COATING CONSISTS OF PANELS

Abstract

The invention proposes a covering consisting of plates, such as a floor covering consisting of floor covering plates, in which the plates (1) are all of the same multilayer construction with a base layer (11) and a top layer (12), in which each edge has a sealing face (6), in which, for the jointsed edges, the corresponding sealing faces (6) are in contact with each other, the sealing faces (6) are located in the upper half of the jointsed edges.

Description

[0001] Covering comprising panels

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The disclosure relates to a covering comprising panels, such as a floor covering comprising floor panels or a wall covering comprising wall panels.

[0004] Panels are known in the art, and may be used for flooring or wall coverings. These panels comprise a coupling part on each edge to couple the panels to each other to form a covering. Panels of this kind are widely known, for example from WO 97 / 47834, WO 2006 / 066776, WO 2010 / 023042, WO 2011 / 077311 , WO 2020 / 109961 , WO 2021 / 224810 and WO 2022 / 013647. The coupling parts of each of the publications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] The panels from WO 2010 / 023042 and WO 2011 / 077311 describe resilient panels, for example panels comprising thermoplastic material such as PVC. Panels of this kind are built up from material that is resistant to water and offer a more acceptable sound of walking. Panels of this kind are, however, also liable to dimensional change when there is a change in the temperature of the environment.

[0006] In the case of panels such as those from WO 2010 / 023042 and WO 2011 / 077311, change of temperature may lead to local expansion effects, for example where sunlight is directly incident on the covering. In the market, local expansion effects of this kind are indicated with a "hot spot." The inventors have established that the floor coverings that are assembled with the panels from the prior art may rise locally and form a sort of bubbles, and / or the seams between the respective panels may project upward. This last-mentioned phenomenon is sometimes indicated in the market as "peaking."

[0007] To address the hot spot problem, the panels from WO 2022 / 013647 feature coupling parts which allow displacement in the direction along the coupled edges e.g., the longitudinal direction, and the contact is at the height of softer parts. The softer parts provides for displacement to adjust with changes in temperature. However, for coverings which do not allow expansion along certain coupled edges, for example for coverings with a herringbone pattern where no movement according to the longitudinal direction is permitted and / or for coverings wherein there is pretension between some or all off the coupled edges of the panels, it was found that the solution described in WO 2022 / 013647 is less useful.

[0008] Moreover, a general problem for installing panels with a herringbone pattern is that often two different types of these panels are required to achieve the herringbone design. In this case, the one type of panels is the mirror image of the other type of panels. This not only makes installation of the panels more difficult, as the correct type of panel has to be selected as the next panel to be installed, but it also makes the manufacturing process relatively complicated because two types of panels have to be manufactured.

[0009] The panels from WO 2020 / 109961 describe panels for a herringbone pattern that feature single-design, identical panels, wherein each panel is provided with ‘cut-outs’ of the interlocking lip that is absent along a portion of the long edge of the panel. However, peaking can be a problem if the panels are resilient panels. As such, there is a need for resilient panels that may be coupled into an expansion-resistant pattern, e.g., herringbone, that avoid hot spots and peaking at the seams between the respective panels. Coupling strength between the coupled edges can be a problem and this for resilient panels and non-resilient panels, such as for example wood based panels -e.g. laminate panels comprising a wood fiber substrate layer or a particle board substrate layer, or parquet panels or veneer parquet panels- or mineral based panels -e.g. panels having a cement based substrate layer, a magnesium oxide based substrate layer (MgO based substrate layer), etc.-.

[0010] Summary

[0011] The invention, according to the first and / or second aspect, relates to a covering, wherein according to various preferred embodiments, a solution is offered for the problems with the coverings from the prior art. The invention, according to a first aspect, relates to a covering comprising panels, such as a floor covering comprising floor panels, wherein said panels each have the same layered construction with a substrate layer and a top layer, wherein said panels comprise a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges, wherein said first pair of opposite edges comprise a first edge and a second edge, wherein said second pair of opposite edges comprise a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein said first and second pair of opposite edges have coupling parts which allow the panels to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein said coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels, obtains a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, and / or comprise a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels, obtains a locking in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels; wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered, and wherein each edge has a sealing face wherein, for coupled edges, the respective sealing faces substantially abut each other, the sealing faces being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and / or horizontal locking system; wherein the substrate layer comprises a first layer and a consecutive second layer, both said first layer and said second layer comprising thermoplastic material, said first layer being more rigid than said second layer, wherein the transition between the first and the second layer is located at the height of said sealing faces, such that each sealing face comprises a rigid contact surface formed by the first layer and a consecutive soft contact surface formed by the second layer, wherein, for coupled edges, the rigid contact surfaces and the soft contact surfaces abut each other.

[0012] Here the transition between the first layer and the second layer is located at the height of each sealing face, such that each edge has a sealing face comprising a said rigid contact surface and a said soft contact surface. However variants, wherein the transition between the first layer and the second layer is located at the height of only one sealing face or only two sealing faces or only three sealing faces, are also possible. For example, the first pair of opposite edges (or the second pair of opposite edges) can comprise sealing faces wherein the transition between the first layer and the second layer is located at the height of said sealing faces and wherein the second pair of opposite edges (or the first pair of opposite edges) comprise sealing faces wherein the transition between the first layer and the second layer is located below said sealing faces. For these variants, one said edge, or one pair of opposite edges, comprise sealing faces having a said rigid contact surface and a said soft contact surface.

[0013] With the same layered structure is indicated that the panels have the same built up, namely the same consecutive layers with the same thicknesses for these consecutive layers. When forming a covering with these panels, the corresponding layers of the panels all extend in the same plane. The panels all have a substrate layer and a top layer. This substrate layer comprises at least two consecutive layers, namely said first layer and said second layer. However it is not excluded that said substrate layer has one or more additional layers. These one or more additional layers preferably comprise thermoplastic material, however this is not obliged. Other additional layers, such as mineral based layers or wood based layers can be present. Said panels can only comprise a said top layer and a said substrate layer. However, embodiments wherein other layers, in addition to said top layer and substrate layer, are present are also possible. For example the panels can have a backing layer, such as an additional pad, attached to said substrate layer. The top layer is the layer present above the substrate layer. Said top layer can be directly attached to said substrate layer or indirectly, e.g. with an additional glue layer. The top layer preferably comprises a decorative layer / decor layer, being for example a print layer or a printed film or a printed paper or a wood veneer layer or a timber layer of more than 2,5 mm thickness. Further preferably said top layer comprises a wear layer above said decorative layer / decor layer to protect this decorative layer / decor layer. This wear layer can comprise a thermoplastic based layer and / or a resin impregnated paper and / or a lacquer layer and / or an oil layer. Further said top layer can comprise a lacquer layer and / or an oil layer, which is or which is not part of a said wear layer.

[0014] With a location above said vertical and / or horizontal locking system is indicated a location above the places where there is vertical locking and / or horizontal locking. For example, when the coupling parts have male and female coupling parts comprising tongues and grooves, said sealing faces are located above said tongues and grooves.

[0015] With said first layer being more rigid than said second layer is preferably indicated that the material of which the first layer is constructed, is more rigid than the material of which the second layer is constructed.

[0016] With the sealing faces of two coupled edges substantially abutting each other, is indicated that said sealing faces abut each other and as such contact each other, or that there is only a clearance in between which is at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm and even more preferably at most 0.03 mm. Said sealing faces preferably extend upright and more preferably extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panels. Preferably said sealing faces of coupled edges form an upright upper seam between the coupled edges.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling parts comprise male and female coupling parts. For example, male coupling parts can be present on the first and third edges, and female coupling parts can be present on the second and fourth edges. In another embodiment, a male coupling part can be present on the first edge and female coupling parts can be present on the second, third and fourth edge, or a female coupling part can be present on the first edge and male coupling parts can be present on the second, third and fourth edge. The male coupling parts of the panel are at least arranged to interlock with corresponding female coupling parts of a corresponding panel. Each male coupling part then comprises a said rigid contact surface that is arranged to abut another rigid contact surface of the corresponding female coupling part of the corresponding panel. Each male coupling part then comprises a said soft contact surface that is arranged to abut another soft contact surface of the corresponding female coupling part of the corresponding panel.

[0018] A said male coupling part can comprise a tongue and a corresponding said female coupling part can comprise a groove that is delimited by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein the said male coupling part is couplable to said female coupling part by a turning and / or horizontal shifting movement. Said male coupling part can further comprise a downwardly directed interlocking groove and said lower lip can comprise an upwardly directed locking element which is configured to cooperate with said downwardly directed interlocking groove to produce a horizontal interlocking. Said lower lip can then also be referred to as the interlocking lip. For example said first and second edges can comprise a said male and female coupling part. Said first and second edges and said third and fourth edges can both comprise similar said male and female coupling parts.

[0019] A said male coupling part can comprise a downward directed upper hook shaped part comprising a lip with a downwardly directed locking element defining proximally thereof a downwardly directed recess, and the female coupling part can comprise an upward directed lower hook shaped part comprising a lip with an upwardly directed locking element defining proximally thereof a female part in the form of an upwardly directed recess. Said male and female coupling part can be coupled to each other by a downward movement. For example said first and second edge can comprise a male and female coupling part as described in the paragraph above, while the third and fourth edge can comprise a male and female coupling part as described in this paragraph. Such panels are preferably connectable to each other by a so-called fold down movement.

[0020] A first male coupling part can comprise a tongue that is configured to interlock with a groove of the corresponding female coupling. The tongue is configured to extend beyond the sealing face of said male coupling part according to a horizontal direction. In an embodiment, at least one male coupling part further comprises an upper groove formed in the substrate layer, the upper groove being arranged above the tongue and below the said sealing face. At least one female coupling part comprises an upper lip, which is configured to interlock with the upper groove and which delimits the top of the groove of the female coupling. The upper lip extends beyond the sealing face of the female coupling. In a preferred embodiment, at least one female coupling part comprises a minor groove that is adjacent the said sealing face and adjacently above the upper lip of the female coupling.

