EA040750B1 - MULTI-PURPOSE TILE SYSTEM, TILE COATING AND TILES - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multipurpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system comprising a plurality of multipurpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, wall tiles or ceiling tiles. The invention also relates to a tile floor, in particular a floor tile floor, a ceiling tile floor or a wall tile floor, consisting of interconnected tiles according to the present invention. The invention also relates to tiles for use in the multi-purpose tiling system of the present invention. In addition, the invention relates to a method for installing a tile system according to the present invention to create a tiled floor.

Over the past decade, the hard floor laminate market has advanced significantly. It is known that the floor panels on the underlying floor are installed in various ways. It is known, for example, that floor panels are attached to the underlying flooring by gluing or nailing. The disadvantage of this method is that it is rather complicated and subsequent modifications can only be made by breaking out the floor panels. According to an alternative installation method, the floor panels are installed on a loosely coupled floor subfloor, with the floor panels mutually butted to each other by means of a tongue and groove connection, while in most cases they are also glued to each other on the tongue and groove. The floor thus obtained, also referred to as floating parquet flooring, has the advantage that it is easy to install and that the entire surface of the floor can move, which is often convenient to obtain possible expansion and shrinkage phenomena. A disadvantage of the floor covering of the above type, especially if floor panels with weak interconnection are installed on the floor subfloor, is that when the floor expands and then shrinks, the floor panels themselves can move apart, resulting in undesirable gaps, for example, when breaking adhesive connection. In order to remedy this shortcoming, methods have already been developed in which metal fittings have been provided between the individual floor panels in order to hold them together.

However, such connectors are quite expensive to manufacture and, moreover, their supply or installation is time-consuming. Floor panels are also known having complementary shaped fittings at opposite edges of the panel. These prior art panels are generally rectangular in shape and are characterized by having inclined complementary shaped connecting portions on opposite long edges of the panel, and complementary shaped folding connecting portions at opposite short edges of the panel. The installation of these known floor panels is based on the so-called folding technique, in which the long edge of the first panel to be installed is first connected or inserted into the long edge of the already installed second panel in the first row, after which the short edge of the first panel is connected to the short edge of the already installed third panel in the second row at the time of lowering (folding) the first panel, such installation satisfies the target requirement of simple installation. Thus, it is possible to realize a floor covering consisting of a plurality of parallel oriented rows of interconnected floor panels.

WO 2017/87298, for example, describes a set of floor panels suitable for forming a herringbone floor, these floor panels being characterized by an elongated rectangular shape, with both long and short edges provided with mechanical connecting means, and however, the short edge male fitting can be inserted into the long edge female fitting with the same pivoting motion used to insert the long edge male fitting into the long or short edge female fitting. Document WO 2016/091819 describes a panel comprising a top side of the panel and a bottom side of the panel, and at least four edges of the panel, which are arranged in pairs opposite each other, with complementary retaining profiles, which are located in pairs on the edges of the panel and coincide with each other so that panels of the same type can be attached to each other, while at least one of the pairs of holding profiles is provided with hook-shaped profiles, namely on the edge of the panel with a receiving hook and on the opposite edge of the panel with a locking hook.

The first object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose tile system in which the tiles can be connected to each other in an improved way.

The second object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose tile system in which an increased degree of freedom in the installation of tiles can be achieved.

A third object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose tile system in which special installation patterns, such as herringbone patterns, can be implemented in an improved manner.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a multi-purpose tile system in which tiles can be produced in a relatively economical manner.

At least one of these goals can be achieved by providing a multi-purpose system

- 1 040750 of the topic in accordance with the preamble, in which the tiles, and preferably each tile, contain at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile containing a side tongue extending in a direction essentially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one first downwardly directed side surface spaced from the side tongue and a first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface; at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a downwardly directed tongue extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the top side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface located at a distance from the downwardly directed tongue, the second downward a recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and preferably at least one second (vertical-acting) locking element; at least one third edge, and preferably at least two third edges, each third edge is characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile, said third recess is limited by the upper a ledge and a lower ledge, wherein said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and preferably at least one third (acting in a vertical plane) locking element, the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile being configured so that two such tiles can be connected with each other along the first and third edges by a rotational movement, wherein in the connected state at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile, and at least e part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two such tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding motion and/or vertical movement, wherein in the connected state at least part of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, at least part of the locking element of the third connecting profile directed upwards is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile, and, in use, at least one second locking element faces and preferably cooperates with at least one third locking element to realize a vertical locking effect.

Typically, at least a portion of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connection profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction from the upper ledge, and at the same time, at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the second downwardly directed side surface. of the second connection profile, and wherein at least one third locking element of the third connection profile is provided on the distal side of the lower protrusion facing away from the third recess and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing away from the third recess. The advantage of the combination of the presence of the second locking element provided on the second downwardly directed side surface and the third locking element provided on the distal side of the lower ledge facing away from the third recess and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing away from the third recess, and at least least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, inclined upwards in the direction from the upper ledge, is that the connection of adjacent panels is quite simple, while sufficient mutual (vertical) fixation between said panels can be ensured . The absence of the locking element in said positions, in combination with the so-called open groove structure, can lead to an unstable locking situation between the male and female connecting parts of adjacent panels, in particular for the connection between the second connection profile and the third connection profile. The presence of the described second and third locking elements can further prevent the male connecting part of the second connecting profile from being able to (slightly) move and in particular (slightly) tilt, for example, towards the open space of the third recess, during use. Therefore, friction between adjacent panels in the joint state can be prevented.

Typically, each tile of the tile system according to the present invention comprises at least one first connection profile, at least one second connection profile and at least one third connection profile, and preferably a plurality, for example two third connection profiles. However, it is possible that at least the first tile (the first type of tile) contains at least one first connection profile and at least one third connection profile without a second connection profile, while the second

- 2 040750 tile (second type of tile) contains at least one second connecting profile and at least one third connecting profile without a first connecting profile. Alternatively, for example, it is possible that at least the first tile (the first tile type) contains at least one first connection profile and at least one second connection profile without a third connection profile, while the second tile (the second tile type ) contains at least one third connection profile without a first connection profile and/or a second connection profile. Thus, each tile of the tile system according to the present invention may be characterized by having at least one first connection profile and/or at least one second connection profile and/or at least one third connection profile. In the event that a tile of the system according to the present invention is not provided with a joint profile selected from the group consisting of a first joint profile, a second joint profile and a third joint profile, then this missing joint profile of said tile will be included in another tile of the system according to the present invention. Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, it relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, wherein at least one first tile (type) comprises at least one first edge characterized by the presence of the first connecting profile containing a side tongue extending in a direction essentially parallel to the upper side of the tile, at least one first downwardly directed side surface lying at a distance from the side tongue, and the first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first directed down the side surface, wherein at least one second tile (type) contains at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a tongue directed downwards, passing in a direction essentially perpendicular to the upper side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface spaced from the downwardly directed tongue, a second downward recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and preferably at least one second locking element, and at least one third tile (type) contains at least one third edge, characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile, said third recess is limited by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, and the specified lower the protrusion is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and preferably at least one third locking element, and at the same time the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured such that two such tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third and edges by a rotational movement, wherein in the connected state, at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, wherein the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile have such a configuration that two such tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and / or vertical movement, while in the connected state at least part of the directional downwards of the tongue of the second connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connector When used, at least one second locking element faces at least one third locking element and preferably cooperates with it to realize a vertical effect. The first tile and/or the second tile and/or the third tile may be formed by the same tile. The first tile may comprise at least one second connection profile and/or at least one third connection profile. The second tile may comprise at least one first connection profile and/or at least one third connection profile. The third tile may comprise at least one first connection profile and/or at least one second connection profile.

The tiled system according to the present invention has many significant advantages. The first main advantage is that the third connection profile (female profile) is designed to interact with both the first connection profile (first male profile) and the second connection profile (second male profile). This significantly increases the options for the mutual orientation of all tiles in the implemented tiled flooring. Classic row-by-row installation of tiles is still possible, but the compatibility of the third connection profile with both the first connection profile and the second connection profile also allows installation in various alternative installation patterns, such as, but not limited to, herringbone pattern. , while also needing

- 3 040750 uses only one type of tile. In the case of oblong (rectangular) tiles, the short edge of the tile can, for example, be connected to either the short edge or the long edge of the adjacent tile. In addition, each tile of the tiled system can be produced in a relatively economical way, since only three different joint profiles will have to be realized in the production process instead of the usual four different joint profiles, which will lead to at least savings in equipment costs and, in particular, in milling tools. , which is used in the manufacturing process.

Preferably, each tile contains a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge and a third edge. Each tile preferably includes a second pair of opposing edges, consisting of a second edge and a third edge. By arranging connecting profiles, which are designed to mutually interact, on opposite edges, it is possible to simplify the installation of the tiles of the tiled system. Tiled system tiles are typically characterized by square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes. However, other shapes, such as a parallelogram shape, are also possible, as will be explained below. Preferably, in the case of a tile with an even number of edges, the number of third connection profiles of said tile corresponds to the sum of the number of first connection profiles and the number of second connection profiles. Typically, the number of first connection profiles of the tile corresponds to the number of second connection profiles, although variations are possible, whereby the tile may, for example, contain more second connection profiles than first connection profiles, or vice versa.

At least the number of tiles in a tile system according to the present invention may be precise, or may be highly adaptable (resilient) or slightly adaptable (semi-rigid). Each tile is usually manufactured as one of the following types: as a laminated floor panel, as a so-called resilient floor panel, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or VCT (vinyl composition tile), or a comparable panel based on another synthetic material other than vinyl; a floor panel with a first backing layer (carrier layer) based on a synthetic material, preferably foam, with a preferably thinner second layer of a substrate (second carrier layer) made of or based on vinyl or other synthetic material applied thereon; as a floor panel with a hard synthetic backing.

Preferably, the tile comprises one-piece joint profiles, in particular one-piece vertically acting joint profiles, for example by using certain structural properties and/or characteristics of the material and/or design of the joint profiles. The connecting profiles are preferably an integral part of each tile and are usually made from one or more layers of material that form the base of the tile. Preferably, the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally. Preferably, the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally. Since the first connection profile is capable of being connected to the third connection profile by means of a pivoting movement, also referred to as rotational movement or tilting movement, and since the second connection profile is capable of being connected to the third connection profile by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, also referred to as movement scissor or zipper type movement, the tiles of the tile system according to the present invention can still be installed using user-friendly folding technology. Thus, the advantages achieved by the connections mainly lie in improved tiles with improved connection profiles, with the advantage of ease of manufacture due to the use of connection profiles that are easy to manufacture, namely because they do not have to necessarily use separate connecting pieces, the advantage that the tiles can preferably be installed according to a user-friendly folding principle, and the advantages of offering a secure and durable connection are combined with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile, and at the same time at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower protrusion facing away from the third recess and/or the distal side of the locking element directed upwards, facing away from the third recess. It is generally convenient to place the at least one second lock element and the at least one third lock element at predetermined locations because there is relatively much space at these locations, allowing the lock element structure to be stronger, which will maintain the vertical locking effect.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least

- 4 040750 one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the downwardly directed tongue, facing from the second downwardly directed recess, and at the same time, at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the side of the upper ledge, in the connected state facing the specified the distal side of the downward tongue of the second connection profile of the adjacent tile. This alternative arrangement of the interlock elements has the advantage that the interlock elements are located close to the upper joint formed between adjacent tiles, which helps to stabilize said joint and prevents the tiles from moving relative to each other vertically close to the joint. This indicates that this alternative locking element arrangement can be combined with the locking element positioning described in the previous paragraph in the case of a plurality of second locking elements and a plurality of third locking elements. More preferably, the interaction between the second locking element and the third locking element to create the effect of vertical locking in the connected state of the two tiles determines the tangent T1, which limits the angle A1 with the plane defined by the tile, and the angle A1 is less than the angle A2, limited by said plane defined by the tile , and tangent T2 defined by the interaction between the inclined part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing the third recess, and the inclined part of the proximal side of the downward tongue facing the second downwardly directed side surface. Herein, preferably, the largest difference between the angle A1 and the angle A2 is 5 to 20 degrees. Preferably, said second locking element and said third locking element are located closer to the top side of the tile compared to the top side of the upwardly directed locking element. This will reduce the maximum deformation of one or more connecting profiles, while the connection process and the deformation process can be carried out as consecutive steps. Less deformation leads to less mechanical stress, which contributes to a longer service life of the connecting profiles and therefore the tile(s).

