Architectural Panels

Abstract

A building panel, such as a floor or wall panel, comprising a first mechanical locking system at each of parallel and opposite third (13) and fourth (14) edges, such as long edges, configured to cooperate to lock two adjacent building panels (10, 20) together horizontally and vertically, preferably by a folding action, and a second mechanical locking system at each of parallel and opposite first (11) and second (12) edges, such as short edges, configured to cooperate to lock two adjacent building panels (10, 30) together horizontally and vertically. One of the third edge (13) or the fourth edge (14), preferably the upper edge portion of the third edge (13), is provided with a first lower lip portion (139), which is configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion (149) of the upper edge portion of the other of the third edge and the fourth edge of the adjacent panel (20) when the third edge and the fourth edge are locked together.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of building panels. [Background technology]

[0002] Laminate flooring generally comprises a 6-12mm fibreboard core, an upper laminate decorative surface layer of 0.2-0.8mm thickness, and a lower laminate balancing layer of 0.1-0.6mm thickness made of plastic, paper or other materials. The laminate surface comprises melamine impregnated paper. The most common core material is fibreboard, commonly called HDF (High Density Fibreboard), which has high density and good stability. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) may also be used as the core.

[0003] Laminate floor panels of this type have been mechanically joined by so-called mechanical locking systems. These systems comprise locking means that lock the panels together horizontally and vertically. The mechanical locking systems are generally formed by machining the core of the panel. Alternatively, the parts of the locking system that are integral with the floor panel, i.e. that are joined to it during its manufacture, can be formed from another material, such as aluminum or HDF.

[0004] The main advantage of floating floors with mechanical locking systems is that they are easy to install and can be easily removed again and reused in another location. However, known systems have problems, for example with regard to moisture control, and therefore there is room for improvement in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is a general objective of the present disclosure to provide building panels that facilitate improved moisture control, such as water, which may include, but is not limited to, improved sealing between assembled building panels and improved resistance to moisture penetration through surfaces comprised by the assembled building panels.

[0006] It is a further object to provide a building panel that facilitates alignment of such assembled building panels.

[0007] It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a building panel that facilitates improved moisture control in a laminate of building panels such as floating floors, and in particular to provide a building panel that provides improved moisture control and / or at least reduces possible moisture penetration at T-joints in such floor laminates.

[0008] The above-mentioned objects of the embodiments of the present invention may be achieved in whole or in part by the locking system and floor panel according to the present disclosure.Embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings.

[0009] In the following description, the visible side (surface) of the installed floor panel is called the "front side" and the opposite side facing the subfloor is called the "rear side". The "horizontal plane" refers to a plane parallel to the front side. The directly abutting tops of two adjacent joint edges of two joined floor panels define a "vertical plane" perpendicular to the horizontal plane with respect to each other. The outer part of the floor panel at the edge of the floor panel between the front and rear sides is called the "joint edge". As a rule, the joint edge has several "joint surfaces", such as vertical joint surfaces, horizontal joint surfaces, angled joint surfaces, rounded joint surfaces, inclined joint surfaces, etc. These joint surfaces exist in various materials, such as laminates, fiberboards, wood, plastics, metals (especially aluminum), or sealants.

[0010] "Vertical locking" means locking parallel to a vertical plane. "Horizontal locking" means locking parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0011] "Top / upper" means toward the front. "Bottom / lower" means toward the rear. "Inner" means primarily toward the horizontal direction toward the inner central portion of the panel. "Outer" means primarily toward the horizontal direction away from the central portion of the panel.

[0012] "Lock" or "locking system" means cooperating connection means that interconnect floor panels vertically and / or horizontally. "Mechanical locking system" means that locking is possible without the use of adhesives. Mechanical locking systems can also often be joined by adhesives.

[0013] "Decorative surface layer" means a surface layer which is primarily intended to give the floor a decorative look. "Wear-resistant surface layer" relates to a highly abrasive surface layer which is primarily adapted to improve the durability of the front side. This leads to a "decorative wear-resistant surface" being a layer which is intended to give the floor a decorative look and at the same time improve the durability of the front side.

[0014] An embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for use in floating floors formed from floor panels that are integral with the floor panels, i.e. mechanically joined by a factory-fitted locking system, and that consist of one or more upper layers made of wood or wood veneer, decorative laminate, powder-based surface or decorative plastic material, an intermediate core made of wood-fiber-based material or plastic material, and a lower balancing layer, preferably on the rear side of the core. Floor panels of solid wood or with a soft wear layer, e.g. needle felt glued to a board, a printed and preferably varnished surface, and floors with hard surfaces made of stone, tile and similar materials are included.

[0015] Therefore, the following description of known technology, problems with known systems, and objects and features of the present invention are intended as non-limiting examples, particularly in this field of application, and in particular to panels formed as rectangular floor panels having long and short edges, and which are intended to be mechanically joined to one another at both the long and short edges.

[0016] Long and short edges are mainly used to simplify the description of the embodiments of the present invention. The panels may be square. It should be emphasized that the embodiments of the present invention may be used in any floor panel, as long as it is intended to join the floor panel using a mechanical locking system that connects the panels horizontally and / or vertically at at least two adjacent edges, and that the panels may be combined with any type of known locking system.

[0017] In one aspect of the invention, a set of similar or essentially identical building panels, such as floor or wall panels, is provided. The panels comprise a first mechanical locking system at respective parallel and opposing third and fourth edges, which are long edges of the panels. The first mechanical locking system comprises a locking groove at the third edge. The locking groove is configured to receive a first locking tongue at the fourth edge of an adjacent panel for vertical locking of the two adjacent building panels by folding and displacing the adjacent panels. A second locking system is at respective parallel and opposing first and second edges, such as short edges of the panels. The second locking systems are configured to cooperate to lock the two adjacent building panels horizontally and vertically, preferably by a vertical movement, such as a vertical folding movement. One of the third edge or the fourth edge, preferably an upper edge portion of the third edge, comprises a first lower lip portion. The first lower lip portion is configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion of an upper edge portion of the other of the third and fourth edges of an adjacent panel when the third and fourth edges are assembled in a locked state. The first upper lip portion of the fourth edge is configured to form a snug fit around the first lower lip portion when the first lower lip portion is received under the first upper lip portion in response to the folding displacement. Further advantages and embodiments are described in the accompanying dependent claims and detailed description.

