EP2357299B1 - Floor panel - Google Patents

Description

• eine Trittfläche,
• eine der Trittfläche gegenüberliegende Basisfläche,
• zwei parallel zueinander liegende stirnseitige, schmale Seitenflächen und zwei übrige, in Längsrichtung verlaufende, ebenso zueinander parallele Seitenflächen, wobei alle Seitenflächen durch die Trittfläche und Basisfläche begrenzt sind,
• wenigstens ein Paar von an den Seitenflächen des Fußbodenpaneels eingearbeiteten, zueinander kompatiblen Blockierungsmitteln, mit denen das Fußbodenpaneel gegenüber einem benachbarten gleichen Fußbodenpaneel zumindest in einer Verlegeebene festlegbar ist,
• wenigstens ein Paar von an den selben Seitenflächen des Fußbodenpaneels angeordneten, aneinander haftenden Klettverschluss-Elementen, mit denen das Fußbodenpaneel gegenüber dem benachbarten Fußbodenpaneel zumindest senkrecht zur Verlegeebene festlegbar ist,
• wobei das eine Blockierungsmittel einen über die Stossfläche hinausragenden Schenkel aufweist, der in eine auf die Nutzschicht gerichtete Lippe ausläuft,
• wobei das andere Blockierungsmittel eine an der Kernschicht eingearbeitete Nut aufweist, in die die Lippe des benachbarten gleichen Fußbodenpaneels eingreift und die in das Kopfstück übergeht,
• wobei das Fußbodenpaneel wenigstens ein erstes, zusätzliches Verriegelungsmittel und wenigstens ein zweites, im Material des Fußbodenpaneels geformtes, mit dem ersten zusammenwirkendes zusätzliches Verriegelungsmittel aufweist, - die beiden zusätzlichen Verriegelungsmittel die Verbindung stabilisieren, welche durch die Klettverschluss-Elemente gebildet ist.

The invention relates to a set of identical plate-shaped, rectangular floor panels, each comprising:

• a tread,
• a base surface opposite the tread surface,
• two mutually parallel frontal, narrow side surfaces and two remaining, running in the longitudinal direction, also mutually parallel side surfaces, wherein all side surfaces are limited by the tread surface and base surface,
• at least one pair of mutually compatible blocking means incorporated on the side surfaces of the floor panel, with which the floor panel can be fixed relative to an adjacent same floor panel at least in one laying plane,
• at least one pair of hook-and-loop fastener elements which are arranged on the same side surfaces of the floor panel and adhere to one another, with which the floor panel can be fixed relative to the adjacent floor panel at least perpendicular to the laying plane,
• wherein the one blocking means has a leg which projects beyond the abutment surface and which terminates in a lip directed onto the wear layer,
• the other blocking means having a groove machined on the core layer into which the lip of the adjacent same floor panel engages and which merges into the header,
• the floor panel having at least a first, additional locking means and at least a second, formed in the material of the floor panel, with the first cooperating additional locking means, - the two additional locking means stabilize the compound formed by the Velcro elements.

The floor panels of the type mentioned are made WO 2007/067789 A2 known. The WO 2007/067789 A2 describes foldable and latchable floor panels which are plate-shaped, rectangular. The floor panels have on their top a tread surface and on its underside a base surface, which lies opposite the tread surface. In addition to the tread surface and the base surface, the floor panels have two mutually parallel frontal, narrow side surfaces and two longitudinally extending, mutually parallel longitudinal side surfaces. All side surfaces are designed limited. In addition, blocking means are incorporated on the longitudinal side surfaces of each floor panel, which in the laying state, forming a pair, are mutually compatible, namely with which a floor panel can be fixed relative to an adjacent floor panel in the laying plane. To set the floor panel opposite the adjacent floor panel perpendicular to the laying plane, this has at the top of a pair of Velcro elements on. In order to stabilize the connection between the two floor panels formed by the Velcro elements, the floor panels have at their top sides in the material of the floor panels formed first and second locking means which cooperate and stabilize the connection in a horizontal direction.

A disadvantage of the known design solution that the Velcro and the existing blocking agent can not ensure a sufficiently stable connection of the floor panels together.

The object of the invention is to design a plate-shaped, rectangular floor panel with profiled side surfaces, which is equipped with simple technical means that make it possible to improve the stability of the connection of the floor panels together.