The first connecting profile contains at least one first locking element facing the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile in the connected state and preferably interacting with it. The presence of this at least one first locking element and the interaction of this first locking element with the third locking element in the connected state further improves the stability of the connection between the first connection profile and the third connection profile. Additionally, at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile, and at the same time, at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge facing away from the third recess, and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element, facing away from the third recess. However, it is also possible, optionally in addition to the aforementioned arrangement of the first locking element, that at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the first connecting profile, being located above at least part of the side tongue, and at least one the third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the side of the upper protrusion facing said distal side of the first connecting profile of the adjacent tile in the connected state.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction from the upper ledge, preferably in such a way that an angle has been made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile , wherein said angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. This inclination results in an open third recess which facilitates insertion of both the side tongue and the downward tongue.

Preferably, at least a portion of the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile, facing the second downwardly directed recess, is inclined downwardly in the direction from the second downwardly directed side surface, preferably in such a way that an angle has been made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, with this said angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. Preferably, at least part of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile, facing the first downward recess, is inclined downward in the direction from the first downwardly directed side surface, preferably in such a way that an angle was made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, while said angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. By applying an appropriate inclination, the first connection profile and/or the second connection profile is given a more complementary shape, which is usually

- 5 040750 leads to a more stable connection between the first and third connection profiles and between the second and third connection profiles.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction of the upper ledge, preferably in such a way that an angle was made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, wherein said angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. This inward tilt results in the formation of a (slightly) closed third recess, wherein the upward locking element can be used to engage or clamp around the side tongue and/or the downward tongue when inserted into said third recess. This is particularly possible if at least part of the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile, facing the second downwardly directed recess, is inclined downwardly in the direction of the second downwardly directed side surface, preferably in such a way that an angle has been made with the normal, perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. And the aforementioned effect of engaging and/or clamping the upwardly directed locking element can also be achieved, for example, if at least a part of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connecting profile facing the first downwardly directed recess is inclined downwardly in the direction of the first directed down the side surface, preferably in such a way that an angle has been enclosed with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

Preferably, the first transition zone between the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile and the lower side of the side tongue of the first connection profile is curved. This curved first transition zone can be used to guide the side tongue into the third recess while joining adjacent tiles. It is also possible that the second transition zone between the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile and the lower side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile is curved. This curved second transition zone can be used to guide a downward tongue into the third recess during joining of adjacent tiles. The third transition zone between the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile and the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is preferably (also) curved to facilitate insertion of the downwardly directed tongue and side tongue into the third recess.

Preferably, there is a recess on the underside of the lower protrusion of the third connection profile which extends to the distal end of the lower protrusion and which allows the lower protrusion to be bent in a downward direction. The downward curvature of the lower projection allows the third recess to expand during connection, which will facilitate insertion of the side tongue and the downward tongue into the third recess. Depending on the specific design of the connecting profiles, the lower ledge may remain curved in the connected state of adjacent tiles. To this end, the first connection profile and the third connection profile can be configured to provide, in the connected state, a so-called pretension that pushes the respective tiles on the respective first edge and third edge towards each other, this being preferably done by applying overlapping contours. And for this, the second connection profile and the third connection profile can (also) be configured to provide, in the connected state, a so-called pretension which pushes the respective tiles on the respective second edge and third edge towards each other, this being preferably carried out by applying overlapping contours. The pretension is usually the result of either elastic flexural or elastic compression deformation, or a combination of the two. Pre-tensioning usually improves the mutual fixation and connection of interacting connection profiles.

The pretensioning is preferably implemented using overlapping contours of matching connection profiles, in particular overlapping contours of downwardly directed tongue and third recess and/or overlapping contours of upwardly directed locking element and first and/or second downwardly directed recess. The overlapping of the contours does not mean that the entire contour must be overlapped, but simply that at least part of the (outer) contour of the first and/or second connecting profile is overlapped by at least part of the (outer) contour of the third connecting part. The contours are usually compared by considering the contours of the first connecting part and the second connecting part in a side view (or in section). When using overlapping contours, the first and/or the second connection profile and/or the third connection profile will usually remain (elastically) deformed, in particular compressed and/or bent, in the connected state, providing the required stability of the connection. Usually with overlapping contours, the downward facing tongue will be (slightly) oversized

- 6 040750 with respect to the third recess, and/or the upwardly directed locking element will be (slightly) enlarged relative to the first and/or second downwardly directed recess. However, it should be understood that overlapping contours can also be implemented in another manner, for example by using overlapping (first, second and/or third) locking elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contour of the part of the first connection profile, which is capable of enclosing the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, is substantially identical to the (corresponding) contour of the part of the second connecting profile, which is capable of enclosing the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile . The contour of the remaining part of the first connecting profile and the contour of the remaining part of the second connecting profile are usually mutually distinguishable. The contact surface between the first connection profile and the third connection profile in the connected state is preferably larger than the contact surface between the second connection profile and the third connection profile in the connected state. Preferably, the connection (adhesion) between the first connection profile and the third connection profile leads to a stronger engagement per unit length of the edge in the longitudinal direction of the third recess and parallel to the plane of the tile(s) than the connection (adhesion) between the second connection profile and the third connection profile.

When the tiles are joined, the upwardly directed locking element can be (elastically) deformed, in particular compressed and/or bent. The bend will occur from the original position (slightly) outward, away from the top ledge. The bend state of the upward locking member may remain in the connected state of the two tiles. The angle of bending of the proximal side of the upward tongue facing the upward lateral surface is usually limited and is in the range of 0 to 2°.

It is possible and even preferable that the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured so that in the connected state there is a so-called pretension, while the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured so that the connected state is essentially without pretension. This (hybrid) option can make joining tiles easier.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, in the connection state, substantially no pretension occurs between the first connection profile and the third connection profile. The same can be applied between the second connection profile and the third connection profile, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile can be configured so that, in the connected state, substantially no pretension occurs between the second connection profile and the third connection profile. This can usually be achieved if the contour of the first connection profile and/or the second connection profile corresponds or coincides with the contour of the third connection profile, preferably without play, in order to counteract the risk of creaking noises.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that a plurality, preferably at least three, spaced contact areas are present in the connected state, leaving a distance between each pair of adjacent contact areas. Preferably, the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that a plurality, preferably at least three, spaced contact areas are present in the connected state, leaving a distance between each pair of adjacent contact areas. By creating one or more intentional (air) gaps between the connecting profiles in the connected state. Thus, the distance(s) or gap(s) created are advantageous for the purpose of compensating for the expansion of the tile, for example as a result of changes in ambient temperature, and/or for the accumulation of dust, in particular dust from the environment or dust generated during production. tiles (tiles).

Typically, the first edge and the third edge when joined define a first locking surface, defined as a first vertical plane (joint plane) passing through the top edges of the joined tiles, or at least where the tiles come together on the top side of the tiles. Preferably, the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, when connected, each of the side tongue and the third recess passes through said first vertical plane (joint plane). By passing through is meant that part of the side tongue is located on one side of the first vertical plane, and the other part of the side tongue is located on the opposite side of the first vertical plane. The same applies to the third recess. The lower protrusion, which defines the underside of the third recess, usually extends beyond the upper protrusion. Preferably

- 7 040750 the upper protrusion defines the specified vertical plane (joint plane) of two tiles in the connected state. Preferably, the upwardly directed locking element is located at some distance from said vertical plane. In the present solution, the upwardly directed locking element and the upper ledge are usually located on opposite sides of the joint plane. Here, the possible difference between the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion, which border the third recess, measured in the plane of the tile, is preferably less than one times the total thickness of the tile. This will prevent material losses in the manufacture of tiles. However, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the top projection and the bottom projection, measured in the plane of the tile, is greater than 1.0 times, and preferably at least 1.25 times, the thickness of the tile. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the lower protrusion is relatively long, with the advantage that the third recess and the corresponding side tongue and downward tongue can be relatively large (compared to the situation in which a relatively short lower protrusion is used), which is an advantage for the strength, stability and durability of the joints achieved by connecting profiles of adjacent tiles.

Typically (also) the second edge and the third edge in the connected state define a second locking surface defining a second vertical plane through the top edges of the connected tiles, or at least where the tiles come together on the top side of the tiles. Preferably, the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, when connected, the downward tongue is located on one side of the second vertical plane and the third recess extends through said second vertical plane. This means that one outer end of the third recess, usually also referred to as the top of the third recess, remains empty when the second connection profile and the third connection profile are connected to each other.

The distal side of the downward tongue, facing away from the second downward recess, preferably comprises at least a vertical upper wall part adjacent to the top side of the tile, and located under said vertical wall part, an inclined wall part, which is inclined inwardly towards the beveled and/or curved bottom a wall portion of said distal side of the downwardly directed tongue. The lower part of the wall of said distal side is preferably connected to the lower side of the downwardly directed tongue. Preferably, between said inclined wall part and said lower wall part there is an intermediate vertical wall part. This intermediate vertical part of the wall makes it possible to make the tongue directed downwards stronger. This particular shape is generally the most preferred shape during manufacture and provides for said distal side of the downward tongue as a guiding function (defined by the bottom of the wall) for guiding the downward tongue into the third recess, and as a closing function for creating a closed seam between the top edges of adjacent panels. (defined by the upper part of the wall). One of the aforementioned wall parts, and preferably the top wall part of the distal side of the downward tongue, may be provided with a second locking element to realize and/or improve the vertical fixation between the connected tiles.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underside of the side tongue of the first connection profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface of the third recess of the third connection profile directed upwards. The bottom surface of the third recess is defined by the upper side of the lower protrusion. This supporting contact preferably causes the first connection profile and the third connection profile to be fixed in the joint position. The second connection profile and the third connection profile preferably cooperate under tension at this supporting contact zone or supporting contact point. The same preferably applies to the second connection profile and the third connection profile. To this end, the lower side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface (upwardly directed) of the third recess of the third connecting profile. This supporting contact preferably causes the second connection profile and the third connection profile to be fixed in a joint position. The connecting second profile and the connecting third profile preferably cooperate under tension at this supporting contact zone or supporting contact point. The stable support of the side tongue and downward tongue by the lower lip in the connected state can further stabilize the connection between the connecting profiles and can also counteract the risk of creaking sounds (squeaking).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the connected state of the tiles, the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and / or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the first downwardly directed side surface, are located at a distance

- 8 040750 from each other. Preferably, in the connected state of the tiles, the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the second downwardly directed side surface, are located at a distance from each other. This intermediate (vertical) space between adjacent tiles creates some space for the lower lug and the upwardly directed interlock to (slightly) deform during joining and optionally remain in a (slightly) deformed state when the tiles are joined. This technical effect usually facilitates the connection and may also improve the stability of the connection.

At least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the upwardly directed locking element is inclined downwards in the direction facing away from the upper protrusion of the third connecting profile. Preferably, at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the first downward recess is inclined downwardly towards the first downwardly directed side surface. Preferably, both angles of inclination together constitute an angle from 0 to 5° (inclusive). The angle of inclination of the top side of the upwardly directed locking element is preferably 15 to 45°, more preferably 25 to 35° and most preferably about 30° with respect to the horizontal plane (which is the plane defined by the tile). The angle of inclination of the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element is preferably constant, which means that the upper side has a substantially flat orientation. Preferably, the upper side of the first downward recess and/or the second downward recess has, preferably, a similarly (compared to the inclination of the upper side of the upward locking element) inclined orientation, which is more preferably directed upwards in the direction of the side tongue and/or in the direction of the directed tongue. down the tongue. The first bottom surface of the first web connecting the downward tongue to the inside (body) of the tile is defined by the upper side of the first downward recess (or clip). The second bottom surface of the second web connecting the downward tongue to the inside (body) of the tile is defined by the upper side of the second downward recess (or clip). The use of the sloping upper side of the first downwardly directed tongue results in different thicknesses of the first and/or second web, as viewed from the inside in the direction of the downwardly directed tongue. This position-dependent web thickness, in which the web thickness is preferably relatively large near the interior and relatively small near the downward tongue, has many advantages. The thicker portion of the first and/or second web adjacent to the inside provides the web with more and sufficient strength and reliability, while the thinner portion of the web adjacent to the side tongue and/or the downward tongue forms the weakest point of the web and therefore will be critical to the location of the first deformation (axis of rotation) during joining. Because this deformation point is adjacent to the side tongue and/or downward tongue, the amount of material to be deformed to allow the side tongue and/or downward tongue to be inserted into the third recess can be minimized. Less deformation leads to less mechanical stress, which helps to prolong the service life of the connecting profile(s) and hence the tile(s). In the connected state of adjacent tiles, the upper side of the first downward recess or the second downward recess may be at least partially, and preferably substantially completely, supported by the upper side of the upward locking element, which provides additional strength for the connection itself. To this end, it is preferable that the angle of inclination of the upper side of the first downward recess and/or the second downward recess essentially corresponds to the angle of inclination of the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element. This means that the angle of inclination of the top side of the first downward recess and/or the second downward recess is preferably between 15° and 45°, more preferably between 25° and 35°, and most preferably about 30° with respect to the horizontal plane. This slope may be flat or rounded or, in some cases, hook-shaped.

