BE1020305A5 - PACKED SET OF PANELS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, whereby this package is at least composed of, on the one hand, one or more panels (2), which at least one pair of opposite panel edges (3) -4-5-6) have coupling parts (7-8-9-10), or tiles from a stony material that may or may not have coupling parts and, on the other hand, a package (11) consisting of one or more package parts (12-13 -14-15), characterized in that the package contains at least one wrinkle zone (16).

Description

Packed set of panels.

This invention relates to a packaged set of panels, more particularly to packaged sets of furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels.

There is a wide variety of materials for decorating the interior of residential houses or office buildings, more specifically for decorating floors, walls and / or ceilings. More in particular, use is made of, among other things, wood, natural stone, ceramic tiles, textile or plastic. Laminate products with possible imitation of the various aforementioned materials are also possible for the decoration of floors, walls and ceilings and, moreover, have become particularly popular. The introduction of innovative mechanically locking coupling systems, as known from WO 97/47834, for laminate products, with the greatest advantage being ease of installation, was and still is a major reason for the success of these products. In addition, laminate products are also used in the furniture industry as an alternative to natural products such as solid wood or veneer wood. Mechanically locking coupling systems are also applied to solid wood or wood veneer panels. Furthermore, as is known from DE 203 10 959 U1, there are panels which comprise a veneer or wooden top layer with a thickness between 1 and 15 millimeters on top of a substrate composed of slats consisting mainly of softwood. There are also panels with a top layer of natural stone, baked stone or ceramic material, as known from EP 1 441 086 A1 and WO 2010/122514, and this type of panels can be provided with mechanically locking coupling systems.

With laminate in this context is meant a product that is made up of different layers, wherein these layers consist of, for example, plastic, composite, paper or other materials. Typically a laminate comprises a support or substrate such as a High Density Fiberboard (HDF) or a Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), a printed or colored support, for example printed paper, which displays the decor and a plastic top layer. Sometimes a bottom layer is also used on the bottom side of the carrier. Laminate can be produced according to different methods and thus gives rise to different types of laminate products such as, for example

High Pressure Laminate (HPL), Direct Pressed Laminate (DPL) or Continious Pressed Laminate (CPL).

In the context of the present invention, panels are used to refer to all kinds of panels with decorative surfaces. These panels are vulnerable to damage, in particular during their manipulation, storage and transport. In particular, damage to the decorative surface and / or the panel edges, whether or not provided with mechanically locking coupling systems, is a problem.

Nowadays packaged sets of panels usually comprise cardboard packages, the package surrounding the set of panels as a box, leaving only the visible side or the decorative side of the panels visible, as is known, for example, from WO 2006/103565 . The whole of panels and packaging can further be surrounded by a transparent or translucent shrink film which therefore also offers some protection for the decorative side. However, this package often proves insufficient to protect the panels against damage caused by shocks that may occur during the transport, manipulation and storage of the packaged panels. In the event that a packaged set of panels falls, the types of packaging currently used offer insufficient protection in most cases to prevent damage to the panels. Moreover, when purchasing such a set, it is invisible to the consumer whether damage to one or more panels has occurred or not, because this possible damage usually remains hidden in the packaging. It is noted that, in particular, but not exclusively, panels with mechanically locking coupling systems as well as any associated accessories are susceptible to damage.

Panels such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels are susceptible to damage or distortion during transport or during manipulation and storage. In particular, but not exclusively, panels with mechanically locking coupling systems are susceptible to damage. The packaging of a set of panels is therefore an important challenge, taking into account the risk of the aforementioned possible damage or distortion. A set of panels consists of one or more panels that are taken together with a view to joint packaging. In addition to the aforementioned panels, certain other goods, such as some accessories for floor panels, in particular decorative trims, have the same problem of risk of damage.

It is known from DE 20 2004 019 391 U1 and EP 1 712 489 A1 to provide a cover which is made in one piece with the package, whereby the decorative side is further protected, for example against scratches. Such a package also offers a poor view of possible damage to the packaged panels.

It is known from DE 10 2006 020 619 A1 to provide an indicator on the packaged set of panels, or on a pallet with several such packaged sets, this indicator being able to indicate whether an excessive mechanical load has taken place, which could have caused damage. In this way the seller or the consumer is warned for packaged sets of panels that may contain one or more damaged panels.

From the aforementioned EP 1 712 489 A1, from the BE 2010/0380 and from the DE 20 2009 015 737 U1, it is known to include other goods in such packaged sets in addition to floor panels, such as skirting boards, subfloors or other accessories that together can be used with the packaged panels, for example to prepare the substrate and / or to finish the installed panels. These goods are per se subject to damage in the event of mistreatment of the packaged sets of panels.

Furthermore, it is important that the package of a set of panels meets certain functional requirements such as the possible recognition of the type of panel or the appearance of the decorative side of the packaged panel or such as the bundling of a certain number of panels according to specific dimensions such that a packaged set is obtained with a handy sum of the useful area. For environmental reasons, it is also important to use as little packaging material as possible.

