portion exceeds the width of the inner bottom portion. 32. A wall panel as described in clause 31, wherein the width of the outer bottom portion is at least twice the width of the inner bottom portion. 33. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lateral tongues have lowermost bottom surfaces located on either side of the joint vertical plane in the joined condition of adjacent wall panels. 34. A wall panel according to any preceding clause, wherein the lateral tongue has a substantially flat lowermost bottom surface. 35. A wall panel according to any preceding clause, wherein the lateral tongue has a lowermost bottom surface extending substantially perpendicular to the joint vertical plane. 36. A wall panel as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lateral tongue portion has a lowermost bottom surface that slopes upwardly toward the upper bridge portion, and the sloped lowermost bottom surface and the joint vertical surface mutually subtend an angle of 85 degrees to 90 degrees. 37. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lateral tongue comprises an inner contact surface adjacent the downward groove, the inner contact surface of the lateral groove being configured to cooperate with an inner side of the upward locking element. 38. A wall panel according to clause 37, wherein the bottom portion of the lateral tongue extending between the inner contact surface and the end of the lateral tongue is located at or below the level coinciding with the level of the upper side of the upward locking element. 39. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the lateral tongues have ends that are substantially parallel to the joint vertical plane. 40. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the end of the lateral tongue is located at a level below the level of the upper side of the upward locking element. 41. A wall panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the recesses and grooves of the upward locking elements are arranged at a distance from each other. 42. A method of installing a wall cladding using a wall panel, preferably according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising the steps of: a. providing a first wall panel having first and second joints on at least two opposing sides; b. attaching a first wall panel to a support surface such that a second joint of the first wall panel is accessible; c. providing a second wall panel having a first joint and a second joint on at least two opposing sides; d. placing the first joint of the second wall panel into the second joint of the first wall panel; e. angling a second wall panel into alignment with the first panel to make a second joint of the second wall panel accessible; f. repeating steps c through e with additional panels as needed; A method comprising: 43. The method according to clause 42, wherein only the second joint is provided on the base wall panel before the first wall panel is provided and / or the last wall panel is the last wall panel with only the first joint. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0095] The invention will now be described on the basis of non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, in which corresponding elements are designated by like reference numerals:

[0096] [Figure 1] 2 shows diagrammatically details of two wall panels joined together to form a wall cladding according to the invention; [Diagram 2] The detail of Figure 1 is shown with the attachment. [Diagram 3] 1 shows diagrammatically a wall cladding having three wall panels according to the invention; [Figure 4] 4 shows the wall cladding of FIG. 3 in a schematic inverted configuration; [Diagram 5] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a variant of FIG. [Figure 6] 1 shows diagrammatically a side view of three wall panels forming a wall cladding according to the invention; [Figure 7] 7 shows a schematic diagram of a variation of the covering material of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 13 shows diagrammatically an embodiment of the joint on the other side of the panel. [Figure 9] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a variant of FIG. 2;

[0097] Figure 1 shows in schematic detail two wall panels (1) in a joined state to form a wall cladding. Each panel (1) comprises a centrally disposed core (2) with a back side (2a) and a decorative side (2b) opposite the back side (2a), and at least two side portions (3, 4) with joints for the mutual joining of several panels. Figure 1 shows the two side portions (3, 4) in a joined state with the side portions interacting with each other.

[0098] The coupling part comprises at least one first coupling part (5) and at least one second coupling part (6) arranged on the opposite side of the core (2), the first coupling part (5) comprising a lateral tongue (7), an upper bridge part (8) for connecting the lateral tongue (7) to the core (2), and a downward groove (9). The second coupling part (6) comprises a groove (10) defined by an upper lip (11) and a lower lip (12) extending from the core (2), the lower lip (12) being provided with an upward locking element (13) arranged at a distance from the core (2), the upward locking element (13) having an inner side (13a) facing the core (2), an outer side (13b) facing away from the core (2), and a surface side (13c) between the inner side (13a) and the outer side (13b).

[0099] The upward locking element (13) is provided with a recess (14) extending partially through the upward locking element (13), the recess (14) being accessible from a front side (13c) of the upward locking element (13) and extending towards an opposite side (13d) of the upward locking element (13). The recess (14) provides a predetermined location for attaching the wall panel (1) to a supporting surface, e.g., a beam. For example, a nail, screw or cram can be used to attach the wall panel (1), e.g., the head of the nail or screw fits within the concave space of the recess (14).

[0100] The inside (13a) of the upward locking element (13) is provided with a first locking surface (18), the side of the lateral tongue (7) facing the core (2) is provided with a second locking surface (19) which cooperate to provide locking of the panels in their joined condition, the side of the lateral tongue (7) facing the decorative side (2b) is provided with a third locking surface (20) and the side of the upper lip (11) facing away from the decorative side is provided with a fourth locking surface (21) which cooperate to provide locking of the panels in their joined condition.