[0018] The present disclosure will now be explained in more detail with respect to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a floor board with a locking system according to the known art. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the floor board of FIG. 1 in a locked position with adjacent building panels. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a further floorboard being assembled to the floorboard of FIG. 2 by a vertical movement (vertical folding movement). [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking system according to the known art. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking system according to the known art. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of a locking system according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a schematic diagram of a locking system according to the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a schematic diagram of a locking system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first locking system at section AA of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second locking system at section BB of FIG. 5C, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first locking system at section CC of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment assembled as a wall. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first locking system at section DD of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment assembled as a wall. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the second locking system according to an embodiment assembled with a vertical movement. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 further shows diagrammatically the second locking system of FIG. 10 being assembled with a vertical movement. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment assembled as a wall. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment assembled as a floor. [Figure 14A]FIG. 14A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B illustrates a cross-cut of a panel with a pocket according to one embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A illustrates a panel according to an embodiment with respective lower lip portions on the displacement surface. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B shows a cross-section (crosscut) of a first edge and a second edge of two assembled panels according to the embodiment of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20C]FIG. 20C shows a cross-cut of the third and fourth edges of two assembled panels according to the embodiment of FIG. 20A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020]

[0023] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments may be used in combination to achieve better or different functions.

[0021] All embodiments may be used separately or in combination. Angles, dimensions, rounded areas, spacing between faces, etc. are merely examples and may be adjusted within the basic principles of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a known building panel with a mechanical locking system.

[0023] The mechanical locking system typically includes a tongue and tongue groove for vertical locking and a locking element and locking groove for horizontal locking. Typically, the mechanical locking system has at least four pairs of active cooperating locking surfaces, two pairs for vertical locking and two pairs for horizontal locking. The locking system can be made to much larger tolerances than the cooperating locking surfaces because it includes multiple other surfaces that generally do not contact each other.

[0024] Laminate flooring typically consists of a 6-9mm fibreboard core, a 0.20mm thick upper surface layer and a lower balancing layer. The surface layer gives the floor panel its appearance and durability. The core provides stability and the balancing layer keeps the boards level as relative humidity (RH) changes throughout the year.

[0025] FIG. 4A shows a typical first mechanical locking system (strip locking) according to known technology. This first mechanical locking system can be locked by an angular action (see FIG. 3) and is widely used in the market to assemble the respective long edges of the panels together. FIG. 4A shows a vertical cross-section of floor panels, showing a part of the long side 13' of floor panel 20' and a part of the long side 14' of floor panel 10'. The body of floor panels 10', 20' can be made of a fiberboard or core, which here supports a wear-resistant decorative surface layer on its front side and a balancing layer on its rear side (lower side). The locking system has a tongue 14h' and a tongue-groove 13j'. The locking system locks the panels together in the vertical direction V by means of upper tongue surface 53 and lower tongue surface 56 cooperating with upper tongue-groove surface 43 and lower tongue-groove surface 46. A locking strip 13a' is formed from the body and supports a locking element 13b'. The locking strip 13a' and the locking element 13b' thus constitute in a way an extension of the lower part of the tongue-and-groove section 13j'. The locking element 13b' formed on the strip 13a' has an active locking element surface 13m' which cooperates with an active locking groove surface 14m' in the locking groove 14g' in the locking groove section on the opposite side of the floor panel 10'. Due to the engagement of the horizontal active locking surface 13m' with the active locking surface 14m', a horizontal locking of the floor panels 10' and 20' in the transverse direction of the joint edge is obtained when the panels are pulled apart.

[0026] The known second locking system shown in Fig. 4B may also be formed with a flexible tongue 11i' (fold lock) that is displaceable during locking, typically used on the short edges 11', 12' as shown in Fig. 4B. Such a locking system may be locked by vertical movement as shown in Fig. 3, where the first edge 11 of panel 10' is assembled to the second edge 12 of panel 30' by a vertical movement.

[0027] The displaceable tongue 11i' is configured to cooperate with the second tongue-groove 12j' for vertical locking. The displaceable tongue 11i' is a separate part, e.g. made of plastic, which is inserted into the displacement groove 11k' in the first edge 11' of the first panel 10'. During vertical assembly of the first and second edges of the first and second panels, the tongue 11i' is pressed into the displacement groove 11k'. When the panels are locked, the displaceable tongue 11i' springs back into the second tongue-groove 12j'.

[0028] The third edge 13' and the fourth edge 14' of each panel are provided with a first locking system which allows assembly to the adjacent panel 20' with an angular movement as shown in Figure 3. This results in simultaneous assembly of the first edge 11' and the second edge 12', and the third edge 13' and the fourth edge 14'.

[0029] 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a known locking system during assembly of a first panel 10' and a second panel 20'.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 5A-5C and 6-11.

[0031] 5A-5C, 6 and 7, the first mechanical locking system shown in FIG. 6 is formed with a tongue 14h and a groove 13j and is configured to be assembled by an angular movement. The fourth edge 14 may comprise a first locking projection 14e in the form of a locking tongue, the first locking projection 14e having a first lower edge surface 14f. An embodiment of the second locking system is shown in FIG. 7. The second edge 12 has a second locking projection 12e, which may be a locking tongue 12h, the second locking projection 12e having a second lower edge surface 12f. Preferably, the first lower edge surface 14f and the second lower edge surface 12f are configured to cooperate with the first upper surface 13c and the first upper surface 11c of the first locking strip 13a and the second locking strip 11a, respectively, of the second panel 20 shown in FIG. 6 and an adjacent panel, such as the third panel 30 shown in FIG. 7.

[0032] The first mechanical locking system may comprise a first tongue and groove 13j on one of the third edge 13 or the fourth edge 14, e.g., on the third edge 13, and a first locking tongue 14h on the other of the third edge 13 or the fourth edge, e.g., on the fourth edge 14. The first locking tongue 14h and the first tongue and groove 13j are configured to cooperate to lock the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 in the vertical direction V. The first mechanical locking system may typically further comprise a first locking strip 13a having a vertically protruding first locking element 13b on the third edge 13 and a first locking groove 14g on the fourth edge 14. The first locking element 13b is configured to cooperate with the first locking groove portion 14g to lock the third edge portion 13 and the fourth edge portion 14 in a horizontal direction, in particular vertically to the third edge portion 13 and the fourth edge portion 14 away from each other.