In the connected state of the two tiles (inclined or horizontal), the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is preferably located at a distance from the (inclined or horizontal) upper side of the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile by facilitating adhesion and to ensure the accumulation of dust in the space, created directly above the locking element directed upwards.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element is located at a lower level than the upper protrusion of the third connecting profile. This provides enough space to keep the dimensions of the first connection profile and the second connection profile in a relatively reliable manner, which contributes to the strength of the first connection profile and the second connection profile. Except

- 9 040750 In addition, this configuration facilitates the insertion of the side tongue and the downward tongue into the third recess.

The third locking element preferably comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and the second locking element and, in use, the first locking element comprise at least one first locking slot or a second locking slot, respectively, where the outwardly directed protrusion is configured to at least partially engage in a first lock slot and a second lock slot of an adjacent joined tile to form a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection. The third lock element and the second lock element preferably have a substantially complementary shape. Alternatively, the third locking element comprises at least one third locking slot, and the second locking element and, in use, the first locking element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion (ridge), where the outwardly directed protrusion is configured to at least partially enter into said locking groove of the adjacent connected tile in order to realize a locking connection. It is also possible that the first locking element (if applicable), the second locking element, and the third locking element are formed not by a ledge-recess combination, but by another combination of interacting profiled surfaces and/or contact surfaces with a high coefficient of friction. According to this last embodiment of the present invention, at least one locking element of the first, second or third locking element can be formed by a (flat or otherwise shaped) contact surface, consisting of an optionally separate plastic material, configured to create friction with another locking element of another tile. in a connected (coupled) state. Examples of plastic materials suitable for creating friction include acetal (ROM) - tough and strong, with good creep resistance. It has a low coefficient of friction, is stable at high temperatures, and has good hot water resistance;

nylon (PA), which absorbs more moisture than most polymers, while impact strength and overall energy absorption properties improve as moisture is absorbed. Nylons also have a low coefficient of friction, good electrical properties, and good chemical resistance;

polyphthalamide (PPA). This high performance nylon features improved heat resistance and lower moisture absorption. It also has good chemical resistance;

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high temperature thermoplastic with good chemical and flame resistance combined with high strength. PEEK is a favorite in the aerospace industry;

polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), offering a balance of properties including chemical and high temperature resistance, fire resistance, flow, dimensional stability and good electrical properties;

polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is characterized by dimensional stability, high temperature resistance and chemical resistance with good electrical properties;

thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) is inherently flame retardant, with good physical, chemical and wear resistant properties;

polycarbonate (PC) with good impact strength, high temperature resistance and good dimensional stability. PC also has good electrical properties and is stable in water and mineral or organic acids; and polyesterimide (PEI), which maintains strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures. It also has good long-term thermal stability, dimensional stability, inherent fire resistance and resistance to hydrocarbons, alcohols and halogenated solvents.

Usually, although not necessarily, the third locking element is located on the distal side of the lower ledge and/or upwardly directed locking element, and also at a distance from both the underside of the lower ledge and from the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element. This allows the third locking element to interact with a relatively large surface area, and therefore intensively, with the complementary first locking element and/or the second locking element.

Typically, the upwardly directed locking member protrudes in a vertical direction (ie, in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the panel) relative to the lower projection. Preferably, the effective height of the upward locking element (in said vertical direction) is defined as the maximum (vertical) distance between the highest location of the upwardly directed locking element and the lowest location of the lower projection. Preferably, the effective height of the upwardly directed locking element is at least 20%, more preferably at least 25% and even more preferably at least 30% of the thickness of the panel. Preferably, the total thickness of the lower protrusion and the upwardly directed locking element is at least 50% of the thickness of the panel. All these preferred

- 10 040750 These features aim to improve the horizontal locking effect between two panels when connected.

Each connection profile preferably does not contain Velcro fasteners and/or adhesive joints. Each tile preferably does not contain any other connection profile other than at least one first connection profile, at least one second connection profile and at least one, preferably at least two, third connection profile(s). Preferably, each connection profile is provided with chamfers, such as conical chamfers, on or near the top side of the tiles. The presence of chamfers, such as conical chamfers, usually makes the gaps between the joined tiles less noticeable. The presence of chamfers leads to the fact that when two tiles approach each other, a groove or V-shaped recess is formed for attachment. Preferably, the beveled or beveled edges are at an angle of about 15° to about 55°, and more preferably at an angle of about 17°. In addition, the width of the beveled or tapered edge is from about 1.0 mm to about 7.0 mm.

When implementing a chevron pattern, it is preferable if the system contains two different types of tiles (A and B, respectively), and at the same time the connecting profiles of one type of tile are located symmetrically with respect to the corresponding connecting profiles of another type of tile. To this end, it is preferable if the system contains a plurality of tiles, characterized by a parallelogram shape, while these tiles are made with the possibility of joining in a chevron pattern, and two pairs of adjacent edges define an acute angle, and two pairs of other adjacent edges define an obtuse angle. The acute angle is usually between 30 and 60°, and preferably is substantially 45°. The obtuse angle is usually between 120 and 150°, and preferably is substantially 135°. Preferably, at least one parallelogram tile (A) has a configuration in which the edges are located, when viewed from above clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the third edge, the other third edge and the second edge, and at least one parallelogram the tile (B) has a configuration in which the edges are located, when viewed from the top clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the other third edge. Distinctive visual markings, such as colored labels, character labels, (pre-attached) multi-colored backing layers, and/or text labels, can be applied to different types of tiles to enable the user to easily recognize the different types of tiles during installation. Preferably the visual markings are not visible in the connected state of the tiles (as viewed from above). The visual markings may, for example, be provided on the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or inside the third recess and/or within the first or second downwardly directed recess. It is possible that the system according to the present invention contains more than two different types of tiles.

At least one tile, and preferably each tile, preferably comprises a top substrate attached - directly or indirectly - to the top side of the carrier layer, said top substrate preferably comprising a decorative layer. The top substrate is preferably at least partially made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, alloys, macromolecular materials such as vinyl monomer copolymers and/or homopolymers; condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins; natural macromolecular materials or their modified derivatives such as plant fibers, animal fibers, mineral fibers, ceramic fibers and carbon fibers. As used herein, the vinyl monomer copolymers and/or homopolymers are preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, ABS copolymers (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers), polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene and copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride and their derivatives. The top substrate most preferably consists of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polyethylene may be low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or ultra high density polyethylene. The top support layer may also include fillers and other additives that improve the physical properties and/or chemical properties and/or processing properties of the product. These additives include known impact strength agents, plasticizing agents, reinforcing agents, anti-mildew agents (antiseptics), flame retardants, and the like. The top substrate typically comprises a decorative layer and an abrasion resistant wear layer overlying said decorative layer, wherein the top surface of said wear layer is the top surface of said tile, and wherein the wear layer is a transparent material so that the decorative layer is visible through the transparent wear layer, and optionally a transparent finishing layer.

Preferably at least one tile, and preferably each tile, contains a top

- 11 040750 a bottom substrate attached directly or indirectly to the top side of at least one carrier layer, said top substrate preferably comprising a facing layer. Said facing layer preferably has a Mohs hardness of more than 3. Said facing layer preferably has a thickness of 2 to 8 mm. Said facing layer is sized so as not to overlap the supporting carrier layer and/or at least one or more of the connecting profiles used. The facing layer preferably consists of a material selected from the group consisting of natural stone, marble, granite, slate, glass and ceramic. More preferably, the cladding layer is a type of ceramic selected from the group consisting of Monocuttura ceramic, Monoporosa ceramic, porcelain ceramic or multicast ceramic. Preferably, the facing layer has an elastic modulus greater than 10 N/mm ² , more preferably greater than 30 N/mm ² .

The thickness of the top substrate typically ranges from about 0.1 to 3.5 mm, preferably from about 0.5 to 3.2 mm, more preferably from about 1 to 3 mm, and most preferably from about 2 to 2.5 mm. The ratio of the thickness of the carrier layer to the thickness of the top substrate typically ranges from about 1 to 15: 0.1 to 3.5, preferably from about 1.5 to 10: 0.5 to 3.2, more preferably from about 1.5 up to 8:1 to 3, and most preferably from about 2 to 8:2 to 2.5, respectively.

Each tile may contain an adhesive layer for attaching the top substrate, directly or indirectly, to the carrier layer. The adhesive layer may be any well known adhesive or binder capable of bonding the top substrate and the carrier layer, such as polyurethanes, epoxies, polyacrylates, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and the like. Preferably the adhesive layer is a hot melt adhesive.

The decorative layer or design layer, which may be part of the top substrate as mentioned above, may contain any suitable known plastic material such as a known composition of PVC resin, stabilizer, plasticizer and other additives which are well known in the art. The design layer may be printed or formed with printed patterns such as wood grain, metal or stone pattern, fiber pattern, or three-dimensional shapes. In this way, the design layer can give the tile a three-dimensional look reminiscent of heavier materials such as granite, stone or metal. The thickness of the design layer typically ranges from about 0.01 to 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.015 to 0.08 mm, more preferably from about 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and most preferably from about 0.02 to 0.5 mm. The wear layer that typically forms the top surface of the tile may comprise any suitable known abrasion resistant material, such as an abrasion resistant macromolecular material deposited on the layer underneath, or a known ceramic bead coating. If the wear layer is in the form of a layer, it can be bonded to the underlying layer. The wear layer may also comprise an organic polymer layer and/or an inorganic material layer such as a UV coating or a combination of another organic polymer layer and a UV coating. For example, UV ink can improve surface scratch resistance, gloss, antimicrobial resistance, and other product properties. Other organic polymers may be included as needed, including polyvinyl chloride resins or other polymers such as vinyl resins, and a suitable amount of plasticizing agent and other processing aids.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one tile comprises a plurality of top substrates in the form of strips, directly or indirectly attached to the top side of the carrier layer, said top substrate being arranged in a row in the same plane, preferably in a parallel configuration. As used herein, the plurality of top substrates preferably substantially completely cover the top surface of the carrier layer, and more preferably extend from the first edge to the second edge of the tile. Each of the plurality of top substrates comprises a decorative layer, wherein the decorative layers of at least two adjacent top substrates preferably have a different appearance. The use of a plurality of stripe-shaped top substrates arranged in a row in the same plane and directly or indirectly attached to the carrier layer will create an attractive aesthetic effect in that the chevron-shaped tiles are respectively defined by the stripe-shaped top substrates, while having the advantages, in that only the tiles as such would have to be joined during installation, and not the top substrate in the form of a strip, which could be time consuming and costly.

Preferably the carrier layer contains at least one blowing agent. At least one foaming agent takes care of foaming the carrier layer, which will reduce the density of the carrier layer. This will result in lighter tiles that are lighter in weight compared to tiles having the same dimensions and non-foamed base layer. The preferred foaming agent depends on the (thermo)plastic material used in the carrier layer, as well as the desired foam composition, foam structure, and preferably also the desired (or required) foam temperature to achieve the desired foam composition and/or foam structure. With this price

- 12 040750 pour it is preferable to use a variety of foaming agents designed to foam the carrier layer at different temperatures, respectively. This will allow the foamed carrier layer to be implemented in a smoother and more controlled manner. Examples of two different blowing agents that can be present (simultaneously) in the carrier layer are azidicarbonamide and sodium bicarbonate. In this regard, it is often also preferable to use at least one modifying agent, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), to keep the foam structure relatively uniform throughout the carrier layer.

Suitable polymeric materials for forming the carrier layer may include polyurethane (PUR), polyamide copolymers, polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyisocyanurate (PIR), and polyethylene (PE) plastics, all of which are characterized by good forming technological characteristics. At least one polymer included in the carrier layer may be solid or foamed (gas-filled). Preferably chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and/or chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and/or other chlorinated thermoplastic material is/are used to further increase the hardness and stiffness of the carrier layers and the tile itself, reducing the susceptibility to damage to the pointed tops of each tile, making the tile even more more suitable for use as a parallelogram/diamond tile for chevron patterns.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials are particularly suitable for forming the carrier layer because they are chemically stable, corrosion resistant and have excellent flame retardant properties. The plastic material used as the plastic material in the carrier layer should preferably not contain any plasticizers in order to increase the desired stiffness of the carrier layer, which is also environmentally friendly.

