Surface covering piece and surface covering method

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface covering piece comprising a first layer (1) which, when assembled, is the visible top layer, a second layer (2) located in an intermediate position of the covering piece (9), a third layer (3) which, when assembled, is the bottom layer, wherein the second layer (2) is made of a thermoplastic material and comprises a tongue-and-groove joint that comprises at least one male element (4), which comprises a projection (5), and at least one female element (6), which comprises a recess (7), the projection (5) and the recess (7) being located in opposite positions on the piece (9), the third layer (3) is made of a vinyl-based material, and the projection (5) is configured to retract completely and not protrude from the piece (9). The assembly method is also protected.

Description

[0001] SURFACE COATING PIECE AND SURFACE COATING PROCEDURE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a piece of flooring and wall covering especially, although generically focused on all types of architectural surfaces, whether interior or exterior, such as exterior porches, roof coverings, stair treads, plinths, skirting boards or garden walkways among others.

[0005] The cladding piece of the invention is formed by a multitude of layers, among which is defined an outer layer, which defines a certain surface finish, a thermoplastic layer, which provides flexibility for an assembly system between different pieces, and an insulating layer, made up of a material with properties appropriate to combat thermal, acoustic or water-repellent effects, among others.

[0006] The invention also relates to the method of coating the generated surface with a plurality of these coating pieces, as well as a method of installing the coating pieces.

[0007] The present invention falls within the sector related to construction, rehabilitation, and specifically with the systems and equipment for the execution and installation of construction coatings.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The evolution of floor and wall coverings is constantly developing to adapt to changing living conditions.

[0010] One of the most important aspects of installing flooring correctly is choosing the right tile laying method to ensure the tiles don't come loose during installation and maintain a pleasing appearance. In any case, flooring requires a level and sound surface. The double-bonding technique is typically used for tile installation. This involves applying a thin layer of tile adhesive, cement, or paste to both the back of the tile and the subfloor. A notched trowel is often used to create grooves and improve adhesion to the subfloor. This process prevents air pockets and ensures the tiles don't detach. During the installation process, the tiles are tapped with rubber mallets to firmly seat them on the subfloor and eliminate any remaining air pockets.Spacers are often used between tiles, and the joints are filled with grout to create the characteristic grout lines. Afterward, the adhesives and grout must be left to dry for at least 24 hours before cleaning up any remaining cement or mortar residue. In short, for a good final result, ceramic tile installation should be carried out by a professional, and it is a time-consuming process.

[0011] Thus, the installation of floor panels placed on an existing floor is known as providing a different finish, seeking more warmth or simply changing the atmosphere.

[0012] This type of flooring is typically made up of pieces of varying shapes that are tongue-and-groove around their perimeters. These are hardwood or laminate floors, which are constructed from fiberboard, sometimes derived from wood, covered with a thin layer that mimics wood. They have a tongue-and-groove system on at least two opposite sides, allowing for quick and easy installation between the different pieces. The main advantage of this type of flooring is its speed of installation; anyone can install it without needing a professional, as no adhesives or additional fixings are required.

[0013] The installation is done by fitting one piece on top of the other superficially until the entire surface to be covered is covered, and adapting the last pieces to the remaining spaces.

[0014] This type of installation must be done perfectly, without leaving any gaps that could cause the pieces to move once installed. This means that, despite the ease of installation, this system has the drawback that different thermal conditions produce expansion or contraction that affects the floor's finish. This phenomenon occurs not only in the individual pieces of the floor, but also in the subfloor itself. The result is that the pieces become loose and can separate, or they bulge due to the excessive pressure they are subjected to.

[0015] Furthermore, these types of solutions have the well-known problem of not being resistant and have issues with durability, which is much lower in both cases than ceramic floors.

[0016] One solution that has been adopted for this problem is to include an additional fixing, either between the different pieces, by means of a joint that keeps them in place once assembled, or directly to the ground by means of nails or similar.

[0017] However, this solution presents several problems. During installation, the process incurs additional costs due to the new assembly components and the time required to install them. Furthermore, if the installation needs to be dismantled to replace a part due to unexpected breakage, the process is much more laborious.

[0018] Thus, a further evolutionary step has been the development of multi-layered parts formed by a visible external surface that provides the desired finish and which also included a lower, unseen layer that provides the ability to be assembled.

