EP3464751A1

EP3464751A1 - Elements for forming surfaces and connections thereof

Info

Publication number: EP3464751A1
Application number: EP17724490.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bozidar Vujicic
Original assignee: Ibotac & Co KG GmbH
Current assignee: Ibotac & Co KG GmbH
Priority date: 2016-05-23
Filing date: 2017-05-11
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-11
Also published as: HRP20230486T1; WO2017202486A1; EP3464751B1; DE202016102748U1; RS64209B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slab-shaped element, in particular a floor element for forming a large-area floor, which is equipped with a connection means on at least one outer edge for connection to further, in particular identical elements, wherein the connection means has a sealing lip which is inserted in a form-fitting manner into a groove which is present on at least one outer edge on the further, in particular identical floor element, and wherein the connection means preferably has a displacement channel which, in the case of the form-fitting connection of the floor elements, is suitable for receiving excess jointing material.

Description

Elements for forming surfaces and their connections

Technical area

The present invention relates to plate-shaped elements, in particular floor elements for forming a large-area floor, which are equipped with connecting means on at least one outer edge for connection to other, in particular similar elements. Such elements are typically used to make floor coverings or for ceiling and wall coverings. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the compounds per se, joinable agents, composites, floors, walls and ceilings containing them.

Background of the invention

Plate-shaped elements for forming, for example, floors are frequently provided with mechanical connection means, for example toothings, in their edge regions, which produce a mechanical connection between adjoining floor covering sections, that is, for example, two panels by the precise meshing of rows of teeth at the edges. This allows fast and largely without special tools large-scale floors even in loose installation (ie without full-surface bonding to the ground) on any, even uneven ground surfaces, usually without a pretreatment of the soil are produced. Examples of such toothed connections (teeth visible after laying the floor) and also hidden teeth (teeth not visible after installation, as covered by a layer of the covering / plate projecting beyond them) are the GTI system of the company Gerflor (Lyon, France) resp The Colorex Plus system of Forbo Giubiasco SA (Giubiasco, Switzerland).

In order to ensure a firmer cohesion and, above all, liquid-tight laying of resilient floor coverings, these are additionally welded to one another at adjoining edges of a floor covering, for example at connecting seams between two panels or two panels (thermally or cold) or grouted or glued. In thermal welding, the seam between the laid surface areas of the elastic floor covering is first deepened to a joint, this gap filled with a material, preferably the same, from which the floor covering consists, for example in the form of a string, or (joints) wire, which fills the gap and protrudes from it. While filling the joint, the cord and the surrounding,

CONFIRMATION COPY Heated adjoining areas of the floor covering, so that they connect with each other. The protruding cord portion is then removed (also referred to as repelling or staking), the removal usually takes place in two operations, the first while the cord is still warm and the protruding part is roughly removed and a second after their cooling, the supernatant flush is removed with the flooring. This division is necessary because the string contracts when it cools down and therefore can not be properly removed when warm, without running the risk that the joint will be lower after cooling down than the surrounding areas of the floor covering. Alternatively, the joint can also be cold-welded using a cold-welding agent. Here, a cold welding agent (eg polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder or granules in solvent with optional excipients and fillers) is introduced into the enlarged by a needle joint without heating and removed after cooling the supernatant with an adhesive tape.

If no gap between the plates be present, which also serves as an aesthetic design means, the individual elements of the flooring can be glued to each other at their joints. For this purpose, the contact surfaces between adjacent plates or webs are coated with an adhesive and then pressed together. As a result, the seam is kept as narrow as possible, since no additional joint is introduced. However, excess adhesive often exits the seam on the floor covering and then has to be removed.

Thus, both thermal welding and cold welding and gluing result in the need for numerous additional operations (welding) and / or rework in addition to actually laying a floor covering, for example, to remove excess bonding material and produce a uniform appearance of the floor Of course, this is associated with higher costs and higher expenditure of time.

There is therefore a need for new connecting means with which laying or cladding elements can be connected to one another in such a way that the workload required thereby becomes smaller, preferably without reducing the connection strength between the elements, or even increasing this. Brief description of the invention

To achieve the object, the present invention provides a floor element, in particular as characterized in claim 1, further a compound is provided, as characterized in claim 18, joinable means comprising such a compound according to claim 19 and composites, floors, walls, Ceilings and objects as characterized in claims 20 and 21, which contain the floor elements according to the invention or larger units constructed therefrom. More particularly, the present invention relates to the following items, with references to the figures (reference numerals) for illustrative purposes only:

[1] Floor element (10), in particular for forming a large-area floor, in which on at least one outer edge (12) at least one connecting means (14) for connecting the bottom element (10) with another, in particular similar, bottom element (10 ') is provided is, characterized in that the connecting means

(i) has a sealing lip (16) which positively fits into a negative mold (groove, 17) of the connecting means (14 '), which at at least one outer edge (12') on the further, in particular similar, bottom element (10 ') is available; and

(ii) preferably a displacement channel (18) which, in the case of the positive connection of the two base elements (10, 10 '), is suitable for possibly receiving excess joint material.

[2] Floor element (10 ') according to [1], which preferably has a displacement channel (18', 19) which, in the case of the positive connection of the two base elements (10, 10 '), is suitable for receiving excess joint material, if necessary before joining in the groove (17) is present and displaced by the insertion of the sealing lip.