The carrier layer can also at least partially consist of a thermoplastic composition, preferably without PVC. This thermoplastic composition may contain a polymer matrix containing (a) at least one ionomer and/or at least one acid copolymer, and (b) at least one styrenic thermoplastic polymer and optionally at least one filler. By ionomer is meant a copolymer that includes repeating units of electrically neutral and ionized units. The ionized units of the ionomers may in particular be carboxylic acid groups which have been partially neutralized by metal cations. Ionic groups, usually present in small amounts (typically less than 15 mole % of the constituent units), cause microphase separation of the ionic domains from the continuous polymer phase and act as physical crosslinkers. The result is an ion-reinforced thermoplastic with improved physical properties compared to conventional plastic materials.

The carrier layer may be made of a composite material of at least one polymer and at least one non-polymer material. The carrier layer composite material preferably contains one or more fillers, wherein at least one filler is selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, ceramic, (other) mineral filler, and (other) natural filler. The filler may be formed by fibers and/or may be formed by dust particles. In this document, dust refers to fine particulate matter (powder) such as wood dust, cork dust or non-wood dust such as mineral dust, stone powder, in particular cement. The average dust particle size is preferably 14 to 20 µm, more preferably 16 to 18 µm. The main role of such a filler is to provide the carrier layer and the parallelogram/diamond-shaped tile(s) as such with sufficient hardness. This will allow the tiles, including their usually relatively vulnerable pointed tops, to implement chevron patterns in a reliable and durable manner. Moreover, such a filler usually also improves the impact strength of the carrier layer and of the tile(s) as such. The weight content of this type of filler in the composite is preferably 35 to 75%, more preferably 40 to 48% if the composite is a foamed composite, and more preferably 65 to 70% if the composite is non-foamed (solid) composite material.

According to an alternative configuration of the tile system according to the present invention, each tile contains a substantially rigid base layer at least partially made of non-foamed (hard) composite material containing at least one plastic material and at least one filler. A hard backing layer can result in increased strength of the tile and therefore reduced susceptibility to pinpoint breakage, and can further improve the usability of the tiles to implement a chevron pattern. The disadvantage of using a rigid composite material in the carrier layer instead of a foamed composite material in the carrier layer is the increased weight of the tile (if a carrier layer of the same thickness is used), which can lead to higher transportation and material costs.

Preferably, the carrier layer composite material contains at least one filler

- 13 040750 carrier layer body selected from the group consisting of salt, stearate salt, calcium stearate and zinc stearate. The stearates act as a stabilizer and provide a more favorable processing temperature, and counteract the degradation of the composite material components during and after processing, thus ensuring long-term stability. Instead of or in addition to stearate, for example, calcium-zinc can also be used as a stabilizer. The weight content of the stabilizer(s) in the composite is preferably 1 to 5%, and more preferably 1.5 to 4%.

The carrier layer composite preferably contains at least one impact modifier containing at least one alkyl methacrylate, said alkyl methacrylate preferably being selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, and isobutyl methacrylate. The impact modifier generally improves product performance, in particular impact resistance. In addition, the impact modifier generally stiffens the carrier layer and can therefore also be considered as an impact strength additive, further reducing the risk of failure. Often, the modifier also facilitates the manufacturing process, for example, as mentioned above, to control the formation of foam with a relatively stable (constant) foam structure. The weight content of the impact strength modifier in the composite material is preferably 1 to 9%, and more preferably 3 to 6%. Preferably, the substantially continuous carrier layer is formed from either a foamed composite material or a non-foamed (solid) composite material. The at least one plastic material used in the carrier layer preferably does not contain any plasticizers in order to increase the required stiffness of the carrier layer, which is also environmentally friendly.

The carrier layer and/or another layer of the tile may comprise a wood-based material, such as MDF, HDF, wood dust, pre-prepared wood, in particular the so-called engineered board. This wood-based material may be part of a carrier layer composite material.

The density of the carrier layer typically ranges from about 0.1 to 1.5 g/cm ³ , preferably from about 0.2 to 1.4 g/cm ³ , more preferably from about 0.3 to 1.3 g/cm ³ , even more preferably from about 0.4 to 1.2 g/cm ³ , even more preferably from about 0.5 to 1.2 g/cm ³ , and most preferably from about 0.6 to 1.2 g/cm ³ .

The polymer used in the carrier layer and/or the carrier layer as such preferably has an elastic modulus of more than 700 MPa (at 23° C. and 50% relative humidity). This will usually be sufficiently rigid for the carrier layer and hence for the parallelogram/diamond tile as such.

The carrier layer preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and even more preferably at least 5 mm. It is possible that each tile consists of a plurality of carrier layers. Different carrier layers may have either the same or different composition.

The density of the carrier layer preferably varies with the height of the carrier layer. This can positively affect the acoustic (sound-absorbing) properties of the tile itself. Preferably, a skin layer may be formed at the top and/or bottom of the foamed carrier layer. This at least one surface layer may form an integral part of the carrier layer. More preferably, the upper and lower portions of the carrier layer form a surface layer covering the foam structure. The surface layer is relatively closed (reduced porosity, preferably without bubbles (cells)) and therefore forms a relatively rigid (under) layer compared to a more porous foam structure. Usually, although not necessarily, the surface layer is formed by sealing (soldering) the lower and upper surfaces of the inner layer. Preferably, the thickness of each surface layer is 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Too thick a surface layer will result in a higher average density of the inner layer, which increases both cost and stiffness of the inner layer. The thickness of the carrier layer (inner layer) as such is preferably 2 to 10 mm, more preferably 3 to 8 mm, and usually about 4 or 5 mm. Preferably, the top and/or bottom of the (composite) carrier layer forms a top skin layer having a porosity lower than that of the closed-cell plastic foam carrier layer, with the thickness of each top skin layer preferably between 0.01 and 1 mm. , preferably from 0.1 to 0.8 mm.

Preferably, each tile comprises at least one support layer attached to the underside of the carrier layer, said at least one support layer being at least partially made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. The thickness of the support layer usually varies from 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Non-limiting examples of materials from which the support layer can be made are polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. Tol

- 14 040750 The width of the polyethylene backing layer is typically 2 mm or less. The backing layer usually provides additional strength and impact resistance to each tile, respectively, which increases their durability. In addition, the (flexible) support layer can improve the acoustic (sound absorbing) properties of the tile. According to a specific embodiment, the carrier layer consists of a plurality of individual carrier layer segments attached to said at least one support layer, preferably in such a way that said carrier layer segments can be rotatably connected to each other. The lightness of the tiles is an advantage for obtaining a secure connection when laying tiles on vertical wall surfaces. It is also particularly easy to tile in vertical corners, such as inside corners of intersecting walls, pieces of furniture, and outside corners, such as walkways. Installation at an inside or outside corner is done by cutting a slit in the base layer of the tile to facilitate bending or folding the tile.

Each tile may contain at least one reinforcing layer. At least one reinforcing layer may be located between the carrier layer and the top substrate. At least one reinforcing layer may be located between two carrier layers. The use of reinforcing can lead to an additional increase in the rigidity of the tile, respectively. This can also result in an improvement in the acoustic (sound absorbing) properties of the tile. The reinforcing layer may comprise a woven or non-woven fibrous material, such as glass fiber material. They can be characterized by a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm. It is also possible that each tile contains a plurality of (usually thinner) carrier layers stacked on top of each other, with at least one reinforcing layer located between two adjacent carrier layers. Preferably, the density of the reinforcing layer is preferably 1000 to 2000 kg/m ³ , preferably 1400 to 1900 kg/m ³ and more preferably 1400 to 1700 kg/m ³ .

Preferably, at least part of the first connection profile and/or at least part of the second connection profile and/or at least part of the third connection profile of each tile is entirely connected to the carrier layer. In this case, solid tiles are formed, which are relatively easy and cost-effective to produce.

The first connection profile and/or the second connection profile and/or the third connection profile are preferably deformable during connection and separation of the tiles. At least the number of tiles is the same. It is also possible that at least some of the tiles have different sizes and/or different shapes. In addition to the already discussed parallelogram shaped tiles for realizing chevron patterns, it is also possible that the tiling system includes different types of tiles (A and B respectively), with the size of the first type of tile (A) being different from that of the second type of tile (B). These panels A and B may, for example, have a rectangular and/or square shape. Distinctive visual markings may be applied to different types of tiles, preferably for installation purposes. To this end, it is preferable to apply distinctive visual markings on the upper side of the third recess and/or the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile of each type of tile.

The present invention also relates to a tile covering, in particular a floor covering, a wall covering, a ceiling covering and/or a furniture covering, consisting of interconnected tiles according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to tiles for use in the multi-purpose tiling system of the present invention.

In addition, the present invention relates to a method for installing a tile system, in particular a floor tile system, preferably a tiled system according to one of claims 1 to 97, the method comprising the steps of: a) placing at least one first tile on a support surface, in particular on the floor, b) provide at least one second tile for connection with said at least one first tile, c) select at least one connection profile from the group consisting of (i) the first connection profile of the second tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the second tile, for connection with at least one third connection profile of at least one first tile; and/or at least one connection profile is selected from the group consisting of (i) a first connection profile of the first tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the first tile, for connection with at least one third connection profile of at least one second tile; and d) connecting at least one selected connection profile of said second tile or first tile to at least one third connection profile of the first tile or second tile. Herein, the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that two of such tiles can be connected to each other by a rotational movement, and wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that two of such tiles can be connected to each other by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement. The second tile to be installed,

- 15 040750 can be connected simultaneously to more first tiles already installed.

The sequence numbers used in this document, such as first, second, third, are used for identification purposes only. Therefore, the use of the expressions third lock element and second lock element does not necessarily require the simultaneous presence of the first lock element.

The tiles of the tile system according to the present invention may also be referred to as panels. The carrier layer may also be referred to as the core layer. Connecting profiles may also be referred to as fittings or connecting profiles. Complementary connection profiles mean that these connection profiles can interact with each other. However, for this complementary connection profiles do not have to have complementary forms. Fixing in the vertical direction means fixing in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tile. By fixing in the horizontal direction is meant fixing in a direction perpendicular to the respective joined edges of the two tiles and parallel to or coinciding with the plane defined by the tiles. Where reference is made herein to a floor tile or floor panel, these expressions may be replaced by expressions such as tile, wall tile, ceiling tile, covering tile. In the context of this document, the expressions foamed composite material and foamed plastic material (or foam) are interchangeable, and in fact the foamed composite material is a foam mixture containing at least one (thermo)plastic material and at least one filler (non-polymeric material ).

The present invention also relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, wherein the tiles, and preferably each tile, comprises at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile containing a side a tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one first downwardly directed side surface spaced from the side tongue, and a first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface, at least at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a downwardly directed tongue, passing in a direction essentially perpendicular to the top side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface, located at a distance from the directed tongue downwards, a second downward recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and preferably at least one second locking element, at least one third edge, and preferably at least two third edges, each third edge is characterized the presence of a third connecting profile, containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of another tile and at least part of the downward tongue of the next tile, said third recess is defined by an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion, and the specified lower protrusion is provided with upwardly directed locking element and preferably at least one third locking element, while the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured such that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges of the by means of a pivoting movement, wherein in the connected state, at least part of the side tongue of the first connection profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connection profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connection profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connection profile , and the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, while in the connected state at least a part of the downward tongue of the second of the connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, at least part of the locking element of the third connecting profile directed upwards is inserted into the second recess directed downwards of the second connecting profile, and , when used, at least one second lock element faces at least one third lock element and preferably interacts with it to implement the effect of vertical locking, while at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed lock element of the third connecting profile facing the third recess, inclined upwards towards the upper ledge, preferably so that an angle is enclosed with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, where said angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the upwardly directed locking element of the third connection profile can securely lock between said third connection profile and the first or second connection profile. Usage

- 16 040750 additional secondary locking elements, such as the third and second locking element, can be omitted.

The invention will be explained on the basis of the following non-limiting exemplary embodiments described in the following paragraphs.