[0033] The second mechanical locking system is preferably formed on one of the first short edge 11 or the second short edge 12 of the similar, preferably essentially identical, panels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, for example on the first edge. The second mechanical locking system may be configured to lock the first edge 11 of the first panel 10 to the second edge of the adjacent panel 30 towards and away from each other in a plane and in a vertical and / or horizontal direction perpendicular to said first and second edges. An embodiment of the second mechanical locking system allows the first and second panels to be assembled by vertically moving the second edge of the adjacent panel 30 relative to the first edge 11 of the first panel 10. Such vertical movement is shown for example in Figures 10 and 11. The first and second mechanical locking systems are preferably formed by mechanical cutting, such as milling, drilling and sawing the edges of the panels. The second mechanical locking system may be provided with a displaceable tongue 11i, preferably made of plastic. The displaceable tongue may be bendable and provided with protruding bendable parts, such as the displaceable tongues disclosed in WO2006 / 043893 and WO2007 / 015669, and may be configured to be locked by movement along first and second edges, such as the displaceable tongues disclosed in WO2009 / 116926 and WO200 / 8004960.

[0034] See Fig. 7. An embodiment of the second locking system may comprise a second locking tongue which may be provided in the form of a displaceable tongue 11i, for example arranged in a displacement groove 11k in the first edge 11 of the first panel 10. The displaceable tongue 11i is configured to cooperate with a first tongue groove 12j formed in the other of the first edge or the second edge to lock the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 in the vertical direction V.

[0035] A further embodiment of the second locking system in the form of an integrated solution that can be combined with the first locking system is shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0036] As can be derived from Figure 6, one of the third edge 13 or fourth edge 14, which may be opposing parallel edges, for example an upper edge portion of the third edge 13, may comprise a first planar portion, which may be provided in the form of a first lower lip portion 139. The first lower lip portion 139 may be configured, including but not limited to, to cooperate with and receive or mate with a complementary planar portion, which may be provided in the form of a first upper lip portion 149, of an upper edge portion of the other of the third edge or fourth edge of an adjacent panel.

[0037] 7, one of the first edge 11 or the second edge 12, which may be opposing parallel edges, for example an upper edge portion of the first edge 11, may comprise a planar portion, which may be in the form of a second lower lip portion 119. The second lower lip portion 119 may be configured, including but not limited to, to cooperate with and receive or mate with a complementary planar portion, which may be provided in the form of a second upper lip portion 129, of an upper edge portion of the other of the first edge or second edge of an adjacent panel.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the outermost portion of the first upper lip portion 149 may be disposed inside the outermost portion of the first locking tongue 14h.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the outermost portion of the first lower lip portion 139 may be disposed inside the outermost portion of the first locking strip 13a.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, an outermost portion of the first lower lip portion 139 may be disposed outside of an innermost portion of the first tongue-and-groove portion 13j.

[0041] The upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, preferably the long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend facing inwards. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may then comprise the horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corners connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may further form a reference surface. The reference surface may be a surface that contacts the adjacent panels in the locked state and acts as a base or guide for the alignment of the panels with each other.

[0042] The top edge portion of the third edge 13, preferably the long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface. The vertically extending edge portion is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend facing outwards. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may then comprise the horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corners connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may further form a reference surface.

[0043] The upper edge portion of the second edge 12, preferably the short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend facing inwards. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The second upper lip portion 129 may then comprise the horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may further form a reference surface.

[0044] The top edge portion of the first edge 11, preferably the short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend facing outwards. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The second lower lip portion 119 may then comprise the horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corners connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may further form a reference surface.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the outermost portion of the second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed inside the outermost portion of the second locking strip 11a.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, the second lower lip portion 119 may have an extension inwardly of the innermost portion of the second tongue-and-groove portion 11j.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, the second upper lip portion 129 may have an extension outside the outermost portion of the second locking tongue 12h.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the outermost portion of the second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed inside the outermost portion of the second locking tongue 11i.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the outermost portion of the second lower lip portion 119 may be disposed at least partially inside the opening of the second displacement groove portion 11k.

[0050] Inner can be synonymous with inward in the direction toward the center of the panel, and outer can be synonymous with outward in the direction away from the center of the panel.

[0051] The upper and lower lips may each include a datum surface configured to align the front surface 15 of a panel flush with the respective front surfaces 15 of adjacent panels when assembled in a locked condition.

[0052] The upper and lower lips may be planar. In particular, the lip portions may be planar and extend parallel. The lip portions may preferably extend in a plane parallel to the front surface 15 of the panel. However, other configurations, such as being angled relative to the front surface 15, are also envisaged.

[0053] When adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement, the first upper lip portion 149 of a panel may be configured to abut and / or rest against the first lower lip portion 139. This facilitates improved sealing when the panel is assembled in locking engagement to one or more additional panels by the first locking system.

[0054] When adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement, the second upper lip portion 129 of the panel may be configured to abut and / or rest against the second lower lip portion 119. This facilitates improved sealing when the panel is assembled in locking engagement to one or more additional panels by the second locking system.

[0055] The first lower lip portion 139 and the second lower lip portion 119 may form a continuous right angle with one another. The first upper lip portion 149 and the second upper lip portion 129 may form a continuous right angle shape with one another. The continuous right angle may extend around each of the diagonally opposed corners of the panel. The first lower lip portion, the second lower lip portion, the first upper lip portion, and the second upper lip portion may form a continuous rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 5A, the rectangle may extend around the perimeter of the panel.

[0056] The first and second lower lip portions 139, 119 can be configured to be on the bottom when engaging with the respective upper lip portions 149, 129. The first and second upper lip portions 149, 129 can be configured to be on the top when engaging with the respective lower lip portions 139, 119.

[0057] Thus, at least a portion of the lower lip portions 119, 139 may face upward, and at least a portion of the upper lip portions 129, 149 may face downward.

[0058] The first edge 11 and the third edge 13 may each include a vertically extending surface that extends from the front surface 15 of the panel. The lower lip portions 119, 139 may, in combination with their respective vertically extending surfaces, form an inwardly concave shape, such as an inwardly concave right angle surface.