• die Nut des anderen Blockierungsmittels einen Nutboden aufweist, dessen Breitenmaß größer als eine lichte Breite der Nut ist,
• die Lippe des einen Blockierungsmittels sich in Richtung Unterschicht derart verjüngt, dass sich mit einem Wandabschnitt und dem die Lippe tragenden Schenkel eine Ausnehmung bildet, in die das Kopfstück eingreift,
• die Ausnehmung einen Boden aufweist, der breiter als eine lichte Breite der Ausnehmung ist,
  und bei dem,
• die beiden Stossflächen jeweils bis zu einer in der Kernschicht eingebrachten Abstufung reichen, die das besagte erste und zweite zusätzliche Verriegelungsmittel bilden,

wobei die Stossflächen und/oder die Abstufungen ein Spiel bilden.This object is achieved by a generic floor panel, in which

• the groove of the other blocking means has a groove bottom whose width dimension is greater than a clear width of the groove,
• the lip of the one blocking means tapers in the direction of the lower layer in such a way that with a wall section and the limb carrying the lip a recess is formed in which the head piece engages,
• the recess has a bottom which is wider than a clear width of the recess,
  and in which,
• the two abutting surfaces each extend to a step introduced in the core layer, which form said first and second additional locking means,

wherein the impact surfaces and / or the gradations form a game.

As additional locking means to each other compatible inclined walls, sharp edges and / or gradations on the side surfaces and trapezoidal grooves and head pieces are to be understood, which will be described below.

Thus, additional, stabilizing locking means can be used, which are incorporated in the material of the floor panel, in particular on the core layer and which are subject in the laying state under the action of compressive force of one or the other locking means of a linear deformation. As a linear deformation should be understood a straight, parallel to the Velcro element extending deformation of the core layer. Thus, the position of the floor panels can be fixed in a plane perpendicular to the tread plane.

Another advantage is a footfall sound-absorbing effect of attached to the floor panels Velcro elements to see. The Velcro elements help to avoid or limit the annoying crackling noise that occurs when running over.

The elements called floor panels can also be laid on walls, ceilings and facades. The term "floor panel" is therefore not to be understood as limiting a floor installation.

The hook and loop fastener elements may each comprise a pair of velcro and mushroom bands or velor and crochet ribbons. The taped to the floor panels tapes may consist of polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, especially polyester. When joining the floor panels preferably Velcro and mushroom tapes are used because they are suitable for heavy loads.

The term "mushroom ribbon" is also intended to encompass header-like, hook-like, flap-like head elements that may have a double J-shape, a polygonal, particularly triangular shape, a palm tree shape, and other shapes.

Velcro and mushroom tapes marketed by VELCRO Inc., Manchester, USA, are particularly suitable for use in the floor panels according to the invention. The VELCRO tapes selected for the floor panels are thin, flexible, durable and have a very good closing performance.

Because of their ease of use, self-adhesive tapes are preferably selected, the use of which requires only the peeling off of a protective paper and a firm pressing on the floor panel.

The self-adhesive VELCRO tapes are semi-permanent adhesive bonds, ie those that are suitable for a few closing cycles. In the case of the pressed-on velcro and mushroom bands, practically no loss of holding power occurs over time, since substantially no closing cycles of the hook-and-loop fastener are provided. A noticeable loss of holding power can normally only occur after several, for example after 30 closing cycles. This is not to be expected with the laid floor panels.

In the case of the floor panels according to the invention, the VELCRO tapes (velcro and mushroom tapes) at the same time perform other functions than just the production of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener. For example, they ensure increased sound absorption. They are permanently impregnated and have a water-repellent surface that dries quickly. They are not susceptible to small insects because they are made of synthetic polyester fibers. If the floor panels are used to create floor coverings in sanitary facilities or in hospitals, it is advisable to equip the velcro elements with antibacterial properties.

The Velcro elements are attached to the same longitudinal side surfaces and / or to the same narrow side surfaces of the floor panels. Thus, they serve both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction as holding elements.

The floor panels according to the invention may be made of wood, wood-based material, plastic or metal, in a multi-layered or solid version. In addition, the floor panels can be made of so-called HDF laminate (high density fiberboard) or of MDF laminate (medium density fiberboard) or of other wood-plastic combinations.