According to its various aspects, the present invention first and foremost contemplates an alternative package which, according to preferred embodiments, can offer a solution to one or more of the problems of the current state of the art.

To this end, the invention according to its first aspect relates to a packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at least composed of, on the one hand, one or more panels attached to at least one a pair of opposite panel edges have coupling parts, or tiles of a stony material which may or may not have coupling parts and, on the other hand, a package consisting of one or more packaging parts, characterized in that the package comprises at least one wrinkle zone. This wrinkle zone has the advantage of providing improved protection to the packaged panels against possible damage or distortion.

It is noted that the aforementioned panels are rectangular in most cases, but the present invention is by no means limited solely to rectangular panels. Generally also ...

panels with a shape according to a regular hexagon, a triangle, a square or any other type of polygon occur and are thus meant by the general term panels. Furthermore, according to the invention, the panels have coupling parts to at least one pair of opposite panel edges.

It is clear that a panel has a front and back side and is furthermore characterized by a number of panel edges. In the most common case of rectangular panels, four panel edges can be identified. More specifically, in the case of rectangular panels, one speaks of two long panel edges and two short panel edges. Furthermore, in the case of rectangular or square panels, one speaks of a pair of opposite panel edges.

The aforementioned panels may comprise coupling parts to one or more pair of opposing panel edges. Coupling parts can be brought together and allow two of such panels to be brought into a coupled state. The coupling parts thus allow cooperation between different panels.

It is further noted that panels can exhibit coupling parts of different nature. For example, the panels may comprise specific coupling parts that provide both a horizontal and a vertical locking of the panels. The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels and the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the panel edges and in the plane of the panels. As another example, panels may comprise coupling parts which provide only a vertical lock, as is the case with panels with a simple tongue and groove connection. In the case of, for example, furniture panels, the term "coupling parts" is to be understood to mean all kinds of connecting elements, including inter alia coupling parts in the form of edge profiles as known, for example, from WO 2010/070472, as well as coupling parts consisting of pre-assembled elements such as dowels, so-called minifix elements, pens and the like. The coupling parts in the case of furniture panels provide a locking coupling of two panels to form a corner connection of the furniture. In this case, the connecting parts of the furniture panels provide a locking coupling between the panels. For example, in the case of a typical right-angled corner connection of two panels, the coupling parts provide a locking in two orthogonal directions along the planes of the respective panels.

The package of the packaged set of panels further comprises, according to the invention, a package. This packaging generally consists of one or more packaging parts. More specifically, this package consists of folded parts. The material that primarily qualifies for packaging is cardboard or corrugated cardboard. However, the present invention is by no means limited to just cardboard as packaging material, but also sees possible embodiments in which other materials such as plastic, polystyrene or even molded or injected thermoplastic materials are used as packaging material.

The special feature of the present invention according to its first aspect is that a packaged set of panels or package is provided, wherein the package contains at least one wrinkle zone. This wrinkle zone has the advantage of providing improved protection to the packaged panels against possible damage or distortion. It is preferably a crumple zone that forms part of a packaging part that is designed as a cap that is arranged over an edge of the set of panels. By "an edge of the set of panels" is meant a side formed by panel edges lying one above the other. The aforementioned wrinkle zone has the advantage of providing improved protection to the packaged panels against possible damage or distortion.

The present invention is most effective when such a wrinkle zone is used along at least one of the panel edges. Thus it is achieved that the aforementioned problem of risk of damage is reduced. After all, the panel edges are the most vulnerable to damage. Preferably, but not exclusively, the crumple zone is arranged along a pair of opposite panel edges that have coupling parts. This feature has the advantage of allowing improved protection for the packaged panels and more particularly of limiting the possible damage to the panel edges.

Preferably, the aforementioned wrinkle zone is part of at least one of the aforementioned packaging portions. The wrinkle zone is preferably part of a packaging portion located on the outside of the packaged set of panels. In other words, the wrinkle zone is made in one piece with an extreme part of the package. A possible foil is not taken into consideration. The integration of the crumple zone in one of the packaging sections also makes it possible to build up an efficient packaged set of panels from both an economic and an ecological point of view. After all, fewer materials are used as a result of this, compared to a possible embodiment in which the wrinkle zone is not integrated in one of the packaging parts, but is a separate part of the package. According to the present invention, the aforementioned wrinkle zone may possibly be integrated into a packaging portion that is designed as a cap.

Preferably, the aforementioned wrinkle zone is composed of a folded structure. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to provide a deformable structure in the packaged set of panels which, in the event of a possible impact due to, for example, a fall, absorbs at least a part of the impact energy by deforming or by wrinkling of the folded structure. This folded structure is preferably formed from packaging material. such as folded cardboard. With this folded structure, in the case of folded cardboard, is meant a structure that is formed by folding the cardboard over one or more folding lines. This cardboard per se can be single or multi-layered. However, the aforementioned folded structure is by no means the wavy structure inside multi-layer cardboard, such as is present in corrugated cardboard, for example. However, the folded structure can itself be made of corrugated cardboard.