1. A multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, containing a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, in which the tiles, and preferably each tile, contain at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile containing a side tongue passing in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one downwardly directed side surface located at a distance from the side tongue, and the first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface, at least one second edge , characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a downwardly directed tongue, passing in a direction essentially perpendicular to the upper side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface located at a distance from the downwardly directed tongue, the second downwardly directed angle a recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and preferably at least one second locking element; at least one third edge, and preferably at least two third edges, each third edge is characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile and at least part of the directional down the tongue of the next tile, said third recess is bounded by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, wherein said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and preferably at least one third locking element, wherein the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar the tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges by means of a rotational movement, wherein in the connected state at least part of the side tongue of the first connection profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connection profile with of the intermediate tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and to the third edges by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, wherein in the connected state at least part of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, at least part of the locking element of the third connecting profile directed upwards is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connection profile, and in use, at least one second locking element faces at least one third locking element and preferably cooperates with it to realize a vertical locking effect And.

2. A multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, preferably according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, in which at least one first tile contains at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile, comprising a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one first downwardly directed side surface spaced from the side tongue, and a first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface, in which at least one second tile contains at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a tongue directed downwards, extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the top side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface, located located at a distance from the downward tongue, the second downward recess formed between the downward tongue and the downward side surface, and preferably at least one second locking element, and in which at least one third tile contains at least at least one third edge, characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile, said third recess is limited by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, while said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed lock element, and preferably at least one third locking element, and moreover, the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that such tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges by means of a rotational movement, while in the connected state, at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connection profile is configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, while in the connected state at least a part of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile is inserted into the third recess third connecting profile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile, using at least one second the swarm latch element faces at least one third latch element and preferably cooperates with it to realize a vertical locking effect, and in which the first tile and/or the second tile and/or the third tile can be formed by the same tile.

3. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile comprises a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge and a third edge.

4. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile comprises a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a second edge and a third edge.

5. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are adapted to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally.

6. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are adapted to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally.

7. Tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is made on the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile, and in which at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is made on the distal side the lower protrusion facing away from the third recess, and/or the distal side of the locking element directed upwards, facing away from the third recess.

8. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second locking element of the second connection profile is provided on the distal side of the downward tongue facing away from the second downward recess, and in which at least one third locking element of the third connection profile provided on the side of the top ledge, in the connected state, facing said distal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile of the adjacent tile.

9. The tile system of claim 8, wherein the interaction between the second locking element and the third locking element to create the effect of vertical locking in the connected state of the two tiles determines the tangent T1, which limits the angle A1 with the plane defined by the tile, while the angle A1 is less than the angle A2 bounded by said plane defined by the tile and tangent T2 defined by the interaction between the inclined part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing the third recess and the inclined part of the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue facing the second downwardly directed side surface, while preferably the largest difference between angles A1 and A2 is between 5 and 20 degrees.

10. A tile system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said second lock element and said third lock element are positioned closer to the top side of the tile compared to the top side of the upwardly directed lock element.

11. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile comprises at least one first locking element configured to

- 18 040750 face the third locking element of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile and preferably interact with it.

12. The tile system according to claim 11, wherein at least one first locking element of the first connection profile is provided on the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connection profile, and in which at least one third locking element of the third connection profile is provided on the distal side of the lower a protrusion facing away from the third recess, and/or the distal side of the locking member facing upwards, facing away from the third recess.

13. Tiled system according to claim 11 or 12, in which at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the first connecting profile, located at least above a part of the side tongue, and in which at least one third locking element a third connection profile is provided on the side of the upper ledge, in the connected state facing said distal side of the first connection profile of the adjacent tile.

14. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connection profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction from the upper protrusion, preferably so that an angle is made with a normal perpendicular to the plane, defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

15. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the downward tongue of the second connection profile, facing the second downward recess, is inclined downward in the direction away from the second downward side surface, preferably such that an angle is made with the normal , perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

16. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile, facing the first downward recess, is inclined downward in the direction away from the first downwardly directed side surface, preferably so that an angle is made with the normal, perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

17. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction of the upper ledge, preferably so that an angle is made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

18. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the downward tongue of the second connection profile, facing the second downward recess, is inclined downward in the direction of the second downward lateral surface, preferably such that an angle is made with the normal , perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

19. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile, facing the first downward recess, is inclined downwards in the direction of the first downwardly directed side surface, preferably so that an angle is made with the normal, perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°.

20. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transition zone between the proximal side of the side tongue of the first joint profile and the lower side of the side tongue of the first joint profile is curved.

21. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transition zone between the proximal side of the downward tongue of the second joint profile and the underside of the downward tongue of the second joint profile is curved.

22. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third transition zone between the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile and the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is curved.

23. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the underside of the lower protrusion of the third connection profile there is a recess which extends to the distal end of the lower protrusion and allows the lower protrusion to be bent in a downward direction.

24. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, when connected,

- 19 040750 there is a so-called pretension which pushes the respective tiles on the respective first edge and the third edge towards each other, this being preferably carried out by applying overlapping contours.

25. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that in the joint state there is a so-called pretension which pushes the respective tiles on the respective second edge and third edge towards each other, and this is preferably done by applying overlapping contours.

26. A tile system as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the pretensioning is the result of deformation of either elastic flexure or elastic compression, or a combination of the two.

27. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, in the connected state, there is substantially no pretension between the first connection profile and the third connection profile.

28. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, in the connected state, there is substantially no pretension between the second connection profile and the third connection profile.

29. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that in the connected state there are a plurality, preferably at least three, spaced contact zones, with each pair of adjacent contact zones remaining distance.

30. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that in the connected state there are a plurality, preferably at least three, spaced contact zones, with each pair of adjacent contact zones remaining distance.

31. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge and the third edge in the connected state define a first locking surface, defined as a first vertical plane passing through the top edges of the connected tiles, or at least where the tiles meet together on the top side. tiles.

32. The tile system of claim 31, wherein the first joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that, when connected, each side tongue and third recess extends through said first vertical plane.

33. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second edge and the third edge in the connected state define a second locking surface defining a second vertical plane passing through the top edges of the connected tiles or at least where the tiles come together on the top side of the tiles .

34. The tile system of claim 33, wherein the second joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that, when connected, the downward tongue is located on one side of the second vertical plane and the third recess extends through said second vertical plane.

35. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal side of the downward tongue, facing away from the second downward recess, comprises at least a vertical upper wall portion adjacent to the upper side of the tile and adjacent to said vertical wall portion and positioned under by said vertical wall part, an inclined wall part that is inclined inwardly towards the beveled and/or curved lower wall part of said distal side of the downwardly directed tongue, optionally, an intermediate vertical wall part is located between said inclined wall part and said lower wall part.

36. The tile system of claim 35, wherein a second locking element configured to engage with a third locking element of another tile is provided on the top of the wall of the distal side of the downwardly directed tongue.

37. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the side tongue of the first connection profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface of the third recess of the third connection profile, which preferably causes the first connection profile and the third connection profile to be fixed in a joint position, while the second connection profile and the third connection profile preferably cooperate under tension.

38. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface of the third recess of the third connection profile, which preferably causes the second connection profile and the third joint to be fixed in the joint position.

- 20 040750 connecting profile, while the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile preferably interact under tension.

39. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the tiles, the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the first downwardly directed side surface, are on distance from each other.

40. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the tiles, the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the second downwardly directed side surface, are on distance from each other.

41. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the lock element is inclined downwards in the direction away from the upper protrusion of the third connection profile.

42. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the first downward recess is inclined downwardly towards the first downwardly directed side surface.

43. The tile system of claims 41 and 42, wherein both angles of inclination jointly limit the angle from 0° to 5°.

44. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the second downward recess is inclined downwardly towards the second downwardly directed side surface.

45. A tile system according to claims 41 and 44, wherein both angles of inclination jointly limit the angle from 0 to 5°.

46. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the two tiles, the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is located at a distance from the upper side of the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile.

47. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the two tiles, the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is located at a distance from the upper side of the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile.

48. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion, measured in the plane of the tile, is greater than 1.0 times and preferably at least 1.25 times the thickness of the tile.

49. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile contains at least two third connecting profiles.

50. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element is located at a lower level than the upper protrusion of the third connection profile.

51. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third lock element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and so the first lock element comprises at least one first lock groove, wherein the outwardly directed protrusion is configured to at least partially to enter into the first locking groove of the adjacent connected tile to realize a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection.

52. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third lock element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and so the second lock element comprises at least one second lock groove, wherein the outwardly directed protrusion is configured to at least partially to enter into the second locking groove of the adjacent connected tile to realize a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection.

53. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third latch element is located on the distal side of the lower lug and/or the upward latch element and at a distance from both the underside of the lower lug and the upper side of the upward latch element.

54. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection profile is free of Velcro fasteners and/or adhesive joints.

55. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection profile is provided with chamfers, such as conical chamfers on or near the top side of the tiles.

- 21 040750

56. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises two different types of tiles (A and B, respectively), and in which the tile connecting profiles of one type are arranged symmetrically with respect to the corresponding tile connecting profiles of another type, preferably at least one tile (A) is characterized by a configuration in which the edges are located, when viewed from above clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the third edge, the other third edge and the second edge, and preferably at least one tile (B) is characterized by the configuration , in which the edges are located, when viewed from the top clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the other third edge.

57. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of opposite edges is substantially the same.

58. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile does not comprise any other connection profile than at least one first connection profile, at least one second connection profile and at least one, preferably at least two third connecting profiles.

59. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of tiles is characterized by a square or rectangular shape.

60. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of tiles are characterized by a parallelogram shape, wherein said tiles are configured to be joined in a chevron pattern, wherein two pairs of adjacent edges define an acute angle, and two pairs of other adjacent edges define a blunt corner.

61. The tile system of claim 60, wherein the acute angle is between 30° and 60°, and preferably substantially 45°.

62. The tile system of claim 61, wherein the obtuse angle is between 120 and 150°, and preferably substantially 135°.

63. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile comprises at least one top substrate attached to the top side of the carrier layer, said top substrate preferably comprising a decorative layer, preferably a decorative printed layer.

64. The tile system of claim 63, wherein the at least one top substrate comprises a decorative layer and an abrasion resistant wear layer overlying said decorative layer, wherein the top surface of said wear layer is the top surface of said tile, and wherein the layer The wear layer is a transparent material, so that the decorative layer is visible through the transparent wear layer, and additionally a transparent finishing layer located between the decorative layer and the wear layer.

65. A tile system according to one of claims 63-64, wherein the top substrate is at least partially made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, alloys, natural stone, marble, granite, slate, glass, ceramics, macromolecular materials such as copolymers and/or homopolymers of vinyl monomer; condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins; natural macromolecular materials or their modified derivatives such as plant fibers, animal fibers, mineral fibers, ceramic fibers and carbon fibers.

66. The tile system of claim 65, wherein the vinyl monomer copolymers and/or homopolymers are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, ABS copolymers (acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene copolymers), polypropylene, ethylene copolymers and propylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene, and copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride.

67. A tile system according to one of claims 63 to 66, wherein at least one top substrate is attached to the top side of the carrier layer with an adhesive.

68. A tile system according to one of claims 63-67, in which at least one tile comprises a plurality of top substrates in the form of strips attached to the upper side of the carrier layer, while said top substrates are arranged in a row in the same plane, preferably in parallel configuration.

69. The tile system of claim 68, wherein the plurality of top substrates substantially completely cover the top surface of the base layer.

70. A tile system as claimed in claim 68 or 69, wherein each of the plurality of top substrates extends from a first edge to a second edge of the tile.

71. A tile system according to one of claims 68 to 70, wherein each of the plurality of top substrates comprises a decorative layer, wherein the decorative layers of at least two adjacent top substrates have a different appearance.

- 22 040750

72. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile contains at least one carrier layer.

73. The tile system of claim 72, wherein at least a portion of the carrier layer is foamed.

74. The tile system of claim 73, wherein the foamed carrier layer is at least partially made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

75. A tile system according to one of claims 72-74, wherein the carrier layer comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene ( PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyisocyanurate (PIR) or mixtures thereof.

76. A tile system according to one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the carrier layer comprises at least one wood-based material.

77. A tile system according to one of claims 72-76, wherein the carrier layer comprises at least one composite material of at least one polymeric material and at least one non-polymeric material.

78. The tile system of claim 77, wherein the at least one non-polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, and mineral filler.

79. The bar system of claim 77 or 78, wherein at least one non-polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of a salt, a stearate salt, calcium stearate, and zinc stearate.

80. A tile system according to one of claims 72-79, wherein the carrier layer comprises at least one impact modifier containing at least one alkyl methacrylate, said alkyl methacrylate being preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate , t-butyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate.