[0019] Document W02020083614A1 relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular floor tiles, wall tiles, or ceiling tiles. The invention also relates to a tile covering, in particular a floor covering, a ceiling covering, or a wall covering, composed of tiles joined together. The invention further relates to a slab for use in a multi-purpose slab system according to the invention.

[0020] US2021131 120 relates to a system for covering floors, walls, and other surfaces, said system comprising two or more panels, wherein each panel comprises: a) a hard tile with a top and bottom portion, said hard tile comprising mineral or metal with a Mohs hardness rating of 4 or higher; b) a composite core with a top and bottom portion, said composite core having a Mohs hardness rating of less than 4; c) a magnetic or removable adhesive fastening system joining the bottom portion of (a) to the top portion of (b); d) a non-adhesive connection system for connecting adjacent engineered planks through the composite core (b); and e) a removable putty or sealant filling the spaces between the tiles (a), said two or more planks being adjacently connected through the non-adhesive connection system (d).

[0021] Document WO2017013501 refers to a thin / pressed or standard thickness ceramic or stone laminar element for flooring that is glued with a gluing system to a rigid / flexible PVC support element, HDF standards or with different mixtures of mineral, ceramic or other fibers, which has interlocking lateral connection sections with female and male elements; the union of the laminar element and the support element allows obtaining a prefabricated element assembled for floating floors that does not require the use of glue.

[0022] US2022154747 relates to an element for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor element comprises a board having edges provided with coupling elements adapted to cooperate with coupling elements of an adjacent similar floor element in said floor covering, coupling elements comprising at least one male part and at least one female part, said male part being positioned along a first edge and projecting outward beyond a top edge on said first edge, said female part being positioned along a second edge and extending inward beyond a top edge on said second edge to thereby form a recess to receive at least partially the male part, wherein said recess comprises an inlet opening having a vertical width, the characteristic being that the ratio of the vertical width to the thickness of the board is greater than 0.4.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention relates to a surface covering piece intended to be joined with a plurality of similar pieces to form a floor, a wall, or any other type of architectural element.

[0025] Throughout this descriptive report, it will be mentioned that the cladding pieces are intended to be fitted together to form floors, although this should not be understood in a limiting way, as they can form other types of surfaces, such as walls and those mentioned above.

[0026] The first characteristic of the cladding piece of the invention is that it is made up of a plurality of layers.

[0027] The first layer is the top layer. This is the visible layer of the piece that will form the floor. It provides the necessary rigidity and hardness to perform its intended function, bearing in mind that it is the layer that must withstand all the impacts from objects falling to the floor, footsteps, etc.

[0028] A second layer is an intermediate layer. This layer provides the most important characteristics of the cladding piece of the invention.

[0029] On one hand, it features a tongue-and-groove assembly system designed for quick installation and fastening of the various cladding pieces. The tongue-and-groove system can be located on only two sides of the piece, with the male element on one side and the female element on the opposite side, or even around the perimeter, on all sides of the piece. In this case, the male and female elements always alternate and are always on opposite sides, so that the tongue-and-groove assembly of a set of pieces occurs without needing to consider the position of the pieces.

[0030] On the other hand, it features a grid of minimally spaced micro-cuts, designed so that when the cladding piece needs to be cut, the first layer breaks along with the second layer at one of these micro-cuts, leaving the piece practically cut. Furthermore, it also provides insulation from the floor where it is installed, as it constitutes the thickest layer of the cladding piece.

[0031] A third layer is the bottom layer. This layer provides insulation from the ground, just like the middle layer, and can also incorporate other elements for additional functions. For example, it can include an adhesive layer for easier installation in appropriate situations.

[0032] The typical geometry of the cladding pieces of the invention is rectangular, although they can have any dimensional ratio between width and length. They can be square, for example, to form mosaics, or elongated, to create herringbone patterns by joining the short sides to the long sides. Furthermore, they can also be configured in any other polygonal geometry, such as hexagons, although this is not the only option. They can also have curved sides. In this case, the consideration would extend to pieces with straight sides, especially regarding the assembly of different pieces, as will be discussed later. Finally, it should be noted that the pieces can also have special dimensions as needed.

[0033] Regarding materials, the combination of different layers of the coating piece is very broad and has few limitations.