Preferably, the folded structure defines one or more cavities that may or may not be open to the outside. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention allows a cavity to be kept free inside the package so that the edges of the panels are kept at a certain distance from the outside of the package.

Preferably, the aforementioned folded structure comprises at least a first wall defining a first surface, said surface extending along one of the edges of the panels and wherein said wall comprises one or more wall portions which, over a fold line, from the aforementioned surface folded to the inside of the package. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to realize the aforementioned folded structure with as little material as possible. In particular, this feature further allows to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem of risk of damage to the packaged panels.

Preferably, the aforementioned folded structure comprises at least one second wall, which defines a second surface, and extends transversely to the first wall and thus forms an outer corner of the package, both walls comprising wall sections extending over a fold line, from the respective surfaces are folded to the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to form a stop or support surface for the edges of the panels so that the outside of the packaged set of panels is located at a certain distance from the edges of the panels.

Preferably, the aforementioned wall portion of the aforementioned first wall leans against one of the walls of the folded structure. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention allows to build a more stable folded structure.

Preferably, the aforementioned wall portion is further fixed with the package by using one or more adhesive connections. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention allows to further stabilize or reinforce the folded structure.

Preferably, the aforementioned wrinkle zone forms part of a packaging portion that is in the form of a cap arranged over an edge of the set of panels. The aforementioned cap is characterized by a U-shaped cross-section. It is noted here that the U-shaped profile does not necessarily have to be symmetrical. Or in other words, the two legs of the U-shaped profile can have a different length. This preferred feature of the first aspect of the present invention provides that the packaged set of panels can be provided with a wrinkle zone by an easy-to-fit cap over an edge of the set of panels.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention according to its first aspect, the wrinkle zone is part of a packaging portion that is designed as a cap that is arranged over an edge of the set of panels. In this embodiment, furthermore, the wrinkle zone is composed of a folded structure comprising two walls defining two respective surfaces. These walls comprise wall portions that are folded over a fold line from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner . The aforementioned inwardly folded wall sections lean against one of the walls of the folded structure. In this most preferred embodiment, these wall sections are fixed with the package by means of an adhesive connection.

It is noted that the provision of such wrinkle zones is of particular interest in panels whose decorative side extends to the outermost edge portion.

It is further noted that the present invention can be applied to packaged set of tiles made of a stone-like material, whether or not provided with coupling parts, in particular natural stone tiles, ceramic tiles, tiles with a ceramic top layer, concrete tiles, cement tiles and the like.

According to a second aspect, the invention contemplates packaging panels whose decorative side extends as far as the outermost edge portion, or substantially as far as the outermost edge portion. Such panels are extremely vulnerable at the edges. The second aspect of the invention therefore contemplates a solution for effectively packaging these vulnerable panels. To this end, according to an independent second aspect, the present invention relates to a packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, the package being composed at least of one or more panels which at least one pair of opposite panel edges have coupling members and a decorative side of the panel on at least one panel edge extending to the extreme edge part of the panel or alternatively up to a distance of less than 1 millimeter thereof; and of a package consisting of one or more package parts, characterized in that the package contains at least one protection zone and this protection zone is at least along the last-mentioned panel edge of the set of panels. This protection zone has the advantage of providing improved protection to the packaged panels against possible damage or distortion.

The extreme edge part of the panel is understood to mean the end of the panel edge which is most distal or extreme in the horizontal direction.

It is important to note that this aspect of the present invention is particularly interesting for packaging panels which are provided on at least one pair of opposite panel edges with coupling parts which allow a locking coupling by a downward movement of the one panel relative to the panel. others, also known as "Push Lock". A locking coupling by a downward movement is known, inter alia, from WO2009 / 066153 and is particularly shown in Figure 25 of the aforementioned document. Most panels provided with Push Lock coupling parts are characterized, among other things, in that the decorative side of these panels extends to the extreme edge part, or to a very small distance from the extreme edge part, namely less than 1 millimeter. Panels provided with the aforementioned Push Lock coupling parts are characterized by the problem of risk of damage, more particularly damage to the decorative side v and to the panel edge with coupling part. Push-lock coupling parts typically comprise a small tooth or edge portion, which possibly does not protrude much relative to the decorative side, so that in the event of a fall of the panel, this possibly little protruding tooth or edge portion is fully compressed and thereby also the decorative side of the panel damaged.

The aforementioned protection zone is preferably composed of one or more deformable packaging elements and optionally one or more buffer spaces. This preferred feature of the second aspect of the present invention provides that the packaged set of panels can be provided with a protection zone by using a minimum of material for this.

Preferably, the aforementioned deformable packaging elements are elastically deformable. This preferred feature of the second aspect of the present invention provides that the packaged set of panels can be provided with a protection zone by using material that exhibits the correct properties to prevent a possible impact of the packaged set of panels from falling, for example. adequately protect the packaged panels.