81. A tile system according to any one of claims 72-80, wherein the carrier layer has a density in the range of about 0.1 to 1.5 g/cm ³ .

82. A tile system according to any one of claims 72-81, wherein the foamed composite material contains from about 3 to 9% by weight of an impact strength additive.

83. A tile system according to any one of claims 72-82, wherein the carrier layer has an elastic modulus of more than 700 MPa.

84. A tile system according to any one of claims 72-83, wherein the density of the carrier layer varies with the height of the carrier layer.

85. The tile system of claim 84, wherein the upper section and/or lower section of the carrier layer forms a surface layer having a porosity less than that of the central region of the carrier layer, wherein the thickness of each surface layer is between 0.01 and 1 mm. , preferably from 0.1 to 0.8 mm.

86. A tile system according to one of claims 72-85, wherein the carrier layer does not contain a plasticizer.

87. A tile system according to one of claims 72-86, wherein each tile comprises at least one support layer attached to the underside of the carrier layer, said at least one support layer being at least partially made of a flexible material, preferably elastomer or cork.

88. The tile system of claim 87, wherein the thickness of the support layer is at least 0.5 mm.

89. Tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, in which each tile contains at least one reinforcing layer, while the density of the reinforcing layer is preferably from 1000 to 2000 kg/m ³ , preferably from 1400 to 1900 kg/m ³ , and more preferably 14001700 kg/m ³ .

90. A tile system according to one of claims 72-88 and 89, wherein the carrier layer is provided with at least one reinforcing layer included in the carrier layer, wherein the reinforcement layer is preferably a fiber reinforced layer such as glass mat.

91. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the first joint profile and/or at least part of the second joint profile and/or at least part of the third joint profile of each tile is wholly connected to the carrier layer.

92. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and/or the second connection profile and/or the third connection profile are deformable during connection and separation of the tiles.

93. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the number of tiles is the same.

94. A tile system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a number of tiles are of different sizes and/or different shapes.

95. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tiled system contains

- 23 040750 there are different types of tiles (A and B, respectively), while the size of the tile (A) of the first type differs from the size of the tile (B) of the second type.

96. The tile system of claim 94 or 95, wherein distinctive visual markings are applied to various types of tiles, preferably for installation purposes.

97. The tile system of claim 96, wherein distinctive visual markings are applied to the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile of each tile.

98. A tile covering, in particular a floor covering, a ceiling covering or a wall covering, consisting of interconnected tiles of a tiled system according to any one of claims 1 to 97.

99. A tile for use in a multi-purpose tile system according to one of claims 1-97.

100. A method for installing a tiled system, in particular a floor tiled system, according to one of claims 1 to 97, the method comprising the steps of:

a) placing at least one first tile on the supporting surface, in particular on the flooring,

b) providing at least one second tile for connection with said at least one first tile,

c) selecting at least one connection profile from the group consisting of (i) a first connection profile of the second tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the second tile, for connection with at least one third connection profile of at least one first tile; and/or at least one connection profile is selected from the group consisting of (i) a first connection profile of the first tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the first tile, for connection with at least one third connection profile of at least one second tile; And

d) connecting at least one selected connection profile of said second tile or first tile to at least one third connection profile of the first tile or second tile.

101. The method according to claim 100, in which the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that two of such tiles can be connected to each other through a rotational movement, and wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that two such tiles can be connected to each other by means of a folding motion and/or a vertical motion.

The present invention will be explained on the basis of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown in the following figures, wherein FIG. 1a illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile for use in a multi-purpose tile system according to the present invention;

fig. 1b illustrates a schematic representation of the multi-purpose tile system containing a plurality of multi-purpose tiles shown in FIG. 1a;

fig. 2a illustrates a schematic representation of two different types of multi-purpose tiles for use in another embodiment of the multi-purpose tile system according to the present invention;

fig. 2b illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles shown in FIG. 2a;

fig. 3a illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile for use in yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose tile system according to the present invention;

fig. 3b illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles shown in FIG. 3a;

fig. 4a illustrates a cross section along the line A-A of the multi-purpose tile shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a;

fig. 4b illustrates a B-B cross-section of the multi-purpose tile shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a;

fig. 5a-5c illustrate a cross section of two multi-purpose tiles shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a, in the first, second and third connected state, respectively;

fig. 6a-6c illustrate a cross-section of two multi-purpose tiles with alternative connection profiles in the first, second and third connected state, respectively; and also FIG. 7a-7c illustrate a cross-section of two multi-purpose tiles with other alternative connection profiles in the first, second and third connected state, respectively.

Fig. 1a illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile (100) for use in a multi-purpose tile system (110) according to the present invention. The figure shows a tile (100) containing a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposite third edge (103). The first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are provided with first, second and third connecting profiles (104, 105, 106), respectively. First

- 24 040750 connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are configured such that two similar tiles (100) can be connected to each other along the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a rotational movement. In addition, the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) are configured such that two similar tiles (100) can be connected to each other along the second and third edges (102, 103) using a folding and/or vertical movement. The proportional relationship between the width and length of the tile (100) can be chosen as desired. In FIG. 1a shows only one of the many possibilities in which the tile is characterized by having a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108). However, it is also possible that the width and length of the tile (100) are the same, so that the tile (100) has an upper side (107) with a square outline.

Fig. 1b illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile system (110) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles (100) shown in FIG. 1a. Although each of the tiles (100) is similar, characterized by the presence of a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposite third edge ( 103), tiles (100) can be connected due to the compatibility of the connecting profile of the third edge (103) with the connecting profile of both the first and second edges (101, 102) in different ways, which leads to the formation of different tile patterns (111, 112 ) in one multipurpose tile system (110). In the depicted multi-purpose tile system (110), in which the individual tiles (110) are characterized by having a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108), each tile (100) has a long side (113) and a short side (114). Thus, different tile patterns (111, 112) are created by connecting the first tile pattern (111) of interconnected tiles (100), the long side (113) of which is connected to the long side (113) of the adjacent tile (100), with the second tile pattern (112) of interconnected tiles (100), the long side (113) of which is connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent tile (100), and their short side (114) is connected to the short side (114) of another adjacent tile ( 100). Thus, the first and second tile patterns (111, 112) are turned towards each other so that the long sides (113) of the tiles (100) of the first tile pattern (111) lie at an angle of 90° relative to the long sides (113) of the tiles (100) second tile pattern (112). This connection between different tile patterns (111, 112) is made possible by connecting the short sides (114) of the tiles (100) of the first tile pattern (111) with the long sides (113) of the tiles (100) of the second tile pattern (112). Installation of the tile system (110) can be carried out by tilting the first edge (101) of the tile (100) to be installed relative to the third edge (103) of the already installed tile (100), which will usually mutually lock said tiles (100) both in a vertical direction as well as in the horizontal direction. During this tilting or turning movement of the tile (100) to be installed relative to another already installed tile (100), the second edge (102) of the tile (100) to be installed will be connected (simultaneously) to the third edge (103) another already installed tile (100), which is usually realized by lowering or folding the tile (100) to be installed relative to the other already installed tile (100), during which the second edge (102) of the tile (100) to be installed, and the third edge (103) of another tile (100) already installed will scissor (button) into each other. This causes the tile (100) to be installed to be fixed relative to another already installed tile (100) both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction.

Fig. 2a illustrates a schematic representation of two different types of multi-purpose tiles (201, 202) for use in another embodiment of the multi-purpose tile system (200) according to the present invention. Just like the multi-purpose tile (100) shown in FIG. 1a, each of these tiles (201, 202) contains a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposite third edge ( 103). Again, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are respectively provided with first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106), with the first connection profile (104) and the third connection profile (106) configured so that that two tiles (201, 202) can be connected to each other along the first and third edges (101, 103) by rotational movement, and the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) are configured so that the two tiles (201 , 202) can be connected to each other along the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement. However, this time there are two different types of tiles (201, 202), in which the connecting profiles (105, 106) of one pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the tile (201) of the first type are arranged symmetrically with respect to the connecting profiles (105, 106 ) of the corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the tile (202) of the second type. It should be noted that the depicted pairs of edges of different types of tiles (201, 202), which are symmetrical, are formed by the second and third edges (102, 103). However, it is also possible that the symmetrical edge pairs are formed by the first and third edges (101, 103). In addition, multi-purpose tiles (201, 202) for use in this multi-purpose tile system (200) are characterized by an upper side (107) with a contour (208) in the form of a parallelogram. Two adjacent edges (101, 102, 103) of these tiles (201, 202) define an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204). In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the first and second edges (101, 102) respectively to the third edges (103) define an obtuse angle (204) of the same size, while the first and third edges (101, 103) respectively to the second and third edges ( 102, 103) define an acute angle (203) of the same size. The difference in tile configuration and parallelogram-shaped contour (208) of their upper side (107) allows these tiles (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) when connected.

Fig. 2b illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile system (200) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles (201, 202) shown in FIG. 2a. As previously discussed, the multi-purpose tiles (201, 202) forming part of said multi-purpose tile system (200) come in two different (mirror-symmetrical) types/configurations. While the difference in tile configuration and the parallelogram shape of their top surface (107) allows these tiles (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) when connected, the presence of a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, consisting of the second edge (102) and the opposite third edge (103), while the connecting profile (106) of the third edge (103) is compatible with the connecting profile (104, 105) as the first and second edges (101, 102) allows the tiles (201, 202) to be connected in different ways, resulting in different tile patterns (206, 207) within one interconnected multi-purpose tile system (200). As with the multi-purpose tile system (110) shown in FIG. 1b, different tile patterns (206, 207) are created by joining a first tile pattern (206) of interconnected tiles (201, 202) with a second tile pattern (207) of interconnected tiles (201, 202). Within these individual tile patterns (206, 207), each tile (201, 202) has each of its pairs of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) connected to the edges (101, 102, 103) of adjacent tiles (201, 202 ) being part of a respective pair of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of said adjacent tiles (201, 202). The connection of the first and second tile patterns (206, 207) is realized, however, by connecting the tile (201, 202) of the first tile pattern (206) with an edge (101, 103) forming part of one pair of opposite edges (101, 103), with a tile (201, 202) of a second tile pattern (207) with an edge (102, 103) forming part of another, non-matching pair of opposite edges (102, 103). The result is an interconnected multi-purpose tile system (200) consisting of two different tile patterns (206, 207) rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. The tile system installation (200) shown in FIG. 2b is generally similar to the installation of the tile system (110) shown in FIG. 1b.

Fig. 3a illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile (301) for use in yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose tile system (300) according to the present invention. Unlike the multi-purpose tiles (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and fig. 2a, each of these tiles (301) contains three pairs of opposite edges and has a top side (107) with a regular hexagonal outline (302). The first pair of opposite edges consists of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103). The second and third pair of opposite edges consist of a second edge (102) and an opposite third edge (103). The first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are arranged so that the third edges (103) are adjacent to each other, and the second edges (102) overlap both edges adjacent to the first edge (101). The second edges (102) are consequently not adjacent to each other. The commonality between these multi-purpose tiles (301) and the multi-purpose tiles (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and fig. 2a, however, lies in the fact that the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are respectively provided with the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106), while the first connection profile (104) and the third the connecting profile (106) are configured such that two tiles (301) can be connected to each other along the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a rotational movement, and the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106) have such a configuration that two tiles (301) can be connected to each other along the second and third edges (102, 103) through a folding movement and/or a vertical movement.

Fig. 3b illustrates a schematic representation of a multi-purpose tile system (300) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles (301) shown in FIG. 3a. In the depicted tile arrangement, all tiles (301) are oriented in the same way. Installation of the tile system (300) can be implemented similarly to the tile systems (110, 200) in FIG. 1b and 2b. By tilting the first edge (101) of the tile (301) to be installed with respect to the third edge (103) of the already installed tile (301), said tiles (301) are usually mutually fixed both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction. During this tilting or turning movement of the tile (301) to be installed relative to the already installed tile (301), one or more second edges (102) of the tile (300) to be installed will be connected (one

- 26 040750 temporarily) with a third edge (103) of one or more other already installed adjacent tiles (301), which is usually implemented by lowering or folding the tile (301) to be installed relative to the other already installed tile (s) (301) , during which said second edge(s) (102) of the tile (301) to be installed and the third edge(s) (103) of the other tile(s) (301) already installed will scissor (button) each other friend. This causes the tile (301) to be installed to be fixed relative to the other tile(s) (301) already installed, both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction.