[0059] The second edge 12 and the fourth edge 14 may each include a vertically extending surface extending from the front surface 15 of the panel. The upper lip portions 129, 149 may, in combination with their respective vertically extending surfaces, form an outwardly concave shape, such as a right angle surface that complements the inwardly concave lower lip portions, respectively, as shown in Figures 6-11.

[0060] Each upper and / or lower lip portion may be constructed from a material that facilitates sealing, including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, silicones, adhesives, waxes, and the like.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, first and second lower lip portions 139, 119 are provided on the short first edge 11 and long third edge 13 of the panel 10, and first and second upper lip portions 149, 129 are provided on the short second edge 12 and long fourth edge 14, as shown, for example, in Figures 6, 7, 10 and 11.

[0062] Therefore, since the first upper lip portion 149 and the second upper lip portion 129 can cooperate, including abutting, with the first lower lip portion 139 and the second lower lip portion 119, respectively, the present configuration can provide a technical advantage in that the weight of the panel contributes to a sealing function by pressing the first upper lip portion 149 and the second upper lip portion 129 against the first lower lip portion 139 and the second lower lip portion 119, respectively. This can promote improved sealing.

[0063] This may cause the first lower edge surface 14f and the first upper surface 13c of the two adjacent panels to not contact each other in some embodiments when the two adjacent panels are assembled in a locked state, and thus a gap may extend at least partially between the first lower edge surface 14f and the first upper surface 13c of the two adjacent panels when they are assembled in a locked state.

[0064] In contrast, in some embodiments, when two adjacent panels are locked together by the first locking system, the first bottom edge surface 14f and the first top surface 13c of the two adjacent panels may be adjacent to each other.

[0065] 6, when the respective third and fourth edges 13 and 14 are assembled in a locked state, the first locking tongue 14h, the first tongue groove 13j, and the first lip portions 139, 149 may be configured to bias the first upper lip portion 149 toward the first lower lip portion 139. This configuration may facilitate that the first upper lip portion 149 is always biased toward the first lower lip portion 139 when the panel or panels are assembled in a locked state.

[0066] The first locking system may include a first locking tongue 14h and a first tongue and groove 13j. A first lower lip portion 139 may be preferably disposed between the first tongue and groove 13j and the front surface 15 of the panel. A first upper lip portion 149 may be preferably disposed between the first locking tongue 14h and the front surface 15 of the panel.

[0067] 7, one of the first edge 11 or the second edge 12, e.g., the first edge 11, in some embodiments may include a displaceable, preferably flexible, tongue 11i configured to allow assembly of the panels by a vertical folding action. The displaceable tongue 11i may be configured to cooperate with the second tongue-and-groove portion 12j to bias the second upper lip portion 129 against the second lower lip portion 119, thereby facilitating an improved sealing function.

[0068] The second locking system may comprise a second locking tongue 11i, 12h and a second tongue and groove 12j, 11j. The second lower lip portion 119 is preferably disposed between the second tongue and groove 12j, 11j and the front face 15 of the panel. The second upper lip portion 129 is preferably disposed between the second locking tongue 11j, 12h and the front face 15 of the panel.

[0069] By providing a pair of lip portions, such as the first lower lip portion 139 and the first upper lip portion 149, and / or the second lower lip portion 119 and the second upper lip portion 129, each pair 119, 129; 139, 149 may form a mechanical labyrinth seal, respectively, as can be derived for example from Figures 6-11. This configuration may therefore be particularly advantageous in preventing moisture penetration between edge 11 and edge 12 and / or between edge 13 and edge 14, for example from front face 15 to locking tongue 11i, 12h or 14h, or tongue-and-groove 11j, 12j1, 3j, or from front face 15 to rear face 16.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 8 and 12, which show an exemplary embodiment in which the panel is assembled as a wall, i.e., the panel is utilized as a wall panel. By providing lip portions 119, 129 139, 149 between the locking tongues 11i, 12h, 14h and / or locking grooves 11j, 12j, 13j and the front surface 15, it can be facilitated that one or more pairs of lip portions, i.e., 119, 129; 139, 149, can be mechanical obstacles for fluids such as water. Thus, fluids such as water flowing vertically downward along the front surface 15 can be prevented from flowing in the direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16 through lip portions such as the first lower lip portion 139 under the action of gravity.

[0071] In particular, the first lower lip portion 139 may provide a mechanical obstacle to a fluid, such as water, that extends in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, such that a fluid, such as water, flowing vertically downward along the front surface 15 may be prevented from flowing upward and over the first lower lip portion 139 when subjected to the force of gravity.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, the first lower lip portion 139 and the first upper lip portion 149 may mutually define a reference plane Dp.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the second lower lip portion 119 and the second upper lip portion 129 may each define a reference plane Dp.

[0074] The first, second, third and fourth lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may be configured to define a reference plane Dp.

[0075] The first, second, third and fourth lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may extend essentially in a common plane, which may be the reference plane Dp.

[0076] The reference plane Dp may facilitate alignment of the respective front faces 15 of adjacent panels when they are assembled in a locked state such that they are disposed flush with one another.

[0077] The first lower lip portion 139 may be preferably disposed between the first tongue-and-groove portion 13j and the front face 15 of the panel. The first upper lip portion 149 may be preferably disposed between the first locking tongue 14h and the front face 15 of the panel.

[0078] As mentioned above, as shown in Fig. 7, one of the first or second edge according to the embodiment may comprise a second locking tongue 11i, e.g. a displaceable locking tongue configured for linear translation in a displacement groove 11k, and the other of the first and second edge comprises a second tongue groove 12j for receiving said second locking tongue.

[0079] The second lower lip portion 119 may be preferably disposed at a position in the vertical direction V between the second locking tongue 11i and the front surface 15 of the panel. The second upper lip portion 129 may be preferably disposed at a position in the vertical direction V between the second tongue-groove portion 12j and the front surface 15 of the panel.

[0080] 10 and 11, the second lower lip portion 119 can be disposed at a position in the vertical direction V between the second tongue-and-groove portion 11j of the first edge 11 and the front surface 15 of the panel. The second upper lip portion 129 can be disposed at a position in the vertical direction V between the second tongue 12h of the second edge 12 and the front surface 15 of the panel.

