Decorative surfacing covering and assembly comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a decorative surface covering and an assembly comprising the connected decorative surface coverings. The decorative surface covering comprises, from top to bottom, a surface ornamental layer and a substrate layer. The decorative surface covering has: a first length edge and a second length edge opposite each other, and a first width edge and a second width edge opposite each other; cutouts formed at the first length edge and the first width edge, and the cutouts being substantially L-shaped and thereby having a first vertical surface and a first transverse surface; and at least one trough formed between the first length edge and the second length edge or between the first width edge and the second width edge, and the at least one trough being substantially U-shaped and thereby having two second vertical surfaces and a second transverse surface. The at least one trough extends parallel to the first length edge and the second length edge or extends parallel to the first width edge and the second width edge, and divides the decorative surface covering into at least two pieces of equal size.

Description

DECORATIVE SURFACING COVERING AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING THE SAMETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a decorative surface covering and an assembly comprising the same.BACKGROUND

[0002] Decorative surface coverings are made of a polymeric material or a natural material. Multiple decorative surface coverings are joined together by the tongue and groove connection system to form a large decorative surface covering. There are connection joints between decorative surface coverings throughout the entire large surface covering.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a decorative surface covering such as a floor covering, a floor panel comprising a construction from top to bottom, a surface ornamental layer and a substrate layer. The decorative surface covering has: a first length edge and a second length edge opposite each other, and a first width edge and a second width edge opposite each other; cutouts formed at the first length edge and the first width edge, and the cutouts being substantially L-shaped and thereby having a first vertical surface and a first transverse surface; and at least one trough formed between the first length edge and the second length edge or between the first width edge and the second width edge, and the at least one trough being substantially U-shaped and thereby having two second vertical surfaces and a second transverse surface. The at least one trough extends parallel to the first length edge and the second width edge or extends parallel to the first width edge and the second width edge and divides the decorative surface covering into at least two pieces of equal size.

[0004] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering further comprises: first bevels connected between the first vertical surfaces of the cutouts and an upper surface of the surface ornamental layer, and angles of corners between the first bevels and an extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°; second bevels connected between the two second vertical surfaces of the at least one trough and the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer, and angles of corners between the second bevels and the extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°; and third bevels extending obliquely downward from the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer at the second length edge and the second width edge and at least partially located in the surface ornamental layer, and included angles between the third bevels and the extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels extend obliquely downward from the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer by a distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0006] In some embodiments, the surface ornamental layer comprises, from top to bottom, a wear layer and a decor layer. The first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels end in the wear layer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second transverse surface of the at least one trough has a width in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering has no cutouts at the second length edge and the second width edge, so that a portion of the surfaces of the decorative surface covering at the second length edge and the second width edge form third vertical surfaces extending downward from the third bevels. When two of the decorative surface covering are connected together, the third vertical surface of one of the decorative surface coverings faces the first vertical surface of the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering, so that the third vertical surface of one of the decorative surface coverings mates with the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface coverings to form a substantially U-shaped trough.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first transverse surfaces of the cutouts have a width in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering further comprises: additional cutouts formed at the second length edge and the second width edge, the additional cutouts being substantially L-shaped and thereby having an additional vertical surface and an additional transverse surface, and the additional vertical surfaces being connected between the third bevels and the additional transverse surfaces. When two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the additional cutout of one of the decorative surface coverings is aligned and connected with the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering, so that the additional cutout mates with the corresponding cutout to form a substantially U-shaped trough.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sum of the widths of the additional transverse surface of the additional cutout and the transverse surface of the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface coverings is in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first vertical surfaces of the cutouts, the second vertical surfaces of the trough, the additional vertical surfaces of the additional cutouts, and the third vertical surfaces end in the substrate layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first vertical surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces and the third vertical surfaces each have a height that is less than 0.3 mm and does not exceed 50% of the total thickness of the decorative surface covering.

[0014] In some embodiments, angles of corners in a range from 90° to 135° are formed between the first vertical surfaces and the first transverse surfaces, between the second vertical surfaces and the second transverse surfaces, and between the additional vertical surfaces and the additional transverse surfaces.

[0015] In some embodiments, connections between the first vertical surfaces and the first transverse surfaces, between the second vertical surfaces and the second transverse surfaces, and between the additional vertical surfaces and the additional transverse surfaces are arc-shaped.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces and the third vertical surfaces are each coated with a first lacquer layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first lacquer layer extends from bottom toward top to cover the decor layer of the surface ornamental layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first lacquer layer extends from bottom toward top by the height of the first vertical surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces and the third vertical surfaces.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels are coated with a second lacquer layer having the same as or similar gloss to that of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering  further comprises an additional lacquer layer, the additional lacquer layer covering: (a) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces, and the third vertical surfaces; or (b) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces, the third vertical surfaces, the first bevels, the second bevels, and the third bevels; or (c) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surface, the additional transverse surface, the third vertical surfaces, the first bevels, the second bevels, the third bevels, and the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering further comprises: tongue structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the first length edge and the first width edge and located below the cutouts, and the tongue structures protruding outward relative to the cutouts; groove structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the second length edge and the second width edge; coupling surfaces connected between the corresponding tongue structures and the first transverse surfaces of the cutouts; and coupling mating surfaces connected between the corresponding third vertical surfaces and the groove structures. When two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the tongue structure of one of the decorative surface coverings is inserted into the groove structure of the other decorative surface covering, and the coupling mating surface of one of the decorative surface coverings and the corresponding coupling surface of the other decorative surface covering abut against each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering further comprises: tongue structure at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the first length edge and the first width edge and located below the cutouts, and the tongue structures protruding outward relative to the cutouts; groove structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the second length edge and the second width edge and located below the additional cutouts; coupling surfaces connected between the corresponding tongue structures and the first transverse surfaces of the cutouts; and coupling mating surfaces connected between the corresponding groove structures  and the additional transverse surfaces of the additional cutouts, and the coupling mating surfaces protruding outward relative to the additional vertical surfaces of the additional cutouts. When two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the tongue structure of one of the decorative surface coverings is inserted into the groove structure of the other decorative surface covering, and the coupling mating surface of one of the decorative surface coverings and the corresponding coupling surface of the other decorative surface covering abut against each other.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides an assembly comprising at least three decorative surface coverings according to the present disclosure connected together. A trough in one of the decorative surface coverings is aligned with a first length edge, a second length edge, a first width edge or a second width edge of another decorative surface covering.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0025] Fig. 1A shows an illustrative perspective view of a decorative surface covering according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 1B shows an illustrative partial enlarged view of a first width edge of the decorative surface covering in Fig. 1A;