Fig. 4a illustrates a cross section along the line A-A of the multi-purpose tile (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. The figure shows the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301) having a first connection profile (104) and a third connection profile (106), respectively. The first connecting profile (104) contains a side tongue (400) extending in a direction essentially parallel to the top side (107) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301), at least one first downwardly directed side surface (401) located at a distance from the side tongue (400), and a first downward recess (402) formed between the side tongue (400) and the first downward side surface (401). The proximal side (403) of the side tongue (400) of the first connection profile (104) facing the first downward recess (402) is thereby inclined downward in the direction away from the first downward side surface (401). However, it is also possible that the proximal side (403) of the side tongue (400) is inclined downwards towards the first downwardly directed side surface (401). The first transition zone (404) can be defined between the proximal side (403) of the side tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) and the bottom side (405) of the side tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104), while the first transition zone ( 404) is curved in this case. The upper side (406) of the first downward recess (402) in the depicted tile (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downward towards the first downwardly directed side surface (401). The first connecting profile (104) may further comprise a first locking element (407) which, in the connected position, can interact with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent tile (100, 201, 202, 301). This first locking element (407) may be provided on the first downwardly directed side surface (401) of the first connecting profile (104). In the tile (100, 201, 202, 301) shown here, the first lock element (407) includes at least one first lock slot (408).

The third connecting profile (106) contains a third recess (430) configured to accommodate at least part of the side tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of another tile (100, 201, 202, 301), while the said third recess ( 430) is defined by an upper lug (431) and a lower lug (432), said lower lug (432) being provided with an upward locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106), facing the third recess (430), is inclined upwards in the direction from the upper ledge (431). However, as an alternative, it may be possible for the proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) to be tilted upwards towards the upper ledge (431). A third transition zone (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) and the upper side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433), the third transition zone (435) in this case also being curved to be in line with the curved first transition zone (404). The upper side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) in the depicted tile (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downward in the direction facing away from the upper ledge (431) of the third connecting profile (106). On the underside (437) of the lower protrusion (432) of the third connecting profile (106), there is a recess (438) that extends to the distal end (439) of the lower protrusion (432). This notch (438) allows the lower projection (432) to be bent in a downward direction. As already mentioned, the third connecting profile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440) that can interact with the first locking element (407) of the first connecting profile (104) of the adjacent tile (100, 201, 202, 301) to provide vertical fixation between connected tiles (100, 201, 202, 301). The third locking element (440) may be provided on the distal side (441) of the lower protrusion (432) facing away from the third recess (430) and/or on the distal side (442) of the locking element (433) directed upwards, facing away from third recess (430). The third locking element (440) may, as depicted herein, be exactly spaced from both the bottom side (437) of the lower lug (432) and the top side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433). In the currently depicted tile, the third locking element (440) comprises at least one outwardly directed projection (443), wherein the outwardly directed projection (443) is configured to at least partially enter the first locking groove (408) or the second locking a groove (423) of adjacent connected tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to realize a (vertically) fixed connection.

Fig. 4b illustrates a B-B cross-section of a multi-purpose tile (100, 201, 202, 301),

- 27 040750 shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. The figure shows the second edge (102) and the other opposite third edge (103) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301), characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile (105) and a third connecting profile (106), respectively. If the third connecting profile (106) matches the third connecting profile (106) provided on the adjacent third edge (103) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301) whose characteristics are given above in the description of the cross section along the line A-A of the multi-purpose tile (100, 201, 202, 301), the second connecting profile (105) comprises a downwardly directed tongue (410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper side (107) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301), at least at least one second downwardly directed side surface (411) spaced from the downwardly directed tongue (410) and a second downwardly directed recess (412) formed between the downwardly directed tongue (410) and the second downwardly directed side surface (411). The proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) facing the second downward recess (412) is thus inclined downward in the direction away from the second downward side surface (411). However, it is also possible that the proximal side (413) of the downwardly directed tongue (410) is inclined downwardly towards the second downwardly directed side surface (411). The second transition zone (414) can be defined between the proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) and the lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105), while the second transition zone (414) is curved in this case. The distal side (416) of the downwardly directed tongue (410), facing away from the second downwardly directed recess (412), contains at least a vertical upper part (417) of the wall adjacent to the upper side (107) of the tile (100, 201, 202 , 301), and adjacent to the said vertical upper part (417) of the wall located below it, the inclined part (418) of the wall, which is inclined inwardly towards the beveled and / or curved lower part (419) of the wall of the said distal side (416) of the downward tongue ( 410). The intermediate vertical wall part (420) can thus be located between the inclined wall part (418) and the beveled and/or curved lower wall part (419). Moreover, the lower part (419) of the wall of the distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) can be connected to the lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410). The upper side (421) of the second downward recess (412) in the depicted tile (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downward towards the second downwardly directed side surface (411). The second connecting profile (105) may further comprise at least one second locking element (422), which in the connected position can interact with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent tile (100, 201, 202 , 301) to establish a vertical fix between tiles (100, 201, 202, 301). In this case, the second locking element (422) can be provided on the second downwardly directed side surface (411) of the second connecting profile (105). In the currently depicted tile (100, 201, 202, 301), the second lock element (422) comprises at least one second lock slot (423) configured to at least partially receive the outwardly directed protrusion (443) of the third lock element (440) adjacent connected tile (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to realize a (vertically) fixed connection.

The connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) of each of the multi-purpose tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 4a and 4b have chamfers (conical chamfers) (450) on or near the top side (107) of the tiles (100, 201, 202, 301). The tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) comprise an upper substrate (451) attached to the upper side (453) of the carrier layer (452) with which the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106) are inextricably linked. The carrier layer (452) is provided with at least one reinforcing layer (454) included in the carrier layer (452). The top substrate (451) consists of a decorative layer (455), an abrasion resistant wear layer (456) covering said decorative layer (455), and a transparent finishing layer (457) located between the decorative layer (455) and the layer (456) wear. In addition, the tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) contain a support layer (458) attached to the underside (459) of the carrier layer (452).

Fig. 5a-5c illustrate a cross section of two multi-purpose tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a, in the first, second and third connected state, respectively. In these figures, it can be seen that in the connected state, at least part of the side tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of the tile (100, 201, 202, 301) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent tile (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the first downward recess (402) of the first connecting profile (104). To ensure that the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are fixed in the connected position, the lower side (405) of the side tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) can be supported by the bottom surface (500) of the third recess (430) of the third connecting profile (106). The first edge (101) and the third edge (103) in the connected state define the first locking surface (501), defined as the first vertical plane (502) passing through the top edges (503) of the connected tiles (100, 201, 202, 301). Thus, each of the

- 28 040750 kovy tongue (400) and the third recess (430) passes through the specified first vertical plane (502). In the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the first and third connecting profiles (104, 106) respectively comprise the first and third locking element (407, 440). Optionally, the first and third locking element (407, 440) are located in such a way that the first locking element (407) faces the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) and interacts with it to implement the effect of vertical fixation.

Fig. 5a-5c further illustrate that, in the connected state, at least part of the downwardly directed tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third connecting profile (106), and at least part of the upwardly directed of the locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the second downward recess (412) of the second connecting profile (105). To ensure that the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) are fixed in the connected position, the underside (415) of the downward tongue (410) of the second connection profile (105) can thus be supported by the bottom surface (500) of the third recess (430) third connecting profile (106). The second edge (102) and the third edge (103) in the connected state define a second locking surface (504) defining a second vertical plane (505) passing through the top edges (503) of the connected tiles (100, 201, 202, 301). The downwardly directed tongue (410) is located on one side of the specified second vertical plane (505), while the third recess (430) passes through the specified second vertical plane (505). In the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the second connecting profile (105) further comprises a second locking element (422). Said second locking element (422) faces the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) and interacts with it to realize the vertical locking effect.

Fig. 6a-6c illustrate a cross-section of two multi-purpose tiles (600) with alternative connection profiles (601, 602, 603) in the first, second and third connected states, respectively. In this case, the connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) of the tiles (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 5a-5c are configured so that in the connected state (virtually) there is no pretension between the connection profiles (104, 105, 106), the connection profiles (601, 602, 603) of the tiles (600) shown in FIG. 6a-6c are configured such that, in the connected state, there is a pretension that pushes the respective tiles (600) on their respective edges (604) towards each other. In the illustrated embodiments of the connection profiles (601, 602, 603), the pretension is the result of (local) deformation of the connection profiles (601, 602, 603).

Fig. 7a-7c illustrate a cross-section of two multi-purpose tiles (700) with additional alternative connection profiles (701, 702, 703) in the first, second and third connected state, respectively. In this embodiment, the third connection profile (703) does not have a recess on the underside (705) of its lower protrusion (704). In the depicted multi-purpose tiles (700), the first connecting profile (701) further comprises another first locking element (706) provided on the distal side (707) of the first connecting profile (701) located above at least a portion of the side tongue (708 ). In addition, the second connecting profile (702) includes another second locking element (709) provided on the distal side (711) of the downward tongue (710) facing away from the second downward recess (712). The third connecting profile (703) also contains another third locking element (713) provided on the side (715) of the upper ledge (714). In the connected states shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, an additional third locking element (713) faces the distal side (707) of the first connection profile (701) of the adjacent tile (700), while in the connected state shown in FIG. 7c, the additional third locking element (713) faces the distal side (711) of the downward tongue (710) of the second connection profile (702) of the adjacent tile (700). In FIG. 7a-7c also show the interaction between the additional first or second locking element (706, 709) and the additional third locking element (713) to create the effect of vertical locking in the connected state of two tiles (700), defining a tangent T1 (716), which limits the angle A1 (717) with the plane (718) defined by the tile (700), wherein the angle A1 (717) is less than the angle A2 (719) bounded by said plane (718) formed by the tile (700) and the tangent T2 (720) defined by the interaction between the inclined part of the proximal side (722) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) facing the third recess (723) and the inclined part of the proximal side (724) of the downward tongue (710) facing the second downwardly directed side surface (725), respectively the inclined portion of the proximal side (726) of the side tongue (708) facing the first downwardly directed side surface (727).

In the embodiments of the connection profiles (701, 702, 703) shown in FIG. 7a-7c, the first connection profile (701) and the third connection profile (703), respectively, the second connection profile (702) and the third connection profile (703)) are configured so that in the connected state there are a plurality of spaced contact zones.

-

Claims (57)