[0021] Displacement along at least some coupled edges can be hindered by one or more of the following:

[0022] -some or all coupled edges can be coupled to each other with pretension. Pretension can be achieved by providing an overlap in the contours of the coupling parts of the coupled edges, as such creating a tension when said edges are coupled. Preferably the overlap is situated at least, and preferably essentially, at the location of the horizontal locking system. For example one of said coupled edges can have a male coupling part comprising a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking groove, while the other of the coupled edges has a female coupling part comprising a groove bordered at the bottom by lower lip comprising an upwardly directed locking element, e.g. the lower lip being an interlocking lip. The tongue is provided to engage in the groove and forms part or is the vertical locking system, while the upwardly directed locking element is provided to engage with the downwardly directed interlocking groove, as such forming locking surfaces which are part of or form the horizontal locking system. There can be an overlap at the height of the upwardly directed locking element and the downwardly directed interlocking groove, wherein as a result, a bending-out arises on the lower lip of the groove. The bent-out lower lip then presses, in an attempt to return to its state of rest, the male coupling part toward the female coupling part. Therefore preferably a tension arises on the sealing faces. This tension will prevent movement along the longitudinal direction of the coupled edges. Any loading of the lower lip of the groove is preferably a load that gives rise to a bending-out of the lower lip, when the edges are coupled to each other, of at least 0.03 mm, more preferably at least 0.07 millimeter;

[0023] -the panels can be installed in a herringbone pattern or a chevron pattern, that hinders movement of the panels, or any other installation pattern that hinders movement;

[0024] -movement along the coupled edges can be hindered by the space in which the covering is present, for example said space can have walls and / or a rough underground upon which the covering is installed;

[0025] -movement along the coupled edges can be hindered by the installation manner, e.g. the panels can be glued to an underground / surface and / or stapled / screwed to a surface;

[0026] -movement for certain installation patterns is not desirable. For example for a grid pattern, it is important that the grid remains a grid, here expansion can for example be hindered by inserts which couple the panels in a desired mutual position. For example the covering can have coupling parts and inserts as described in WO 2023 / 131873, wherein said panels with coupling parts and inserts as described in this patent publication are incorporated by reference. Surprisingly it has been found that providing said sealing faces with a combination of rigid and soft contact surfaces, peaking / hotspot problems are reduced. Further preferred embodiments relating to these first and second layers and / or relating to this soft and rigid contact surfaces are further discussed.

[0027] The panels can be rectangular, square or elongate, or other panels shapes, such as parallelogram or hexagonal, etc. The covering can have different types of panels having different shapes.

[0028] In an embodiment, the second layer is a foamed layer, wherein said foamed layer may or may not comprise plasticizers. In an embodiment, said first layer is a foamed layer, wherein said foamed layer may or may not comprises plasticizers, and preferably does not comprise plasticizers. A said foamed layer can comprise a foamed thermoplastic material selected from the group of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), irradiation-crosslinked polyethylene (IXPE), irradiation-crosslinked polypropylene (IXPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), expanded polyethylene copolymer (EPC), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC-plastisol, polyurethane (PU), or combinations thereof.

[0029] In an embodiment, the top layer comprises a decorative layer / decor layer. This decor layer is for example a printed thermoplastic sheet. However this decor layer can only comprise a print which is then preferably directly printed upon the substrate layer. With directly printed is indicated that the print is applied without an additional sheet, however this does not exclude the presence of a primer to enhance adhesion between the print and the substrate layer. The top layer can further comprise a wear layer to provide protection and durability for the panel. The decor layer is preferably located between the substrate layer and the wear layer. The wear layer can comprise a thermoplastic sheet and / or comprise a lacquer. The wear layer can form tapered edges, for example lowered edges in the form of a bevel or chamfer, along the first, second, third, and / or fourth edges.

[0030] In an embodiment, the panel can comprise a backing layer, for example a foamed backing layer, that is applied to the bottom of the substrate layer and forms for example a pad.

[0031] In a specific embodiment the second layer is located between the first layer and the top layer, and as such forms an intermediate layer. The first layer, which is the more rigid layer, is here located below the second layer, which is the softer layer. Preferably no other layers are present between the first layer and the top layer and / or between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer can form at least 50 percentage of the total thickness of the substrate layer, more preferably at least 70 percentage, such that the panel has sufficient stiffness and strength. By having said second layer as the intermediate layer, this second layer will not only prevent peaking -and this together with the first layer-, but will also contribute to sound dampening and the soft feeling when walking upon the covering. Said substrate layer can only comprise said first and second layer.

[0032] In a specific embodiment the second layer is located between the first layer and the top layer, and as such forms an intermediate layer. The first layer, which is the more rigid layer, is here located below the second layer, which is the softer layer. Preferably no other layers are present between the first layer and the top layer and / or between the first layer and the second layer. Further the substrate layer can comprise one or more additional layers, e.g. a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, etc. Here the first and second layer are located between the top layer and said one or more additional layers. Preferably at least one or all of said one or more additional layers, are softer, e.g. more flexible, then said first layer. Further preferably, the transition between said first layer and a said consecutive additional layer is located at the height of a said sealing face. Here the entire thickness / height of said first layer forms said rigid contact surface of the sealing face. Preferably said one or more additional layers which are softer then the first layer, have a shore A hardness that is at least 10 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the first layer and / or have a shore A hardness which is at most 5 units lower / higher than the Shore A hardness of the second layer and / or have an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer and / or have an elastic modulus that is at most 5.0% lower / higher than the elastic modulus of the second layer. Here the covering can be very ergonomic with good sound properties. The first layer can form at most 10 percentage of the total thickness of the substrate layer. By having said second layer as the intermediate layer, this second layer will not only prevent peaking -and this together with the first layer-, but will also contribute to sound dampening and the soft feeling when walking upon the covering. Preferably said one or more additional layers which are softer then the first layer, have a shore A hardness that is 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the first layer.

[0033] In light of the present invention, the term "Shore A hardness" indicates the hardness of a said layer as determined with a Shore durometer of type A. The methodology for determining the Shore A hardness, as well as the specific requirements that are imposed on a Shore durometer of type A, are defined in ASTM standard D2240, in particular ASTM standard D2240-15R21. A suitable method for measuring the elastic modulus is ASTM standard El 11-17.

[0034] In a specific embodiment the first layer is located between the second layer and the top layer, and as such forms an intermediate layer. The first layer, which is the more rigid layer, is here located above the second layer, which is the softer layer. Preferably no other layers are present between the second layer and the top layer and / or between the second layer and the first layer. The second layer can form at least 50 percentage of the total thickness of the substrate layer, more preferably at least 70 percentage, such that the panel has good sound properties and ergonomics. By having said first layer as the intermediate layer, this first layer will not only prevent peaking -and this together with the second layer-, but will also contribute to the strength of the panel. Said substrate layer can only comprise said first and second layer.

[0035] In a specific embodiment the first layer is located between the second layer and the top layer, and as such forms an intermediate layer. The first layer, which is the more rigid layer, is here located above the second layer, which is the softer layer. Preferably no other layers are present between the second layer and the top layer and / or between the second layer and the first layer. Further the substrate layer can comprise one or more additional layers, e.g. a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, etc. Here the first and second layer are located between the top layer and said one or more additional layers. Preferably at least one or all of said one or more additional layers, are more rigid, e.g. less flexible, then said second layer. Further preferably, the transition between said second layer and a said consecutive additional layer is located at the height of a said sealing face. Here the entire thickness / height of the second layer forms said soft contact surface of the sealing face. Preferably said one or more additional layers which are more rigid then the second layer, have a shore A hardness that is at least 10 units higher than the Shore A hardness of the second layer and / or have a shore A hardness which is at most 5 units lower / higher than the Shore A hardness of the first layer and / or have an elastic modulus that is at higher 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the second layer and / or have an elastic modulus that is at most 5.0% lower / higher than the elastic modulus of the first layer. Here the covering can have a good strength and dimensional stability. The second layer can form at most 10 percentage of the total thickness of the substrate layer. By having said first layer as the intermediate layer, this first layer will not only prevent peaking -and this together with the second layer-, but will also contribute to strength and dimensional stability. Preferably said one or more additional layers which are harder than the second layer, have a shore A hardness that is 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 units higher than the Shore A hardness of the second layer.

[0036] In a specific embodiment the substrate layer comprises said first layer, said second layer and at least one additional layer. Said additional layer can or cannot have the same rigidity as the first layer or the second layer. For example said additional layer can have the same composition as the first layer or the same composition as the second layer. For example the substrate layer can comprise three layers, for example from top to bottom, the first layer, the second layer and said additional layer, wherein said additional can or cannot have the same composition as the first layer. If the first layer and the additional layer have the same composition, then the panel is preferably of the so-called type of ABA. For example the substrate layer can comprise three layers, for example from top to bottom, the second layer, the first layer and said additional layer, wherein said additional can or cannot have the same composition as the second layer. If the second layer and the additional layer have the same composition, then the panel is preferably of the so-called type of ABA. A said additional layer can or cannot partially form the sealing face.

[0037] In an embodiment a said rigid contact surface and a said consecutive soft contact surface of a said sealing face, define a first contact height / thickness according to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels. Said rigid contact surface preferably takes up between 20% and 80% of the first contact height / thickness, more preferably between 30% and 70%, most preferably between 40% and 60%. Here there is a good balance between soft contact and more rigid contact, such that peaking / hot spot problems are significantly reduced. Preferred ratios of the height of the rigid contact surface and the height of the soft contact surface are 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50.

[0038] Further preferably the second layer is located between the first layer and the top layer, and forms an intermediate layer, such that the height of the soft contact surface corresponds to the thickness of the second layer, or wherein the first layer is located between the second layer and the top layer and forms an intermediate layer, such that the height of the rigid contact surface corresponds to the thickness of the first layer. Here the entire intermediate layer forms a said respective contact surface, such that the thickness and the rigidity / softness of the intermediate layer can be chosen to obtain the panel with the desired characteristics. In this application, the height indicates the dimension perpendicular to the plane of the panels and the thickness of the said layers corresponds to the dimension of said layers perpendicular to the plane of the panels.

[0039] Also further preferably, the first contact height is situated between 0,5 mm and 1,5 mm, for example is between 0,8 and 1,2 mm.

[0040] Also further preferably the height of the first contact thickness is between 15 and 30 percentage of the total thickness / height of the panel, the height / thickness of the panel being the dimension of the panel perpendicular to the plane of the panels. The height of the first contact thickness is ideal to counter peaking problems, and this without compromising upon the coupling strength. Preferably the total thickness / height of the panel is located between 3,5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0041] The height of said rigid contact surface is preferably at least 0,2 mm, preferably at least 0,3 mm. Here there is enough rigid contact surface present to counter any peaking problems in a good manner.