It is important to note that the protection zone of the second aspect of the present invention can be embodied as the wrinkle zone described with reference to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the invention contemplates a package that is interesting for a more stable stacking of several packaged sets of panels.

To this end, the invention relates, according to its independent third aspect, to a packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, said package being composed at least of one or more panels which at least one pair of opposite panel edges include coupling members; as well as from a package, characterized in that the package consists of at least two separate folded parts that extend substantially along all edges of the set of panels. This aspect of the invention has; the advantage that the component parts of the package can be developed independently of each other and each part can be optimized individually.

According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned package consists of at least four separate folded parts. Even better, the aforementioned different folded parts of the package provide a substantially open front and back side of the packaged set of panels.

This feature of the invention has the advantage of allowing easy recognition of the type of panel and / or of the view from the viewing side of the packaged panels. Moreover, this has the advantage of being able to form a package that uses little packaging material.

The package preferably provides support surfaces both on the front and on the back of the set of panels on each edge of the packaged set of panels in the plane perpendicular to the stacking direction v of the packaged set of panels. This has the advantage that the packaged sets of panels can be stacked better. Furthermore, this feature offers the possibility of providing increased protection against damage and in particular against deformation of the panels during manipulation, transport and / or storage. ;

According to the third aspect of the invention, the package is mainly applied to every two opposite edges of the set of panels and preferably as two identical or better identical packaging parts. According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned package consists essentially of folded cardboard. This allows the packaging to be used in an easy and cost-efficient way.

According to all aspects of the present invention, the aforementioned package contains a film that is, preferably, transparent or substantially transparent. More specifically, a shrink film can be used in which a copolymer film is used according to a particularly preferred embodiment. The inventor has determined that the use of a copolymer film results in an improved stability of several packaged sets of panels stacked one above the other;

or in other words stacked vertically. This has the advantage that packaged sets of panels slide less over each other during transport or manipulation, in the horizontal direction, when the stack of packaged sets of panels is exposed to acceleration forces with component in the horizontal direction, ie orthogonal to the stacking direction, such as typically occurs during transport via trucks. It is clear that this feature of the invention is not limited to packaged sets of panels as described above, but that sets of any other type of panels can also be packaged in this manner. The use of a transparent foil has the further advantage of allowing easy recognition of the type of panel and / or of the view from the visible side of the packaged panels.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention contemplates a package of panels that is particularly useful in its use.

To this end the invention relates, according to its independent fourth aspect in a packaged set of panels, such as floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, said package being composed of two or more panels, which are connected to at least one pair of opposite panel edges have coupling parts, as well as from a package, characterized in that the sum of the useful surfaces of all panels present in the package is one square meter, with a margin of less than 5 percent, and preferably less than 2 percent and most preferably less than 1 percent, preferably a positive margin.

This fourth aspect has the advantage that the packaged set of panels corresponds to an easy sum of the useful surfaces of the panels in the coupled state. This has the advantage that consumers can easily determine the amount of required packaged sets of panels and also easily calculate the total price of this amount of packaged sets of panels. After all, the price of panels is often expressed in a price per square meter.

Instead of one square meter, the sum of the useful areas can also be 10 square feet (or 0.92 square meters), this for the countries where the British-American measure system is used.

It is clear that the wrinkle zone as in the first aspect of the present invention can also be used for the packaging of other goods, such as, inter alia, accessories for floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, or more particularly decorative moldings such as for example skirting boards. .

The first, second, third and / or fourth aspect of the present invention can be combined in a single embodiment.

Because of their typical elongated shape and dimensions, decorative trims are particularly susceptible to damage, whether or not during transport. A package that provides additional protection is thus desirable in this context. When in particular such decorative trims are provided with a preformed miter surface at one or both ends, these decorative trims are therefore extra susceptible to damage. More particularly, a decorative frame is susceptible to damage to the decorative side where it extends to the extreme edge of the ends on edges of decorative frame.

Therefore, according to its fifth independent aspect, the present invention provides a packaged set of decorative frames consisting of a package, said package being composed at least of one or more decorative frames, which preferably have a preformed miter surface at least at one end, as well as a package consisting of from one or more packaging portions, characterized in that the package contains at least one wrinkle zone. The aforementioned wrinkle zone has the advantage of providing improved protection to the packaged moldings against possible damage or distortion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned wrinkle zone forms part of at least one of the aforementioned packaging portions and this wrinkle zone is made up of a folded structure that defines one or more cavities that may or may not be open. This preferred feature of the fifth aspect of the present invention makes it possible to provide a Λ deformable structure in the packaged set of decorative trims which, in the event of a possible impact due to, for example, a fall, absorbs at least a part of the impact energy through deformation or by the wrinkling of the folded structure. Furthermore, this has the advantage of allowing the aforementioned folded structure to be realized with as little material as possible. This preferred feature of the present invention further makes it possible to form a stop or support surface for the ends of the decorative trims so that the outside of the packaged set of decorative trims is located at a certain distance from the ends of the decorative trims.