[0034] The first layer, the top layer, is made of a material that isn't limited to ceramic, as is typical, but can also be metal, glass, or resistant composite materials made from resins, minerals, vinyl, limestone powder, and other materials. In short, as mentioned earlier, it's a material that provides the necessary hardness to withstand everyday wear and tear. A common option is a material suitable for radiant floor heating. Additionally, it can also incorporate a layer of epoxy or a similar material for use on sports surfaces, such as padel courts.

[0035] The second layer, the intermediate layer, is made of a thermoplastic material, or at least contains one, providing a balance between hardness and flexibility to perform the required tongue-and-groove assembly. It's important to note that this layer incorporates the tongue-and-groove system for joining the different pieces, so it must have significant compressibility or deformability to allow for assembly. It must be able to retract and fold flat, without protruding from the surface of the first layer, and then expand back to its original position. One material it can be made of is SPC, which stands for Solid Polymer Composite. This material consists of high-quality PVC mixed with limestone powder, giving it greater density, stability, and wear resistance than conventional vinyl.This material offers advantages in terms of dimensional stability, fire-resistant behavior, lack of toxicity, being antibacterial, having sound insulation properties, having high thermal conductivity, suitable for the implementation of radiant heating, being aesthetically pleasing and also completely water-resistant.

[0036] The third and bottom layer is made of a vinyl-based material, such as EVA, although it may incorporate other elements like adhesives. One of its key features is that it does not affect the surface it is placed on. Therefore, an important characteristic of the coating piece of the invention is that it is recyclable and reusable. This third layer is very thin, and when the piece is cut, as previously mentioned, the first and second layers will cut easily thanks to the microcodes in the second layer, leaving the third layer intact. However, because it is a soft and thin material, it can be cut without any problem with a blade or by hand.

[0037] The different layers that make up the coating are bonded together using standard methods. They can be industrially bonded, incorporating oven heating processes, or, preferably, for greater flexibility in manufacturing custom parts, using adhesive. In either case, the bond is so strong that expansion due to heating or cooling is negligible; the tension generated by the material of the first layer outweighs the expansion tendency of the intermediate layer.

[0038] The tiles are designed to form a continuous floor, without gaps or separators. To achieve this, the edges are micro-beveled, so they don't have sharp corners that could cause cuts when walking barefoot, for example.

[0039] The cladding piece can have a rectangular configuration, intended to form skirting boards or baseboards. In this case, the first layer extends along one of the longer sides, covering it, and the tongue-and-groove system is found only on the shorter sides, with the male element on one side and the female element on the other.

[0040] Furthermore, the first layer can also be configured to extend along one side of the piece, forming an "L" shape. This configuration is used for stair treads and baseboards, for example. The tongue-and-groove system incorporated into the cladding piece consists of a male element formed by a projection that extends slightly beyond the edge of the piece where it is located. This projection is preferably angled towards the first layer, and this angle can be present on both sides of the projection, facilitating both insertion and removal of the piece. The female element is configured for a tight fit with the male element. The tongue-and-groove system is positioned on the piece so that a male and a female element are always located on opposite faces.

[0041] Furthermore, the fact that the tongue and groove joint is located on the sides of the piece does not mean that the protrusion that forms the male element has to be continuous; it can consist of discontinuous protruding sections longitudinally along that side of the piece, like separate teeth.

[0042] This tongue and groove system is designed to provide a connection tailored to the specific needs of the flooring being created. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance between the flexibility and elasticity of the male elements' projections, allowing them to return to their original shape after deformation and into the recesses of the female elements, resulting in a stable and durable joint.

[0043] The objective of this tongue and groove system configuration is twofold.

[0044] On the one hand, the cladding pieces must be able to be assembled vertically. This way, if, once a floor is installed, a piece needs to be replaced, it can be removed and a new one inserted without having to remove the surrounding pieces.

[0045] On the other hand, the elastic capacity of the intermediate layer material so that the protrusion can retract into the interior of the piece is essential for a piece to be placed while surrounded by other pieces and then expand into the female element.