The displacement channel according to [2] is preferably a different displacement channel than that defined in [1] and follows or is part of the groove. By such a configuration, parts of possibly excess adhesive, which is located between two interconnected elements and this connects together, or contributes to the connection part, after penetration of the sealing lip in the groove and passed into this second displacement channel or displaced instead of getting to the surface of the elements. [3] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to [1] or [2], which has at least one outer edge (12) with at least one connecting means (14) and at least one outer edge (12') with a connecting means (14 '), preferably wherein the bottom element (10, 10 ') is formed as a displaceable bottom plate, which has at least four outer edges (12, 12').

Bottom element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [3], wherein as a connecting means on at least one edge or an outer edge (12, 12') teeth (14, 14 ') for a positive connection with a further, in particular similar, bottom element (10) are provided.

Bottom element (10, 10 ') according to [4], wherein the toothings (14, 14') of extensions (20) and recesses (22) are formed, wherein the extensions (20) for positive locking

Intervention in the recesses (22) are determined.

[6] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [5], wherein the sealing lip (16) preferably locks vertically after insertion into the groove (17).

[7] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to [6], wherein the sealing lip (16) extends at an angle from the horizontal plane of the bottom element (10/10') in the direction of the bottom element underside. [8] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [4] to [7], wherein the toothings (14/14'), in particular the projections (20) and recesses (22) on at least one outer edge (12/12 ') of the bottom element (10, 10') openly protrude from this, and / or present concealed. [9] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [5] to [8], wherein the sealing lip (16) above the extensions (20) and recesses (22) at an open outer edge (12/12') of the bottom element (10/10 ') according to [8]. [10] floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [9], wherein the groove (17) above the extensions (20) and recesses (22) on a concealed outer edge (12/12') according to [ 8] is attached.

[11] floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [10], which consists of a molded, elastic material, preferably of plastic or of a wood and / or plastic-containing composite material and preferably a top (wear layer, 110) with a predefinable surface and a bottom (carrier layer, 120) possibly having a support structure.

[12] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to [11], wherein the plastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene) or wherein the wood-containing composite material HDF (high density fiberboard) or HB (hardboard hardboard).

[13] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [12], characterized in that by connecting a plurality of bottom elements (10, 10'), a liquid-tight surface without thermal welding can be achieved.

[14] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to one of [1] to [13], characterized in that a prefabricated joint adhesive is provided on one of the at least one outer edge (12, 12').

[15] Floor element (10, 10 ') according to any one of [1] to [14], which is a plate, preferably rectangular or square, and preferably the dimensions of about 10 - 200 cm in length, about 10 - 200 cm in width and or about 0.4 to 3 cm in height (thickness), more preferably about 50 ± 5 cm in length, about 50 ± 5 cm in width and / or about 1 ± 0.25 cm in thickness.

[16] Floor element (100, 200) according to one of [1] to [15], which has four differently shaped corner regions el to e4, characterized in that:

- Corner el has a symmetrical partial extension 20 'of the toothing, which only partially fills a recess of the toothing; - Corner regions e2 and e4 each have a recess of the toothing, which can accommodate only a portion of a conventional extension, or the partial extension 20 'whole and an unbalanced partial extension 21; and

Corner region e3 comprises two symmetrically arranged partial recesses which can each accommodate an asymmetrical partial extension 21 from the corner region e4 or e2.

[17] floor element (100, 200) according to [16], characterized in that the floor element (100, 200) with one or more such floor elements (100, 200) can be assembled into a composite, wherein two or more floor elements optionally over the entire length or only over a portion of one or more of its outer edges (12) are interconnected.

[18] Compound (14, 14 ') as defined in any one of [1] to [17].

[19] Assemblable means such as plates, boards, panels, strips, panels, profiling means, as well as containers such as tanks, etc., or parts thereof containing at least one connection according to [18].

[20] composite comprising at least two floor elements (10, 10 ', 100, 200) connected to one another by means of the connecting means (14, 14') according to one of [1] to [17] or at least two joinable means according to [19] ,

[21] floor, wall or ceiling comprising at least one floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of [1] to [17], a composite according to [20], a connection (14, 14') to [ 18] and / or a remedy according to [19].

[22] Object such as hall, for example, industrial or sports hall, house, place, for example, sports field, warehouse, etc. containing a floor, a wall and / or a ceiling according to [21].

[23] A floor member (10, 10 ', 100, 200) as defined in any one of [1] to [17] or a joint as defined in [18], comprising a displacement channel (18), the sealing lip (16) and / or the groove (17) is missing. [24] Kit comprising at least two floor elements (10, 10 ', 100, 200) as defined in any one of [1] to [17] or [23], or at least two matable means according to [19], instructions for laying the floor elements or the mateable agent, an adhesive, preferably an MS polymer adhesive, a resin or a sizing agent, and / or means for thermal or cold welding.