[0081] The first lower lip portion 139 may be adjacent to the second lower lip portion 119 .

[0082] The first upper lip portion 149 may be adjacent, and preferably contiguous with, the second upper lip portion 129 .

[0083] The lip portions 110, 129, 139, 149 may contact one another so as to extend continuously along the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge.

[0084] The complementary upper and lower lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 may continuously define a reference plane Dp along the first, second, third and fourth edges when the panel is mated with a similar panel along all edges 11, 12, 13, 14. This may facilitate improved sealing.

[0085] The function of the lip portions may thus be two-fold: to align the respective front faces of the panels when the panels are assembled in a locked state at all four edges of the panels, and / or to provide a continuous seal along the periphery of the panels with the respective mating lip portions of adjacent panels.

[0086] The lip portions may be formed in contact with one another to continuously define a reference plane Dp along the periphery of the panel. Thus, it is achieved that when the panel is locked together along all four edges to a further essentially similar panel, continuous contact is obtained by the mating or closing lower lip portions 119, 129; 139, 149 along essentially the entire periphery or periphery of the panel. Thus, a continuous seal along the periphery of the panel may be promoted.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, preferably the edges of the panel which include the locking strips, namely the first edge 11 and the third edge 13, may include respective lower lip portions.

[0088] 6, 7, 10 and 11, preferably the edges of the panel which include the locking strips, i.e. the first edge 11 and the third edge 13, may include respective lower lip portions.

[0089] The panel 10 may comprise a surface layer 15a provided on the front surface 15 and a back layer 16a preferably provided on the rear surface 16. Typically, the surface layer comprises a decorative layer configured to be visible when the panel is assembled to a floor. Such decorative layers are well known in the art and may be provided in various forms, including but not limited to printed papers, powders, printing powders, or veneers, such as wood veneers. The surface layer, which may also be a protective layer, typically comprises a binder resin, such as a thermosetting resin. The binder resin promotes the bonding, i.e., adhesion, of the decorative layer to the core of the panel. The binder may also promote the bonding of one or more additives, such as surface-hardening particles and / or pigments to impart various properties to the surface layer. The binder may comprise, for example, melamine formaldehyde. The binder may penetrate the core of the panel during the manufacture of the panel. Typically, the binder is provided in a powder form that becomes liquid in response to exposure to heat. Thus, the binder may penetrate the core of the building panel. It is contemplated that the core may include, for example, one of the following materials: MDF, HDF, wood, stone, ceramic, PVC, plastic, and other materials.

[0090] The binder may have a penetration depth into the core of the panel from the front surface 15 of the panel into the core in the thickness direction Z. This feature improves the sealing between the respective upper and lower lip portions.

[0091] The penetration depth may be at least within the first lower lip portion 139 and the first upper lip portion 149. This provides a more watertight first locking system.

[0092] The penetration depth may be at least within the second lower lip portion 119 and the second upper lip portion 129. This provides a more watertight second locking system.

[0093] As a result, aspects of the present disclosure may be particularly suitable for use in humid spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and the like.

[0094] As a result, embodiments of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as floor panels, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0095] As a result, embodiments of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as wall panels, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0096] It should be understood that the provision and configuration of the upper and lower lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 as described herein, particularly continuously along all edges of the panel, is not limited to use in combination with any particular locking system, but rather may be implemented in building panels of any material in combination with virtually any mechanical locking system. The locking systems described above serve as merely exemplary embodiments of possible implementations.

[0097] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, a panel such as the first panel 10 can be assembled along its long fourth edge 14 to the adjacent second panel 20 by a first locking system, for example by an angled motion, to form a long-to-long joint. The panel 10 can further be assembled at its short edge 11 to the adjacent third panel 30 by a second locking system, for example by a vertical folding motion, to form a short-to-short joint, and also at its long third edge 13 to a further fourth panel 40 by the first locking system, for example by an angled motion, to form a long-to-long joint. Two further panels 20, 40 are placed on either side of the short joint. The resulting panel configuration is a typical floor situation when assembling a floating floor as shown in Figure 13, or a wall as shown in Figure 12. As can be derived, this configuration comprises two T-shaped joints. Each T-joint comprises a long-side to long-side joint (between the third edge 13 and the fourth edge) and a short-side to short-side joint (between the first edge 11 and the second edge 12). Thus, a set of similar or essentially identical panels may be assembled in a locked relationship to comprise a first T-joint T1 and a second T-joint T2, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0098] To improve the seal between assembled panel stacks, including panels assembled with locking on all four sides, i.e., all four edges, such as in a floor stack (see FIG. 13), it would be desirable to improve the watertightness of both T-joints.

[0099] A building panel having the features described herein and in the accompanying claims may facilitate improved sealing of both T-joints T1 and T2.

[0100] 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B show various embodiments of pockets that may be combined with any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. The pockets may be configured to receive a sealant, such as a fluid or wax. Providing one or more pockets may facilitate improving the seal between adjacent panels when they are assembled. The wax pockets may cooperate to control the flow of sealant through the joint when adjacent panels are assembled, for example, from the pocket through the joint toward the front face 15 and / or rear face 16.

[0101] 14A and 14B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered right angle bend as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

[0102] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front face 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend, facing outward in a direction from the center of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket 111 is provided at the third edge 13 between the vertically extending edge portion 182 and the planar surface. The pocket 111 extends vertically downwards towards the rear face 16. The pocket 111 extends below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 111 opens upwards in a direction facing the front face 15.

[0103] 15A and 15B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered right angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

[0104] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend, facing outward in a direction away from the center of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket 112 is provided at the third edge 13 between the vertically extending edge portion 182 and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 112 extends horizontally laterally towards the center of the panel 20 with the third edge 13. The pocket 112 preferably does not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 112 opens laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13.

[0105] 16A and 16B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered right angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

[0106] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend pointing outward in a direction from the center of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. A first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket 113 is provided at the third edge 13 between the vertically extending edge portion 182 and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 113 extends into the third edge in a direction having an angle with respect to the vertically extending edge portion 182, for example an angle of 15 to 75 degrees, for example an angle of 45 degrees. The pocket 113 may extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 113 opens at least partially laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13. The pocket 113 can have an opening that matches the length (in side view of FIG. 16B) of the chamfer.