[0042] The height of a said soft contact surface is preferably at least 0,2 mm, preferably at least 0,3 mm.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment each sealing face has a top contact surface formed by the top layer, wherein said top contact surfaces defines a second contact height / thickness according to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, wherein said second contact height / thickness is preferably at least 0,1 mm and wherein preferably the sealing face is only formed by the top contact surface, the soft contact surface and the rigid contact surface. If the sealing face is only formed by the top contact surface, the soft contact surface and the rigid contact surface, then the height of said sealing face is the sum of said first and said second contact height. In another embodiment the said sealing face is formed by the top contact surface, the soft contact surface and the rigid contact surface and an additional contact surface formed by an additional layer of the substrate layer, said first and second layer being located between the top layer and said additional layer. The top contact surface preferably directly contacts the soft contact surface or the rigid contact surface, such that there is no intermediate glue layer or the like in between the top layer and the substrate layer. If a lowered edge is present, in the form a bevel or a chamfer, this lowered edge is preferably only present in the top layer, for example only in the wear layer when the top layer comprises a said wear layer.

[0044] Further preferably the top layer forms a lowered edge, for example in the form of a bevel or a chamfer, located above and adjacent said top contact surface. Such a bevel can be indicated as a microbevel.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the panel comprises a lowered edge, for example in the form of a bevel or a chamfer, which extends into the substrate layer, wherein the sealing face is for example only formed by said soft contact surface and said rigid contact surface.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, one or more of the following properties, as long as not- contradictory, are present

[0047] -the second layer has a Shore A hardness that is 10 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the first layer;

[0048] -the second layer has an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer;

[0049] -the second layer has a material with a substantially open cell structure;

[0050] -the second layer comprises a foamed material;

[0051] -the first layer comprises a foamed material;

[0052] -the first layer is less foamed than the second layer; -the second layer comprises plasticizers, preferably in an amount of more than 10 phr, for example in an amount between 15 and 25 phr, such as 20 phr. ;

[0053] -the first layer does not comprise plasticizers.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment the second layer has a Shore A hardness of 100 or less, preferably a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the first layer does not comprise plasticizers or comprises plasticizers in an amount of less than 15 phr, preferably of less than 10 phr, more preferably of less than 5 phr.

[0056] In a specific embodiment the first layer is made of a synthetic material composite comprising thermoplastic material and an inorganic fillers, the weight ratio between the applied thermoplastic material and the applied inorganic fillers is preferably between 35:65 and 15:85, for example 20:80 or 25:75 or 30:70. The thermoplastic material can be chosen from the list of: PVC, PP, PET, PE, EVA, PU etc.

[0057] In a specific embodiment the second layer is made of a synthetic material composite comprising thermoplastic material and inorganic fillers, the weight ratio between the applied thermoplastic material and the applied inorganic fillers is preferably between 99:1 and 50:50, more preferably between 99:1 and 55:45. The second layer can also not comprise inorganic fillers. The thermoplastic material can be chosen from the list of: PVC, PP, PET, PE, PU, EVA, etc.

[0058] The first layer can or cannot be a foamed layer. The second layer can or cannot be a foamed layer. For example if the second layer is a foamed layer, then the first layer can be a foamed layer that is foamed less than the second layer, or the first layer cannot be foamed.

[0059] In a very preferred embodiment, displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered by the corresponding coupling parts, with preferably the horizontal locking system and / or the vertical locking system having pretension. For example the horizontal locking system of said corresponding coupling parts obtaining a locking in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels can be with pretension. Pretension, as stated above, is achieved by providing an overlap in the contours of the male and female coupling part, so that a light drive fit arises. The overlap is situated at least, and preferably essentially, at the location of the aforementioned horizontally acting locking system. As a result, preferably a bending-out arises on the underside of the panel, for example on the lower lip of the female coupling part. The bent-out portion then presses, in an attempt to return to its state of rest, the male coupling part toward the female coupling part. The loading of the lower lip of female coupling part, when the panels are coupled to each other, can be limited to a load that gives rise to a bending-out of at most 0.07 millimeter, but preferably is such that the bending-out is more than 0.07 millimeter, for example more than 0, 1 mm.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment the panels are elongate rectangular panels having two opposite long edges and two opposite short edges, wherein the first pair of opposite edges are the long edges and the second pair of opposite edges are the short edges, and wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered in such a way that expansion along the lengthwise direction of the panels is hindered. Displacement can be hindered by so-called pretension and / or the installation pattern. For example a herringbone pattern hinders expansion along the lengthwise direction (and also the width direction).

[0061] In a specific embodiment the covering can have a grid pattern, for example a grid pattern with square tiles or with elongate rectangular tiles, or the covering can have a half-half pattern. With such patterns it is important that the pattern does not change during use of the covering. Movement of the panels can here be hindered by for example inserts and / or attachment means. In a preferred embodiment the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges comprise a male coupling part and a female coupling part, said first edge comprising the male coupling part and the second edge comprising the female coupling part, wherein said male and female coupling part are configured such that a first said panel can be coupled with its first edge into the second edge of a second said panel by means of an angling movement and / or by means of a substantially horizontal sliding movement with snap action. The coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges can or cannot have the same features of the first pair of opposite edges. The male coupling part can comprise a tongue and the female coupling part can comprise a groove. These types of female and male coupling parts can be as described in WO 2021 / 105798, WO 2021 / 070022, WO 2006 / 032398 or WO 97 / 47834. The coupling parts described in these patent publications are incorporated by reference. Further, in a specific embodiment, the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges comprise a male coupling part and a female coupling part, said third edge comprising the male coupling part and the fourth edge comprising the female coupling part, wherein said male and female coupling part are configured such that a first said panel can be coupled with its third edge into the fourth edge of a second said panel by means of a downward movement. These types of female and male coupling parts can be as described in WO 2017 / 115202, WO 2022 / 157618, WO 2023 / 100029, WO 2021 / 111210, or WO 2019 / 138365 or WO 2017 / 187298, WO 2020 / 161627. The coupling parts described in these patent publications are incorporated by reference.

[0062] In a specific embodiment the panels are suitable for forming a floor covering in herringbone pattern, wherein the panels are oblong rectangular and thus comprise a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, the first pair of opposite edges being the long edges and the second pair of opposite edges being the short edges, wherein the panels comprise at least a first type and a second type of panels, wherein the coupling parts of the first type of panels on the first pair of opposite edges are mirrored in respect to the coupling parts of the second type of panels on that same pair of edges; wherein the first edge is provided with a male coupling part and the second edge is provided with a female coupling part; wherein the third edge is provided with a male coupling part and the fourth edge is provided with a female coupling part; wherein the male coupling part on the first edge can be inserted into the female coupling part on the second edge by means of a turning movement; wherein the male coupling part on the first edge can also be inserted into the female coupling part on the fourth edge by means of a turning movement; and wherein the male coupling part on the third edge can be inserted into the female coupling part on the second edge in one and the same turning movement which is used to insert the male coupling part on the first edge into the female coupling part on the second edge or fourth edge. These type of panels with these types of female and male coupling parts can be as described in WO 2017 / 187298 and WO 2022 / 157618. The panels with specific coupling parts described in these patent publications are incorporated by reference.

[0063] In a specific embodiment the panels are rectangular and have long and short edges, wherein, on each long edge and on each short edge, the panel comprises a coupling part which allows the panel to be coupled to another similar panel; wherein the coupling part on the one long edge comprises a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking groove; wherein the coupling parts on the other long edge and on the short edges each comprise a groove and an interlocking lip; wherein the interlocking lip on each of the other long edge and the short edges delimits the respective groove along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element; wherein the tongue is configured to cooperate with the groove on each of the other long edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to produce a vertical interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on each of the other long edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein further preferably the interlocking lip on the other long edge is absent along a portion of the other long edge; wherein, at the location of the aforementioned portion, the coupling part on the other long edge comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove on the other long edge is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on the one and / or other short edge of another similar panel in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges. These type of panels with these types of female and male coupling parts can be as described in WO 2020 / 109961. The panels with specific coupling parts described in this patent publication is incorporated by reference.

[0064] In a specific embodiment the panels are rectangular, square or oblong, wherein each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge comprise a profile selected from a first profile, a second profile and a third profile, wherein the first profile, the second profile and the third profile are configured such that a panel edge comprising the first profile can be coupled to the edge of another such panel wherein the edge of the another such panel comprises any one of the second profile or the third profile, wherein in the coupled condition a locking of the coupled edges is provided in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and / or in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel with the surface of the coupled panels; and such that a panel edge comprising the second profile can be coupled to the edge of another such panel wherein the edge of the another such panel comprises the third profile, wherein in the coupled condition a locking of the coupled edges is provided in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and / or in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel with the surface of the coupled panels. The coupling parts of the panels can be as described in WO 2021 / 224810. The panels with specific coupling parts described in this patent publication are incorporated by reference.

[0065] The invention, according to a deviating variant of the first aspect of the invention, has a first layer which does not comprise a thermoplastic material. In this deviating variant the first layer can be a layer comprising wood or wood parts, such as a wood based layer, e.g. a fiberboard layer or a particle board layer, and / or a mineral based layer, such as an MgO layer or a fibercementboard layer or a plasterboard layer.

[0066] The invention, according to a second aspect, relates to a covering comprising panels, such as a floor covering comprising floor panels, wherein this covering according to the second aspect is optionally according to the first aspect, and wherein said panels each have the same layered construction with a substrate layer and a top layer, wherein said panels are oblong rectangular panels with a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges, wherein said first pair of opposite edges comprise a first edge and a second edge, wherein said second pair of opposite edges comprise a third edge and a fourth edge, and wherein said first pair of opposite edges are long edges and said second pair of opposite edges are short edges; wherein said first and second pair of opposite edges have coupling parts which allow the panels to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein the coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels, obtains a locking in a vertical direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, and comprise a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels, obtains a locking in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels; wherein each edge has a sealing face wherein, in a coupled condition of two panels, the sealing faces of two coupled edges substantially abut each other, the sealing faces being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and horizontal locking system; wherein the coupling part on the first edge comprises a tongue and a downwardly directed interlocking groove; wherein the coupling parts on the second edge and on the short edges each comprise a groove and an interlocking lip; wherein the interlocking lip on each of the second edge and the short edges delimits the respective groove along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element; wherein the tongue is configured to cooperate with the groove on each of the second edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to produce a vertical interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on each of the second edge and the short edges of another similar panel in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the interlocking lip on the second long edge is absent along a portion of the second edge; wherein, at least at the location of the aforementioned portion, the coupling part on the other second edge comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove on the second edge is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element on the third edge and / or the fourth edge of another similar panel in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; wherein the groove of the second edge is delimited along the top by a top lip, wherein this top lip, according to the horizontal direction, extends beyond the respective sealing face, wherein tis top lip comprises a bottom surface which forms a first interlocking surface ; wherein the coupling parts on the first edge and on both short sides comprises an undercut corresponding to said top lip, wherein the undercut of the first edge forms a groove which is delimited along the bottom by an upper surface of the tongue of the first edge, wherein the upper surface of the tongue of the first edge forms a second interlocking surface, wherein the first and the second interlocking surfaces are configured to form a vertical interlocking of coupled panels which is part of the vertical locking system, wherein said first and second interlocking surface extend according to a horizontal direction. In coupled condition, these first and second interlocking surfaces can or cannot be always in direct contact with each other. For example a said direct contact can take place when people walk upon the covering at the height of said coupled panels or when an object is placed upon this covering at the height of the coupled panels and / or can be present after a certain amount of time. Preferably, in coupled condition, said first and second interlocking surface are in direct contact with each other. The benefit of having horizontal locking surfaces is that a better coupling strength is obtained. Further said male and female coupling part can be easily coupled to each by a horizontal sliding movement.