Further features and advantages of the floor elements according to the invention, the compounds according to the invention, joinable means containing them, composites which are composed of the floor elements, or of the joinable means, individual parts of buildings or rooms, such as walls, floors and ceilings, which the elements , Composites and / or and the sensor matrix according to the invention, which is preferably included in the seat cushion or seat device will become apparent from the following detailed description, the figures and the dependent claims whose features can be applied individually and in any combination with each other.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1: (A) plan view of the back of an exemplary floor element (10) according to the invention. As connection means (14), toothing rows with alternating protuberances / teeth (20) and matching indentations (22) are arranged on the outer edges (12) of the floor element. Two outer edges (top and right) have an open toothing and two (left and bottom) a concealed toothing, wherein the teeth are covered by a protruding part of the element surface (30). (B) Cross-section through a portion of the outer edge of the element of (A) in the marked with the arrows AA area of the bottom element (10) in conjunction with a corresponding portion of the outer edge of another bottom element (10 '). In these subregions are the connecting elements (14, 14 ') according to the invention. The sealing lip (16) of the element (10) lies in the groove (17). Below the connected plate (10 ') is the displacement channel (18). The groove may be configured such that it itself or parts thereof also act as a displacement channel (19). The element part above the sealing lip is referred to as wear layer (1 10) and may be made of a different material than the carrier layer (120) underneath. 2: Formation of a composite according to the invention from the base elements 10, 10 'and 10 "Elements 10 and 10' are already connected to one another by means of the connecting means (14, 14 '). is still connected to element 10, wherein the bulges (20) will engage in the recesses (22), as was indicated on the stacked, mutually aligned arrows.

Fig. 3: Schematic cross section through the connecting means (14) of the bottom element (10) of Fig. 1A and B without the supplementary plate 10 '. In particular, it should be pointed out here that the sealing lip (16) preferably extends at an angle (28) in the direction of the underside of the element (26).

4: (AI) top view of the rear side of an exemplary floor element according to the invention in an elongate configuration (100). As connection means, toothing rows with alternating protuberances / teeth (20) and matching indentations (22) are arranged on the outer edges (12) of the floor element as in FIG. 1. Two outer edges (top and left) have an open toothing and two (right and bottom) a concealed toothing, wherein the teeth are covered by a protruding part of the element surface (30). The four corner areas of the floor element (el -e4) are designed differently, but over the

Axis 46 symmetrical; See Figure 7. (A2) Cross-section parallel to the vertical axis of the element (AI). (A3) Cross section parallel to the horizontal axis of the element from (AI). The design of the plate edges is shown enlarged in each case over the cross sections from A2 and A3. Wear layer (120) and carrier layer (1 10) are indicated, are shown in more detail in Fig. 6. (B) Supervision of the

Front of an exemplary floor element according to the invention in an elongate configuration (100) with the entire visible upper side of the wear layer. The protuberances (20) are here, without the connection of another plate, at the two sides, which are not dominated by the wear layer (open teeth) still clearly visible.

(AI) top view of the back of an exemplary floor element according to the invention in a square configuration (200). (A2), (A3) and (B) analogously to corresponding parts in FIG. 4. Enlarged end areas of the floor slab 100/200 in cross section. (B1, B2) sections with the sealing lip (16), the displacement channel (18) and the angles at which the sealing lip (inclination angle 28) and the rear wall of the displacement channel (18, inclination angle (29)) in comparison to the perpendicular in the direction of of imaginary soil. (AI, A2) corresponding sections shown with the groove (17). Here, the angle (28b) between the top of the groove and the perpendicular in the direction of the imaginary bottom is indicated. Advantageously, the angles 28 and 28b are the same, so that the sealing lip top in the groove extends parallel and adjacent to the top of the groove. Overview of the corner areas of an elongated or square floor element with corner type el-e4. (A) Enlarged corner areas el-e4. The rest of the respective plate, which is usually located between the corner regions, is indicated by dashed lines. (B) The four corner areas el-e4 of four different panels placed close to each other, yet without the panels being joined together. (C) The connecting cross between the four plates of (B) after the plates have been directly abutted and joined together with the respective extensions inserted into the recesses. Good to see from (B) and (C) that the four corner areas are complementary in the interaction, e2 and e4 collect the partial extension from el and e3 closes the remaining space. In this case, the corner area el can be recognized by the partial extension (or partial extension 20 ') of the toothing, which fills a recess of the toothing only partially, preferably half. The bottom element corner e2 can be seen on a recess of the toothing, which can accommodate only a part of a conventional extension (preferably the half), or the extension (20 ') from corner el quite. (D) The three corner areas el-e3 of three different panels placed close to each other, even without the panels being joined together. (E) The connecting cross between the three plates of (D) after the plates have been directly abutted and joined together with the respective projections inserted into the recesses. Good to recognize from (D) and (E), that the two corner areas and the longitudinal side of the third plate with the area shown here e3 are complementary in the interaction and the recess 22, the partial extension of el and each partial extension fills the recess of the teeth only partially, preferably half.

Fig. 8: Top view of the underside of an elongated floor element of the present invention with the corner type el-e4. Dashed line (alternating point and

stroke; 46) represents the approximate axis of symmetry around which the short one can be mirrored to one long side, and vice versa. Further, the horizontal (line of shorter bars, 47) and vertical (line of longer bars 48) axis are still shown. In the elements / floor panels with corner type el-e4 according to the invention, the step size between two

Dental processes / protuberances on one side of the element (and the side parallel thereto) be different than on the sides perpendicular thereto. The same also applies to the greatest width of the dental processes. This is especially true for the non-square elements. lOla pitch between two tooth processes on the longer side of the element / bottom plate and between two tooth extensions on the shorter side of the element / bottom plate (101b); 102a largest width of an extension on the longer side of the element / bottom plate and on the shorter side of the element / bottom plate 102b. The step size between two extensions is specified here between their center lines. 103 - Depth of a recess in the toothing.