[0107] 17A and 17B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel comprising the fourth edge 14. The bend may be a chamfered right angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

[0108] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a contiguous first bend, e.g., a 10-20 degree bend, facing inwardly of the third edge 13. The first bend is followed by a contiguous second bend, e.g., an acute bend, facing outwardly in a direction from the center of the panel. The second bend is followed by a contiguous horizontal planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket 114 is thereby provided at the third edge 13 between the vertically extending edge portion 182 and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 114 extends into the third edge. The pocket 114 preferably does not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 114 opens at least partially laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13. The pocket 114 may have an opening that is larger than the length (in side view of FIG. 17B) of the chamfer.

[0109] 18A and 18B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel comprising the fourth edge 14. The bend may be a chamfered right angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. A first upper lip portion 149 may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

[0110] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may include a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a contacting sharp bend that bends outward in a direction away from the center of the panel. The bend is followed by a contiguous planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may include said horizontal planar surface. The plane may form an angle with respect to the horizontal plane H. This provides a pocket 115 at the third edge 13 between the contacting plane and the first upper lip portion 149. The pocket 115 opens at least partially laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13. The pocket 115 may have an opening that is greater than the length (in the side view of FIG. 18B) of the chamfer.

[0111] 19A and 19B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, includes a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 184 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend that faces inwardly toward the center of the panel. The bend is a chamfered edge between the vertically extending edge portion 184 and the first upper lip portion 149. The chamfered edge provides the first pocket 116 between the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first upper lip portion 149 may include said horizontal planar surface.

[0112] An upper edge portion of the third edge 13, such as a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15. The vertically extending edge portion 182 is followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend, facing outward in a direction from the center of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The first lower lip portion 139 may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A second pocket 116' is provided in the vertically extending edge portion 182. The second pocket 116' then extends horizontally laterally towards the center of the panel 20 with the third edge 13. The second pocket 116' may not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The second pocket 116' opens laterally in a direction away from the third edge. When the third edge 13 is assembled to the fourth edge 14, the second pocket 116' is at least partially open to the first pocket 116 and is therefore at least partially in direct fluid communication with the first pocket 116.

[0113] Although the pockets 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 116' have been described with respect to the third edge 13 and fourth edge of the panel, such as the long edge, it should be understood that corresponding pockets may be formed between the first edge 11 and second edge of the panel, such as the short edge.

[0114] 20A shows an embodiment in which the first lower lip portion 139 is disposed in a first plane H1 and the second lower lip portion 119 is disposed in a second plane H2 displaced from the first plane H1. Preferably, the first plane H1 is disposed 0.2-0.5 mm, preferably about 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm below the second plane H2. Thus, the second lower lip portion 119 is disposed above the first lower lip portion 139 and closer to the front surface 15 than the first lower lip portion 139.

[0115] By configuring the second lower lip portion 119 in the second plane H2 to be disposed above the plane of the first lower lip portion 139, a fluid such as water may be encouraged to flow from the second lower lip portion 119 toward the first lower lip portion 139. The fluid may flow under the effect of gravity.

[0116] By configuring the second lower lip portion 119 in the second plane H2 to be positioned above the plane of the first lower lip portion 139, improved resistance to water penetration can be promoted in a floor having multiple panels in an assembled embodiment.

[0117] FIG. 20B shows an embodiment in which when the panels are assembled, for example when the first edge 11 is assembled to the second edge 12, the second upper lip portion 129 and the second lower lip portion 119 are disposed in a second plane H2.

[0118] FIG. 20C shows an embodiment in which the first upper lip portion 149 and the second lower lip portion 119 are disposed in a first plane H1 when the panel is assembled, for example when the third edge 13 is assembled to the fourth edge 14.

[0119] Item 1. a first mechanical locking system at each of the parallel and opposing third and fourth edges 13 and 4, e.g. long edges, adapted to cooperate to lock two adjacent building panels 10, 20 together, preferably by a folding action; a second mechanical locking system at the parallel and opposing first and second edges 11 and 12, e.g. short edges, configured to cooperate to lock two adjacent building panels 10, 30 together; A set of similar or essentially identical building panels, such as floor or wall panels, comprising: one of the long edges of the panel, for example the third edge 13 or the fourth edge, preferably an upper edge portion of the third edge 13, is provided with a first lower lip portion 139; When the third edge and the fourth edge are assembled in a locked state, the first lower lip portion 139 is configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion 149 of an upper edge portion of the other of the third edge and the fourth edge of an adjacent panel 20. set.

[0120] Item 2. said first locking system being adapted to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking of two adjacent building panels 10, 20, preferably by a folding action; The set described in item 1.

[0121] Item 3. said second mechanical locking system being adapted to cooperate for horizontal and / or vertical locking of two adjacent building panels 10, 30, preferably by a vertical movement, e.g. a vertical folding movement; The set according to item 1 or 2.

[0122] Item 4. the short edge of the panel, e.g., an upper edge portion of one of the first edge or the second edge, is provided with a second lower lip portion 119; The second lower lip portion 119 is configured to cooperate with a second upper lip portion 129 of an upper edge portion of the other of the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the adjacent panel 30 when the first edge portion and the second edge portion are assembled in a locked state. The set according to any one of items 1 to 3.

[0123] Item 5. The lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 each include a planar horizontal surface. The set described in item 4.

[0124] Item 6. The first lower lip portion 139 is continuous with the second lower lip portion 119, Preferably, the first upper lip portion 149 is continuous with the second upper lip portion 129. The set according to any one of items 4 to 5.

[0125] Item 7. said lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 preferably define a reference plane Dp continuously along said first edge, said second edge, said third edge and said fourth edge when the panel is assembled in a locking manner to a similar panel along all edges 11, 12, 13, 14, The set according to any one of items 4 to 6.

[0126] Item 8. the lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 contact one another so as to extend continuously along the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge; The set according to any one of items 4 to 7.

[0127] Item 9. the first upper lip portion 149 is configured to abut the first lower lip portion 139 when adjacent panels are assembled in a locked state by the first locking system; The set according to any one of items 4 to 8.

[0128] Item 10. the second upper lip portion 129 is configured to abut the second lower lip portion 119 when adjacent panels are assembled in a locked state by the second locking system; The set according to any one of items 4 to 9.