[0067] The panels are preferably decorative panels and comprise at least said substrate layer and said top layer, with said top layer being a decorative top layer. These decorative panels can be of different types. The decor of the decorative top layer may be any kind, such as wood or stone decor. The substrate layer of the panel may comprise wood. The substrate layer may, for example, comprise several wooden slats connected to each other. This is typically the case with engineered wood. However, the substrate layer may also be formed as a single part made of wood, for example, solid wood. The substrate layer of the panel may comprise wood particles and a binder for mutually binding the wood particles. Such a substrate layer is a wood-based substrate layer. The wood particles may be wood fibers and / or wood chips. The binder may be a thermoset resin. The substrate layer comprises, for example, a wood fiberboard, such as Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), or a chipboard. One or more resin impregnated papers could be laminated upon such a wood-based substrate layer and form the said top layer. A panel comprising a wood based substrate layer such as a wood particle board or a wood fiber board, can be named a laminate panel. The top layer can also comprise other layers, such as veneer layers or thicker timber layers, such that the panels can be veneer parquet or parquet. The substrate layer of the panel can comprise a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The substrate layer can comprise plasticizers. The thermoplastic material may or may not be foamed. The thermoplastic material may comprise closed-cell or open-cell foam. The substrate layer can comprise fillers. The fillers can be organic fillers, such as wood particles. The fillers can be inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, chalk, talk or limestone. Panels comprising substrate layers having thermoplastic material, can be SPC (solid plastic core) panels, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) panels or WPC (waterproof plastic composite) panels. The substrate layer of the panel can comprise any desired other material, such as a cement fiber board or a magnesium oxide board. In summary, the second aspect of the invention is not limited to specific types of materials of panels, but may be applied in all kinds of panels.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment the undercut of the first edge is delimited at its top by a horizontal extending surface and wherein the top lip is delimited at its top by a horizontal extending surface. With horizontal extending surfaces are indicated surfaces which extend according to the horizontal direction, thus extend according to the plane of the coupled panels. These horizontal extending surfaces can form further locking surfaces. Further preferably the undercut of the third and / or fourth edge delimits the groove of the third and / or fourth edge and said undercut is delimited at its top by a horizontal extending surface.

[0069] Preferably the top lip extends beyond the respective sealing face according to the horizontal direction, over a maximum distance situated between 0,4 and 0,8 mm. This dimension enhance the coupling strength without compromising upon the ease of coupling.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, for coupled first and second edges, the tongue of the first edge contacts the bottom of the top lip of the groove of the second edge along a contact surface formed by the first and second interlocking surfaces, wherein this contact surface, seen according to the horizontal direction is located at both sides of the abutting sealing faces. Preferably the coupling parts are overlapping such that they are coupled with pretension. More preferably the interlocking lip is loaded (bent-out) in coupled condition and shows a 1 deflection of at least 0,02 mm, preferably at least 0,5 mm, even more preferably more than 0,70 mm, most preferably more than 1,0 mm.

[0071] In a non-coupled condition the maximum height of the upwardly directed locking element is at least 0,2 times the total height / thickness of the panel, preferably at least 0,3 times, most preferably at least 0,35 times and even more preferably is at most 0,7 times the total height / thickness of the panel, preferably at most 0,5 times.

[0072] Preferably the tongue comprises, seen according to the distal direction of said tongue, a downwardly directed inclined surface adjacent said first interlocking surface, and in that the top lip comprises, seen according to the distal direction of said top lip, an upwardly directed inclined surface adjacent said second interlocking surface.

[0073] Preferably the third and the fourth edge each comprise an undercut corresponding to said top lip, wherein said undercut delimits the respective groove of said third and fourth edge, wherein said undercut is situated between the groove and the sealing face, and wherein preferably a horizontal extending surface delimits the top of said undercut.

[0074] The top layer of the second aspect of the invention can have compositions as indicated for the top layer in the first aspect of the invention, e.g. having at least a decor layer and a wear layer. The substrate layer of the second aspect of the invention can have compositions as indicated for the substrate layer in the first aspect of the invention, e.g. having at least said first layer and said second layer of the first aspect of the invention.

[0075] The substrate layer of panels of a covering according to a first or second aspect of the invention can comprise fiberglass.

[0076] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood regarding the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures.

[0077] Brief description of the figures

[0078] The figures can or cannot be drawn to scale. They are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but to provide exemplary illustrations. The figures illustrate exemplary configurations of panels, and in no way limit the structures or configurations according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a top view of a panel of a covering according to the second aspect of the invention and / or according the first aspect of the invention.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a herringbone pattern which is composed of panels from Fig. 1.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a panel of a covering according to the first aspect of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a random installation pattern which is composed of panels from Fig. 3.

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a first possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a second possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0083] Fig. 7 shows a third possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0084] Fig. 8 shows a fourth possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0085] Fig. 9 shows a fifth possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0086] Fig. 10 shows a sixth possible cross section along line V-V shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0087] Fig. 11 shows a possible cross section along line XI -XI shown in Fig. 1.

[0088] Fig. 12 shows a cross section of connected panels along line XII-XII shown in Fig. 2 at a long edge male coupling part and a long edge female coupling part.

[0089] Fig. 13 shows a cross section of connected panels along line XIII -XIII shown in Fig. 2 at a long edge male coupling part a and a short edge female coupling part.

[0090] Fig. 14 shows a cross section of connected panels along line XIV-XIV shown in Fig. 2 at a long edge female coupling part, wherein the lower lip is absent at the height along line XIV- XIV and the lower lip, at a distance from line XIV-XIV, is visible in said cross section, and a short edge female coupling part.

[0091] Fig. 15 shows a cross section of connected panels along line XV-XV shown in Fig. 2 at a long edge female coupling part, wherein the lower lip is absent, and a long edge male coupling part. Fig. 16 shows a cross section of a panel embodiment along line XVI-XVI shown in Fig. 1.

[0092] Fig. 17 shows a first possible cross section of a panel embodiment along line XVII -XVII in figure 3. Fig. 18 shows a second possible cross section of a panel embodiment along line XVII-XVII in figure 3.

[0093] Definitions

[0094] The term “groove” can mean a female appendage that is preferably milled on an edge of the panel and arranged to interlock with a tongue, or similar structure, as multiple panels are installed.

[0095] The term “panel” means a structural panel, such as a floor or wall panel, for example a decorative panel. The panel may be elongate rectangular, square or any other suitable shape for coupling to corresponding panels.

[0096] The term “pretension” is achieved by providing an overlap in the contours of the coupling parts of the coupled edges.

[0097] The term “tongue” can mean a male appendage that is preferably milled on an edge of the panel and arranged to interlock with a groove, or similar structure, as multiple panels are installed, the term “groove” connoting corresponding structure to receive the tongue.

[0098] The term “rigid” for a material layer, for example the term “rigid” for the first layer of a substrate layer, when used to describe the characteristic of said layer, can mean the layer has a Shore A hardness greater than or equal to 80, e.g., a rigid foam or a non-foam rigid material. Preferably “rigid” layer indicates that the Shore A hardness is greater than the shore A hardness of a layer indicated as a “soft” layer, e.g. the second layer of the substrate layer. The term “rigid” layer can also mean the layer has no plasticizer or less plasticizer than a “soft” layer. The term “rigid” layer, when comprising thermoplastic material, can also indicate that the layer is a filled synthetic material layer comprising thermoplastic material, such as PVC and / or PP and / or PET and / or PE, and fillers, e.g., chalk, CaCO,, talk or limestone, wherein preferably the weight ratio synthetic material to fillers is located between 50:50 and 15:85, e.g. for example is 70:30 or 80:20. The term “soft” for a material layer, for example the term “soft” for the second layer of substrate layer, when used to describe the characteristic of the layer can mean the layer has a Shore A hardness less than or equal to 100, e.g., a foamed material or a non-foamed material. Preferably “soft” layer indicates that the Shore A hardness is lower than the shore A hardness of a layer indicated as a “rigid” layer, e.g. the first layer of the substrate layer. The term “soft’ layer may also mean the layer includes plasticizers, e.g. in an amount of more than 10 phr, preferably more than 15 phr, or more plasticizers than a “rigid” layer. The term “soft’ layer may also mean that the layer does not include fillers, e.g. CaCO,, talk or limestone, or in an amount of less than 20 weight percentage, preferably less than 10 weight percentage.

[0099] Detailed

[0100] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a panel 1 according to the second aspect of the invention and / or according to the first aspect of the invention. If the panel 1 is according to the second aspect of the invention, this panel 1 can be any type of panel, for example a laminate panel having a wood based substrate layer, such as a particle board or woodfibre board substrate layer, a resilient panel, such as an SPC (solid plastic core) panel or a WPC (waterproof plastic core) or an LVT panel (luxury vinyl tile) or a mineral based panel, such as a panel comprising an MgO substrate layer or a cement fiberboard substrate layer, or a parquet panel or a veneer parquet panel. Preferably the panel 1 is according to the first aspect of the invention and as such comprises a substrate layer 11 with a first layer 7 and a second layer 8 as described in claim 1. The panel 1 can be a floor panel for forming a floor covering. The panel 1 is of the decorative type and preferably features a decor having a wood or stone design. The panel 1, as shown in the figures, is rectangular, preferably elongate rectangular, and has a pair of long edges, or first and second edges 2, 3 and a pair of short edges, or third and fourth edges 4, 5.