Fig. 9: enlarged view of the situation of Fig. 7B and 7C (cross-connection) with the entire floor panels first in approach (A) and after the connection (B). Fig. 10: Exemplary arrangement of several inventive, elongated floor elements as a view of the underside (A) and the top (B) of the floor panels. For a better overview, the plates in their middle are each numbered. As can already be seen here, the plates need not be connected along their entire length with only one other plate, both on the long sides (plates 6, 7 with plate 5 and 8) as well as on their short sides (plates 2 and 4 with plate 3).

FIG. 11: As already noted for FIG. 10, the bottom elements according to the invention do not have to be connected along their entire length to only one other bottom plate in each case (B) Plate sides possible at intervals (A). In (A) while the displacement of the plates against each other from 1 to 7 was always moved by a recess further. The arrangement of the plates 7-9 is intended to show that, of course, the plates only over very short connection areas, comprising in extreme cases only one recess on one and only one extension of the teeth on the other

Page.

Fig. 12: View analogous to Fig. 11 but with respect to the short side of the bottom plate. (B) Panel assembly with connection along the entire short side of the panel. (Al-A5), each differently shifted and connected plates.

Fig. 13: Example of a floor covering according to the invention of elongated (100) and square (200) floor elements. Detailed description of the invention

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of singular forms or plural forms always includes both the multiple and the singular.

The terms floor element, bottom plate and plate are hereinafter used interchangeably for each other for a flat, preferably rectangular device that can be used for the production of soils. These terms refer to the preferred embodiments of the inventive devices from the total of mateable agents, but their use for the production of soils is only to serve as an example for these preferred devices and the same or similar elements, or composable means also for laying on other surfaces are suitable as floors, for example on walls or ceilings, or as already noted above on furniture. It is therefore to be understood that the term floor element and corresponding description of its features is largely not limited to elements for the production of floors but can and should also characterize the characteristics of other erfmdungsgemäßer elements, such as wall and ceiling panels, or elements, represent the components of furniture. The term "identical or similar" in this case refers in particular to the features of the connection between the inventive compoundable means, as described in more detail below. In the attempts to produce plates which require faster and easier laying, in particular the number of working steps during and after laying should be reduced, it has been found within the scope of the present invention that by introducing certain means suitable for this purpose To prevent excess adhesive between the plates from emerging from the boundary area between the plates on the surface of the plates, a tremendous increase in the laying efficiency can be achieved. As a particularly suitable means for this purpose, the sealing lip according to the invention and one or possibly more displacement channels have been found, which are individually or preferably in combination to either prevent the excess adhesive from escaping from the connection area between the plates (sealing lip-groove) and / or alternate locations (displacement channel) to which the adhesive can be displaced by the pressure of the adjacent plates. As a result, therefore, the hydropneumatic effect frequently occurring when laying floor coverings is prevented or at least reduced, which selectively drives the laid boards upwards and thus makes the laid floor uneven and possibly also leaking to liquids.

The present invention therefore generally relates to a floor element in which at least one connecting means for connecting the floor element to another, in particular similar, floor element is provided on at least one outer edge, characterized in that the connecting means

(I) has a sealing lip, which fits positively into a negative mold (groove) of the connecting means, which is present at at least one outer edge of the further, in particular similar, bottom element; and

(Ii) preferably a displacement channel, which is suitable in the case of the positive connection of the two floor elements, if necessary, to receive excess joint material.

The floor element according to the invention is particularly suitable or provided for forming large-area floors. Preferably, the floor element according to the invention is in this case designed such that it has a further or alternative displacement channel, which is suitable in the case of the positive connection of the two floor elements, if necessary, take up excess joint material, which is present before joining in the groove (and by inserting the sealing lip is displaced. The floor elements according to the invention are intended to be connected to other floor elements, which are preferably of the same type, in order, for example, to produce larger contiguous areas comprising a plurality of floor elements. Such contiguous areas of the floor elements according to the invention fall under the general category of composites according to the invention, which will be described in more detail later, wherein a composite may for example constitute a floor covering. The connection between two elements is in this case preferably produced by means of connecting means, which are specified in more detail below, at their outer edges. Therefore, the floor element according to the invention is preferably designed such that it has at least one outer edge with at least one connecting means and at least one (further) outer edge with a connecting means, preferably wherein the bottom element is formed as a displaceable base plate having at least four outer edges. The floor elements according to the invention particularly preferably have connecting means on all their outer edges, as a result of which further floor elements can be connected on all sides. In addition, bottom plates are also provided which have no connection means at one, two or more outer edges. Thus, floor slabs according to the invention are also provided, which have connecting means at two or at three outer edges. Floor slabs according to the invention, which have connecting means at two adjoining outer edges, can preferably be used at the corners, those with three adjoining outer edges with connecting means, at the edges of composites containing floor elements according to the invention. Alternatively, the connecting means can be removed even after the production of a composite of the floor panels according to the invention, for example a floor covering, in the outwardly facing edge areas of the composite.