Preferably, a three-layer, combined embodiment of wood and wood-based material is selected, which includes a plaster layer, a middle core layer and a bottom layer. In this case, the wear layer may be delimited with abutting surfaces running perpendicular to the tread surface. These impact surfaces or joints can reach up to the tread surface and form an edge there. The edge can also be chamfered or slightly or strongly rounded in such a way that the laid floor panels form a pattern of visible, parallel to each other, the grooves imitating, funnel-shaped grooves. This embodiment of the wear layer can facilitate the cleaning and dedusting of the grooves mimicking the joints.

The first additional locking means may be formed by a wall surface portion inclined to the core layer, which is arranged on the side surface between the wear layer and the bottom layer and is set back on or above the bottom layer opposite the impact surface. The second, with the first cooperating additional locking means may be formed by at least one sharp edge which protrudes over the abutment surface of the wear layer by a small amount and presses in the laying state against the inclined wall surface of the adjacent floor panel.

The said sharp edge may be arranged on a trapezoidal projection directed towards the bottom layer. Preferably, the edge is formed by an inclined wall surface of the projection arranged on the core layer and its flat surface facing the bottom layer, to which the hook-and-loop fastener element is fastened. Of course, the sharp edge should be arranged parallel to the side surface course and the base surface.

It can also be proposed additional stabilizing locking means based on different construction principle. Thus, instead of the linear deformation, at least one snap-type connection can be used which, in the laying state, acts perpendicular to the laying plane. The snap-type connection can be formed by a wall surface arranged on the core layer, sloping and extending into a latching nose, and by a recess of the adjacent floor panel (counter panel) which hooks in the laying state on the latching nose protruding beyond the abutting surface. The recess or stage may be disposed on said projection carrying the hook-and-loop fastener element.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the vertical abutment surfaces each extend to a step incorporated in the core layer, which are compatible with one another and overlap in the laying state. Advantageously, the gradations form a slight game. The game can also be formed by the abutment surfaces.

In addition, the gradations can each pass into a perpendicular or obliquely extending in the direction of the lower layer wall portion, the two wall sections in the laying state at least partially contact each other.

The floor panel according to the invention may also have known locking means such as an outwardly projecting leg with a lip and a groove for receiving this lip.

However, the lip may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in its cross section with the trapezoidal base disposed at a free end of the lip. Accordingly, the groove may have a groove bottom wider than a clear width of the groove. Since it is difficult to push such a lip into the groove and only to realize it via the flexibility of the leg, it is proposed to round off an inner edge of the lip, so that a correspondingly inclined groove flank can slide over the resulting rounding.

It has been found that a floor covering, which is made of velcro fasteners interconnected and provided with additional locking means floor panels, flat and sufficiently stable, ie practically at certain manufacturing tolerances remains free of play. The mechanical connection of two floor panels by means of Velcro fasteners is sufficiently strong and durable. In addition, the joined floor panels can be easily detached from each other.

Of great advantage is that the Velcro fasteners interconnected floor panels have improved sound insulation. By conventional and additional locking means, such as linear deformation, a stable position can be secured in all directions, in particular perpendicular to the laying plane.

Finally, the invention also relates to an existing flooring panels of the type mentioned above existing surface covering. The surface covering may be a floor, wall or ceiling paneling.

Fig. 1

ein nicht zur Erfindung gehörendes Fußbodenpaneel in einem Schnitt durch seine Schmalseiten, jedoch ohne KlettverschlussElemente;

Fig. 2

ein vergrößertes Detail einer Verbindung zweier Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 1 über Klettverschluss-Elemente, mit angedeutetem Verformungsbereich;

Figuren 3a und 3b

die Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 2 vor ihrer Zusammenfügung, jeweils in einer vergrößerten Darstellung;

Fig. 4

die in Fig. 2 gezeigten Fußbodenpaneele während der Verlegung, in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 5

ein anderes nicht zur Erfindung gehörendes Fußbodenpaneel, in einem Schnitt durch seine Schmalseiten, ebenso ohne Klettverschluss-Elemente;

Figuren 6a und 6b

die Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 5 vor ihrer Zusammenfügung, jeweils in einer vergrößerten Darstellung;

Fig. 7

zwei zusammengefügte Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 5, mit sichtbarem Klettverschluss, in einem Schnitt durch ihre Schmalseiten;

Figuren 8a und 8b

vergrößerte Details der gegenüberliegenden Seitenflächen eines dritten Fußbodenpaneels, dass nicht zur Erfindung gehört;

Fig. 9

ein vergrößertes Detail einer Verbindung zweier Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 8 über Klettverschluss-Elemente, mit sichtbarer Rastverbindung;