[0046] To improve this effect, the female element can incorporate a friction-reducing material, such as paraffin, to facilitate the insertion and removal of the male element's protrusion into the female element's recess. Alternatively, the male element's protrusion, instead of being elastic and compressible, can also be rigid. For this purpose, the male element can be configured as a plate with a hole, to which a strip is attached at one end. The strip, at its other end, comprises a protrusion positioned to align with a hole in the plate. The plate can consist of a single strip with one or more protruding sections extending through the corresponding holes, or even several strips, each with the desired protrusions.

[0047] The hole in the sheet metal depends on the configuration of the protrusion, both in shape and number, and there can be several. Furthermore, the protrusion can be cylindrical, like a pin, with a rounded base, or elongated, like a plate. Thus, although there can also be protruding vapors, it is acceptable to have only one.

[0048] The intermediate layer, designed to accommodate the protrusion when it retracts, includes a recess, as does the one for the sheet metal. Furthermore, the sheet metal can be attached to the part by pressure or using standard fastening methods such as adhesive, screws, or similar.

[0049] It should be noted that this rigid male element, formed by the sheet metal and the protrusions, can also be implemented in cladding materials other than those of the invention, such as ceramic tiles, for example. In this case, it is sufficient to create the necessary recesses in the sides of the tiles, both to insert the sheet metal and to create the female elements into which the sheet metal fits.

[0050] In this way, not only is the assembly system extremely simple, without the need for construction or specialized operators, but the disassembly of individual pieces, despite being in an intermediate zone of a surface covered with cladding pieces, is equally simple.

[0051] Regarding the manufacturing of the multi-layered piece, it should be noted that it is preferably produced by hot pressing, resulting in a single, unified, compact piece made of various materials, each contributing the desired characteristic for each specific need, such as hardness, appearance, flexibility, deformability, insulation, etc. Furthermore, since no adhesive cement or pastes are used, the cladding pieces of the invention are recyclable or reusable, allowing for the dismantling of an existing floor and the reuse of the pieces for cladding another floor.

[0052] Therefore, the cladding pieces of the invention offer the advantages of quick and easy installation of hardwood flooring combined with the durability and resistance of conventional ceramic tiles. Furthermore, the tongue-and-groove fastening system allows for a much simpler, faster, more versatile, and more economical cladding process than with conventional tiles or ceramic pieces. Similarly, the present invention yields a floor that is significantly more resistant to scratches, impacts, and chemical abrasives compared to hardwood, parquet, or flooring made from wood or wood-imitation pieces.

[0053] On the other hand, the cladding element of the invention has the additional advantages that the bottom layer is made of a material that serves as acoustic insulation (vinyl-based), while the middle layer is made of a material that serves as impact insulation (thermoplastic) for the dwellings below. Furthermore, it also has the advantage of being a better thermal insulator than claddings based on a single material, such as traditional ceramic.

[0054] Preferably, the first layer has a thickness of between 1 and 20 mm, and more preferably between 2 and 15 mm. Furthermore, the combination of the second and third layers preferably has a thickness of between 3 and 8 mm, and more preferably between 3 and 5 mm. Thus, the total thickness of the cladding piece is preferably between 4 and 28 mm, and more preferably between 5 and 20 mm.

[0055] Thus, listing the advantages provided by the present invention, the following can be indicated:

[0056] - The tongue and groove system is adaptable to any type of surface covering pieces.

[0057] - The covering piece is adaptable to any type of surface.

[0058] - The coating piece is reusable for application to another surface.

[0059] - The surface to be covered is easy to install, without the need for skilled workers, and is also easy to handle for replacement. - The joint between different pieces is perfect.

[0060] - The resulting coating is highly durable, resistant, and enhances the quality of the surface obtained.

[0061] Furthermore, the invention also focuses on the procedure for forming a coating surface using the described parts.

[0062] To this end, although the initial formation of a surface can be carried out in the known way, that is, by placing the initial pieces from a location attached to an edge of the surface to be covered and placing the following pieces in continuity, the procedure has the particularity that, once a section of the surface covering has been formed, an interior piece can be replaced by another without the need to replace all the others from a certain area until reaching the piece to be replaced.

[0063] Thus, a part surrounded by similar parts can be extracted simply by suction, moving perpendicularly to the surface where it is located. Obviously, the part to be replaced can also be removed by first breaking it and then removing the pieces.

[0064] Similarly, a gap created between several cladding pieces that make up a surface can be filled by placing a cladding piece without having to access it laterally, but simply from above.