[0027] Fig. 1C shows an illustrative partial enlarged view of a second width edge of the decorative surface covering  in Fig. 1A;

[0028] Fig. 1D shows an illustrative partial enlarged view of a portion of the decorative surface covering in Fig. 1A at a trough;

[0029] Fig. 1E shows an illustrative partial enlarged view of a portion of the decorative surface covering in Fig. 1A at the connection between a first length edge and the first width edge;

[0030] Fig. 2A shows an illustrative view of a cutout shown in Fig. 1B coated with a lacquer layer;

[0031] Fig. 2B shows an illustrative view of a third vertical surface shown in Fig. 1C coated with a lacquer layer;

[0032] Fig. 2C shows an illustrative view of the trough shown in Fig. 1D coated with a lacquer layer;

[0033] Fig. 3A shows an illustrative perspective view of three decorative surface coverings shown in Figs. 1A to 1E connected together;

[0034] Fig. 3B shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connection joint of two decorative surface coverings in Fig. 3A;

[0035] Fig. 4 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connection joint of two decorative surface coverings according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connection joint of two surface coverings according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 6 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connection joint of two surface coverings according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Fig. 7 shows results of a stain resistance test at the cutout shown in Fig. 3B.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] It should be understood that the terms for indicating directions, such as “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner” and “outer”, are used in the present disclosure to purposely describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the present disclosure. These terms are used herein only for ease of illustration and are determined based on the exemplary orientations as shown in the accompanying drawing. Since the arrangements in the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be in various directions, these terms indicating directions are only illustrative and should not be construed as limitations.

[0040] Various specific implementations of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings which form part of this specification. It should be understood that, where possible, the same or similar reference signs used in the present disclosure refer to the same components.