The connecting means used on the floor panels of the invention may be of many types. Suitable connecting means include, for example, mechanical, chemical and physical means. By mechanical connecting means, which can be configured or attached to at least one outer edge of the floor elements according to the invention, embodiments of the outer edge are understood to be suitable for entering into a form-fitting connection with corresponding, complementary configurations on an outer edge of another base plate. Preferably, gear systems are used as such connecting means. Under Gear systems are generally understood according to the present invention areas of protuberances and invaginations, ie from protruding areas (bulges) and retracted areas (indentations), the protuberances and indentations are each designed so that the bulges penetrate the indentations largely positive fit and this Can fill out. Preferably, the bulges and indentations are arranged alternately along the outer edge. In this case, the bulges are preferably designed so that at the end of their stem-shaped protruding region areas with a larger lateral extent, so join substantially parallel to the outer edge expanding areas. By such a configuration, the bulges preferably can not penetrate into the recesses, or be taken out of these, when both are in the same plane. Rather, these must be inserted perpendicular to the plane of the connection or taken from each other, as are locked horizontally by the intermeshing of the bulges of a plate in the indentations of the other plate, both plates. Such preferred according to the present invention compounds are also generally known as puzzle, buttonhole or dovetail joints.

Therefore, the bottom element according to the invention is preferably provided such that, as connecting means, teeth are provided on at least one edge or one outer edge for a positive connection with a further, in particular similar, bottom element. As stated above, the floor elements according to the invention are preferably designed such that the teeth are formed from extensions and recesses, wherein the extensions are intended for positive engagement in the recesses.

As also described above, by the use of the teeth, the opposing connecting means of two plates are locked horizontally by their connection, ie, the plates located in approximately the same plane after the connection can not be separated simply by pushing them apart in this plane become. Rather, for separation, the connecting means or plates connected thereto must be separated from one another by removal from the common plane, that is to say generally by lifting, for example. It also follows that the plates are not locked by these connecting means, or not sufficiently vertically. This lack of vertical locking can be a disadvantage, especially for loose installation, for example excess adhesive displaced under the plates, which is used to join the plates together in the seam areas between two plates, could lift them and thus also separate the plates from each other. In part, this disadvantage can be overcome by a type of plates according to the invention, which are later introduced in more detail, which have at least one displacement channel, but where other elements according to the invention, such as the sealing lip and the groove missing. The displacement channel can absorb the excess adhesive, so that it does not get under the plates and push them out of the common plane and thus possibly can separate. Preferably, however, the plates according to the invention, as already set out above with sealing lip and groove. By way of example, such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B, which also explains the basic mode of operation of these two features. The groove and the sealing lip preferably extend substantially parallel to the respective outer edge to which they are attached. Preferably, only one sealing lip or a groove are arranged on an outer edge, wherein these are arranged with respect to the height of the plate so that the sealing lip can be inserted into the groove when two plates are placed together, and the surfaces and bottoms of the Plates, and thus the whole elements are so essentially in each case in the same plane. Preferably, two sealing lips and two grooves are arranged successively along the outer edges. Furthermore, only one type of such a connection means is preferably attached to a height of an outer edge, ie only one sealing lip or only one groove. If the sealing lip inserted into the groove prevents or makes this mechanically difficult to move the two plates in the vertical direction, since the sealing lip abuts the top or the bottom of the groove and can not be moved. A separation of the two elements from the bond can then be achieved only by lateral removal of the sealing lip from the groove. Therefore, the present invention further preferably provides a bottom member as set forth above and below, wherein the sealing lip preferably locks vertically after insertion into the groove. If more than one sealing lip, more than one groove or combinations of both, ie both sealing lips and grooves, are arranged along an outer edge of a base element, then their arrangement is selected such that, when the panels are laterally joined or joined together, these features act on one plate each meet their counter-engagement devices on the other plate, so sealing lip on groove and vice versa. Non-functional combinations, ie clashes of similar features, so for example sealing lip on the sealing lip or groove on the groove are to be avoided.

One of the tasks of the sealing lip is to prevent an excess of adhesive applied in the areas below the sealing lip from coming into contact with the surface of the elements when two elements are joined together. For this purpose, the sealing lip should largely prevent the vertical adhesive movement away from the ground, in the direction of the surface of the element. Preferably, therefore, the sealing lip is a substantially parallel to the element surface extending barrier. In the context of the experiments that led to the present invention, it was found that the sealing lip can fulfill this function even better, if they do not over their entire width parallel with the same distance from the surface and underside of the plate runs, but with an angle directed towards the underside of the plate. As a result, the sealing lip works like a scraper, which collects the excess adhesive underneath and pushes towards the underside of the panel. Therefore, the floor element according to the invention is preferably provided such that the sealing lip extends at an angle from the horizontal plane of the floor element in the direction of the bottom element underside. The term horizontal plane of the floor element here denotes that plane of the floor element which runs parallel to its top and / or bottom and can preferably be equated with the plane of the element surface and / or with the plane of the element underside. The angle at which the sealing lip extends (illustratively indicated at 28 in FIG. 3) is preferably in the range of greater than 90 ° to less than 180 °, more preferably greater than about 100 ° to less than about 170 °. even more preferably from more than about 110 ° to less than about 150 °, more preferably at about 120 ° to about 135 ° from the horizontal plane of the bottom element toward the bottom element bottom side.

The toothing, which has the floor element according to the invention can be openly visible after joining together of floor elements in the connection area between them, so present open, or not be visible, so be present concealed. You can also choose a mixed occurrence of visible and hidden gears. For this purpose, the floor element according to the invention is preferably provided such that the teeth, in particular the extensions and recesses on at least one outer edge of the floor element openly protrude therefrom, and / or concealed. Solen the teeth are present at least at one outer edge hidden, the Elements of the invention designed such that the element surface is located at least on this outside of the teeth and this covers. On the corresponding side of another floor element, the same embodiment is selected. As a result, it is then achieved that after the two bottom elements are connected to one another, the element surfaces abut each other and thus cover the underlying, interconnected teeth of both elements.