Fig. 10

eine von der Fig. 3 etwas abweichende Ausführungsform der Fußbodenpaneele, vor ihrer Verbindung miteinander;

Fig. 11

ein nicht zur Erfindung gehörendes Fußbodenpaneel in Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite;

Fig. 12

ein vergrößertes Detail des Fußbodenpaneels gemäß Fig. 5, mit abgerundeter Innenkante der Lippe;

Fig. 13

ein erfindungsgemäßes Fußbodenpaneel, aufweisend Abstufungen an seinen Seitenflächen, in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 14

zwei zusammengefügte erfindungsgemäße Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Fig. 13, mit sichtbarem Klettverschluss, in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Figuren 15a und

15b zwei erfindungsgemäße Fußbodenpaneele, aufweisend Abstufungen und schräge Wandabschnitte an ihren Seitenflächen, vor Zusammenfügung, jeweils in einer vergrößerter Teildarstellung;

Fig. 16

die zusammengefügten erfindungsgemäßen Fußbodenpaneele gemäß Figuren 15a und 15b, mit sichtbarem Klettverschluss, in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Figuren 17 und 18

jeweils eine abweichende, nicht zur Erfindung gehörende Ausführungsform von zusammengefügten Fußbodenpaneelen, ebenso mit sichtbarem Klettverschluss, in einer Schnittdarstellung.

Embodiments of the invention are based on the drawings according to the Figures 13 . 14 . 15 and 16 explained in more detail. The in the FIGS. 1 to 12 and 17 and 18 illustrated embodiments do not reflect the invention. The figures show:

Fig. 1

a not belonging to the invention floor panel in a section through its narrow sides, but without Velcro elements;

Fig. 2

an enlarged detail of a compound of two floor panels according to Fig. 1 via Velcro elements, with indicated deformation range;

FIGS. 3a and 3b

the floor panels according to Fig. 2 prior to their assembly, each in an enlarged view;

Fig. 4

in the Fig. 2 shown floor panels during installation, in a perspective view;

Fig. 5

another not belonging to the invention floor panel, in a section through its narrow sides, as well as without Velcro elements;

Figures 6a and 6b

the floor panels according to Fig. 5 prior to their assembly, each in an enlarged view;

Fig. 7

two joined floor panels according to Fig. 5 , with visible Velcro, in a section through their narrow sides;

FIGS. 8a and 8b

enlarged details of the opposite side surfaces of a third floor panel, which does not belong to the invention;

Fig. 9

an enlarged detail of a compound of two floor panels according to Fig. 8 via Velcro elements, with visible locking connection;

Fig. 10

one of the Fig. 3 slightly different embodiment of the floor panels, before their connection with each other;

Fig. 11

a not belonging to the invention floor panel in plan view of its flat side;

Fig. 12

an enlarged detail of the floor panel according to Fig. 5 , with rounded inner edge of the lip;

Fig. 13

an inventive floor panel, having gradations on its side surfaces, in a sectional view;

Fig. 14

two assembled floor panels according to the invention according to Fig. 13 , with visible Velcro, in a sectional view;

FIGS. 15a and

15b two floor panels according to the invention, having gradations and sloping wall sections on their side faces, prior to assembly, each in an enlarged partial view;

Fig. 16

the assembled floor panels according to the invention according to FIGS. 15a and 15b , with visible Velcro, in a sectional view;

FIGS. 17 and 18

in each case a deviating, not belonging to the invention embodiment of assembled floor panels, also with visible Velcro, in a sectional view.