[0101] The recess (14) has a substantially beveled conical cross section with a beveled edge (22) that is widest on the decorative side and narrows towards the rear side. The recess (14) is centered within the upward locking element (13) between the inner side (13a) and the outer side (13b) of the upward locking element (13).

[0102] Figure 2 shows a detail of Figure 1, with the screw (15) shown with its head (16) at least partially located in the recess (14). Figure 2 also shows that in the coupled state, there is a space (23) between the side of the lateral tongue (7) facing the rear side (2a) or between the bottom of the lateral tongue (7) and the lower lip (12), which space tapers from the upward locking element (13) towards the core (2). The width of the upward locking element (13) shown is small compared to the width of the upper bridge part (8), so that in the illustrated configuration of the right panel, there is a space (24) between the outside (13b) of the upward locking element (13) and the core (2) of the other panel in the coupled state.

[0103] The first joining portion has a first upper contact surface (25) between the decorative side (2b) and the lateral tongue portion (7), and the side of the upper lip portion (11) facing away from the core (2) has a second upper contact surface (26), the first and second upper contact surfaces facing each other and preferably at least partially in contact with each other.

[0104] The various features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are visualized by dotted lines. For this purpose, the upper lip (11) defines a joint vertical plane (VP). During application of the wall panel in a wall, the joint vertical plane is typically located in a horizontal direction, but the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is illustrated in a horizontal direction, hence the expression joint vertical plane. The joint vertical plane typically defines the area where the upper contact surfaces (25, 26) face each other, which therefore defines the seam or joint between two adjacent wall panels. It can be seen that both the groove (10) and the lateral tongues (7) extend beyond the joint vertical plane (VP) and are each located on either side of the joint vertical plane. This significantly simplifies the manufacture of the groove (10) and the lateral tongues (7), but also makes the mounting and insertion of the lateral tongues (7) into the groove (10) relatively easy, which makes the construction relatively user-friendly. It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that the width of the outer bottom section (W-OBS) of the groove (10), as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the joint vertical plane, is greater than the width of the inner bottom section (W-IBS) of the groove (10), here at least twice as large. The same applies to the width of the lateral tongues (W-ST), the maximum of which, as defined in FIG. 2, is located beyond the joint vertical plane. The bottom surface of the lowermost part of the groove (10), defined by the lower lip (12), is flat and substantially horizontal (perpendicular to the joint vertical plane) and lies on either side of the joint vertical plane. The lower surfaces (bottom surfaces) of the lateral tongues (7) are also preferably flat and lie on either side of the joint vertical plane. As shown, the bottom surfaces of the lateral tongues (7) are preferably inclined upwards in the direction towards the upper bridge section (8). The inclination is typically limited. The inclination is preferably between 0 and 5 degrees with respect to the bottom surface of the groove, which will facilitate the insertion of the tongue (7) into the groove (10).

[0105] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a wall cladding (100) with three wall panels (1). Figure 3 shows a view from the decorative side, with the upper part showing the part of the lateral tongue (7) not connected to the adjacent panel, and the lower lip (12) at the bottom, transitioning to the inner side (13a) and the face side (13c) of the upward locking element (13). Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which six recesses (14) are used, which extend over the long sides (4) of the panels (1).

[0106] Figure 4 shows diagrammatically the wall covering (100) of Figure 3 in an inverted configuration, with lateral tongues (7) at the bottom and a lower lip (12) at the top.

[0107] Figure 5 shows diagrammatically a variant of figure 4. Instead of multiple recesses (14) in the upward locking element (13), the recess (14) is embodied as a continuous groove extending along the length of the panel (1).

[0108] Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of three wall panels (1), of which only the middle one is fully illustrated. For installation, the bottom panel (1) is first positioned and attached to the support structure (17) by screws (15) connecting the bottom panel (1) to the support structure (17). Then, the middle panel (1') is angled to the bottom panel (1) by placing the lateral tongues (7) in the grooves (10) and angling the tongues (7) into the grooves (10). When the middle panel (1') is aligned or in the same plane as the bottom panel (1), it is also fixed to the support structure (17) by screws (15). Now, the grooves (10) of the middle panel (1') are available to receive the side tongues (7) of the upper panel (1") and this process can be continued until the required height is reached. If the panels are oriented vertically instead of horizontally, the same process can be applied but rotated 90 degrees.

[0109] Figure 7 shows a variant of the covering of figure 6. The variant can be applied to any panel in any configuration and is not limited to the embodiment shown, the principle being broadly applicable. At the bottom connection between the lower panel (1) and the intermediate panel (1'), a first bevel (27) is shown. This bevel (27) is formed by a chamfer on the decorative surface (2b) of the first panel (1), while no chamfer is present on the second panel (1'). Thus, liquid collecting on the decorative surface (2b) dripping from the intermediate panel (1') to the bottom panel (1) is prevented from seeping through the connection, but is instead guided towards the outside of the bottom panel (1).