[0065] Thus, the procedure for covering a surface using the pieces described above comprises the following steps: a) placing a first piece on a surface intended to be covered, b) sequentially placing a plurality of pieces, each piece assembled to a piece already placed until the surface is completely covered, c) if it is necessary to replace a piece, extracting said piece perpendicular to the surface where it is placed, d) placing a similar piece in the gap created by pressure.

[0066] The piece can be removed by applying suction cups to the piece to be extracted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0067] To complete the description and to aid in a better understanding of the invention's characteristics, a set of figures is presented, which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, represent the following:

[0068] Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of the cladding piece of the invention in a first embodiment, showing the different layers that make it up and the tongue and groove system.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the part in Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the tongue and groove system that allows the assembly of different pieces together, showing the situation in which an intermediate piece is placed, surrounded by other pieces.

[0071] Figure 4 represents a cross-sectional view of the cladding piece of the invention in a second embodiment that includes a rigid projection folded down into the interior of the piece.

[0072] Figure 5 represents a front and rear view of the plate that makes up the male element with the strip, the protrusion, and the hole.

[0073] Figure 6 represents a front view of the plate that forms the male element, showing that it comprises two protrusions.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a ceramic floor comprising a plurality of multi-layered pieces assembled together.

[0075] The following is a list of the different elements represented in the figures with their associated numerical references:

[0076] 1. First layer.

[0077] 2. Second layer.

[0078] 3. Third layer.

[0079] 4. Male element.

[0080] 5. Projection. 6. Female element.

[0081] 7. Incoming.

[0082] 8. Inclination.

[0083] 9. Cladding piece.

[0084] 10. Floor.

[0085] 11. Sheet metal.

[0086] 12. Strip.

[0087] 13. Hole.

[0088] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0089] The present invention relates to a surface covering piece (9) that is normally used for floors (10) and walls, but is focused on all types of architectural surfaces in general, whether interior or exterior, such as exterior porches, roof coverings, plinths, skirting boards, stair treads or garden walkways, among others.

[0090] Figure 1 represents a side view of the cladding piece (9) of the invention.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the cladding piece (9) has a rectangular shape, although it can have any flat geometry. It is important to note that, to complete the formation of a floor (10), the male elements (4) and female elements (6) must always be aligned, regardless of whether they are a single pair or two pairs. Even in the case of pieces with curved sides, logic will dictate which straight-sided shape they resemble to determine the placement of the male elements (4) and female elements (6).

[0092] As shown in Figure 1, the cladding piece (9) consists of:

[0093] - a first layer (1 ), the top visible layer,

[0094] - a second layer (2), the intermediate layer, comprising a tongue and groove fastening system on at least two opposite sides of the piece (9),

[0095] - a third layer, the lower layer, which remains in contact with the ground (10).

[0096] Figure 2 represents the minimum tongue-and-groove system incorporated into the piece (9), consisting of a male element (4), comprising a projection (5), on one side of the piece (9), and a female element (6), comprising a recess (7), on an opposite side of the piece (9). This is the basic configuration of the cladding piece.

[0097] (9) of the invention. However, normally the pieces (9) comprise the tongue and groove system along the entire perimeter, with the configuration described, i.e., a male element (4) and a female element (6) always located on opposite sides but on all sides, so that the pieces (9) fit together peripherally.

[0098] The layers (1, 2, 3) are joined together with glue.

[0099] Figure 3 shows the process of fixing an intermediate piece located on a floor

[0100] (10) already coated. The pieces (9) have been represented in section, so that the tongue and groove system is only shown on the sides of piece (9) and not on the front, as would be normal. For the fastening to be possible, the projections (5) must have a length that does not protrude too much from the side where they are located, so that the assembly of the pieces (9) is a butt fit, without gaps, and the projections (5) of both the piece (9) to be assembled and those of the pieces (9) where it will be assembled, can absorb the deformation for an elastic assembly, that is, that they deform and return to their original shape.To do this, the protrusion (5) of the piece (9) has elastic capacity to retract until it no longer protrudes from the surface of the piece (9) and, once the protrusion (5) of the male element (4) meets the indentation (7) of the female element (6), expand again to recover its initial configuration at rest.