Preferably, the aforementioned folded structure comprises at least two walls with respective surfaces extending along the longitudinal direction of the set of decorative trims and that these walls comprise wall portions that are folded over a fold line from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thus an inner corner to shape. This preferred feature of the fifth aspect of the present invention makes it possible to realize the aforementioned folded structure with as little material as possible. In particular, this feature further allows to reduce the aforementioned problem of risk of damage to the decorative trims.

Preferably, the aforementioned inwardly folded wall portions follow the shape of the preformed miter surface. This preferred feature of the fifth aspect of the present invention allows to better stabilize the packaged set of moldings in the package as well as to allow the vulnerable preformed miter surface of the moldings to cooperate better with the aforementioned folded structure. This preferred feature furthermore makes it possible to realize the aforementioned folded structure with as little material as possible.

The aforementioned at least one of the aforementioned wall sections is preferably fixed to the package by means of one or more glue connections. This preferred feature of the fifth aspect of the present invention allows to further stabilize or reinforce the folded structure.

The aforementioned wrinkle zone is preferably part of a packaging portion that is in the form of a cap which is arranged over the aforementioned end with a preformed miter surface. This preferred feature of the fifth aspect of the present invention provides that the packaged set of moldings can be provided with a wrinkle zone by an easy-to-fit cap over an end of packaged one or more moldings.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention according to its fifth aspect, the package comprises two wrinkle zones and each wrinkle zone forms part of a packaging portion which is designed as a cap which is arranged over both ends, preferably with a preformed miter surface. In this most preferred embodiment, the aforementioned packaging portion is furthermore composed of a folded structure that comprises four walls with respective surfaces extending along the longitudinal direction of the set of decorative trims and that three of these four walls comprise wall portions which, over a fold line, from the respective surfaces are folded towards the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner. Further, in this most preferred embodiment, the aforementioned inwardly folded wall portions follow the shape of the preformed miter surface and the aforementioned wall portions are fixed with the package by means of adhesive connections.

With the insight to better demonstrate the characteristics of the invention, a few preferred embodiments are described below as an example without any limiting character, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaged set of panels according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 represents a practical embodiment of a packaged set of panels in perspective and in top view, inter alia according to the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 represents the bottom view of the embodiment of Figure 2 in perspective; Figure 4 shows the cross-section on a larger scale according to the line IV-IV from Figure 2; Figure 5 shows the cross-section on a larger scale along the line V-V from Figure 2; Figure 6 shows the cross-section on a larger scale according to the line VI-VI of Figure 2; Figures 7 and 8, in the unfolded state, show the packaging sections which are indicated in Figure 2 by arrows F7 and F8 respectively;

Figure 9 schematically represents a view of a packaged set of panels according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of a first possible embodiment of a packaged set according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a second possible embodiment of a packaged set according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 schematically represents a view of a packaged set of decorative trims according to the fifth aspect of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows on a larger scale one end of the packaged set of decorative trims of Figure 12.

Figure 1 shows schematically a package or a packaged set of panels 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention. This is a possible embodiment of a packaged set of panels 1 which in this example comprises four panels 2 with a rectangular shape. It is clear that the package according to other embodiments can also comprise a different amount of panels or possibly only a single panel. These panels 2 are characterized by four panel edges 3-4-5-6, which form two pairs of opposite panel edges 3-4 and 5-6. In the example of the rectangular panels shown, one can speak of a pair of short panel edges 3-4 and a pair of long panel edges 5-6. Furthermore, the panel edges 3-4-5-6 in this example also have coupling parts 7-8-9-10. The package shown in Figure 1 is further composed of a package 11 consisting of a plurality of package portions, in this example four package portions 12-13-14-15, the package in this example comprising two wrinkle zones 16. These offer increased protection to the packaged panels 2. The package 11 in this sketch is partially opened on the side to be able to display the four panels 2. At the height of this opening in the package 11, the panels 2 were also cut for clarification.

Figure 2 shows in perspective a possible embodiment of the packaged set of panels 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment it concerns a packaged set of panels 1, in particular two rectangular panels 2, consisting of a package. The package shown in figure 2 is further composed of a package 11 consisting of four package parts 12-13-14-15, and contains two wrinkle zones 16. The package 11, as shown in this figure, is mainly composed of folded cardboard. The package 11 shown is furthermore designed essentially on each of two opposite panel edges 3-4 and 5-6 as identical package portions 12-13 and 14-15, at least as regards their shape or basic shape.