[0110] At the intermediate connection between the intermediate panel (1') and the top panel (1"), a second bevel (28) is shown. This bevel (28) is formed by chamfering the decorative surfaces (2b) of the intermediate panel (1') and the top panel (1"). Such a bevel (28) has a similar purpose but a different appearance.

[0111] The groove (10) in the intermediate panel (1') is provided with a channel (29) at the intermediate connection that extends from the groove (10) to the rear side (2a) of the wall panel to channel any liquid that may collect in the groove (10) to the rear side (2a).

[0112] Figure 8 shows diagrammatically the joint on the other side of the panel when such a joint exists. In the description, reference is made to the vertical and horizontal directions and this is retained for the orientation in which the joint is illustrated in Figure 8. In forming the wall panels the orientation may be reversed or inverted and the same modifications apply to the terminology used.

[0113] These joints as shown in Fig. 8 can be a third joint (31) and a fourth joint (32) configured to be joined by a downward action. The third joint (31) comprises an upward tongue (33), at least one upward flank (34) at a distance from the upward tongue, and an upward groove (35) formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, the upward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the downward tongue of a fourth joint of another panel. The side (33a) of the upward tongue (33) facing the upward flank (35) is the inside of the upward tongue, and the side (33b) of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is the outside of the upward tongue.

[0114] The fourth joining part (32) comprises a downward tongue (36), at least one downward flank (47) at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove (48) formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward groove being adapted to receive at least a part of the upward tongue of the first joining part of another panel. The side (36a) of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is the inner side of the downward tongue, and the side (36b) of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank is the outer side of the downward tongue. Both the outer side and the upward flank of the downward tongue comprise upper contact surfaces (37, 38) near, on, adjacent to or towards the upper side of the panel, the contact surfaces extending at least partially, preferably completely, in a vertical direction, the outer upper contact surface of the downward tongue of a panel being configured to engage with the upper contact surface of the upward flank of an adjacent panel in the joined state of the panels.

[0115] Both the downward tongue and the upward flank have inclined contact surfaces (39, 40) adjacent to the upper contact surfaces (37, 38), the inclined contact surfaces of the downward tongue of a panel are configured to engage with the inclined contact surfaces of the upward flank of an adjacent panel in the joined state of the panels, and each vertical portion of the upper contact surface and each adjacent inclined surface subtends an angle (α) between 100 degrees and 175 degrees with each other. The downward tongue has an outer side surface (41) adjacent to the inclined contact surface (40) located below the inclined contact surface of the downward tongue, and the upward flank has an inner side surface (42) adjacent to the inclined contact surface (39) located below the inclined contact surface of the upward flank, the outer side surface and the inner side surface extending substantially parallel and at least partially vertical. In the joined state, there is a space (43) between at least a portion of the outer side surface of the panel and at least a portion of the inner side surface of the adjacent panel.

[0116] The upper contact surfaces (37, 38), in the illustrated configuration, can define a plane, i.e., a vertical plane (44), such that a portion (45) of the downward tongue (36) can protrude from this plane (44).

[0117] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a variant of the connection shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Reference elements showing the same or similar features have the same reference numerals. In comparison with the part shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the recess (14) is provided with a second recess (46). The depth of this recess may be significantly smaller compared to the depth of the recess (14) and may also be provided with chamfered sides (47). The second recess (47) is shown in the center of the recess (14). This second recess (47) may be incorporated in any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and is intended to guide a connecting element, such as a nail or a screw, used to connect or attach the panel to a surface.

[0118] FIG. 9 also shows diagrammatically a space (23) between the locking surfaces (18, 19) and the outer or outermost side of the lateral tongue (7) and the rear of the lateral tongue (7) and the lower lip (12), so that the rear of the lateral tongue (7) and the lower lip (12) are not in contact with each other in the mated state.

[0119] The inventive concepts described above have been described by several exemplary embodiments. It is assumed that each inventive concept can then be applied without applying other details of the described embodiments. It is not necessary to detail all possible combinations of the inventive concepts described above, since a person skilled in the art may be able to (re)combine a number of inventive concepts to arrive at a specific application.

[0120] It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the practical embodiment shown and described in the specification, and that many variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims, which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0121] It should also be understood that the verb "comprise" and its conjugations as used in this patent publication do not mean only "comprise," but also include expressions such as "include," "consist essentially of," and "formed by" and their conjugations.