[0041] Figs. 1A to 1E show an overall structure of a decorative surface covering 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The decorative surface covering 100 may be but is not limited to a floor covering or a floor panel. Fig. 1A shows an illustrative perspective view of the decorative surface covering 100. Figs. 1B to 1D show illustrative partial enlarged views in cross section of the decorative surface covering 100 taken in a direction parallel to a first length edge 101 and a second length edge 102. The portion shown in Fig. 1B is located at a first width edge 103, the portion shown in Fig. 1C is located at a second width edge 104, and the portion shown in Fig. 1D is located at a trough 140. Fig. 1E is an illustrative partial enlarged view of a portion of the decorative surface covering 100 at the connection joint between the first length edge 101 and the first width edge 103. It should be understood that the length edges and width edges may have a same or different sizes.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1A, the decorative surface covering 100 is rectangular, and has a first length edge 101 and a second length edge 102 opposite each other and a first width edge 103 and a second width edge 104 opposite each other. A trough 140 is provided in the middle between the first width edge 103 and the second width edge 104. The trough 140 is parallel to the first width edge 103 and the second width edge 104, and extends from the first length edge 101 to the second length edge 102. When viewed from above, the trough 140 divides the decorative surface covering 100 into two pieces of equal size. In some embodiments, more than one trough140, including but not limited to two or three  troughs, may be provided. In some embodiments, when viewed from above, the decorative surface covering 100 is divided into three or more pieces of equal size by the two or more troughs140. In some embodiments, the trough140 is arranged in the middle between the first length edge 101 and the second length edge 102 and parallel to the first length edge 101 and the second length edge 102 with extending between the first width edge 103 and the second width edge 104.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1B, the decorative surface covering 100 includes, from top to bottom, a surface ornamental layer 110 and a substrate layer 120. The surface ornamental layer 110 includes an upper surface 111 and a lower surface 112, and the substrate layer 120 is attached under the lower surface 112 of the surface ornamental layer 110. The surface ornamental layer 110 and the substrate layer 120 may each be configured to be of a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In some embodiments, the surface ornamental layer 110 and the substrate layer 120 are each made of a polymeric material. In other embodiments, the surface ornamental layer 110 and the substrate layer 120 are each made of a natural material. In other embodiments, the surface ornamental layer 110 and the substrate layer 120 are each made of a mixture of a polymeric material and a natural material. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the surface ornamental layer 110 is of a two-layer structure including a wear-resistant layer 116 and a decor layer 117. The decor layer 117 may be a pre-printed polymer film layer (e.g., a polyolefin film or a polyvinyl chloride film) or decorative paper, or may be obtained by transfer printing film or digital printing film. The wear layer 116 includes a transparent polymer film (e.g., a polyvinyl chloride film). The substrate layer 120 may be made of an organic polymer material, an inorganic material, a wood material, or any combination thereof. The organic polymer material for making the substrate layer 120 includes, but is not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The inorganic material for making the substrate layer 120 includes, but is not limited to, calcium carbonate powder, dolomite powder, talc powder, or other inorganic fillers. The substrate layer 120 may also be made of a pure inorganic material, including but not limited to calcium silicate board, glass magnesium board, cement board, and other inorganic material boards. The substrate layer 120 may also be made of a wood material, including but not limited to density board, solid wood, and multi-layer plywood and wood / plastic composite board etc,. In some embodiments, the surface ornamental layer 110 has a thickness in a range from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, and the substrate layer 120 has a thickness in a range from 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm. In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering 100 further includes a backing layer (not shown). The backing layer is attached under the substrate layer 120, and has a thickness in a range from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the decorative surface covering 100 has a total thickness in a range from 4.2 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0044] Still referring to Fig. 1B, the decorative floor panel 100 is formed with a cutout 130 at the first width edge 103 which extends from the first length edge 101 to the second length edge 102. The cutout 130 is substantially L-shaped and thereby has a first vertical surface 131 and a first transverse surface 132. The first transverse surface 132 has a width (i.e., in a left-right direction shown in the figure) in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm. This width dimension facilitates application of lacquer into the cutout 130 and also prevents the cutout 130 from being too wide. In some embodiments, the first transverse surface 132 may have any width within the range mentioned above, for example, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, or 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the cutout 130 extends downward into the substrate layer 120 such that the first vertical surface 131 ends in the substrate layer 120. Since the substrate layer 120 has greater roughness, the extension of the cutout 130 into the substrate layer 120 increases the adhesion of the cutout 130 to the lacquer applied therein. It should be understood that in other embodiments the cutout 130 may be formed such that the first vertical surface 131 thereof ends in the surface ornamental layer 110. In some embodiments, the first vertical surface 131 has a height that is not less than 0.3 mm and does not exceed 50% of the total thickness of the decorative surface covering 100. This height dimension facilitates application of lacquer into the cutout 130 and increases the adhesion of the cutout 130 to the lacquer applied therein without compromising the structural strength of the decorative surface covering 100. In some embodiments, an angle of corner formed between the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 is in a range from 90° to 135°, which facilitates application of lacquer into the cutout 130 by enabling the lacquer to enter the angle of corner between the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132. In some embodiments, the angle of corner formed between the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 is any angle within the range mentioned above, for example, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, or 130°. In some embodiments, the connection between the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 is formed into an arc shape, which facilitates application of lacquer into the cutout 130 so as to avoid coating sitting at dead corners.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 1B and 1E, the decorative surface covering 100 is formed with a first bevel 113 at the first width edge 103 thereof, which is connected between the first vertical surface 131 of the cutout 130 and the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110. In some embodiments, the first bevel 113 extends obliquely downward from an edge 118 of the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110 by a distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first bevel 113 extends obliquely downward from the edge 118 of the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110 by any distance within the range mentioned above, for example, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 2.5 mm. The first bevel 113 ends in the wear layer 116. In some embodiments, the first bevel 113 ends in the decor layer 117. In some embodiments, the first bevel 113 ends in the substrate layer 120. In some embodiments, the slanted angle α between the first bevel 113 and an extension of the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110 is in a range from 10° to 75°. In some embodiments, the slanted angle α between the first bevel 113 and the extension of the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110 is any angle within the range mentioned above, for example, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, or 70°. When two or more decorative surface coverings 100 are joined together, the presence of the first bevel 113 reduces the uneven surface at edges caused by the height difference of two connected decorative surface coverings 100. The first bevel 113 also prevents, during application of lacquer into the cutout 130, the lacquer from being applied to the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110. In addition, the first bevel 113 may be coated with a lacquer that has the same or similar gloss as the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110, thereby alleviating the problem of reflection or darkening caused by the first bevel 113. In some embodiments, the first bevel 113 may be formed with, at the edge 118, an irregular chamfer similar to that of stone or tile floors, including but not limited to a serrated chamfer, an antique-style chamfer, a rounded chamfer edge, a corrugated chamfer, etc. These chamfers may be formed by cutting with a tool or by thermoforming. Due to such an irregular chamfer, the first bevel 113 accordingly presents a serrated surface, an antique-style surface, a rounded surface, and a corrugated surface. In addition to achieving the functions mentioned above, these chamfers can also give the floor a more realistic stone- or tile-like visual effect.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1D, the trough 140 is substantially U-shaped and thereby has two opposing second vertical surfaces 141 and a second transverse surface 142. The trough 140 extends into the substrate layer 120 such that the second vertical surfaces 141 end in the substrate layer 120. Since the substrate layer 120 has greater roughness, the extension of the trough 140 into the substrate layer 120 enables the trough 140 to have greater adhesion to the lacquer applied therein. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the trough 140 can be configured to extend only into the surface ornamental layer 110 such that the second vertical surfaces 141 end in the surface ornamental layer 110. In some embodiments, the second vertical surfaces 141 have a height that is not less than 0.3 mm and does not exceed 50% of the total thickness of the decorative surface covering 100. This height dimension facilitates application of lacquer into the trough 140 without compromising the structural strength of the decorative surface covering 100. In some embodiments, the angles of the corners formed between the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 are in a range from 90° to 135°, which facilitate application of lacquer into the trough 140 by enabling the lacquer layer to enter the angles of the corners formed between the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142. In some embodiments, the angles of the corners formed between the second vertical surface 141 and the second transverse surface 142 are any angle within the range mentioned above, for example, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, or 130°. In some embodiments, the connections between the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 are formed into an arc shape, which facilitates application of lacquer into the trough 140 to avoid coating sitting at dead corners. In some embodiments, the second transverse surface 142 of the trough 140 has a width in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm (in a left-right direction as shown in the figure). This width dimension facilitates application of lacquer into the trough 140 and also prevents the trough 140 from being too wide. In some embodiments, the second transverse surface 142 may have any width within the range mentioned above, for example, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, or 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the trough 140 has the same width and depth as the cutout 130.