• Die "Trittfläche" entspricht der sich nach der Verlegung ergebenden Oberseite der Fußbodenpaneele bzw. deren Nutzschicht;
• Die "Basisfläche" entspricht einer der Trittfläche gegenüberliegenden Unterseite des Fußbodenpaneels;
• Ein "Klettverschluss-Element" bedeutet ein Hakenband, ein Pilzband oder Veloursband bzw. Flauschband; vergl. hierzu WI-KIPEDIA-Erläuterung "Klettverschluss": "Der Klettverschluss ist ein textiles, fast beliebig oft zu lösendes Verschlussmittel, das auf dem Prinzip von Klettenfrüchten beruht. Es besteht in der typischen Form aus zwei Nylonstreifen, wovon einer Widerhäkchen, der andere Schlaufen hat. Zusammengepresst ergeben sie einen haltbaren Schnellverschluss." Klettverschlüsse aus verschiedenen Materialien und für verschiedene Beanspruchungen werden z. B. angeboten von der Firma VELCRO Inc., Manchester, USA. Es lassen sich hierbei u.a. folgende Kombinationen unterscheiden: Haken- und Flauschband, Pilz- und Veloursband, Pilz- und Flauschband. Je nach betrieblicher Anforderung lassen sich unterschiedliche Klettverschluss-Elemente der vorgenannten Art verwenden.
• "Klettverschluss" ist eine Verbindung insbesondere zweier Fußbodenpaneele, die durch Zusammenfügen der miteinander wirkenden Klettverschluss-Elemente entstanden ist;
• "Stoßfläche" bzw. "Stoß" bezieht sich in vorliegendem Fall auf zwei senkrecht zur Tritt- bzw. Basisfläche gerichtete, miteinander in Kontakt stehende Flächen der Seitenflächen, insbesondere der Nutzschicht;
• "Gegenpaneel" bezieht sich auf das Fußbodenpaneel, das mit dem anderen zusammenwirkt;
• "Blockierungsmittel" bezieht sich auf parallel zur Verlegebene wirkende, herkömmliche Kupplungselemente, wie Nut und Lippe;
• "Rastverbindung" bezieht sich in vorliegendem Fall auf zusammengefügte Fußbodenpaneele, bei denen an einer geringfügig über die Stoßfläche ragenden Rastnase eine am Gegenpaneel angeordnete Stufe hakt. Die Rastverbindung wirkt senkrecht zur Verlegeebene;
• "Seitenfläche" ist die auf eine durch die Tritt- und Basisflächen begrenzte und von deren Kanten ausgehende Fläche des Fußbodenpaneels.

For better understanding of the embodiments, the following terms are explained as used in connection with the drawings:

• The "tread surface" corresponds to the resulting after laying top of the floor panels or their wear layer;
• The "base area" corresponds to an underside of the floor panel opposite the tread surface;
• A "Velcro fastener" means a hook tape, a mushroom tape or a velor tape; for this purpose WI-KIPEDIA explanation "Velcro": "The Velcro is a textile, almost arbitrarily often to be solved closure means based on the principle of burdock fruits.It consists in the typical form of two nylon strips, one of which barbs, the other Has straps. Compressed, they make a durable snap closure. " Velcro fasteners made of different materials and for different demands are z. Offered by VELCRO Inc., Manchester, USA. Among other things, the following combinations can be distinguished: hook and loop tape, mushroom and velor tape, mushroom and loop tape. Depending on the operational requirement, different Velcro elements of the aforementioned type can be used.
• "Velcro" is a compound in particular two floor panels, which has arisen by joining the cooperating Velcro elements;
• "Impact surface" or "impact" refers in the present case to two perpendicular to the tread or base surface, mutually contacting surfaces of the side surfaces, in particular the wear layer;
• "Counter panel" refers to the floor panel that interacts with the other;
• "Blocking agent" refers to parallel laying elements, conventional coupling elements such as groove and lip;
• "Locking connection" in the present case refers to joined floor panels, in which a catch arranged on the counter panel hooks on a latching projection projecting slightly beyond the abutment surface. The latching connection acts perpendicular to the laying plane;
• "Side surface" means the surface of the floor panel bounded by the footboard and base surfaces and extending from their edges.

Terms such as "top", "top", "bottom", "bottom", "bottom", "below", "above", etc. refer to the floor panels laid on a horizontal surface, as in the drawing is shown.

In Fig. 1 is a floor panel 100 and 100 'is shown, the rectangular in plan view of its tread surface 11 (see. Fig. 11 ) and thus has two elongated side surfaces 1.2, 2.2 and two lying on the narrow sides side surfaces 1.1, 2.1. The floor panel is in Fig. 1 in longitudinal section CC according to Fig. 11 shown.

The floor panel 100, 100 'made of high quality wood material has in each case a core layer 3, an upper wear layer 5 and an underlayer 7. Other layer structures and materials are possible. The upper wear layer 5 is defined by abutting surfaces 4.1, 4.2 falling downwards perpendicular to the tread surface 11 (cf. Fig. 2 ) limited.

The Figures 2 . 3a . 3b and 4 show two similar, joinable floor panels 100, 100 ', which may be referred to as floor panel and Gegenpaneel.