[0101] Fig. 2 shows a covering according to the second aspect of the invention and / or the first aspect of the invention, comprising panels 1 as shown in figure 1. The first and second pair of opposite edges 2, 3 of the panels 1 have coupling parts which allow the panels 1 to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein the coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, obtains a locking in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels 1, and comprise a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, obtains a locking in a horizontal direction (H) perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels 1 ; wherein each edge has a sealing face 6 wherein, in a coupled condition of two panels 1 , the sealing faces 6 of two coupled edges substantially abut each other, the sealing faces 6 being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and horizontal locking system; wherein the coupling part on the first edge 2 comprises a tongue 15 and a downwardly directed interlocking groove 16; wherein the coupling parts on the second edge 3 and on the short edges 4, 5 each comprise a groove 17, 18 and an interlocking lip 19, 20; wherein the interlocking lip 19, 20 on each of the second edge 3 and the short edges 4, 5 delimits the respective groove 17, 18 along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element 21, 22; wherein the tongue 15 is configured to cooperate with the groove 17, 18 on each of the second edge 3 and the short edges 4-5 of another similar panel 1 in order to produce a vertical interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove 16 is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element 21, 22 on each of the second edge 3 and the short edges 4-5 of another similar panel 1 in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the interlocking lip 19 on the second edge 3 is absent along a portion 23 of the second edge 3; wherein, at least at the location of the aforementioned portion 23, the coupling part on the second edge 3 comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove 24; and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove 24 on the said portion 23 of the second edge 3 is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element 22 on the third edge 4 and / or the fourth edge 5 of another similar panel 1 in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges. A said interlocking lip 19, 20 delimits the respective groove 17, 18 along the bottom, such that said interlocking lip 19, 20 can also be referred to as the lower lip or the bottom lip. In this application, interlocking lip, lower lip and bottom lip are preferably used interchangeably. This because the lower lip / bottom lip preferably comprises said upwardly directed locking element and is therefore an interlocking lip. The panels 1 in figure 2 are arranged in a herringbone patern. The herringbone patern is thus composed of only one type of panels 1. Variations of possible coupling parts and connections are depicted in later figures that correspond to perspective lines V-V, XI -XI, XII-XII, XIII- XIII, XI V-XI V, XV-XV, and XVI-XVI.

[0102] Fig. 3 illustrates a panel 1 comprising a pair of long edges 2, 3, with first and second edges 2, 3, and a pair of short edges 4, 5, with third and fourth edges 4, 5. On the first edge 2, the panel 1 comprises a male coupling part with at least one tongue 15, that can be similar to the tongue 15 of the first edge 2 of the panel 1 shown in figure 1. On the third edge 4, the panel 1 comprises a male coupling part, for example with at least one tongue 15, that can be similar to the tongue 15 of the first edge 2 of the panel 1 shown in figure 1, or with a downward directed upper hook shaped part 33. On the second edge 3, the panel 1 comprises a female coupling part with at least one groove 17, that can be similar to the groove 17 of the second edge 3 of the panel 1 shown in figure 1. On the fourth edge 5, the panel 1 comprises a female coupling part with at least one groove 17, that can be similar to the groove 17 of the second edge 3 of the panel 1 shown in figure 1, or with an upward directed lower hook shaped part 34.

[0103] Fig. 4 illustrates how panels 1 as shown in figure 3 can be arranged in a random floor pattern, wherein each of long edges 2, 3 of a said panel 1 is arranged to abut a long edge of another panel 1, such that the male coupling part of the first edge 2 is configured to be coupled to the female coupling part of the second edge 3 of another panel 1.

[0104] As can be seen in Fig. 4, each of the short edges 4, 5 of the panels 1 are arranged to abut a short edge 4, 5 of a corresponding panel 1, the female coupling part of fourth edge 5 is configured to receive the male coupling part of third edge 4 of another panel 1. The male coupling parts may be connected to the female coupling parts in such a way that the edges of all the panels 1 are connected to each other by a turning movement and / or a horizontal sliding movement. The male coupling parts may be connected to the female coupling parts in such a way that the edges of all the panels 1 are connected to each other by means of a so called fold-down movement, wherein the long edges 2, 3 are connected to each other by for example a turning movement and the short edges 4, 5 are connected to each other by a downward movement which is the result of the turning movement. The connection between male and female coupling parts may result in a connection with pretension.

[0105] The covering as shown in figure 4 is preferably a covering according to the first aspect of the invention, namely a covering comprising panels 1 wherein said panels 1 each have the same layered construction with a substrate layer 11 and a top layer 12, wherein said panels 1 comprise a first pair of opposite edges 2, 3 and a second pair of opposite edges 4, 5, wherein said first pair of opposite edges 2, 3 comprise a first edge 2 and a second edge 3, wherein said second pair of opposite edges 4, 5 comprise a third edge 4 and a fourth edge 5, wherein said first and second pair of opposite edges 2, 3, 4, 5 have coupling parts which allow the panels 1 to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein said coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, obtains a locking in a vertical direction V perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels 1 , and comprising a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, obtains a locking in a horizontal direction H perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels 1 ; wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered, and wherein each edge has a sealing face 6 wherein, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, the sealing faces 6 of two coupled edges substantially abut each other, the sealing faces 6 being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and horizontal locking system; wherein the substrate layer 11 comprises a first layer 7 and a consecutive second layer 8, both said first layer 7 and said second layer 8 comprising thermoplastic material, said first layer 7 being more rigid than said second layer 8, wherein the transition between the first and the second layer 7, 8 is located at the height of said sealing faces 6, such that each sealing face 6 comprises a rigid contact surface 9 formed by the first layer 7 and a consecutive soft contact surface 10 formed by the second layer 8, wherein in a coupled condition of two panels 1, the rigid contact surfaces 9 abut each other and the soft contact surfaces 10 abut each other. Said panel 1 as shown in figure 1 can also be according to the first aspect of the invention and can thus comprise the features mentioned in this paragraph.

[0106] Movement for the floor covering as shown in figure 4 can be hindered by coupling with pretension and / or the covering being present in a small room and / or the covering being poorly placed (for example without room for expansion) and / or other optional elements, such as inserts (not shown), being present to prevent movement.

[0107] The herringbone floor pattern of Fig. 2 does not permit the panels 1 to slide / move within the floor pattern, as each long edge 2, 3 of a panel 1 is oriented perpendicular to a long edge 2, 3 of at least one adjacent corresponding panel 1. As the temperature of the panel 1 increases, possible expansion in the length of the panel 1 is resisted by the surrounding panels 1, especially when the panels 1 comprise thermoplastic material. This could result in peaking as the edges of the panel 1 push upwards and form vertically extending ridges. However, it has been found that the particular configurations of the coupling parts and the built of the substrate layer 11 as described below aid in mitigating the formation of peaking.

[0108] Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 illustrate possible cross sections of a panel 1 embodiment along line V-V as shown in Fig. 1 and also along line V-V as shown in Fig. 3. If the cross sections are along line V-V as shown in figure 1, then only the figures 5 and 6 are embodiments according to the second aspect of the invention. Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 illustrate differently shaped coupling parts and also show different possibilities for the construction, e.g. layered structure of the substrate layer 11. For a certain construction of the substrate layer 11, certain coupling parts are shown. However said different shaped coupling parts are possible for all the shown constructions of the substrate layer 11 and vice versa. If, for the floor panel 1 shown in figure 3, the male coupling part and the female coupling part of the short edges 4, 5 are connectable to each other by a turning movement and / or a horizontal sliding movement, these male coupling part and female coupling part can be as disclosed in figures 5, 6 7, 8, 9, 10.

[0109] As shown in Figs. 5 to 10, the panel 1 comprises a top layer 12 and a substrate layer 11, the substrate layer 11 comprising at least a first layer 7, and a consecutive second layer 8. As can be seen in Figs. 5 to 10, the first layer 7 can be located between the top layer 12 and the second layer 8, and as such forms an intermediate layer. However it is also possible that the second layer 8 is located between the top layer 12 and first layer 7, and as such forms an intermediate layer. The first layer 7 is more rigid than the second layer 8, such that the cross sections shown in figures 5 to 10 are of panels 1 of coverings according to the first aspect the invention. The first layer 7 can thus be indicated as a rigid material layer and the second layer 8 can thus be indicated as a soft material layer. As shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9, the substrate layer 11 only comprises said first layer 7 and said second layer 8. As shown in figures 6, 8 and 10, said first layer 7 and said second layer 8 are present, and further said substrate layer 11 comprises one or more additional layers 35.

[0110] The panel 1 as shown in figures 5 to 10 comprises a male coupling part formed on first edge 2 and a female coupling part formed on opposing second edge 3. The edges of the panel 1 each have a sealing face 6 wherein, in a coupled condition of two panels 1, the sealing faces 6 of two coupled edges substantially abut each other, the sealing faces 6 being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said horizontal and vertical locking systems. The male coupling part comprises a tongue 15 that is configured to interlock with a groove 17 of the female coupling part of a corresponding panel 1 to produce a vertical interlocking between the respective edges. Further the male coupling part comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove 16. At the bottom, the groove 17 is delimited by an interlocking lip 19 which comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element 21 which is configured to cooperate with the downwardly directed interlocking groove 16 of a corresponding panel 1 to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges.

[0111] Further, for the embodiments shown in figures 5 and 6 the groove 17 is delimited along the top by a top lip 25, wherein this top lip 25 extends beyond the respective sealing face 6, seen in the horizontal direction H, wherein this top lip 25 comprises a bottom surface which has a first interlocking surface 26, said first interlocking surface 26 extending beyond the sealing face 6 of the second edge 3 seen in the distal direction of the second edge 3. The first edge 2 comprises an undercut 27 corresponding to said top lip 25, wherein the undercut 27 of the first edge 2 forms a groove which is delimited along the bottom by an upper surface of the tongue 15 of the first edge 2, wherein the upper surface of the tongue 15 of the first edge 2 has a second interlocking surface 28, said second interlocking surface 28 extending on both sides of the sealing face 6 of the first edge 2 seen in the proximal or distal direction of the first edge 2. The first and the second interlocking surfaces 26, 28 form a vertical interlocking of the coupled panels 1, as such improving the vertical interlocking since there is vertical interlocking on both sides of the abutting sealing faces 6. Said upper surface of the tongue 15 and bottom surface of the top lip 25, and thus also said first and second interlocking surface 26, 28, extend according to a horizontal direction. The undercut 27 is arranged above the tongue 15 and below the sealing face 6. The top lip 25 is arranged above the groove 17 and below the sealing face 6. Further, the female coupling part can comprise a minor groove 32 that is formed between the sealing face 6 and the top lip 25. The minor groove 32 is an undercut, or relatively smaller groove than groove 17, and permits greater deflection of the top lip 25 to facilitate connection between the panels 1.