[0047] Still referring to Fig. 1D, the decorative surface covering 100 includes second bevels 114 connected between the second vertical surfaces 141 of the trough 140 and the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110. The second bevels 114 have the same shape and size as the first bevel 113 and have the same function as the first bevel 113. In some embodiments, the second bevels 114 are coated with lacquer in the same manner as the first bevel 113. In some embodiments, the second bevels 114 are configured to have the same irregular chamfer as the first bevel 113.

[0048] Still referring to Fig. 1B, the decorative surface covering 100 includes a tongue structure 121. The tongue structure 121 is formed in the substrate layer 120 at the first width edge 103. The tongue structure 121 is located below the cutout 130 and protrudes outward relative to the cutout 130. The decorative surface covering 100 further includes a coupling surface 122 which extends vertically and is connected between the tongue structure 121 and the first transverse surface 132 of the cutout 130. The first transverse surface 132, the abutment surface 122 and the tongue structure 121 form a step shape in a thickness direction of the decorative surface covering 100. When the tongue structure 121 is inserted into a groove structure 123 (see Fig. 1C) of another decorative surface covering 100, the coupling surface 122 abuts against a coupling mating surface 124 (see Fig. 1C) above the groove structure 123 of another decorative surface covering 100, and the cutout 130 forms a space between the two decorative surface coverings 100. It should be understood that in other embodiments the tongue structure 121 may be partially formed in the substrate layer 120 and extend from the substrate layer 120 into other layers.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 1C, the decorative surface covering 100 includes a groove structure 123. The groove structure 123 is formed in the substrate layer 120 at the second width edge 104 for receiving the tongue structure 121 of another decorative surface covering 100. The decorative surface covering 100 has no cutout at the second width edge 104, so that a portion of a surface at the second width edge 104 of the decorative surface covering 100 forms a third vertical surface 133. The third vertical surface 133 has the same size and vertical position as the first vertical surface 131. When two decorative surface coverings 100 are connected together, the third vertical surface 133 of one decorative surface covering faces the first vertical surface 131 of the cutout 130 of the other decorative surface covering 100, so that the third vertical surface 133 of one decorative surface covering 100 mates with the corresponding cutout 130 of the other decorative surface covering 100 to form a substantially U-shaped trough. The decorative surface covering 100 further includes a coupling mating surface 124 which extends vertically. The coupling mating surface 124 is connected between the third vertical surface 133 and the groove structure 123, and is flush with the third vertical surface 133 in the vertical direction. When two decorative surface coverings 100 are connected together, the coupling mating surface 124 of one decorative surface covering 100 and the coupling surface 122 of the other decorative surface covering 100 abut against each other. It should be understood that in some embodiments the coupling mating surface 124 may be recessed inward relative to the third vertical surface 133 as long as it can abut against the coupling surface 122 of the other decorative surface covering 100. The connection of the tongue structure 121 and the groove structure 123 is mechanically joined together to form a tight and strong bond in vertical and horizontal direction.

[0050] Still referring to Fig. 1C, the decorative surface covering 100 has a third bevel 115 which extends obliquely downward, at the second width edge 104, from the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110 to the third vertical surface 133. The third bevel 115 has the same shape and size as the first bevel 113 and has the same function as the first bevel 113. In some embodiments, the third bevel 115 can be coated with lacquer in the same manner as the first bevel 113. In some embodiments, the third bevel 115 is configured to have the same irregular chamfer as the first bevel 113.

[0051] Although not shown, the decorative surface covering 100 has the same configuration at the first length edge 101 as that at the first width edge 103 shown in Fig. 1B, and has the same configuration at the second length edge 102 as that at the second width edge 104 shown in Fig. 1C.

[0052] Figs. 2A to 2C show that a lacquer layer is coated in the cutout 130, in the trough 140 and on the third vertical surface 133 of the decorative surface covering 100 in the embodiment of Figs. 1A to 1E. The lacquer layer can provide color, gloss, good appearance and touch sensation, antibacterial properties, stain resistance, friction resistance, etc. Fig. 2A corresponds to Fig. 1B, and the cutout 130 is coated with lacquer. Fig. 2B corresponds to Fig. 1C, and the third vertical surface 133 is coated with lacquer. Fig. 2C corresponds to Fig. 1D, and the trough 140 is coated with lacquer.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 2A, the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 of the cutout 130 are each coated with a first lacquer layer 201. The first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 may have any thickness that can cover the surface being coated. In some embodiments, the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131 and the first transverse surface 132 has a thickness in a range from about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. As shown in Fig. 2A, the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131 extends by the height of the first vertical surface 131 to reach a lower edge of the first bevel 113. In other embodiments, the height of the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131 may be less than the height of the first vertical surface 131, so that the first lacquer layer 201 only extends to cover the decor layer 117 but does not extend to the lower edge of the first bevel 113. The first lacquer layer 201 is formed as a continuous lacquer layer.