In each case, the opposite narrow sides (side surfaces 1.2, 2.2) of the floor panels 100, 100 'are equipped with different head pieces, which are joined together when building the floor. Thus, the floor panel 100 or 100 'has a blocking means 50 which has a leg 10 projecting beyond the abutment surface 4.1 and terminating in an upwardly directed lip 14. An opposing blocking means 60 has a trapezoidal groove 15 integrally formed on the core layer 3. In the groove 15, the lip 14 of the Gegenpaneels 100 'engages (see. Fig. 2 ).

The groove 15 adjoins a trapezoidal head piece 9 (see. Fig. 3b ), the downwardly directed surface 13 of which carries a Velcro element B in the form of a VELCRO fleece band. Before applying the self-adhesive Velcro tape, the surface 13 was carefully dedusted.

The surface 13 of the head piece 9 merges into an inclined wall surface 16 to form a sharp edge 8, which protrudes over the bump surface 4.1 by a small amount x. The amount x is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 mm. The inclined wall surface 16 with the sharp edge 8 represent an additional locking means 40.

A cooperating with the additional locking means 40 additional locking means 30 is detailed in Figures 2 and 3a shown. The additional locking means 30 is formed by a side surface 1.1 also obliquely extending wall surface 6, which is set back in its lowest area opposite the impact surface 4.1 and there merges into the leg 10. The wall surface 6 forms with the leg 10 and an inner wall 33 of the lip 14 has a recess 35 for receiving the head piece 9. On the leg 10, a Velcro fastener A in the form of a self-adhesive VELCRO mushroom tape is glued.

As the Fig. 3a shows, the wall surface 6 and the inner wall 33 of the lip 14 are inclined by an angle β with respect to a vertical V. The angle β is about 3 °. The vertical V is perpendicular to a base surface 12 and the tread surface 11 and coincides with the impact surface 4.1. The inclined position of the wall surface 6 and the inner wall 33 corresponds to the outline of the in Fig. 3b illustrated Kopstücks 9.

When joining the two floor panels 100, 100 ', on the one hand, a conventional connection 36 is formed (cf. FIGS. 4 and 2 ), which is reinforced by the hooked coupling elements, ie lip 14 and groove 15, to the second a connection 20 (Velcro) and the third an additional, the Velcro-stabilizing lock in the form of a linear deformation region 32. The deformation region 32 is in Fig. 2 schematic with a circle and in Fig. 4 indicated with a parallel to the lip 14 extending straight line.

When swinging down (cf. Fig. 4 ) of the floor panel 100 ', the head piece 9 is pressed into the recess 35 of the Gegenpaneels until the Velcro A, B interlock with each other, the sharp edge 8 slides over the sloping wall surface 6 and presses sufficiently strong against this wall surface in the final stage of pivoting down, to form the deformation region 32 due to the material elasticity of the core layer 3.

In Figures 5 . 6a, 6b is a floor panel 200 and 200 'is shown, which differs from the above-described floor panel 100 only by the structure of co-operating in the laying plane E coupling elements, namely an upwardly facing trapezoidal lip 24 and a downwardly open groove 25. The remaining details of the floor panel remain unchanged.

The groove 25 has a groove bottom 26 whose width dimension 28 is greater than a clear width 17 (see. Fig. 6b ) of the groove 25 is. Accordingly, the lip 24 adapted to the groove 25 tapers downwardly and, together with the wall surface 6 and the leg 24 carrying the lip 24, forms a trapezoidal recess 18 in which an equally trapezoidal head piece 39 engages in the laying condition (cf. Fig. 7 ). In this case, the recess 18 has a bottom 21 which is wider than a clear width 19 of the recess 18.

In order to facilitate the pushing in of the head piece 39 into the narrower recess 18 in its upper area, a rounded inner edge 29 is introduced on the lip 24 (cf. Fig. 12 ). When joining the two floor panels 200, 200 'increases the distance between the wall surface 6 and the rounded inner edge 29, so the clear width 19 due to the elasticity of the leg 10 and the head piece 39 is pressed into the recess 18. The head piece 39 slides over the rounded inner edge 29.

The design of the coupling elements described above contributes to the stability of the compounds of the laid floor panels together in both laying level E, as well as perpendicular to the laying level. The compound 20 (Velcro, cf. Fig. 7 ) is also stabilized by additional locking elements forming the linear deformation area.