[0129] Item 11. said first and second locking systems respectively comprising locking tongues 11i, 12h, 14h and tongue-and-groove portions 11j, 12j, 13j; the lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 are disposed between the respective locking tongues or tongue-and-groove portions and the front surface 15 of the panel; The set according to any one of items 4 to 10.

[0130] Item 12. an upper edge portion of the second edge 12 and / or the fourth edge 14 comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15; the vertically extending edge portions are followed by contiguous bends directed inwardly toward the center of the panel; Preferably, the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The set according to any one of items 4 to 11.

[0131] Item 13. an upper edge portion of the first edge 11 and / or the third edge 13 comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface 15; the vertically extending edge portion is followed by a proximate bend that faces outwardly away from the center of the panel; Preferably, the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface. The set according to any one of items 4 to 12.

[0132] Item 14. The bend comprises a right angle bend. 14. The set according to any one of items 12 or 13.

[0133] Item 15. The first lower lip portion 139 is continuous with the second lower lip portion 119. The set according to any one of items 4 to 14.

[0134] Item 16. The first upper lip portion 149 is continuous with the second upper lip portion 129. The set according to any one of items 4 to 15.

[0135] Item 17. The second lower lip portion 119 is adjacent to the first upper lip portion 149. The set according to any one of items 4 to 16.

[0136] Item 18. The second upper lip portion 129 is adjacent to the first lower lip portion 139. The set according to any one of items 4 to 17.

[0137] Item 19. the first upper lip portion 149, the second upper lip portion 129, the first lower lip portion 139, and the second lower lip portion 119 define a reference plane Dp for aligning the front surface 15 of the building panel with respect to the front surface (15) of an adjacent building panel; The set according to any one of items 4 to 18.

[0138] Item 20. one of the first edge or the second edge is provided with a second locking tongue 11j, e.g. a displaceable locking tongue configured for linear translation in a displacement groove 11k; the other of the first edge and the second edge includes a second tongue groove portion 12j for receiving the second locking tongue; The lip portion (119, 129, 139, 149) is disposed between the first tongue groove and the front surface 15 of the panel. The set according to any one of items 4 to 19.

[0139] Item 21. said lip portions 119, 129, 139, 149 are adjacent to one another and preferably extend continuously along said first edge, said second edge, said third edge and said fourth edge, and / or define said reference plane Dp along said first edge, said second edge, said third edge and said fourth edge, when the panel is assembled in a locked manner with a similar panel along all edges 11, 12, 13, 14, The set according to any one of items 4 to 20.

[0140] Item 22. the first lip portion, the second lip portion, the third lip portion, and the fourth lip portion extend essentially in a common plane; The set according to any one of items 4 to 21.

[0141] Item 23. The panel comprises a surface layer 15a, The surface layer contains a binder such as a thermosetting resin. The set according to any one of items 1 to 22.

[0142] Item 24. the binder 18 has a penetration depth into the core 17 of the panel in a direction transverse to the front surface 15; Item 24. The set according to item 23.

[0143] Item 25. the penetration depth extends to and includes at least a portion of the lip portion; Item 25. The set according to item 24.

[0144] Item 26. The surface layer 15a is a protective surface layer and / or a decorative surface layer. A set according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

[0145] Item 27. The surface layer 15a includes one or more of a veneer, a pigment, and a cellulose fiber. The set according to any one of Items 23 to 26.

[0146] Item 28. The binder includes a thermosetting binder such as melamine formaldehyde. The set according to any one of Items 23 to 27.

[0147] Item 29. The core 17 may include one or more of MDF, HDF, wood, stone, ceramics, PVC, and plastic. The set according to any one of Items 24 to 28.

[0148] Item 30. The first lower lip portion 139 is disposed in a first plane H1, The second lower lip portion 119 is disposed in a second plane H2 displaced from the first plane H1. A set according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

[0149] Item 31. The first plane H1 is disposed 0.2 to 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.3 mm, and more preferably 0.3 mm below the second plane H2. The set according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

[0150] Item 32. an upper edge portion of the second edge 12 and / or the fourth edge 14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 184 being followed by a first bend, preferably a right angle bend pointing inwards towards the centre of the panel, preferably comprising a chamfered edge between said vertically extending edge portion 184 and said first upper lip portion 149, 139, said bend being followed by a horizontal planar surface, preferably said first upper lip portion 149, 129 comprising said horizontal planar surface; a third edge 13, such as a long edge, and / or an upper edge portion of the first edge 11, comprising a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 182 being followed by a second bend, preferably a right angle bend pointing outwards in a direction away from the centre of the panel, said second bend being followed by a horizontal planar surface, preferably said first lower lip portion 139, 119 comprising said horizontal planar surface, and pockets 111, 112, 113 being provided at said third edge 13 and / or said first edge 11 between said vertically extending edge portion 182 and said plane, A set according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

[0151] Item 33. The pocket 111 extends vertically downward toward the rear face 16. Preferably, the pocket 111 extends below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 111 opens upward in the direction facing the front surface 15 . Item 33. The set according to item 32.

[0152] Item 34. The pocket 112 extends laterally toward the center of the panel 20 including the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11 in a horizontal direction; Preferably, the second pocket 112 does not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket 112 opens laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11. Item 33. The set according to item 32.

[0153] Item 35. The pocket 113 extends into the third edge at an angle to the vertically extending edge portion 182, for example at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees, for example at an angle of 45 degrees; The pocket 113 extends below the horizontal planar surface; The pocket 113 is at least partially open laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11. Item 33. The set according to item 32.

[0154] Item 36. an upper edge portion of the fourth edge 14 and / or the second edge 12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from the front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 184 being followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend, directed inwards towards the centre of the panel, said bend being preferably a chamfered right angle edge between said vertically extending edge portion 184 and said first upper lip portion 149, 129, said chamfered edge forming a first pocket 116 between said third edge 13 and said fourth edge and / or between said first edge 11 and said second edge 12, said first bend being followed by a horizontally planar surface, said first upper lip portion 149, 129 comprising said horizontally planar surface; an upper edge portion of the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11, such as a long edge, comprising a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 182 being followed by a second bend, preferably a right angle bend facing outward in a direction away from the center of the panel, said bend being followed by a horizontally planar surface, said first lower lip portion 139, 119 comprising said horizontally planar surface, a second pocket 116' being provided in said vertically extending edge portion 182, said second pocket 116' being provided at a portion of the panel 20 comprising the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11 in a horizontal direction; extending laterally towards the centre, preferably said second pocket 116' does not extend below said horizontal planar surface, preferably said second pocket 116' opens laterally in a direction away from said third edge 13 and / or said first edge, preferably when said third edge 13 is assembled against said fourth edge 14 and / or said first edge 11 is assembled against said second edge 12, said second pocket 116' is at least partially open to said first pocket 116 and at least partially in direct fluid communication with said first pocket 116'; The set according to any one of items 1 to 31.