[0054] Fig. 2B shows that, in the decorative surface covering 100, the third vertical surface 133 above the groove structure 123 is coated with the first lacquer layer 201. The first lacquer layer 201 on the third vertical surface 133 may have any thickness that can cover the surface being coated. In some embodiments, the first lacquer layer 201 on the third vertical surface 133 has a thickness in a range from about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. As shown in Fig. 2B, the first lacquer layer 201 on the third vertical surface 133 extends by the height of the third vertical surface 133 to reach a lower edge of the third bevel 115. In other embodiments, the height of the first lacquer layer 201 on the third vertical surface 133 is less than the height of the third vertical surface 133, so that the first lacquer layer 201 only extends to cover the decor layer 117 but does not extend to the lower edge of the third bevel 115.

[0055] Fig. 2C shows that the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 of the trough 140 are each coated with the first lacquer layer 201. The first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 may have any thickness that can cover the surfaces being coated. In some embodiment, the first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 has a thickness in a range from about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 is formed as a continuous lacquer layer. As shown in Fig. 2C, the first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surfaces 141 extends by the height of the second vertical surfaces 141 to reach a lower edge of the second bevels 114. In other embodiments, the height of the first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surface 141 is less than the height of the second vertical surface 141, so that the first lacquer layer 201 only extends to cover the decor layer 117 but does not extend to the lower edge of the second bevels 114.

[0056] A coating forming the first lacquer layer 201 in Figs. 2A to 2C includes, but is not limited to, the following types: water-based transparent coating, colored water-based transparent top coating (the color is obtained by paint or pigment), or colored or transparent oil-based coating, or powder coating. The first lacquer layer 201 has but is not limited to at least one of the following physical or chemical properties: reduced surface tension to achieve higher stain resistance, added antibacterial ingredients to achieve antibacterial properties, and better wear resistance and color fastness. The first lacquer layer 201 has but is not limited to the following appearance characteristics: a specific color to match the pattern of the surface ornamental layer 110, a specific gloss to match the pattern of the surface ornamental layer 110, and a specific surface morphology (e.g., to simulate the appearance and feel of real cement grouting).

[0057] In some embodiments, the first lacquer layer 201 may be applied by means of roller coating, spray coating, brush coating, vacuum coating, digital printing, or other known methods.

[0058] It should be understood that, although not shown, the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115 respectively connected to the first vertical surface 131, the second vertical surfaces 141 and the third vertical surface 133 may be coated with a second lacquer layer which has the same as or similar gloss to the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110. The application of the second lacquer layer on the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115 can eliminate the problem of reflection or darkening caused by the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115.

[0059] Although not shown, the structures of the decorative surface covering 100 at the first length edge 101 and the second length edge 102 are the same as those shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, and can be coated with lacquer in the same manner as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B and thereby have the same first lacquer layer 201 and the same second lacquer layer as those in Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0060] Figs. 3A and 3B show an assembly comprising three decorative surface coverings100a, 100b, 100c connected together. The decorative surface coverings 100a, 100b, 100c are the same as the decorative surface covering 100 described above. Fig. 3A is an illustrative perspective view of the decorative surface coverings 100a, 100b, 100c connected together and Fig. 3B is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the decorative surface coverings 100a and 100c at the connection joint (at the engaged tongue structure 121 and groove structure 123). It should be understood that the connection joint between the decorative surface covering 100a and the decorative surface covering 100b and the connection joint between the decorative floor panel 100b and the decorative surface covering 100c are the same as shown in Fig. 3B. In other embodiments, more than three decorative surface coverings are connected to form an assembly.