The Fig. 9 shows a connection of two floor panels 300, 300 'with each other, the side surfaces 1.1, 2.1 detailed in FIGS. 8a and 8b are shown. The connection 20 produced by Velcro strips A, B is stabilized by a locking connection 22 acting perpendicular to the laying plane.

The side surface 1.1 comprises in the present case an additional locking means 31 (see. Fig. 8a ), which is formed by an inclined wall surface portion 23 and the latching nose 34. The latter protrudes by a small amount y over the impact surface 4.1, which is about 0.3 mm in size. The projecting leg 10 also carries an upwardly pointing lip 14.

On the second side surface 2.1 is a second additional locking means 41 (see. Fig. 8b ), which is formed by a head piece 49 and its recess 27 (step). The equipped with a rounding 42 head piece 49 is undercut by the groove 15, in which the lip 14 engages (see. Fig. 9 ).

When joining the two floor panels 300, 300 'slides the head piece with its rounding 42 on the sloping wall surface (wall surface portion 23) until the recess 27 hooks on the locking lug 24 and thus the latching connection 22 forms, ie assumes a position, as in Fig. 9 is shown.

In Fig. 10 two identical floor panels 400, 400 'are shown, which essentially correspond to the structure of the floor panels 100, 100'. However, the hook-and-loop fastener element A (felt belt) is embedded flush in the leg 10.

The Figures 13 and 14 is an inventive floor panel 500 or 500 'refer to the floor panel 200, 200' according to Fig. 5 is similar. The difference lies in the structure of the side surfaces. Thus, the two abutment surfaces 4.1; 4.2 each up to a introduced in the core layer 3 gradation 38.1, 38.2, which in the laying state (see. Fig. 14 ) overlap.

With the gradations 38.1, 38.2 can be a pressure of the vertical abutment surfaces 4.1: 4.2 reduced against each other in the case of moisture changes in the wood material and thus a possible damage to the compound due to the swelling of wood material can be avoided. It is advantageous that the superposed gradations 38.1, 38.2 (see. Fig. 14 ) make a game 45. The dimensions of the game 45 are small and are in the present case between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm.

Furthermore, the gradations 38.1, 38.2 in each case in a vertically extending in the direction of the lower layer 7 wall portion 46, 47 over. The steps 38.1, 38.2 together with wall sections 46, 47 form a first and a second additional locking means 37; 43rd

The vertical wall portion 47 adjoins the lower surface 13 of a trapezoidal head 51, which in the already described groove 25 (see. Fig. 5 , left side).

Furthermore, at the floor panel 500, 500 'the same parts with the same reference numbers, which in the FIGS. 5 to 7 and 12 occur.

In Fig. 14 is also another game 44 to see that by both successive impact surfaces 4.1; 4.2 is formed. The game 44 is in the range between 0.05 and 0.1 mm and also has the same task as the game 45. The introduction of the game 44 on the vertical abutment surfaces 4.1; However, 4.2 is optional.

In FIGS. 15a, 15b and 16 an inventive floor panel 600, 600 'is shown, the structure of which substantially the floor of the panel 500, 500' Figures 13 and 14 ) corresponds. Furthermore, the same parts with the same reference numbers, in the FIGS. 5 to 7 and 12 occur.

The wall sections 46, 47 extending from the graduations 38.1, 38.2 extend obliquely up to the leg 10 and correspondingly to the lower surface 13 of a trapezoidal head piece 48. The free, lower surface 13 forms the larger trapezoid base. In the laying state, the sides of the head piece 48 are in flat contact with the wall portion 46 and an inclined inner wall 52 of the lip.

The Fig. 17 shows schematically two coupled floor panels 700, 700 ', in which the trapezoidal head piece 39 (see. Fig. 6b ) also has the slightly inclined wall surface 16. The latter runs - in the laying state - approximately plane-parallel to the wall surface 6 and forms there to compensate for the changes in moisture provided game 53rd

The arranged on the leg 10 lip 24 is similar to the Fig. 12 built up.