[0112] The sealing face 6 of the first edge 2 comprises a rigid contact surface 9 formed by the first layer 7 and a consecutive soft contact surface 10 formed by the second layer 8. The male and female coupling parts can have overlapping contours, such that the interlocking lip 19 is bent- out in coupled condition, such that pretension is present. This pretension hinders movement along the length direction of the panel 1. Of course, said movement can also be hindered by other reasons, such as the installation pattern, e.g. a herringbone pattern. Further each sealing face 6 has a top contact surface 13 which is consecutive to said rigid or soft contact surface 9, 10, said top contact surface 13 being formed by the top layer 12. The top layer 12, as shown, comprises a decor layer 29, for example a printed foil, a printed paper, an ink layer directed printed upon said substrate layer 11, a veneer layer, a timber layer. The top layer 12 preferably also comprises at least one wear layer 30 on top of the decor layer 29, to protect said decor layer 29. This wear layer 30 can comprise thermoplastic material and / or a lacquer and / or an oil. Of course other layers can be present, for example a lacquer layer (not shown in the figures) on top of the wear layer 30. The wear layer 30 preferably comprises bevels 14. In the figures, the thicknesses of the wear layer 30 and the thicknesses of the decor layer 29 for all the figures are all the same, however other thicknesses are possible. In figure 8 an additional contact surface 37 formed by an additional layer 35 is present, and forms part of the sealing face 6. In specific embodiments, the substrate layer 11 can comprise one or more reinforcement elements / layers 31 , such as glass fiber scrims / nets for limiting the dimensional changes to the panel 1. In some figures, these reinforcement elements 31 are shown as dotted lines, however these can also not be present in said figures.

[0113] The first layer 7 has a Shore A hardness that is greater than the Shore A hardness of the second layer 8. The difference in hardness between the first layer 7 and the second layer 8 is preferably at least 10 on the Shore A hardness scale. The first layer 7 preferably has a hardness of 80 Shore A, or 100 Shore A, or more. The difference in hardness between the first and second layers 7, 8 can be the result of the amount of plasticizers, with the second layer 8 having more plasticizers than the first layer 7. Preferably there is a difference of at least 5 phr plasticizers between the first and second layer 7, 8. Further the second layer 8 may provide damping of tapping noises, may be compressible to a greater degree than the first layer 7, and enables for deeper structural features to be provided in the surface of the panel 1.

[0114] The term "Shore A hardness" is used to indicate the hardness of the first layer 7 and the second layer 8 as determined with a Shore durometer of type A. The methodology for determining the Shore A hardness, as well as the specific requirements that are imposed on a Shore durometer of type A, are defined in ASTM standard D2240, ASTM standard D2240-15R21. Preferably the ‘ soft’ second layer 8 has a Shore A hardness that is 11 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the ‘rigid’ first layer 7, more preferably 12 units lower, even more preferably 13, 14, 5 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 units lower.

[0115] The construction of the substrate layer 11 as shown in figures 8 and 10 can be of the ABA type or of an ABC type. With ABA type it is indicated that the substrate layer 11 has three layers, wherein the outer layers (here the layers indicated with A) are made of the same material and thus have the same Shore A hardness. For example for figure 8, if the substrate layer 11 is of the ABA type, this means that the first layer 7 and the additional layer 35 are the ‘A’ layers and have the same shore A hardness and can thus be seen as ‘rigid’, and that the second layer 8 is the ‘B’ layer and has a lower shore A hardness than the ‘A’-layers and can thus be seen as ‘soft’. For example for figure 10, if the substrate layer 11 is of the ABA type, this means that the second layer 8 and the additional layer 35 are the ‘A’ layers and have the same shore A hardness and can thus be seen as ‘soft’, and that the first layer 7 is the ‘B’ layer and has a higher shore A hardness than the ‘A’-layers and can thus be seen as ‘rigid’. If for figures 8, the substrate layer 11 is of the ABC type, the additional layer 35 can have a Shore A hardness which is higher than the shore A hardness of the first layer 7, is the same as the shore A hardness of the first layer 7, is between the shore A hardness of the first layer 7 and the shore A hardness of the second layer 8, is the same as the shore A hardness of the second layer 8 or is lower than the shore A hardness of the second layer 8.

[0116] The construction of the substrate layer 11 as shown in figure 6 is such that it has several additional layers 35 in addition to said first and second layer 7, 8. These additional layers 35 do not form part of the sealing face 6, however this could be possible. A said additional layer 35 can have a Shore A hardness which is higher than the shore A hardness of the first layer 7, is the same as the shore A hardness of the first layer 7, is between the shore A hardness of the first layer 7 and the shore A hardness of the second layer 8, is the same as the shore A hardness of the second layer 8 or is lower than the shore A hardness of the second layer 8. Said additional layers 35 can or cannot all be made of the same material, and / or a said additional layer 35 can or cannot be made of the same material as the first layer 7 or the second layer 8.

[0117] Said first, second and / or additional layers 7, 8, 35 can or cannot be foamed.

[0118] Preferably the short edges 4, 5 of panel 1 having similar sealing faces 6 such that the risk of peaking at all edges of the panels 1 is reduced. The short edges 4, 5 can have similar female and male coupling parts as shown in figures 5 to 10, which allow for coupling by turning and / or horizontal shifting. For the panel 1 shown in figure 3, the short edges 4, 5 could also comprise male and female coupling parts which allow for a downward coupling, such that these panels 1 can for example be connected to each other by a so-called folddown movement. Possible male and female coupling parts allowing for said downward movement are shown in figures 17 and 18.

[0119] Figures 17 and 18 show other possible constructions of the substrate layer 11. The top layer 12 can be the same as described for figures 5 to 10. These constructions of the substrate layer 11 can also be used in combination with the coupling parts as shown in figures 5 to 10, and the coupling parts as shown in figures 17 and 18 can also be used in combinations with the construction of the substrate layer 11 as shown in figures 5 to 10. Figure 17 shows a substrate layer 11 having three sublayers, namely, from bottom to top, an additional layer 35, a foamed second layer 8 and a first layer 7. A said sealing face 6 of the panel 1 shown in figure 18 comprises, from top to bottom, a top contact surface 13 formed by the top layer 12, a soft contact surface 10 formed by the second layer 8, a rigid contact surface 9 formed by the first layer 7. Preferably the additional layer 35 is softer than the first layer 7. The Substrate layer 11 can be of the ABA type or of the ABC type.

[0120] As can be seen in figures 17 and 18, the male coupling part comprises a downward directed upper hook shaped part 33 and the female coupling part comprises an upward directed lower hook shaped part 34. In figure 17 the coupling parts are only made of the substrate layer 11 itself and in figure 18 an additional insert 38 is present.

[0121] The hardness of the first layer 7 may also depend on the amount of fillers, e.g., chalk, talk or limestone. In an embodiment, the first layer 7 comprises no or less plasticizers than the second layer 8. In an embodiment, the first layer 7 has no foaming or less foaming than the second layer 8.

[0122] In an embodiment, the second layer 8 can be a foamed layer to improve comfort and flexibility and reduce noise. The foamed layer preferably comprises plasticizers.

[0123] Plasticizers can be chosen from the list of: phthalates, phthalate derivatives, or non-phthalate based plasticizers such as benzoate esters, adipate esters, citrate esters, cyclohexanoate esters, or combinations thereof.

[0124] By way of a non-limiting example, the soft intermediate layer 8 is 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm, for example 0.46 mm.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first layer 7 and / or the second layer 8 comprises a thermoplastic material selected from the group of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU). The most preferred thermoplastic material is PVC. To reduce walking and / or tapping noises, the second layer 8 may additionally or alternatively comprise one of the following properties: an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer 7; a material with a substantially open cell structure; or a foamed thermoplastic material or a foamed thermosetting material. The second layer 8 as described herein ensures that the panels 1 exhibit better sound damping. The second layer 8 as described herein ensures additionally and / or alternatively that the panels 1 display improved walking comfort.

[0126] In one embodiment, the second layer 8 has an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer 7. A suitable method for measuring the elastic modulus is ASTM standard El 11-17. The second layer 8, and in particular the lower elastic modulus relative to the first layer 7, provides an improvement in the sound-absorbing properties of the panel 1, and improves walking comfort. Preferably the second layer 8 has an elastic modulus that is at least 11.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer 7, more preferably 12.0% lower, even more preferably 13.0%, 14.0% or 15.0% lower.

[0127] The second layer 8 can comprise a material with a substantially open cell structure. According to some embodiments the second layer 8 comprises a foamed thermoplastic material or a foamed thermosetting material. These embodiments provide a panel 1 that has improved sound damping and / or improved walking comfort.

[0128] According to a further embodiment, the second layer 8 has a Shore A hardness that is 10 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the first layer 7 and / or the second layer 8 has an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer 7. The panel 1 then has a relatively hard first layer 7 that imparts sufficient stiffness to the panel 1, wherein the relatively soft second layer 8 imparts improves sound damping and / or improves walking comfort to the panel 1.

[0129] According to a further or another embodiment, the second layer 8 comprises a foamed thermoplastic material, wherein the foamed thermoplastic material has an empty cell volume between 10.0 and 80.0 vol%. The empty cell volume in the range as described herein is optimally suitable for improving the sound-absorbing properties of the panel 1. According to a further or another embodiment, a said foamed thermoplastic material is selected from the group of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), irradiation-crosslinked polyethylene (IXPE), irradiation-crosslinked polypropylene (IXPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), expanded polyethylene copolymer (EPC), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC-plastisol, polyurethane (PU), or combinations thereof. These materials are optimally suitable for the second layer 8 and provide the panel 1 with improved sound-absorbing properties and / or improved walking comfort. Preferably, the aforementioned foamed thermoplastic material is selected from the group of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), irradiation-crosslinked polyethylene (IXPE), expanded polyethylene (EPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC-plastisol, polyurethane (PU), or combinations thereof. Most preferably, the aforementioned foamed thermoplastic material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0130] According to a further or another embodiment, the aforementioned foamed thermoplastic material has a density that is between 100 and 200 kg / m3, preferably between 100 and 150 kg / m3, more preferably between 120 and 140 kg / m3. With increasing preference, the aforementioned densities are extremely advantageous in providing improved sound-absorbing properties and / or improved walking comfort.