[0061] The decorative surface covering 100a is connected at its second width edge 104 to the decorative surface covering 100c at its first width edge 103 by the engagement of the groove structure 123 and the tongue structure 121. It should be understood that the decorative surface covering 100a and the decorative surface covering 100c are also connected at their respective second length edge 102 and first length edge 101 by the mechanical locking engagement of a groove structure 123 and a tongue structure 121. The trough 140 of the decorative surface covering 100a is aligned with the first width edge 103 of the decorative surface covering 100c, the rough 140 of the decorative surface covering 100b is aligned with the second width edge 104 of the decorative surface covering 100c, and the rough 140 of the decorative surface covering 100c is aligned with the connection joint between the decorative surface coverings 100a and 100b, thereby achieving visual corner-to-corner installation of the three decorative surface coverings.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 3B, the tongue structure 121 of the decorative surface covering 100c is inserted into the groove structure 123 of the decorative surface covering 100a via a mechanical locking system to achieve a tight and durable connection between the decorative surface covering 100c and the decorative surface covering 100a. The coupling surface 122 above the tongue structure 121 of the decorative surface covering 100c abuts against the coupling mating surface 124 above the groove structure 123 of the decorative surface covering 100a. The first vertical surface 131 of the cutout 130 of the decorative surface covering 100c and the third vertical surface 133 above the coupling mating surface 124 of the decorative surface covering 100a face each other and are spaced apart by the cutout 130, so that a U-shaped trough is formed between the decorative surface covering 100a and the decorative surface covering 100c. Exposed surfaces of the U-shaped trough between the decorative surface covering 100a and the decorative surface covering 100c, namely, the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132, and the third vertical surface 133, are each coated with the first lacquer layer 201. In some embodiments, the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132, and the third vertical surface 133 are first coated with the first lacquer layer 201, and then the decorative surface coverings 100a and 100c are connected. In other embodiments, the decorative surface coverings 100a and 100c are connected together, and then the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132 and the third vertical surface 133 are coated with lacquer to form the first lacquer layer 201.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of another embodiment of two decorative surface coverings 100a and 100c at the connection joint. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B in that an additional lacquer layer 401 is applied on the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132 and the third vertical surface 133, and the additional lacquer layer 401 is also applied on other exposed surfaces of the decorative surface covering l 100, including the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110, the first bevel 113, and the third bevel 115. Although not shown, the trough 140 is also coated with the additional lacquer layer 401, so that the additional lacquer layer 401 covers the first lacquer layer 201 on the second vertical surfaces 141 and the second transverse surface 142 of the trough 140, and the second bevels 114 connected to the second vertical surfaces 141 of the trough 140 are also coated with the additional lacquer layer 401. The additional lacquer layer 401 can further reduce the surface tension to improve the stain resistance of the decorative surface covering. In such an embodiment, a lacquer that is beneficial to the surface properties of the decorative surface covering 100 is selected to form the additional lacquer layer 401.  Such surface properties include but not limited to scratch resistance, stain resistance, antibacterial properties, and anti-slip function. In some embodiments, the additional lacquer layer 401 only covers the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132, the second vertical surfaces 141, the second transverse surface 142 and the third vertical surface 133, as well as the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115, but does not cover the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer 110. In such embodiments, the lacquer selected to be applied to form the additional lacquer layer 401 may be transparent but have same as or similar gloss to that of the upper surface 111 of the surface ornamental layer. Although not shown, it should be understood that in the embodiment where the additional lacquer layer 401 is applied, the additional lacquer layer 401 may be applied after a second lacquer layer is applied to the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115. In some embodiments, the additional lacquer layer 401 only covers the first lacquer layer 201 on the first vertical surface 131, the first transverse surface 132, the second vertical surfaces 141, the second transverse surface 142 and the third vertical surface 133, but does not cover the upper surface 111, the first bevel 113, the second bevels 114 and the third bevel 115 of the surface ornamental layer 110.

[0064] The additional lacquer layer 401 may be water-based coating, radiation curing coating, oil-based coating or powder coating. The additional lacquer layer 401 is cured in a manner including but not limited to heat curing, radiation curing, moisture curing, etc. The additional lacquer layer 401 can improve properties including but not limited to the following: scratch resistance, stain resistance, antibacterial properties, bonding strength, wear resistance, anti-slip properties, and gloss and appearance consistency of the entire surface (including surfaces of the trough 140 and the cutout 130) of the decorative surface covering.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of two decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c according to another embodiment of the present disclosure at a connection joint. The decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c in this embodiment differ from the decorative surface coverings 100a and 100c shown in Fig. 4 in that, in addition to the cutout formed above the tongue structure at the first width edge, the decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c further have an additional cutout formed above the groove structure at the second width edge. Fig. 5 shows a cutout 530c above the tongue structure 521 at the first width edge of the decorative surface covering 500c and an additional cutout 530a above the groove structure 523 at the second width edge of the decorative surface covering 500a. The cutout 530c and the additional cutout 530a extend from the first length edges to the second length edges of the decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c. The cutout 530c has a first vertical surface 531c and a first transverse surface 532c. The additional cutout 530a has an additional vertical surface 531a and an additional transverse surface 532a. The cutout 530c of the decorative surface covering 500c shown in Fig. 5 has the same configuration and the same vertical position and size as the cutout 130 of the decorative surface covering 100 in Figs. 1A to 1E. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the additional cutout 530a of the decorative surface covering 500a has the same configuration and the same vertical position and size as the cutout 130 of the decorative surface covering 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sum of the widths of the additional transverse surface 532a of the additional cutout 530a and the first transverse surface 532c of the cutout 530c is equal to the width of the first transverse surface 132 of the cutout 130 of the decorative surface covering100. This allows for a smaller cutout 530c and a smaller additional cutout 530a to be formed by cutting at the first width edge 103 and the second width edge 104, respectively, making it easier to form the cutout 530c and the additional cutout 530a by cutting. In some embodiments, the sum of the widths of the additional transverse surface 532a of the additional cutout 530a and the first transverse surface 532c of the cutout 530c is in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm. As shown in Fig. 5, due to the presence of the additional cutout 530a, in this embodiment, the third bevel 115 is connected to the additional vertical surface 531a of the additional cutout 530a, so that the additional vertical surface 531a is connected between the third bevel 115 and the additional transverse surface 532a. When the two decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c are connected together, the additional cutout 530a of the decorative surface covering 500a is aligned and connected with the cutout 530c of the decorative surface covering 500c so that the additional cutout 530a mates with the cutout 530c to form a substantially U-shaped trough.