Furthermore, the package 11 shown provides support surfaces 17 on the front side 18 of the packaged set of panels 1. The possible embodiment shown further shows a substantially open front side 18 of the packaged set of panels 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective bottom view of the embodiment from Figure 2. This view shows the two wrinkle zones 16, it being clear that each wrinkle zone 16 is made up of a folded structure 19, which forms part of the respective packaging part 12-13 . This folded structure 19 comprises a first wall 20 and a second wall 21. The second wall 21 has a surface extending transversely to the first wall 20. Furthermore, the folded structure 19 forms an outer corner 22 of the package. The aforementioned walls 20-21 further comprise wall portions 23-24 which are folded over a fold line 25 from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thereby form an inner corner 26. According to this preferred embodiment, the aforementioned wall portion 23 leans from the first wall 20 against one of the walls of the folded structure 19. According to the embodiment shown, the aforementioned packaging portions 12-13 with wrinkle zone 16 are designed as a U-shaped cap 27. The possible embodiment shown provides a substantially open back 28 of the packaged set of panels 1. Finally, the example shown in Figure 3 has the feature that the package 11 also comprises a foil 29 in addition to the aforementioned package portions 12-13-14-15. It is preferably a shrink film which in this case is applied as the last substantial part of the package 11 and which holds the package together as a whole. The aforementioned foil 29 is moreover preferably transparent or substantially transparent, so that the panels packed in the package remain visible and recognizable. The foil 29 is partially opened in this figure in order to better reflect the construction and the different characteristics of the packaged set of panels 1. The package 11 of figures 2 and 3 also forms an example of a possible embodiment according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the example shown has the feature that the package 11 consists of four folded parts, in this case the aforementioned four package parts 12-13-14-15 which extended along all panel edges 3-4-5-6. Furthermore, the package 11 shown provides support surfaces 30 on the backside 28 of the packaged set L

panels 1.

Figures 4 and 5 show the two wrinkle zones 16 in cross-section. The wrinkle zones 16 form part of the packaging portions 12-13. Figure 4 shows how in this embodiment the wrinkle zones 16 extend along the panel edges 3 and 4 of the two packaged panels 2. Furthermore, it is also shown that the panel edges 3-4 comprise coupling parts 7-8. These coupling parts 7-8 are essentially designed as a male coupling part 7 and a female coupling part 8. The coupling parts 7-8 are further of the type that allows two of such panels 2 at said panel edges 34 to be connected at least to one another by one of pressing these panels with the associated male coupling part 7 into the female coupling part 8 of the other panel by a downward movement of the male coupling part 7 to the female coupling part 8. This way of connecting is better known under the English name "Push-Lock "In the example shown, it is also possible to connect the panel edges 3-4 to each other by a rotational movement of the panels 2 along the relevant panel edges 34 or via a substantially horizontal sliding movement of the relevant panel edges 34 towards each other. Such connections are better known under ^ the respective English names "Angle" connections and "Snap" verb to compete. The aforementioned coupling parts 7-8 of the panels 2 are provided in the shown example with locking parts 31-32 which, in the coupled state of the panels 2, provide a locking in the vertical direction V and with locking parts 33-34 which, in the coupled state of the panels 2 provide a lock in the horizontal direction H. These locking parts 31-32,33-34 are indicated in figure 5.

In the embodiment of figures 4 and 5, the wrinkle zones 16 form part of the packaging portions 12-13 and these packaging portions with wrinkle zone are made up of a folded structure 19. This folded structure 19 then forms a hollow space 35, which is at the height of that shown. section of figure 4 is open. Namely, the open cavity 35 has an opening towards the outside of the package. Hereby any applied foil 29 must be disregarded. The folded structure 19 comprises, as shown in Figure 4, a first wall 20 with a first surface that extends; along the stacked panel edges 3 and along the opposite stacked panel edges 4. The folded structure 19 in Figure 4 further comprises a second wall 21 with a surface extending transversely to the first wall 20 and thus forming an outer corner 22 of the package. The two walls 20-21 comprise wall portions 23-24 which are folded over a fold line from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner 26. The aforementioned wall portion 23 of the first wall 20 herein leans against one of the walls of the folded structure 19. The aforementioned folded-in wall portion 23 may optionally be fixed with the package with one or more glue connections 36.

Figure 2 shows the two crumple zones 16 in a different cross section. The hollow space 35 is closed towards the outside of the package in the relevant section.

Figure 6 shows how the package portions 14-15 of the package 11 extend along the panel edges 5-6, in particular the long panel edges of the packaged set of panels. The panel edges 5-6 also have coupling parts 9-10. According to this possible embodiment, no wrinkle zone is provided along the long panel edges 5-6 shown.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a wrinkle zone 16 was provided along one pair of opposite panel edges 3-4. The packaging portions 14-15 are, as is visible on the cross-section of Figure 6, constructed from a folded packaging material.

The example shown in Figures 2 to 6 are also an example of the second aspect of the present invention in which a protection zone 37 is designed as a crumple zone 16.

Figures 7 and 8 show how the packaging parts 12 and 14, and therefore also 13 and 15, from a flat packaging material, more particularly cardboard, can be realized, for example by a punching operation, after which they only have to be produced in the final form. folded, and optionally fixed with glue joints. Figure 8 shows schematically still how several packaging parts 14 and / or 15 can be realized with a minimum of material loss from the flat packaging material. As schematically still shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a number of preformed folding lines 25 will preferably be formed in the packaging sections to facilitate the folding process. Such folding lines 25 can in practice be of any nature and, for example, be formed both from indentations and from partial incisions.