[0101] The figures show that the protrusions (5) that make up the male element (4) are inclined (8) towards the first layer (1). This inclination facilitates the approach of the piece (9) being placed towards the piece (9) onto which it fits. In fact, the inclination (8) can be on both sides, according to a cross-section, thus also facilitating the removal of the piece (9).

[0102] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the male element (4) is configured as a plate (11) comprising a hole (13) and a strip (12) with a projection (5) at one end. The strip (12) is welded to the plate.

[0103] (1 1 ) at the other end, so that the projection (5) protrudes through the hole (13). This arrangement gives the projection a spring-like configuration so that it can extend in and retract out of the hole (13). The projection (5) is cylindrical with a rounded head, like a pin, and, for the part (9) to fit properly, the male element (4) includes at least two projections (5). Having described the operation of the spring-like projection (5) in this embodiment, it can be understood that, instead of pin-like projections (5), the projection (5) can also be elongated, like a plate, in the style of the previous embodiments, so that only one projection is available.

[0104] The male element (4) is fitted into the piece (9) by known methods, i.e., by pressure or by mechanical anchoring. However, the intermediate layer (2) is hollowed out not only to accommodate the sheet (11) but also to provide space to house the projection (5) once it moves into the interior of the piece (9).

[0105] Figure 7 shows a floor (10) comprising a plurality of pieces (9) already assembled using the tongue and groove fixing system described above.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 March 2025 (21.03.2025) 1. Surface covering piece comprising: - a first layer (1) which, in the assembled situation, is the visible top layer, - a second layer (2) located in an intermediate position of the cladding piece (9), - a third layer (3) which, in the assembled situation, is the bottom layer, where: - the second layer (2) is made of a thermoplastic material and comprises a tongue and groove joint comprising at least one male element (4), comprising a projection (5), and at least one female element (6), comprising a recess (7), the projection (5) and the recess (7) being located in opposite positions of the piece (9), and - the third layer (3) is made of a vinyl-based material, - the projection (5) is configured to retract completely without protruding from the piece (9). the cladding piece (9) being characterized in that: - the male element (4) comprises a plate (1 1 ) with at least one hole (13) where a strip (12) is fixed which at one end comprises the projection (5) configured to pass through the hole (13).

2. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the projection (5) is made of an elastic and compressible material.

3. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the male element (4) comprises a plurality of strips (12) fixed to the sheet (1 1 ) wherein the sheet (1 1 ), in turn, comprises a plurality of holes (13) corresponding to the projections (5) of the strips (12).

4. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the strip (12) comprises at least a second projection (5) located in an intermediate zone and the sheet (11) comprises the holes corresponding to the projections (5).

5. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the projection (5) has a cylindrical configuration with a rounded base.

6. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the projection (5) has a plate configuration.

7. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the third layer (3) is made of EVA.

8. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the projection (5) has an inclination (8) towards the first layer (1).

9. The cladding piece of claim 8, wherein the projection (5) has the inclination (8) on both sides in a cross section.

10. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the top layer (1) extends laterally to cover a lateral section of the piece (9).

1. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a thickness of between 1 and 20 mm and the assembly formed by the second layer (2) and the third layer (3) has a thickness of between 3 and 8 mm.

12. The cladding piece of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a thickness of between 2 and 15 mm and the assembly formed by the second layer (2) and the third layer (3) has a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm.

13. The lining piece of any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (7) of the female element (6) comprises a material configured to reduce friction.

14. The lining piece of claim 13, wherein the material is paraffin.

15. A method for coating a surface using the pieces (9) of any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) placing a first piece (9) on a surface intended to be coated, b) sequentially placing a plurality of pieces (9), each of the pieces (9) assembled to a piece (9) already placed until the surface is completely coated, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following phases: c) if it is necessary to replace a part (9), remove said part (9) perpendicular to the surface where it is located, d) place a part (9) similar to the part (9) removed in the hole created by pressure.

16. The procedure of claim 15, wherein the extraction is performed by sucking the piece (9) using suction cups. [0001] [0002]In accordance with Article 19.1 of the PCT Treaty, concerning the amendment of claims before the International Bureau: [0003]A new set of claims is provided, replacing those originally submitted: [0004]- The modified claim 1 is the result of adding the technical features of claim 3 to the originally presented claim 1. [0005]- The remaining dependent claims have been renumbered accordingly.

Images