[0131] In embodiments shown in the figure, the top layer 12 comprises a wear layer 30 with preferably a bevel 14 or chamfer. Said bevels 14 or chamfers can make an angle with the horizontal of less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, or more preferably less than 25°. The wear layer 30 preferably has a thickness of 0.25 mm or more, but preferably less than 0.75 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the wear layer 30 is 0.4 mm. In an embodiment, the wear layer 30 is transparent in order to show the decor layer 29 disposed underneath.

[0132] Preferably, the wear layer 30 comprises a thermoplastic material, such as flexible or rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In the case of a PVC material composition, the wear layer 30 preferably comprises a proportion of plasticizer of more than 5 phr, or even more than 10 or 15 phr. The wear layer 30 could alternatively comprise a paper sheet, and the paper sheet may be impregnated by means of a resin e.g. melamine resin. The wear layer 30 can comprise hard or wear-resistant particles e.g. corundum particles. The wear layer 30 can comprise a lacquer 31 layer or varnish e.g., urethane or a UV-based lacquer. By way of a non-limiting example, the wear layer 30 thickness is 0.4 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0133] The decor layer 29 preferably comprises a printed sheet, such as a printed film or printed paper layer. The top contact surface 13 is preferably formed by the entire height of the decor layer 29 and preferably also at least by part of the wear layer 30. Alternatively, the decor layer 29 can be a print directly printed upon the substrate layer 11 , with said substrate layer 11 being or not being supplied with a primer before printing. By way of a non-limiting example, the decor layer 29 has a thickness of 0.09 mm ± 0.05 mm.

[0134] By way of a non-limiting example, the total thickness of the top layer 12 is 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm, e.g. 0.49 mm. For example the top layer 12 can comprise a decor layer 29, wherein the decor layer 29 has a thickness between 0,05 mm and 0,15 mm, e.g. 0,09 mm, said decor layer 29 being for example a (digitally) printed thermoplastic film. Further the top layer 12 can comprise a wear layer 30, for example a thermoplastic film, with a thickness of between 0,3 and 0,5 mm, e.g. 0,4 mm. Further said top layer 12 can or cannot have a lacquer layer (not shown in the figures) on top of said wear layer 30.

[0135] In an embodiment, the total thickness of the substrate layer 11 is 3.95 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0136] Fig. 7 shows that, for example for the first aspect of the invention, the presence of a top lip 25 extending beyond the sealing face 6 and a corresponding undercut 27, do not need to be present. A minor undercut between the sealing face 6 and the tongue 15 can or cannot be present.

[0137] Fig. 9 shows a cross section of an embodiment of panel 1 having a relatively thin second layer 8.

[0138] By way of non-limiting example, the top contact surface 13 of the sealing face 6 formed by the top layer 12 has a height (T4) of 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm, e.g. 0.49 mm. The latter is preferably the case when the panel 1 does not comprise a bevel 14 or chamfer. If the panel 1 comprises a bevel 14 at the height of a said sealing face 6, the height (T4) of said top contact surface 13 is preferably smaller than 0,5 mm, for example between 0,08 mm and 0,2 mm, for example between 0,1 mm and 0,15 mm. The thickness / height T2 of the soft contact surface 10 formed by the second layer 8 is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0,2 mm, for example between 0,3 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0,3 mm and 0,6 mm. The thickness / height T3 of the rigid contact surface 9 formed by the first layer 7 is at least 0,2 mm, preferably at least 0,3 mm, for example between 0,3 mm and 0,6 mm. Said soft and rigid contact surface 9, 10 form a first contact height / thickness T1 and by way of example, the rigid contact height T2 is 50%-70% of the first contact height / thickness T1 and the soft height T3 is 30%-50% of the first contact height / thickness Tl. The first contact height T1 is preferably between 0,7 mm and 1,5 mm and / or preferably between 10% and 30% of the total height / thickness X of the panel 1.

[0139] The soft contact height T3 can be approximately 0.7 mm and the rigid contact height T2 can be less than soft contact height T3. By way of example, the rigid contact height T2 is 30%- 50% of the height of first contact height Tl and the soft contact height T3 is 50%-70% of the first contact height Tl.

[0140] In figures 5 to 10 the thickness / height of the different layers are drawn to scale, thus with proper proportions, and the total thickness / height X of the panel 1 is preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm and preferably chosen from the list of: 3,7 mm, 3,9 mm, 4 mm, 4,2 mm, 4,4 mm, 4, 6 mm, 4,8 mm and 5 mm.

[0141] Figures 12 to 15 show coupled edges of the floor covering shown in figure 2. Figures 11 and 16 show cross sections of the panel 1 as shown in figure 1.

[0142] Fig. 11 shows a cross section of an embodiment of panel 1 along line XI -XI shown in Fig. 1 having a substrate layer 11 configuration similar to Fig. 6. These short edges 4, 5 comprise identical female coupling parts, each comprising a groove 18 for receiving the tongue 15 of the first edge 2. Unlike the female coupling part on the long edge 3, the female coupling parts on the short edges 4, 5 are devoid of an upper lip that extends beyond the sealing faces 6. These female coupling parts comprise undercuts 36, located between said groove 18 and sealing face 6, corresponding to said top lip 25 of the female coupling part of the long edge 3, to accommodate said top lip 25. The female coupling parts each comprise a lower lip 20 which delimits the groove 18 at the bottom and which comprises an upwardly directed locking element 22 which can cooperate with the downwardly directed locking grooves 16, 24 of the first edge 2 and of the said portions 23 of the second edge 3. Fig. 12 shows a cross section of connected panels 1 along line XII -XII shown in Fig. 2, wherein long edges 2, 3, being the second edge 3 and the first edge 2, are connected to each other. The cross section is taken centrally, thus at the height where the second edge 3 comprises its lower lip 19. As can be seen, the sealing faces 6 are in direct contact with each other. The connection between the upwardly directed locking element 21 of the lower lip 19 and the downwardly directed interlocking groove 16 of the male coupling part, prevents displacement in the horizontal direction. Displacement in the vertical direction is hindered by the tongue 15 and groove 18 and by the top lip 25 and corresponding undercut 27. As can be seen in the figures, the tongue 15 has an upper surface which extends horizontal and, seen according to said horizontal direction, on both sides of the sealing faces 6. The top lip 25 has a bottom surface which extends horizontal and, seen according to said horizontal direction, on both sides of the sealing faces 6. This bottom surface of the top lip 25 is in direct contact with the upper surface of the tongue 15. The bottom surface of the top lip 25 forms a first interlocking surface 26 and said upper surface of the tongue 15 forms a second interlocking surface 28, wherein the first and the second interlocking surfaces 26, 28 are configured to form a vertical interlocking of coupled panels 1 which is part of the vertical locking system, said first and second interlocking surfaces 26, 28 thus extending according to a horizontal direction. Further as can be seen in figure 12, the tongue 15 has, next to the horizontal extending upper surface and seen in the distal direction of the tongue 15, a downwardly inclined surface, said surface preferably making an angle Al with a horizontal extending surface situated between 10° and 50°, for example between 25° and 35°. Also further, said top lip 25 has, next to the horizontal extending bottom surface and seen in the distal direction of the top lip 25, an upwardly inclined surface, said surface preferably making an angle A2 with the horizontal between 15° and 55°, for example between 30° and 40°. Preferably Al is smaller than A2. Because of said downwardly inclined and upwardly inclined surfaces and because of said horizontal extending upper surface and bottom surface, said coupling parts can be easily connected to each other by a horizontal sliding movement.

[0143] Fig. 13 shows a cross section of connected panels 1 along line XIII -XIII shown in Fig. 2 at the first edge 2 and a short edge 4, 5. As can be seen, the sealing faces 6 are in direct contact with each other. The connection between the upwardly directed locking element 22 of the lower lip 20 of the short edge 4, 5 and the downwardly directed interlocking groove 16 of the first edge 2, prevents displacement in the horizontal direction. Displacement in the vertical direction is hindered by the tongue 15 and groove 18. The vertical contact is smaller in dimensions than that shown in figure 12, since the short edge 4, 5 has said undercut 27 instead of an upper lip 25 which extends beyond the sealing face 6. As can be seen in the figures, the contact between the tongue 15 and groove 18 is along horizontal extending surfaces.

[0144] Fig. 14 shows a cross section of connected panels 1 along line XIV-XIV shown in Fig. 2 at the second edge 3, at the height of a said portion 23, and a short edge 4, 5. At said portion 23, the lower lip 20 has been removed in such a way that the downwardly directed interlocking groove 24 is present (removed part that is not visible in said cross section is indicated by a dashed line). As can be seen, the sealing faces 6 are in direct contact with each other. The connection between the upwardly directed locking element 22 of the lower lip 20 of the short edge 4, 5 and the downwardly directed interlocking groove 24 of said portion 23 of the second edge 3, prevents displacement in the horizontal direction. Displacement in the vertical direction is hindered by the upper lip 25 of the second edge 3 which interacts with the undercut 36 of said short edge 4, 5. As can be seen in the figure, the upper lip 25 has a horizontal extending upper surface which is in direct contact with a horizontal extending surface which delimits the top of the undercut 36.

[0145] Fig. 15 shows a cross section of connected panels 1 along line XV-XV shown in Fig. 1 at the first edge 2 and the second edge 3, at the height of a said portion 23. At the height of said portion 23, the lower lip 19 of the second edge 3 is removed, however further away said lower lip 19 is again present. This is indicated in this cross section by showing this further away present lower lip 19 as a blank shape. At the height of said portion 23, there is only vertical interlocking, however this is compensated by the fact that further away along these coupled edges 2, 3 there is also horizontal interlocking.

[0146] Fig. 16 shows a cross section of a panel 1 embodiment along line XVI-XVI shown in Fig. 1. As can be seen in figure 16, the cross section is at the height of a said portion 23 of the second edge 3, such that a lower lip 19 is not present. Said top lip 25 and downwardly directed interlocking groove 24 are present.

[0147] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved under any embodiment of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that panels may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without achieving other objects or advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0148] The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various disclosed features. Besides the variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to build and use panels under principles of the present disclosure. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the features described herein may be adapted to other methods and types of panels.

[0149] It is intended that the present disclosure should not be limited by the disclosed embodiments described above and may be extended to other applications that may employ the features described herein.