Claims

Claim 1 A wall panel for forming a wall covering material having a plurality of panels, a. a core, the core comprising a rear side, a decorative side opposite the rear side, and at least two sides of the core with joints for interconnecting some of the panels, b. the joints comprising at least one first joint and at least one second joint disposed on both sides of the core, the at least one first joint and the at least one second joint being configured to be joined by an angling operation, c. the first joint comprising a lateral tongue, an upper bridge connecting the lateral tongue to the core, and a downward groove for receiving at least a part of an upward locking element, d. the second joint comprising a groove for receiving at least a part of a lateral tongue defined by an upper lip and a lower lip extending from the core, an upper surface of the lower lip defining a bottom portion of the groove, and an upward locking element provided at an end of the lower lip, the upward locking element having an inner side facing the upper lip, an outer side facing away from the upper lip, and an upper side between the inner side and the outer side, a distal end of the upper lip defining a joint vertical plane, and the lower lip and the bottom portion of the groove extending beyond the joint vertical plane, e. a recess extending at least partially through the upward locking element for receiving at least one mounting element, such as a screw, for mounting the wall panel to a wall, provided on the upper side of the upward locking element. A wall panel. Claim 2 The inner side of the upward locking element comprises a first locking surface, the side of the lateral tongue facing the core comprises a second locking surface, and the locking surfaces cooperate to effect locking of the panel in the joined state. The wall panel according to claim 1. Claim 3 The side of the lateral tongue facing the decorative side comprises a third locking surface, the side of the upper lip facing away from the decorative side comprises a fourth locking surface, and the locking surfaces cooperate to effect locking of the panel in the joined state. The wall panel according to claim 1. Claim 4 The recess is provided with an inclined edge portion, and the recess has a substantially chamfered conical shape that is widest on the decorative side and narrows toward the rear side. The wall panel according to claim 1.

5. The recess is located within the upward locking element, specifically, the center is positioned between the inner side and the outer side of the upward locking element. The wall panel according to claim 1.

6. At least a part of the side portion of the side tongue portion facing away from the upper bridge portion and / or at least a part of the groove between the upper lip portion and the lower lip portion are partially rounded. The wall panel according to claim 1.

7. In the coupled state, there is a space between the side portion of the side tongue portion facing the rear side and the lower lip portion, and the space is tapered inward from the upward locking element. The wall panel according to claim 1.

8. The width of the upward locking element is smaller compared to the width of the upper bridge portion in the coupled state such that there is a space between the outer side of the upward locking element and the core of another panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

9. The first coupling portion includes a first upper contact surface between the decorative side and the side tongue portion, and the side portion of the upper lip portion facing away from the core includes a second upper contact surface. The first upper contact surface and the second upper contact surface are configured to be at least partially in contact in the coupled state. The wall panel according to claim 1.

10. The side tongue portion and the groove are configured to exert a clamping force in the coupled state for pushing two coupled panels together. The wall panel according to claim 1.

11. The groove includes a channel extending from the groove to the rear side of the wall panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

12. The panel is elongated and configured to be arranged horizontally so as to form part of the wall covering material. The first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are arranged on the long side of the panel, and / or on the other two opposite sides of the wall panel, there are provided a third coupling portion and a fourth coupling portion configured to be coupled by the same angling operation as the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. The wall panel according to claim 1.

13. The panel is configured to be elongated and arranged vertically so as to form part of the wall covering material, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are arranged on the long side of the panel, and / or no coupling portion is provided on the other two opposite sides of the wall panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

14. The panel is elongated, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are arranged on the long side of the panel, wherein a plurality of recesses are evenly spaced along the long side of the wall panel along the long side. The wall panel according to claim 1.

15. The recess in the upwardly locking element constitutes a concave groove extending along one side of the wall panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

16. The lower lip extends beyond the upper lip along a distance of at least twice the thickness of the wall panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

17. In the coupled state of the two panels, there is a space between the upper bridge portion of the first panel and the upwardly locking element of the second panel over at least the entire width of the upwardly locking element, and the space continues between the distal end of the upwardly locking element of the second panel and the core of the first panel. The wall panel according to claim 1.

18. The upwardly locking element on the rear side opposite to the front side is provided with an adhesive layer, for example, a release portion composed of an adhesive for temporarily attaching the wall panel to a support surface. The wall panel according to claim 1.

19. A method for installing a wall covering material using the wall panel according to claim 1, comprising: a. Providing a first wall panel having first and second coupling portions on at least two opposite sides; b. Attaching the first wall panel to a support surface to make the second coupling portion of the first wall panel accessible; c. Providing a second wall panel having first and second coupling portions on at least two opposite sides; d. Arranging the first coupling portion of the second wall panel in the second coupling portion of the first wall panel; e. Angling the second wall panel so as to be aligned with the first wall panel to make the second coupling portion of the second wall panel accessible. f. a step of repeating steps c to e using an additional panel as necessary; and a method comprising the steps.

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