(728) leaving a distance (729) between each pair of adjacent contact zones (728). In particular, in FIG. 7a and 7b show that the first downwardly directed side surface (727) of the first connecting profile (701) and the distal side (730) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) and the lower protrusion (704) of the third connecting profile (703), facing the first directed down the side surface (727) are located at a distance from each other. In addition, the upper side (731) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) of the third connecting profile (703) is located at a distance from the upper side (733) of the first downward recess (732) of the first connecting profile (701). In FIG. 7c, it can be seen that the second downwardly directed side surface (725) of the second connecting profile (702) and the distal side (730) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) and the lower protrusion (704) of the third connecting profile (703), facing the second downwardly side surface (725), located at a distance from each other. In addition, the upper side (731) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) of the third connecting profile (703) is located at a distance from the upper side (734) of the second downward recess (712) of the second connecting profile (702). Therefore, the inventive concepts described above are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is quite possible that certain concepts of the invention can be applied without applying also other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all possible combinations of the above described inventive concepts, as one skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined to arrive at a particular application. This document expressly emphasizes that all mathematical combinations are possible among the features mentioned above and mentioned in the filed claims, as long as the resulting combination does not include any conflicting characteristics. Thus, this application also forms the source of the possibilities of the claimed subject matter. It will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the illustrative examples shown and described herein, but such numerous variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The verb contain and its conjugations used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only contain, but are also understood to mean the phrases include, essentially consist of, formed and their conjugations. CLAIM 1. A multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, containing a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, in which the tiles, and preferably each tile, contain at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile containing a side tongue passing in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one downwardly directed side surface spaced from the side tongue, and a first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface, at least one second edge , characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a downwardly directed tongue, passing in a direction essentially perpendicular to the upper side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface, located at a distance from the downwardly directed tongue, the second downwardly directed angle a recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and at least one second locking element; at least one third edge, and preferably at least two third edges, each third edge is characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile and at least part of the directional down the tongue of the next tile, said third recess is bounded by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, wherein said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and at least one third locking element, wherein the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges by means of a rotational movement, while in the connected state: at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the tile is inserted into - 30 040750 the third recess of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, while in the connected state at least part of the tongue directed downwards of the second connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, at least part of the locking element directed upwards of the third connecting profile is inserted into the second downward recess of the second connecting profile, and at least one second locking element faces at least one third locking element and interacts with it to implement effect of vertical locking, wherein at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwards in the direction from the upper ledge, and at the same time, at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the second directed down the side surface of the second connecting profile, and at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge, facing away from the third recess and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element, facing away from the third recess, while at least at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile, and at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side one of the lower protrusion facing from the third recess, and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element, facing from the third recess, and the first connecting profile contains at least one first locking element configured to face the third locking element of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile and preferably interact with it. 2. A multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, preferably according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor tiles, in which at least one first tile contains at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile, comprising a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one first downwardly directed side surface spaced from the side tongue, and a first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downwardly directed side surface, in which at least one second tile contains at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a tongue directed downwards, extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the top side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface, located spaced apart from the downwardly directed tongue, a second downward recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and at least one second locking element, and in which at least one third tile contains at least one third edge, characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile, said third recess is limited by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, while said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and at least at least one third locking element, and moreover, the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that such tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges by means of a rotational movement, while in the connected state for at least an hour the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured as follows that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and/or a vertical movement, while in the connected state at least part of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile is inserted into - 31 040750 the third recess of the third connecting profile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile, at least one second locking element faces at least one third locking element and preferably interacts with it to realize the effect of vertical fixation, and moreover, the first tile and/or the second tile and/or the third tile can be formed by the same tile, while at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile facing the third recess , inclined upwards in the direction from the upper ledge, and at the same time, at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile, and at the same time, at least one third locking element of the third of the connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge, facing away from the third recess, and/or on the distal side of the locking element directed upwards, facing away from the third recess, wherein at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the first downwardly directed side surface of the first of the connecting profile, and wherein at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge, facing away from the third recess, and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element, facing away from the third recess, and the first connecting profile comprises at least one first locking element configured to face the third locking element of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile and preferably interact with it. 3. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile comprises a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a first edge and a third edge. 4. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile comprises a first pair of opposite edges, consisting of a second edge and a third edge. 5. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are adapted to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally. 6. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are adapted to lock the tiles together both vertically and horizontally. 7. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third lock element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and wherein the second lock element comprises at least one second lock recess, wherein the protrusion and recess are characterized by a substantially complementary shape . 8. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second locking element of the second connection profile is provided on the distal side of the downward tongue facing away from the second downward recess, and in which at least one third locking element of the third connection profile provided on the side of the top ledge, in the connected state, facing said distal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile of the adjacent tile. 9. The tile system of claim 8, wherein the interaction between the second locking element and the third locking element to create the effect of vertical locking in the connected state of the two tiles determines the tangent T1, which limits the angle A1 with the plane defined by the tile, while the angle A1 is less than the angle A2 bounded by said plane defined by the tile and tangent T2 defined by the interaction between the inclined part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing the third recess and the inclined part of the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue facing the second downwardly directed side surface, while preferably the largest difference between angles A1 and A2 is between 5 and 20°. 10. A tile system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said second lock element and said third lock element are positioned closer to the top side of the tile compared to the top side of the upwardly directed lock element. 11. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the first connecting profile, located at least above a part of the side tongue, and in which at least one third locking element of the third a connecting profile is provided on the side of the upper protrusion, in the connected state, facing the said distal side of the first connecting profile of the adjacent tile. 12. Tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least part - 32 040750 the proximal side of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile, facing the second downwardly directed recess, is inclined downward in the direction from the second downwardly directed side surface, preferably so that an angle is made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, while the specified angle is between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. 13. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile, facing the first downward recess, is inclined downwardly in the direction away from the first downwardly directed side surface, preferably so that an angle is made with the normal, perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. 14. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwardly in the direction of the upper ledge, preferably so that an angle is made with a normal perpendicular to the plane defined each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. 15. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the downward tongue of the second connection profile, facing the second downward recess, is inclined downward in the direction of the second downward lateral surface, preferably such that an angle is made with the normal , perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. 16. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the proximal side of the side tongue of the first connection profile, facing the first downward recess, is inclined downwards in the direction of the first downwardly directed side surface, preferably so that an angle is made with the normal, perpendicular to the plane defined by each tile, said angle being between 0 and 60°, in particular between 0 and 45°. 17. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transition zone between the proximal side of the side tongue of the first joint profile and the underside of the side tongue of the first joint profile is curved. 18. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transition zone between the proximal side of the downward tongue of the second joint profile and the underside of the downward tongue of the second joint profile is curved. 19. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third transition zone between the proximal side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile and the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is curved. 20. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the underside of the lower protrusion of the third connection profile there is a recess which extends to the distal end of the lower protrusion and allows the lower protrusion to be bent in a downward direction. 21. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that in the joint state there is a so-called pretension which pushes the respective tiles on the respective first edge and the third edge towards each other, and this is preferably done by applying overlapping contours. 22. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that in the joint state there is a so-called pretension which pushes the respective tiles on the respective second edge and third edge towards each other, and this is preferably done by applying overlapping contours. 23. A tile system as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the pretensioning is the result of deformation of either elastic flexure or elastic compression, or a combination of the two. 24. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, in the connected state, there is substantially no pretension between the first connection profile and the third connection profile. 25. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, in the connected state, there is substantially no pretension between the second connection profile and the third connection profile. 26. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that, when connected, - 33 040750 there are many, preferably at least three, spaced contact zones, with a distance between each pair of adjacent contact zones. 27. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection profile and the third connection profile are configured such that in the connected state there are a plurality, preferably at least three, spaced contact zones, with each pair of adjacent contact zones remaining distance. 28. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge and the third edge in the connected state define a first locking surface, defined as a first vertical plane passing through the top edges of the connected tiles, or at least where the tiles come together on the top side tiles. 29. The tile system of claim 28, wherein the first joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that, when connected, each side tongue and third recess extends through said first vertical plane. 30. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second edge and the third edge in the connected state define a second locking surface defining a second vertical plane passing through the top edges of the connected tiles or at least where the tiles come together on the top side of the tiles . 31. The tile system of claim 30, wherein the second joint profile and the third joint profile are configured such that, when connected, the downward tongue is located on one side of the second vertical plane and the third recess extends through said second vertical plane. 32. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal side of the downward tongue, facing away from the second downward recess, comprises at least a vertical upper wall portion adjacent to the upper side of the tile and adjacent to said vertical wall portion and located under by said vertical wall part, an inclined wall part that is inclined inwardly towards the beveled and/or curved lower wall part of said distal side of the downwardly directed tongue, optionally, an intermediate vertical wall part is located between said inclined wall part and said lower wall part. 33. A tile system as claimed in claim 32, wherein a second locking element configured to engage with a third locking element of another tile is provided on the top portion of the wall of the distal side of the downward tongue. 34. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the side tongue of the first connection profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface of the third recess of the third connection profile, which preferably causes the first connection profile and the third connection profile to be fixed in a joint position, while the second connection profile and the third connection profile preferably cooperate under tension. 35. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connection profile in the connected state of the two tiles is supported by the lower surface of the third recess of the third connection profile, which preferably causes the second connection profile and the third connection profile to be fixed in the joint position, when in this case, the second connection profile and the third connection profile preferably cooperate under tension. 36. The tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the tiles, the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the first downwardly directed side surface, are on distance from each other. 37. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the tiles, the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile and the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element and/or the lower protrusion of the third connecting profile, facing the second downwardly directed side surface, are on distance from each other. 38. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the locking element is inclined downwards in a direction away from the upper protrusion of the third connection profile. 39. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the first downward recess is inclined downwardly towards the first downwardly directed side surface. 40. A tile system according to claims 38 and 39, wherein both angles of inclination jointly limit the angle from 0 to 5°. - 34 040750 41. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part, and preferably the entire upper side of the second downward recess is inclined downwardly towards the second downwardly directed side surface. 42. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the two tiles, the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is located at a distance from the upper side of the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile. 43. The tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the connected state of the two tiles, the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is located at a distance from the upper side of the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile. 44. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the top projection and the bottom projection, measured in the plane of the tile, is greater than 1.0 times, and preferably at least 1.25 times, the thickness of the tile. 45. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile contains at least two third connection profiles. 46. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper side of the upwardly directed locking element is located at a lower level than the upper protrusion of the third connection profile. 47. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third lock element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and so the first lock element comprises at least one first lock groove, the outwardly directed protrusion being at least partially to enter into the first locking groove of the adjacent connected tile to realize a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection. 48. A tile system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third lock element comprises at least one outwardly directed protrusion, and so the second lock element comprises at least one second lock groove, wherein the outwardly directed protrusion is configured to at least partially to enter into the second locking groove of the adjacent connected tile to realize a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection. 49. A tiled system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third latch element is located on the distal side of the lower lug and/or the upward latch element and spaced from both the underside of the lower lug and the upper side of the upward latch element. 50. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection profile is free of Velcro fasteners and/or adhesive joints. 51. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises two different types of tiles (A and B, respectively), and in which the tile connecting profiles of one type are arranged symmetrically with respect to the corresponding tile connecting profiles of another type, preferably at least one tile (A) is characterized by a configuration in which the edges are located, when viewed from above clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the third edge, the other third edge and the second edge, and preferably at least one tile (B) is characterized by the configuration , in which the edges are located, when viewed from the top clockwise, in the following order: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the other third edge. 52. A tile system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of opposite edges is substantially the same. 53. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each tile does not comprise any other joint profile than at least one first joint profile, at least one second joint profile and at least one, preferably at least two third connecting profiles. 54. A tiled system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection profile and/or the second connection profile and/or the third connection profile are deformable during connection and separation of the tiles. 55. A tile covering, in particular a floor covering, a ceiling covering or a wall covering, consisting of interconnected tiles of a tiled system according to any one of claims 1 to 54. 56. A tile containing at least one first edge, characterized by the presence of a first connecting profile containing a side tongue extending in a direction essentially parallel to the top side of the tile, at least one downwardly directed side surface, located at a distance from - 35 040750 of the side tongue, and the first downward recess formed between the side tongue and the first downward side surface, at least one second edge, characterized by the presence of a second connecting profile containing a downward tongue extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the upper the side of the tile, at least one second downwardly directed side surface spaced from the downwardly directed tongue, a second downward recess formed between the downwardly directed tongue and the downwardly directed side surface, and at least one second locking element; at least one third edge, and preferably at least two third edges, each third edge is characterized by the presence of a third connecting profile containing a third recess, made with the possibility of accommodating at least part of the side tongue of the first connecting profile of the next tile and at least part of the directional down the tongue of the next tile, said third recess is bounded by an upper ledge and a lower ledge, wherein said lower ledge is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, and at least one third locking element, wherein the first connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the first and third edges by means of a rotational movement, while in the connected state, at least part of the side tongue of the first connection profile of the tile is inserted into the third recess of the third connection profile of the adjacent tile, and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile is inserted into the first downwardly directed recess of the first connecting profile, and the second connecting profile and the third connecting profile are configured so that two similar tiles can be connected to each other along the second and third edges by means of a folding movement and/or vertical movement, wherein in the connected state at least part of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting profile is inserted into the third recess of the third connecting profile, at least part of the locking element of the third connecting profile directed upwards is inserted into the second downwardly directed recess of the second connecting profile , and at least one second lock element faces at least one third lock element and interacts with it to implement the effect of vertical fixation, while at least part of the proximal the crown of the upwardly directed locking element of the third connecting profile, facing the third recess, is inclined upwards in the direction from the upper ledge, and at the same time, at least one second locking element of the second connecting profile is provided on the second downwardly directed side surface of the second connecting profile, and at the same time at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge facing away from the third recess and/or the distal side of the upwardly directed locking element facing away from the third recess, wherein at least one first locking element of the first connecting profile is provided on the first downwardly directed side surface of the first connecting profile, and at least one third locking element of the third connecting profile is provided on the distal side of the lower ledge, facing away from the third recess, and/or the distal side an upwardly directed locking element facing away from the third recess, and wherein the first connecting profile comprises at least one first locking element configured to face the third locking element of the third connecting profile of the adjacent tile and preferably interact with it. 57. A method for installing a tiled system, in particular a floor tiled system, according to one of claims 1 to 54, the method comprising the steps of: a) placing at least one first tile on the supporting surface, in particular on the flooring, b) providing at least one second tile for connection with said at least one first tile, c) selecting at least one connection profile from the group consisting of (i) a first connection profile of the second tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the second tile, for connection with at least one third connection profile of at least one first tile; and/or at least one connection profile is selected from the group consisting of (i) a first connection profile of the first tile and (ii) a second connection profile of the first tile, to -