In order to prevent excess adhesive components from emerging from the connection area between two floor elements, the floor element according to the invention is preferably designed and provided as described herein, such that the sealing lip is mounted above the extensions and recesses on an open outer edge of the floor element according to the invention.

Additionally or alternatively, the bottom element according to the invention is preferably designed such that the groove is mounted above the extensions and recesses on a concealed outer edge.

Advantageously, the bottom element according to the invention is formed symmetrically, so that the connecting means of one element can engage on each outer edge on which they are formed in the mating connection parts of another bottom element which is also designed as a symmetrically constructed profile element and can connect with them. The axis of symmetry may pass through the center of the plate and parallel to two outer edges or diagonally across the bottom plate. Preferably, the axis of symmetry extends over a diagonal of the floor element. If all or individual toothed elements, that is to say individual indentations and / or indentations, are not symmetrical (see asymmetrical, individual teeth 20a, in comparison to symmetrical 20, as well as asymmetrical, fitting indentations 22a in comparison to symmetrical 22 in FIG in the case of the total symmetry present, the toothing can be counter-rotating along the otherwise symmetrical outer edges, so that the symmetry with respect to the toothing consists in the repetition of a similar tooth trace pattern along two adjacent outer edges. Preferably, the serration pattern is sequentially repeated along all outer edges, in a square plate / element, along all four outer edges. Amongst other things, such a gearing sequence reduces the likelihood of incorrect gearing rows when laying To connect. The symmetrical design allows a laying in which the extensions and recesses are always concealed in a laid composite, floor, wall or ceiling as well as a mutual installation and thus a special variance of the installation options. The use of symmetrical and asymmetrical teeth makes it possible

As already stated above, the teeth are formed from extensions and recesses, wherein the extensions are designed and configured for positive engagement in the recesses. The positive engagement advantageously achieves, inter alia, a higher mechanical stability and integrity of the surface formed by a plurality of interconnected floor elements. Furthermore, such a design, in addition to the use of the system of sealing lips described herein, mating negative groove shape and preferably displacement channels, also contributes to the tightness of the surface thus formed, e.g. Liquids may be more difficult to pass through the area formed by the bonded floor panels.

The positive engagement in the recesses can be done by one or in the interaction of several extensions. Based on a connection between two plates engages in most recesses only one extension of the adjacent plate. Such a condition is preferably seen in the joint regions where only two plates directly adjoin one another (see, for example, Figure 9 in all joint regions except at the cross-link midway between the four plates). In the case of several projections, it is preferably two extensions which engage in this recess for positive engagement in a recess.

An engagement of more than one extension, so preferably of two extensions in a recess is usually in areas where more than two, preferably three plates immediately adjacent to each other. The extensions, which engage together in a recess form closing preferably include two different plates and the recess preferably a third plate. The extensions, which are provided for common engagement in a recess, are preferably located in corner regions of the plates. Such extensions are preferably partial extensions, ie extensions which have a reduced area compared to the other extensions on the plate. Preferably, the area of a partial extension corresponds to half the area of a normal extension. In an asymmetrical partial extension, this is usually formed up to the imaginary center line, which would consist in a whole extension, which hereby the center line of the partial extension is understood, which is perpendicular to the side of the element in which the partial extension is located. Such a situation is exemplified in Figs. 7D and 7E. In each case a partial extension (21) of a plate (marked there as el) and an extension (21) of the second plate (marked accordingly as e4) thereby engage in a partial recess (22 ') of the third plate (e3) and the two partial extensions Fill in these form-closing. A normal extension is understood here to mean an extension that corresponds to the majority of projections present on the plate and their average dimensions.

The four corner areas in the interaction are thus complementary, e2 and e4 can together accommodate the symmetrical partial extension from el in their combined partial recesses (22 ') and e3 conclude with the asymmetrical partial extensions 21 from the plates e2 and e4 the remaining space then. In this case, as the corner area el that defined by the symmetrical partial extension (or symmetrical partial extension, 20 ') of the toothing can be seen, which fills a recess of the toothing only partially, preferably half. The bottom element corner e2 is defined as that which has a recess of the toothing, which can accommodate only a part of a conventional extension (preferably its half), or the extension (20 ') from the corner el. Furthermore, the ekce e2 has an asymmetrical partial extension (21). Floor element corner e3 is defined on the basis of two symmetrically arranged partial recesses (indicated by way of example by 22 ') which can each accommodate an asymmetrical part extension (21) from the corner area e4 or e2. Preferably, symmetry in this context means that one side can be mirrored on the adjacent side and vice versa (in an elongated rectangle short on the fitting long side). Floor element corner e4 is defined as at least approximately symmetrical to e2 and also has a partial recess of the toothing (22 ') and an asymmetrical partial extension (21). An example of the design of the corner regions e 1 -e 4 of the floor elements according to the invention can be found in the figures, e.g. are taken from Figure 7 and generalized according to the teachings of the present invention.