Figure 9 shows schematically a packaged set of panels 1 according to the second aspect of the present invention. This is a possible embodiment of a packaged set of panels 1 which in this example comprises four panels 2 with a rectangular shape. It is clear that the package according to another embodiment can also comprise a different amount of panels or possibly only a single panel. In this sketch, the package 11 is partially opened at the side in order to be able to show the four panels and partly opened at one of the two protection zones 37 in order to be able to display its construction. The panels 2 are characterized by four panel edges 3-4-5-6 which in the example of figure 9 form two pairs of opposite panel edges 3-4 and 5-6. In the example of rectangular panels one can speak of a pair of long panel edges 5-6 and a pair of short panel edges 3-4. The package shown in figure 9 is further composed of a package 11 consisting of a plurality of package parts 12-13-14-15, characterized in that the package shows two protective zones 37. The protection zone 37 in this example is composed of two deformable packaging elements 38 as well as one buffer space 39. According to a possible preferred embodiment, these deformable packaging elements 38 are elastically deformable.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-section of a possible embodiment of the packaged set of panels with the features of the second aspect of the present invention. In the example of Figure 10, the package comprises two panels 2. Furthermore, the short panel edges 3-4 in this example also have coupling parts 7-8. These coupling parts 7-8 are essentially designed as a male coupling part; * 7 and a female coupling part 8. The coupling parts 7-8 of the panels 2 are preferably provided. of locking portions. The locking parts 31-32-33-34 as in the example of Fig. 10 provide a locking in the vertical direction V and in the horizontal direction H in the coupled state of the panels 2 and wherein said coupling parts 7-8 are of the type that allows two of such panels 2 at said panel edges 3-4 can be connected at least to one another by pressing one of these panels with the associated male coupling part 7 into the female coupling part 8 of the other panel by a downward movement of the male coupling part 7 towards the female coupling part 8. This way of connecting is better known under the English name "Push-Lock". In the example shown, it is also possible to connect the panel edges 3-4 to each other by rotating the panels along the relevant panel edges 3. -4 or via a substantially horizontal sliding movement of the relevant panel edges 3-4 towards each other. Such connections are better known under the respective English names "Angle" connections and "Snap" connections. Furthermore, the possible embodiment of Figure 10 is characterized by a decorative side 40 of the panel 2, which extends on one panel edge 3 to the extreme edge part 41 of the panel.

Alternatively, the decorative side 40 of the panel may extend a small distance from the extreme edge portion 41 of the panel, as shown in Figure 11. The embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes two protection zones 37 along the panel edges 34 of the panels 2, which is made up of deformable packaging elements 38. On the left-hand side of the cross-section shown, the aforementioned protective zone 37 is located where the aforementioned decorative side 40 of the panel 2 extends to the aforementioned extreme edge part 41 of the panel. Possibly, this protection zone 37 contains, in addition to the aforementioned deformable packaging elements 38, also buffer spaces 39, as shown in Figure 9. These buffer spaces 39, however, are not strictly necessary. According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned deformable packaging elements 38 can be made of elastically deformable material. Figure 10 shows a possible embodiment of the present invention with panels with Push-Lock coupling parts. In this example the coupling part 8 comprises a separate plastic strip 42 which provides for a locking in the vertical direction V of the panels. In the example shown, the aforementioned individual plastic strip 42 is provided in the female coupling part 8 which is located on the right-hand side of the cross-section. The male coupling part 7, visible on the left-hand side of the cross-section, can be moved into the female coupling part via a downward movement. 8.

In the example of Figure 11, the package comprises two panels 2, which have coupling parts 7-8 and whose decorative side 40 of the panel on one panel edge 3 extends up to a small distance D from the extreme edge part 41 of the panel 2. This small distance D is typically less than 1 millimeter for the type of Push Lock coupling parts with the extreme edge part 41 protruding little relative to the decorative side 40. The decorative side 40 with panels with the aforementioned type of Push Lock coupling parts is also susceptible to damage . The shown embodiment of the packaged set of panels in Figure 11 comprises two protection zones 37 along the panel edges 34 of the panels 2, which are made up of deformable packaging elements 38. On the left-hand side of the section shown, the above-mentioned ··· * protection zone 37 is situated height of the aforementioned decorative side 40 of the panel 2, which extends up to a small distance D from the aforementioned extreme edge part 41 of the panels 2.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the packaged set of decorative moldings 43 according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment it concerns a packaged set of decorative moldings 43, more specifically with in this example one decorative moldings 44, consisting of a package. The package shown in Figure 12 is composed of a package 11 consisting of a plurality of package portions 12-13, characterized in that the package contains two wrinkle zones 16. The package 11, as shown in this figure, is, according to a preferred embodiment, mainly composed of folded cardboard. The wrinkle zones 16 shown are constructed from a folded structure 19 defining a plurality of cavities 35. The package 11 shown is furthermore applied mainly to each of two opposite edges or ends 45-46 as two identical package portions 12-13 which in the example shown are arranged as a cap 27 over the ends 45-46 of the decorative strip 44. ; -