[0155] Item 37. an upper edge portion of said fourth edge 14 and / or said second edge 12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from said front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 184 being followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend, facing inwardly towards the centre of said panel comprising said fourth edge 14 and / or said second edge 12, preferably said bend being a chamfered right angle bend, said first bend being followed by a horizontal planar surface, said first upper lip portion 149, 129 comprising said horizontal planar surface; An upper edge portion of the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15, the vertically extending edge portion 182 being followed by an adjacent first inwardly directed bend within the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11, such as a 10-20 degree bend, the first bend being followed by an adjacent second outwardly directed bend in a direction away from the center of the panel, such as an acute angle bend, the second bend being followed by an adjacent horizontal planar surface, and the first lower lip portion 139 , 119 comprises the horizontal planar surface, whereby a pocket 114 is provided at the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11 between the vertically extending edge portion 182 and the horizontal planar surface, the pocket 114 extending into the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11, the pocket 114 preferably not extending below the horizontal planar surface, and the pocket 114 at least partially opens laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13 and / or the first edge 11; The set according to any one of items 1 to 31.

[0156] Item 38. an upper edge portion of said fourth edge 14 and / or said second edge 12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion 184 extending from said front surface 15, said vertically extending edge portion 184 being followed by a bend, preferably a right angle bend pointing inwardly towards the centre of said panel comprising said fourth edge 14 and / or said second edge 12, preferably said bend being a chamfered right angle bend, said bend being followed by a horizontal planar surface, said first upper lip portion 149, 129 comprising said horizontal planar surface; an upper edge portion of the third edge 13 and / or first edge 11, such as a long edge, comprising a vertically extending edge portion 182 extending from the front surface 15, followed by a contiguous acute angled bend facing outward in a direction away from the center of the panel, followed by a contiguous flat surface, the first lower lip portion 139, 119 comprising the horizontal planar surface, the contiguous flat surface forming an angle with respect to the front surface 15, such that a pocket 115 is provided at the third edge 13 and / or first edge 11 between the flat surface and the first upper lip portion 149, 129, the pocket 115 opening at least partially laterally in a direction away from the third edge 13 and / or first edge 11; The set according to any one of items 1 to 31.

Claims

1. A set of similar or essentially identical building panels for use in floor or wall panels, Each of the building panels comprises: a first mechanical locking system at each of the parallel and opposing third and fourth edges (13) and (14) of the long edges of the building panels, the first mechanical locking system comprising a first locking tongue and a first tongue-and-groove for vertical locking and a first locking element and a first locking groove for horizontal locking, the first locking tongue and the first tongue-and-groove cooperating with each other and the first locking element and the first locking groove cooperating with each other to lock two adjacent building panels (10, 20) together in the horizontal and vertical directions; a second mechanical locking system at each of the parallel and opposing first and second short edges (11) and (12) of the building panels, the second mechanical locking system comprising a second locking tongue and second tongue-groove for vertical locking and a second locking element and second locking groove for horizontal locking, the second locking tongue and second tongue-groove cooperating with each other and the second locking element and second locking groove cooperating with each other to lock two adjacent building panels (10, 30) in the horizontal and vertical directions; In a set comprising: an upper edge portion of one of the third edge (13) or the fourth edge (14) comprising a first lower lip portion (139); when the third edge (13) and the fourth edge (14) are assembled in a locked state, the first lower lip portion (139) is configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion (149) of an upper edge portion of the other of the third edge (13) and the fourth edge (14) of an adjacent building panel (20); an upper edge portion of one of the first edge or the second edge includes a second lower lip portion (119); when the first edge and the second edge are assembled in a locked state, the second lower lip portion (119) is configured to cooperate with a second upper lip portion (129) of an upper edge portion of the other of the first edge and the second edge of an adjacent panel (30); The first lower lip portion (139) is continuous with the second lower lip portion (119), The first upper lip portion (149) is contiguous with the second upper lip portion (129).

2. The lip portions (119, 129, 139, 149) each include a planar horizontal surface; The set according to claim 1.

3. said lip portions (119, 129, 139, 149) define a reference plane (Dp) continuously along said first edge, said second edge, said third edge and said fourth edge when said building panel is assembled in a locked manner with a similar building panel along all edges (11, 12, 13, 14); A set according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the lip portions (119, 129, 139, 149) contact each other so as to extend continuously along the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge; A set according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first upper lip portion (149) is configured to abut the first lower lip portion (139) when adjacent building panels are locked together by the first mechanical locking system. A set according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the second upper lip portion (129) is configured to abut the second lower lip portion (119) when adjacent building panels are locked together by the second mechanical locking system. A set according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the lip portion (119, 129, 139, 149) is disposed between the respective locking tongue or tongue-and-groove portion and the front surface (15) of the building panel; A set according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the upper edge portion of the second edge (12) and / or the fourth edge (14) each comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from a front surface (15) of the building panel; the vertically extending edge portions are followed by contiguous bends directed inwardly toward the center of the building panel; the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface of the first upper lip portion (149) and / or a planar surface of the second upper lip portion (129); A set according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the upper edge portion of the first edge (11) and / or the third edge (13) each comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from a front surface (15) of the building panel; the vertically extending edge portions are followed by contiguous bends that face outwardly away from the center of the building panel; the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface of the first lower lip portion (139) and / or a planar surface of the second lower lip portion (119); A set according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The bend comprises a right angle bend. A set according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The panel comprises a surface layer (15a), The surface layer contains a thermosetting resin binder. A set according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the binder (18) has a penetration depth into the core (17) of the panel in a direction transverse to the front face (15) of the building panel; The set according to claim 11.

13. the penetration depth extends to at least a portion of the lip portion; The set according to claim 12.

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