Therefore, the present invention further provides a plate, in particular a bottom element (100, 200) as described herein, which has four differently shaped corner regions el to e4, characterized in that: Corner el has a symmetrical partial extension 20 'of the toothing, which only partially fills a recess of the toothing;

Corner regions e2 and e4 each have a recess of the toothing, which can accommodate only a portion of a conventional extension, or the partial extension 20 'whole and an asymmetrical partial extension 21; and

Corner region e3 comprises two symmetrically arranged partial recesses, which can take from the dimensions in each case an asymmetrical part extension (21) from the corner area e4 or e2. Preferably, furthermore, the element or floor element (100, 200), characterized in that the floor element (100, 200) with one or more such floor elements (100, 200) can be put together to form a composite, wherein two or more floor elements optionally via the entire length or only over a portion of one or more of its outer edges (12) are interconnected.

Like all elements of the invention, these elements may also be used as floorboards, ceiling tiles, wall coverings or parts of furniture having the characteristics and advantages described herein for the elements according to the invention. The plate form according to the invention is preferably rectangular, more preferably square (see for example Fig. 1 and Fig. 5) or an oblong rectangle (see for example Fig. 4).

By using the just defined different corner areas, the plates need not be connected along their entire length with only one other plate, but can be connected both on the long sides as well as on their short sides on sections with other plates. A connection between two plates is after a displacement of the plate sides against each other at intervals always one recess further possible. In the extreme case, two plates can also be connected to each other only over very short connecting areas, comprising for example only one recess on one side and only one extension of the teeth on the other side, thus leaving space on the side of the plate with one or more further plates be completed by this plate (s) are connected via their recesses and extensions to the other plate (s). See also Figures 10 through 12 associated with exemplary various arrangements of floor panels of the present invention. As a composite will In this case, an arrangement comprising at least two plates understood, wherein the plates are connected to each other via at least one recess and an extension.

One of the advantages of such a design is a simpler laying of panels in a shifted pattern, e.g. in a pattern in which the sides of two adjacent plates do not adjoin one another over their entire length, but for example only over a portion of the length of the one or both plates. The design of alternating extensions and recesses and the design of the four corners of the panel corners (el -e4) allow a gap between the panels, which is normally only possible with stone tiles. The joints between the plates are optically formed by the line which is formed at the boundary between adjacent and interconnected by means of the toothing plates. Such a design with joint offset is not possible when using commercially available plates, since the connections between the plates must be sealed and the seams of the seals in a design, as is possible by the plates according to the invention would be too complex and probably not permanent.

The possibility of flexibly combining the panels along their sides can also be used to make combinations of floor panels consisting of different panels, for example elongated floor elements (100) with corner type el-e4 and square (200) floor elements with the same corner type , These plates can also be equipped with different patterns and / or colors on their upper side (wear layer) independently of the carrier layer, which possibility was indicated in FIG. 13 by different filling patterns. It can thus be made with the floor slabs according to the invention to a certain extent also mosaics, with plates of different shape and size are combined. The plates need not have the number of extensions and recesses, as shown for example in the pictures. When changing their number, however, it is important to maintain their dimensions, even spacing and the arrangement in corner areas, as shown in the plates shown in the figures, so that they are complementary to each other, ie the teeth / extensions in the recesses on the fit adjacent plates and form-fitting (alone or together with another extension) fill. In order to ensure a better accuracy of fit and installation is in the elements / floor panels with corner type el-e4 invention preferably the Increment between two dental processes / protuberances on one side of the element (and the side parallel thereto) chosen differently than on the sides perpendicular thereto. The same also applies to the greatest width of the dental processes. Preferably, the pitch on two mutually parallel sides is greater by about 0.5% to about 2% than on the perpendicular sides of the floorboards, more preferably about 0.6% to about 1.5% larger, still more preferably about 0.7% to about 1.2% larger, more preferably about 0.8% to about 1% larger. Preferably, furthermore, the greatest width of the tooth extensions is also greater on two mutually parallel sides than on the sides of the base element which are perpendicular thereto. Preferably, the largest width of the tooth extensions is on two mutually parallel side by about 0.3% to about 2% greater than on the perpendicular thereto sides of the bottom element, more preferably by about 0.5% to about 1.5%, still more preferably about 0.6% to about 1.0%, more preferably about 0.7% to about 0.8% greater.

Particularly preferably, the floor panels / elements according Ecktypus el -e4 invention are designed such that on the same two mutually parallel sides of the floor element according to the invention both the step size and the largest width of the tooth extensions is greater than on the perpendicular to two sides. In particular, such a design is selected in the non-square elements according to the invention, so that in the uniform division of the dental processes on the corner joints half tooth extensions and not smaller dental processes arise that would not produce a positive filling in the interaction of the four corner joints. In the case of the square elements with corner type el-e4, on the other hand, the same increments and widths of the tooth extensions are preferably selected on all sides.

Referring to a non-square bottom plate / element shown by way of example in Figure 8, the pitch (101a) between two tooth extensions on the longer side of the element / bottom plate is less than the step size (101b) between two tooth extensions on the shorter side of the element / bottom plate. In addition, here the largest width (102a) of an extension on the longer side of the element / bottom plate is smaller than the largest width (102b) on the shorter side of the element / bottom plate. The step size between two extensions is displayed here between their centerlines. The depth of one Notch of the toothing is preferably the same on all sides of the element in the floor elements according to the invention. In FIG. 8, the recess depth is marked with the reference symbol 103 in the case of two recesses selected as examples. As already mentioned, one of the advantages of the construction of the floor elements according to the invention with a sealing lip and preferably a displacement channel is that the amounts of necessary adhesive are lower and due to the connection of the plates with each other, via the teeth and gluing, no additional bonding of the from the floor elements soil formed with the underlying soil is necessary. As a result, the floor elements can be easily removed if necessary and renewed, for example, without that an adhesive layer between the floor elements and the floor would still have to be solved. In some applications, the use of adhesives in the elements of the invention can be completely dispensed with, since the elements, at least in the use as floor elements alone by virtue of their connection to each other by the gearing in a composite at the desired location remain and the integrity of the thus produced Composite, or floor covering is maintained. The toothing increases or ensures that the floor panels do not move against each other in the horizontal direction. In addition, by engaging in the groove, the sealing lip stabilizes the composite a in the vertical direction. Preferably, therefore, adhesive is used only if the composite of the elements surface / composite to prevent passage of liquids.