Claims

Claims1. A covering comprising panels, such as a floor covering comprising floor panels, wherein said panels (1) each have the same layered construction with a substrate layer (11) and a top layer (12), wherein said panels (1) comprise a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) and a second pair of opposite edges (4, 5), wherein said first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) comprise a first edge (2) and a second edge (3), wherein said second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) comprise a third edge (4) and a fourth edge (5), wherein said first and second pair of opposite edges (2, 3-4,5) have coupling parts which allow the panels (1) to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein said coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels (1), obtains a locking in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels (1), and / or comprise a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels (1), obtains a locking in a horizontal direction (H) perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels (1); wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered, and wherein each edge has a sealing face (6) wherein, for coupled edges, the respective sealing faces (6) substantially abut each other, the sealing faces (6) being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and / or horizontal locking system; wherein the substrate layer (11) comprises a first layer (7) and a consecutive second layer (8), both said first layer (7) and said second layer (8) comprising thermoplastic material, said first layer (7) being more rigid than said second layer (8), wherein the transition between the first and the second layer (7, 8) is located at the height of said sealing faces (6), such that each sealing face (6) comprises a rigid contact surface (9) formed by the first layer (7) and a consecutive soft contact surface (10) formed by the second layer (8), wherein, for coupled edges, the rigid contact surfaces (9) and the soft contact surfaces (10) abut each other.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein, the second layer (8) is located between the first layer (7) and the top layer (12), and as such forms an intermediate layer.

3. The covering according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a said rigid contact surface (9) and a said consecutive soft contact surface (10) of a said sealing face (6), define a first contact height (Tl) according to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels (1), wherein the rigid contact surface (9) preferably takes up between 20% and 80% of the first contact height (Tl), more preferably between 30% and 70%, most preferably between 40% and 60%.

4. The covering according to claim 3, wherein the second layer (8) is located between the first layer (7) and the top layer (12), and forms an intermediate layer, such that the height (T3) of the soft contact surface (10) corresponds to the thickness of the second layer (8), or wherein the first layer (7) is located between the second layer (8) and the top layer (12), and forms an intermediate layer, such that the height (T2) of the rigid contact surface (9) corresponds to the thickness of the first layer (7.)5. The covering according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first contact height (Tl) is situated between 0,5 mm and 1,5 mm, for example is between 0,8 and 1,2 mm.

6. The covering according to any of the claim 3 to 5, wherein the first contact height (Tl) is between 15 and 30 percentage of the total thickness (X) of the panel (1).

7. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height (T2) of the rigid contact surface (9) is at least 0,2 mm, preferably at least 0,3 mm.

8. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height (T3) of the soft contact surface (10) is at least 0,2 mm, preferably at least 0,3 mm.

9. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each sealing face (6) has a top contact surface (13) formed by the top layer (12), wherein said top contact surface (13) defines a second contact height (T4) according to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels (1), wherein said second contact height (T4) is preferably at least 0,1 mm, and wherein preferably the sealing face (6) is only formed by the top contact surface (13), the soft contact surface (10) and the rigid contact surface (9).

10. The covering according to claim 9, wherein the top layer (12) forms a lowered edge (14), for example in the form of a bevel or a chamfer, located above and adjacent said top contact surface (13).

11. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the following properties, as long as not contradictory, are present-the second layer (8) has a Shore A hardness that is 10 units lower than the Shore A hardness of the first layer (7);-the second layer (8) has an elastic modulus that is at least 10.0% lower than the elastic modulus of the first layer (7);-the second layer (8) has a material with a substantially open cell structure;-the second layer (8) comprises a foamed material;-the first layer (7) comprises a foamed material;-the first layer (7) is less foamed than the second layer (8);-the second layer (8) comprises plasticizers, preferably in an amount of more than 10 phr;-the first layer (7) does not comprise plasticizers.

12. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (8) has a Shore A hardness of 100 or less, preferably a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

13. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (7) does not comprise plasticizers or comprises plasticizers in an amount of less than 15 phr, preferably of less than 10 phr, more preferably of less than 5 phr.

14. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (7) is made of a synthetic material composite comprising thermoplastic material and inorganic fillers, the weight ratio between the applied thermoplastic material and the applied inorganic fillers is preferably between 35:65 and 15:85, for example 30:70.

15. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered by the corresponding coupling parts, with the horizontal locking system and / or the vertical locking system having pretension.

16. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (1) are elongate rectangular panels (1) having two opposite long edges and two opposite short edges, wherein the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) are the long edges and the second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) are the short edges, and wherein displacement along at least some coupled edges is hindered in such a way that expansion along the lengthwise direction of the panels (1) is hindered.

17. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) comprise a male coupling part and a female coupling part, said first edge (2) comprising the male coupling part and the second edge (3) comprising the female coupling part, wherein said male and female coupling part are configured such that a first said panel (1) can be coupled with its first edge (2) into the second edge (3) of a second said panel (1) by means of an angling movement and / or by means of a substantially horizontal sliding movement with preferably snap action.

18. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) comprise a male coupling part and a female coupling part, said third edge (4) comprising the male coupling part and the fourth edge (5) comprising the female coupling part, wherein said male and female coupling part are configured such that a first said panel (1) can be coupled with its third edge (4) into the fourth edge (5) of a second said panel (1) by means of a downward movement.

19. The covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (1) are suitable for forming a floor covering in herringbone pattern, wherein the panels (1) are oblong rectangular and thus comprise a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) being the long edges and the second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) being the short edges, wherein the panels (1) comprise at least a first and a second type of panels (1), wherein the coupling parts of the first type of panels (1) on the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) are mirrored in respect to the coupling parts of the second type of panels (1) on the first pair of edges (2, 3); wherein the first edge (2) is provided with a male coupling part and the second edge (3) is provided with a female coupling part; wherein the third edge (4) is provided with a male coupling part and the fourth edge (5) is provided with a female coupling part; wherein the male coupling part on the first edge (2) can be inserted into the female coupling part on the second edge (3) by means of a turning movement; wherein the male coupling part on the first edge (2) can also be inserted into the female coupling part on the fourth edge (5) by means of a turning movement; and wherein the male coupling part on the third edge (4) can be inserted into the female coupling part on the second edge (3) in one and the same turning movement which is used to insert the male coupling part (6) on the first edge (2) into the female coupling part on the second edge (3) or fourth edge (5).

20. A covering comprising panels, such as a floor covering comprising floor panels, optionally according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 17, wherein said panels (1) each have the same layered construction with a substrate layer (11) and a top layer (12),wherein said panels (1) are oblong rectangular panels (1) with a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) and a second pair of opposite edges (4,5), wherein said first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) comprise a first edge (2) and a second edge (3), wherein said second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) comprise a third edge (4) and a fourth edge (5), and wherein said first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) are long edges and said second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) are short edges; wherein said first and second pair of opposite edges (2, 3, 4, 5) have coupling parts which allow the panels (1) to be coupled to another at the height of their edges as such forming coupled edges, wherein the coupling parts comprise a vertical locking system which, in a coupled condition of two panels (1), obtains a locking in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels (1), and comprise a horizontal locking system, which, in a coupled condition of two panels (1), obtains a locking in a horizontal direction (H) perpendicular to the coupled edges and in the plane of the panels (1); wherein each edge has a sealing face (6) wherein, in a coupled condition of two panels (1), the sealing faces (6) of two coupled edges substantially abut each other, the sealing faces (6) being located at the upper half of the coupled edges and at a location above said vertical and horizontal locking system; wherein the coupling part on the first edge (2) comprises a tongue (15) and a downwardly directed interlocking groove (16); wherein the coupling parts on the second edge (3) and on the short edges (4, 5) each comprise a groove (17, 18) and an interlocking lip (19, 20); wherein the interlocking lip (19, 20) on each of the second edge (3) and the short edges (4, 5) delimits the respective groove (17, 18) along the bottom and comprises an upwardly directed interlocking element (21, 22); wherein the tongue (15) is configured to cooperate with the groove (17, 18) on each of the second edge (3) and the short edges (4, 5) of another similar panel (1) in order to produce a vertical interlocking between the respective edges; andwherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove (16) is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element (21, 22) on each of the second edge (3) and the short edges (4, 5) of another similar panel (1) in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; and wherein the interlocking lip (19) on the second long edge (3) is absent along a portion (23) of the second edge (3); wherein, at least at the location of the aforementioned portion (23), the coupling part on the second edge (3) comprises a downwardly directed interlocking groove (24); and wherein the downwardly directed interlocking groove (24) on the second edge (3) is configured to cooperate with the upwardly directed interlocking element (22) on the third edge (4) and / or the fourth edge (5) of another similar panel (1) in order to produce a horizontal interlocking between the respective edges; wherein the groove (17) of the second edge (3) is delimited along the top by a top lip (25), wherein this top lip (25), according to the horizontal direction (H), extends beyond the respective sealing face (6), wherein tis top lip (25) comprises a bottom surface which forms a first interlocking surface (26); wherein the coupling parts on the first edge (2) and on both short edges (4, 5) comprises an undercut (27, 36) corresponding to said top lip (25), wherein the undercut (27) of the first edge (2) forms a groove which is delimited along the bottom by an upper surface of the tongue (15) of the first edge (2), wherein the upper surface of the tongue (15) of the first edge (2) forms a second interlocking surface (28), wherein the first and the second interlocking surfaces (26, 28) are configured to form a vertical interlocking of coupled panels (1) which is part of the vertical locking system, characterized in that said first and second interlocking surfaces (26, 28) extend according to a horizontal direction.

21. The covering according to claim 20, wherein the undercut (27) of the first edge (2) is delimited at its top by a horizontal extending surface and wherein the top lip (25) is delimited at its top by a horizontal extending surface.

22. The covering according to claim 20 and 21, wherein the top lip (25) extends beyond the respective sealing face (6) according to the horizontal direction, over a maximum distance situated between 0,4 and 0,8 mm.

23. The covering according to any of the claims 20 to 22, wherein, for coupled first and second edges (2, 3), the tongue (15) of the first edge (2) contacts the bottom of the top lip (25) of the groove (17) of the second edge (3) along a contact plane formed by the first and second interlocking surfaces (26, 28), wherein this contact plane, seen according to the horizontal direction, is located at both sides of the abutting sealing faces (6).

24. The covering according to any of the claims 20 to 23, wherein the tongue (15) comprises, seen according to the distal direction of said tongue (15), a downwardly directed inclined surface adjacent said first interlocking surface (26), and in that the top lip (25) comprises, seen according to the distal direction of said top lip (25), an upwardly directed inclined surface adjacent said second interlocking surface (28).

25. The covering according to any of the claims 20 to 24, wherein the third and the fourth edge (4, 5) each comprise an undercut (36) corresponding to said top lip (25), wherein said undercut (36) delimits the respective groove (18) of said third and fourth edge (4, 5), wherein said undercut (36) is situated between the groove (18) and the sealing face (6), and wherein preferably a horizontal extending surface delimits the top of said undercut (36).

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