Finally, the shows Fig. 18 a different embodiment (reference number 800, 800 ') of the floor panels. The leg 10 terminates in a lip 54, the inner wall 52 terminates with an upper chamfer 55, which in turn - in the laying state - contacted with a lateral chamfer 57 of a trapezoidal head 56. The head piece 56 has a side wall surface 58 recessed relative to the abutment surface 4.2. Between the wall surface 58 of the head piece and lying with the impact surface 4.1 in alignment wall surface 6 remains a relatively large game 59th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1, 1.2

Side surface (front side on narrow side)

2.1, 2.2

Side surface (running lengthwise)

3

core layer

4.1, 4.2

abutting face

5

wear layer

6

wall surface

7

underclass

8th

sharp edge

9

headpiece

10

leg

11

tread

12

footprint

13

surface

14

lip

15

groove

16

wall surface

17

clear width

18

recess

19

clear width

20

Connection (Velcro)

21

ground

22

locking connection

23

Panel portion

24

lip

25

groove

26

groove bottom

27

recess

28

width dimension

29

inner edge

30, 31

locking means

32

deformation zone

33

inner wall

34

locking lug

35

recess

36

connection

37

locking means

38.1, 38.2

gradation

39

headpiece

40, 41

locking means

42

rounding off

43

locking means

44, 45

game

46, 47

wall section

48

headpiece

49

headpiece

50

blocking agents

51

headpiece

52

inner wall

53

game

54

lip

55

bevel

56

headpiece

57

bevel

58

wall surface

59

game

60

blocking agents

A

Velcro tape (mushroom tape)

B

Velcro tape

e

laying plane

V

vertical

β

angle

x

amount

y

amount

100, 100 '

floor panel

200, 200 '

floor panel

300, 300 '

floor panel

400, 400 '

floor panel

500, 500 '

floor panel

600, 600 '

floor panel

700, 700 '

floor panel

800, 800 '

floor panel

Claims (4)

1. Set of identical, plate-shaped, rectangular floor panels (500, 500'; 600, 600') which each comprise:

   - a stepping surface (11),

   - a base surface (12) opposite the stepping surface (11),

   - two mutually parallel, end-side, narrow lateral surfaces (1.1, 2.1) and two other, likewise mutually parallel lateral surfaces (1.2, 2.2) which extend in the longitudinal direction, wherein all the lateral surfaces (1.1, 2.1; 1.2, 2.2) are delimited by the stepping surface (11) and base surface (12),

   - at least one pair of mutually compatible locking means (50; 60) incorporated in the lateral surfaces of the floor panel, by means of which the floor panel (500; 600) can be fixed with respect to an adjacent, identical floor panel (500', 600') at least in a laying plane (E),

   - at least one pair of mutually adhering hook-and-loop fastener elements (A; B) arranged on the same lateral surfaces of the floor panel, by means of which the floor panel (500; 600) can be fixed with respect to the adjacent floor panel (500'; 600') at least perpendicular to the laying plane (E),

   - wherein one locking means (50) has a limb (10) protruding beyond the abutting surface (4.1) and running out into a lip (24) directed towards the wear layer (5),

   - wherein the other locking means (60) has a groove (25) incorporated in the core layer (3), into which the lip (24) of the adjacent, identical floor panel engages and which transitions into the headpiece (48, 51),

   - wherein the floor panel comprises at least one first additional latching means (37) and at least one second additional latching means (43) which co-operates with the first latching means and is formed in the material of the floor panel,

   - the two additional latching means (37; 43) stabilise the connection (20) which is formed by the hook-and-loop fastener elements (A; B),
   characterised in that

   - the groove (25) of the other locking means (60) has a groove base (26), whose width dimension (28) is greater than a clear width of the groove (25),

   - the lip (24) of the one locking means (50) tapers in the direction of a sublayer (7) such that a recess (18) is formed by a wall section (46) and the limb (10) supporting the lip (24), the headpiece (48; 51) engaging into the recess,

   - the recess (18) has a base (21) which is wider than a clear width (19) of the recess (18),
   further characterised in that

   - the two abutting surfaces (4.1; 4.2) each extend as far as a step (38.1, 38.2) introduced in the core layer (3), which steps form said first and second additional latching means (37; 43),
   and in that the abutting surfaces (4.1; 4.2) and/or the steps (38.1, 38.2) form a gap (44; 45).
2. Set as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that one step (38.1) is connected to the wall section (46) extending perpendicularly or obliquely in the direction of the sublayer (7),

   - the other step (38.2) likewise transitions into a wall section (47) extending perpendicularly or obliquely in the direction of the sublayer (7), wherein the wall sections (46; 47) of two adjacent floor panels partly contact each other in the connected state.
3. Set as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the hook-and-loop fastener elements (A, B) include a pair of frieze and mushroom tapes or hooklet tapes.
4. Surface covering, consisting of assembled floor panels as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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