Figure 13 shows on a larger scale one end 45 of the packaged set of decorative trims 43 of Fig. 12, one packaging section 12 being shifted, so that the structure of the package and the characteristics of the packaged set of decorative trims 43 can be better shown. Furthermore, the possible embodiment of Fig. 13 is characterized in that the folded structure 19 comprises two walls 47-48 with respective surfaces extending in the shown example along the longitudinal direction of the decorative strip 44 and that the aforementioned walls 47-48 wall sections 49-50 which are folded over a fold line 25 from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner 26. The example shown also has the feature that the wall portion 50 follows a preformed miter surface 51 at the end 45 of the decorative strip 44. It is clear that packaging sections with such walls 47-48 and wall sections 49-50 can also be used in the context of the other aspects of the present invention, more particularly in the first and / or the second aspect. -

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above, but such packaged sets of panels can be realized according to different variants without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, other materials may be used instead of cardboard as material for the packaging sections, such as plastic, polystyrene or even molded or sprayed thermoplastic materials. Instead of packaging with packaging portions comprising folded portions, in the case of some other types of packaging materials, this packaging may include packaging portions with the circumference having a curved edge.

Claims (22)

A packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and / or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at least composed of, on the one hand, one or more panels (2), which are on at least one pair of opposite panel edges (3-4-5-6) have coupling parts (7-8-9-10), or tiles from a stony material that may or may not have coupling parts and, on the other hand, a package (11) consisting of one or more package parts (12 -13-14-15), characterized in that the package contains at least one wrinkle zone (16). Packaged set of panels according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrinkle zone (16) is arranged at least along one of the panel edges (3-4-5-6) of the aforementioned one or more panels (2). Packaged set of panels according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wrinkle zone (16) forms part of at least one of the aforementioned packaging sections (12-13-14-15). Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned wrinkle zone (16) is mainly composed of a folded structure (19). Packaged set of panels according to claim 4, characterized in that the aforementioned folded structure (19) defines one or more hollow spaces (35), which may or may not be open. Packaged set of panels according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the said folded structure (19) comprises at least a first wall (20) with a first surface extending along one of the edges of the set of panels, and in that this wall at least one wall portion (23) which is folded over a fold line (25) from said surface to the inside of the package. Packaged set of panels according to claim 6, characterized in that said folded structure (19) comprises at least one second wall (21) with a second surface extending transversely to the first wall and thus forming an outer corner (22) of the package wherein both walls (20-21) comprise wall portions (23-24) which, over a fold line (25), are folded from the respective surfaces to the inside of the package and thus form an inner corner (26). Packaged set of panels according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said wall portion (23) of the first wall (20) rests against one of the walls of the folded structure (19). Packaged set of panels according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the relevant wall section (23) is fixed with the package by means of one or more glue connections (36). Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned wrinkle zone (16) forms part of a packaging part (12-13) that is designed as a cap (27) arranged over an edge of the set of panels. Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a decorative side (40) of the panel (2) on at least one panel edge (3) extends up to the extreme edge part (41) of the panel (2) or alternatively up to a distance of less than 1 millimeter from it; and wherein the package contains at least one protection zone (37) and this protection zone (37) is at least along the last-mentioned panel edge (3) of the set of panels. Packaged set of panels according to claim 11, characterized in that the protection zone (37) is made up of one or more deformable packaging elements (38) and optionally one or more buffer spaces (39). Packaged set of panels according to claim 12, characterized in that the aforementioned deformable packaging elements (38) are elastically deformable. Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (11) consists of at least two separate package parts (12-13-14-15), in the form of folded parts, which extend along all edges (3 - 3) 4-5-6) of the set of panels mainly extends. Packaged set of panels according to claim 14, characterized in that the package (5) is made up of at least four separate folded parts. Packaged set of panels according to claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the aforementioned different folded parts of the package (11) provide a substantially open front (18) and back (28) of the packaged set of panels (1). Packaged set of panels according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the package provides in the plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the packaged set of panels (1) on the front and back sides of each packaged set of panels (1) support surfaces (18,28) on each edge (3-4-5-6) of the set of panels and wherein these support surfaces (18,28) define the same or substantially the same surface both on the front and on the back. Packaged set of panels according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the package (11) essentially has two identical or preferably identical package sections on each of two opposite edges (3-4,5-6) of the set of panels ( 12-13-14-15). Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (11) consists of substantially folded cardboard. Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (11) contains, in addition to the aforementioned packaging sections (12-13-14-15), a foil (29) which is preferably transparent or substantially transparent. Packaged set of panels according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package is at least composed of two or more panels (2) and wherein the sum of the useful surfaces of all panels (2) present in the package is one square meter, with a margin of less than 5 percent, and preferably less than 2 percent, and preferably less than 1 percent, preferably a positive margin. Packaged set of panels according to claim 21, characterized in that instead of the sum of the useful areas being one square meter, it is 10 square feet (or 0.92 square meters).