[0067] In the decorative surface covering according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the decorative surface covering further includes a coupling surface 522 and a coupling mating surface 524. The coupling surface 522 is connected between the tongue structure 521 and the first transverse surface 532c of the cutout 530c, and the coupling mating surface 524 is connected between the groove structure 523 and the additional transverse surface 532a of the additional cutout 530a. When the decorative surface coverings 500a and 500c are connected together, the tongue structure 521 of the decorative surface covering500c is inserted into the groove structure 523 of the decorative surface covering 500a, and the coupling mating surface 524 of the decorative surface covering 500a and the coupling surface 522 of the decorative surface covering 500c abut against each other via a mechanical locking system to achieve a tight and durable bond between two decorative surface coverings. On the connected decorative surface coverings500a and 500c shown in Fig. 5, the first lacquer layer 201 and the additional lacquer layer 401 are applied at the same position as shown in Fig. 4. It should be understood that the other implementations for applying the lacquer layer(s) as described above in the present disclosure are also applicable to the embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0068] It should be understood that for the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the configurations of the decorative surface covering at the first length edge and the second length edge are the same as those described above at the first width edge and the second width edge, respectively.

[0069] Fig. 6 shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of two decorative surface coverings 600a and 600c according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure at the connection joint. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B only in that, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the coupling mating surface 124 of the decorative surface covering100a and the coupling surface 122 on the other decorative surface covering 100c abutting  against each other are vertical, whereas in the embodiment of Fig. 6, the corresponding coupling mating surface 624 and coupling surface 622 are slanted. Compared with the vertical coupling surface 122 and coupling mating surface 124, the contact area between the slanted coupling surface 622 and coupling mating surface 624 is larger, thereby providing a more secure connection between the decorative surface covering 600a and the decorative surface covering 600c. It should be understood that the slanted coupling surface 622 and coupling mating surface 624 shown in Fig. 6 may also be applied to the embodiments of Figs. 4 and 5. In addition, it should be understood that the other implementations for applying the lacquer layer(s) as described above in the present disclosure are also applicable to the embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0070] Fig. 7 shows results of a stain resistance test of the U-shaped trough formed by the cutout 130 of the decorative surface covering 100c and the third vertical surface 133 of the decorative surface covering 100a shown in Fig. 3B. In the test of Fig. 7, the U-shaped trough shown in Fig. 3B is coated with a first lacquer layer 201 formed by an acrylic resin oil-based coating. In the test shown in Fig. 7, different substances listed in Fig. 7 were applied into the U-shaped troughs of decorative surface covering sample, and are removed and cleaned after standing at room temperature for 24 hours. The U-shaped troughs were observed for substance residues and stains. Due to the low surface tension of the first lacquer layer 201 in the U-shaped troughs, the test results show that there is no or little substance residues and no or only slight stains in the U-shaped troughs. Specifically, for the samples applied with red wine, citrus juice, toothpaste and coffee, after standing for 24 hours and being wiped at the surface stains with damp cloth and warm water, the red wine, the citrus juice and the toothpaste did not leave any residue or stains in the U-shaped troughs, but coffee caused slight stains in the U-shaped trough. On the sample applied with mustard, after standing for 24 hours and being wiped with damp cloth and warm water, there is no mustard residue or stain in the U-shaped trough. On the sample applied with a hand sanitizer, after standing for 24 hours and being wiped with damp cloth, warm water and a detergent, only slight oil stain is formed in the U-shaped trough. The test results show that the lacquer layer is easily applied and adhered well in the cutout and the trough of the decorative surface covering according to the present disclosure, so that the cutout and the trough of the decorative surface covering according to the present disclosure are easy to clean to prevent formation of stains and substance residues therein.

[0071] The arrangement of trough in the decorative surface covering according to the present disclosure facilitates the corner-to-corner installation of a plurality of decorative floor panels. The configuration of trough and cutout in the decorative surface covering according to the present disclosure makes it easy to apply a lacquer layer therein and allows the trough and the cutout to have good adhesion to the lacquer applied therein. Therefore, troughs and connection joints of the connected decorative surface coverings according to the present disclosure are easy to clean and are less likely to form stains and substance residues therein.

[0072] Although the present disclosure is described with reference to the examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents, which are known or can be anticipated at present or to be anticipated before long, may be obvious to those of at least ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary rather than limiting; therefore, the disclosure in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or may solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass all known or earlier disclosed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A decorative surface covering, comprising, from top to bottom, a surface ornamental layer and a substrate layer, the decorative surface covering having:a first length edge and a second length edge opposite each other, and a first width edgeand a second width edge opposite each other;cutouts formed at the first length edge and the first width edge, and the cutouts being substantially L-shaped and thereby having a first vertical surface and a first transverse surface; andat least one trough formed between the first length edge and the second length edge  or between the first width edge and the second width edge, and the at least one trough being substantially U-shaped and thereby having two second vertical surfaces and a second transverse surface;wherein the at least one trough extends parallel to the first length edge and the second width edge or extends parallel to the first width edge and the second width edge, and divides the decorative surface covering into at least two pieces of equal size.

2. The decorative surface covering according to claim 1, further comprising:first bevels connected between the first vertical surfaces of the cutouts and an upper surface of the surface ornamental layer, and angles of corners between the first bevels and an extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°;second bevels connected between the two second vertical surfaces of the at least one trough and the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer, and angles of corners between the second bevels and the extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°; andthird bevels extending obliquely downward from the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer at the second length edge and the second width edge and at least partially located in the surface ornamental layer, and angles of corners between the third bevels and the extension of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer being in a range from 10° to 75°.

3. The decorative surface covering according to claim 2, whereinthe first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels extend obliquely downward from the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer by a distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

4. The decorative surface covering according to claim 3, whereinthe surface ornamental layer comprises, from top to bottom, a wear layer and a decor layer, and the first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels ending in the wear layer.

5. The decorative surface covering according to claim 1, whereinthe second transverse surface of the at least one trough has a width in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

6. The decorative surface covering according to claim 2, whereinthe decorative surface covering has no cutouts at the second length edge and the second width edge, so that a portion of the surfaces of the decorative surface covering at the second length edge and the second width edge form third vertical surfaces extending downward from the third bevels;wherein when two of the decorative surface coverings are connected together, the third vertical surface of one of the decorative surface coverings faces the first vertical surface of the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering, so that the third vertical surface of one of the decorative surface coverings mates with the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering to form a substantially U-shaped trough.

7. The decorative surface covering according to claim 6, whereinthe first transverse surfaces of the cutouts have a width in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

8. The decorative surface covering according to claim 2, further comprising:additional cutouts formed at the second length edge and the second width edge, the additional cutouts being substantially L-shaped and thereby having an additional vertical surface and an additional transverse surface, and the additional vertical surfaces being connected between the third bevels and the additional transverse surfaces;wherein when two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the additional cutout of one of the decorative surface coverings is aligned and connected with the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering, so that the additional cutout mates with the corresponding cutout to form a substantially U-shaped trough.

9. The decorative surface covering according to claim 8, whereinthe sum of the widths of the additional transverse surface of the additional cutout and the transverse surface of the corresponding cutout of the other decorative surface covering is in a range from 1 mm to 5 mm.

10. The decorative surface covering according to claim 6 or 8, whereinthe first vertical surfaces of the cutouts, the second vertical surfaces of the trough, the additional vertical surfaces of the additional cutouts, and the third vertical surfaces end in the substrate layer.

11. The decorative surface covering according to claim 10, whereinthe first vertical surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces and the third vertical surfaces each have a height that is less than 0.3 mm and does not exceed 50% of the total thickness of the decorative surface covering.

12. The decorative surface covering according to claim 8, whereinangles of corners in a range from 90° to 135° are formed between the first vertical surfaces and the first transverse surfaces, between the second vertical surfaces and the second transverse surfaces, and between the additional vertical surfaces and the additional transverse surfaces.

13. The decorative surface covering according to claim 8, wherein connections between the first vertical surfaces and the first transverse surfaces, between the second vertical surfaces and the second transverse surfaces, and between the additional vertical surfaces and the additional transverse surfaces are arc-shaped.

14. The decorative surface covering according to claim 6 or 8, whereinthe first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces and the third vertical surfaces are each coated with a first lacquer layer.

15. The decorative surface covering according to claim 14, whereinthe first lacquer layer extends from bottom toward top to cover the decor layer of the surface ornamental layer.

16. The decorative surface covering according to claim 14, whereinthe first lacquer layer extends from bottom toward top by the height of the first vertical surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces and the third vertical surfaces.

17. The decorative surface covering according to claim 14, whereinthe first bevels, the second bevels and the third bevels are coated with a second lacquer layer having the same as or similar gloss to that of the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer.

18. The decorative surface covering according to claim 14, whereinthe decorative surface covering further comprises an additional lacquer layer, the additional lacquer layer covering:(a) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces, and the third vertical surfaces; or(b) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surfaces, the additional transverse surfaces, the third vertical surfaces, the first bevels, the second bevels, and the third bevels; or(c) the first vertical surfaces, the first transverse surfaces, the second vertical surfaces, the second transverse surfaces, the additional vertical surface, the additional transverse surface, the third vertical surfaces, the first bevels, the second bevels, the third bevels, and the upper surface of the surface ornamental layer.

19. The decorative surface covering according to claim 6, further comprising:tongue structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the first length edge and the first width edge and located below the cutouts, and the tongue structures protruding outward relative to the cutouts;groove structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the second length edge and the second width edge;coupling surfaces connected between the corresponding tongue structures and the first transverse surfaces of the cutouts; andcoupling mating surfaces connected between the corresponding third vertical surfaces and the groove structures;wherein when two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the tongue structure of one of the decorative surface coverings is inserted into the groove structure of the other decorative surface covering, and the coupling mating surface of one of the decorative surface covering and the corresponding coupling surface of the other decorative surface covering abut against each other.

20. The decorative surface covering according to claim 8, further comprising: tongue structure at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the first length edge and the first width edge and located below the cutouts, and the tongue structures protruding outward relative to the cutouts;groove structures at least partially formed in the substrate layer at the second length edge and the second width edge and located below the additional cutouts;coupling surfaces connected between the corresponding tongue structures and the first transverse surfaces of the cutouts; andcoupling mating surfaces connected between the corresponding groove structures and the additional transverse surfaces of the additional cutouts, and the coupling mating surfaces protruding outward relative to the additional vertical surfaces of the additional cutouts;wherein when two decorative surface coverings are connected together, the tongue structure of one of the decorative surface coverings is inserted into the groove structure of the other decorative surface covering, and the coupling mating surface of one of the decorative surface coverings and the corresponding coupling surface of the other decorative surface covering abut against each other.

21. An assembly comprising at least three decorative surface coverings according to any one of claims 1 to 20 connected together, wherein a trough in one of the decorative surface coverings is aligned with a first length edge, a second length edge, a first width edge or a second width edge of another decorative surface covering.

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