The floor elements according to the invention are provided in different materials or materials. One of the basic requirements for a suitable material for the floor elements according to the invention is that the material is elastic so far that when joining floor elements, the sealing lip can be inserted into the groove and placed by its elasticity in the groove at least one wall of the groove so in that a largely tight seal is formed, through which excess adhesive can not pass. Suitable materials include metals, wood, cork, plastics, rubber (natural and synthetic), linoleum, glass, ceramics, stone, and composites comprising one or more of the foregoing materials, or various types of the foregoing materials. Especially preferred are moldable materials. Among formable materials are particularly preferably plastics, linoleum, rubber and composite materials containing one or more the above-mentioned suitable materials. Among plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is particularly preferred, whether as a sole material or as a component in a composite material. For the production of the floor elements according to the invention new or reused materials can be used. Preferably, especially with respect to PVC, recycled (recycled) material is used. Among other things, when using PVC, the elements of the invention are resistant to almost all oils, fats, acids and alkalis, flame retardant and very easy to clean.

Other preferred plastics are polypropylene PP (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The use of these plastics has the advantage over PVC in that the amount of plasticizer added to the plastic can be substantially reduced or the addition of plasticizers is completely dispensed with, ie the plastics used are plasticizer-free. In this context, predominantly PP is used without plasticizer and PE with reduced plasticizer content or also without plasticizer.

A disadvantage of PP and PE is that usually flame retardants must be added, since they contain, in contrast to PVC no chlorine, which acts in PVC in case of fire similar to a halogen-containing flame retardant. PE also has lower UV resistance than PVC, but this is compensated for by being preferably used according to the invention for ceiling and wall cladding elements or as furniture components where they are subjected to less mechanical stress than elements which are considered as Flooring can be used. Preferably, therefore, the bottom element according to the invention is provided, which consists of a molded material, preferably made of plastic or a wood and / or plastic-containing composite material. Advantageously, the floor element according to the invention consists of PVC, PP or PE, or, in the case of composite materials, at least in part of the plastics mentioned.

As already noted above, the elements according to the invention may also consist of materials other than plastics, such as wood or wood-comprising materials such as wood composites, or even combinations of different materials. Thus, for the preparation of the invention Elements composites from the following group are used: MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard, high-density fiberboard), HB (hardboard) and WPF (wood-plastic composites; wood-plastic composite ). For wood-containing composite materials, the wood-containing composite material preferably consists of HDF (high-density fiberboard, high-density fiberboard) or HB (hardboard). If wood or composite materials mentioned above are used to produce the elements according to the invention, suitable adhesives are used for their connection, as long as adhesives are used at all. Glues, resins or kit are preferably used as an adhesive.

Furthermore, the floor element according to the invention advantageously has an upper side (wear layer) with a predeterminable surface as well as an underside (support layer) optionally with a support structure. The surface structure is advantageously used e.g. by grooves, which are distributed longitudinally, transversely, in a star shape or randomly over the surface are designed so that this particular functional properties obtained, such as an anti-slip effect. In addition, or in addition arrangements are possible, which have a special visual impression of the surface result and / or contain logos. The underside may also be structured on the side facing the floor. For example, this can be arched to the center of the bottom element (concave), so that it rests safely and wobble on uneven surfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom can also have elevations and depressions, for example in the form of grooves or knobs, to prevent their slippage, in particular in floating / loose installation, or to provide for glued or fixed installation for a larger connection surface and so the connection strengthen. Floors containing soil elements according to the invention are very highly resilient due to their mediated by the connecting agent strong connection. Thus, floors according to the invention, which contain the floor elements according to the invention already suitable in floating installation for forklift traffic and glued installation even suitable for heavy goods traffic. Even heavy production machines can be built on the floors.

The wear layer and the support layer may be made of the same or different of the above materials. For example, the wear layer can be made of a harder and the backing layer of a softer material. This can advantageously a higher abrasion resistance of the wear layer and a reinforced Noise and shock absorption of the support layer can be achieved, which can also lead to better contact of the floor elements on the ground. The wear layer is preferably located above the sealing lip, which forms part of the carrier layer. As a result, the manufacturing process is advantageously simplified, since the carrier layer can be produced with the sealing lip first and then the wear layer can be connected to the carrier layer, without damaging the sealing lip. Conversely, the production is more difficult, especially if the sealing lip according to the preferred embodiment extends at an angle downwards, whereby on the one hand, the shape design for producing such a wear layer would be more complicated and the area below the sealing lip would have to be heated to the support layer with the wear layer connect, which could lead to the destruction of the sealing lip and thus increased waste. If the wear layer and the carrier layer are made of the same material, the entire base plate can be produced in one step. The thickness of the wear layer and the carrier layer may be the same. Preferably, however, the carrier layer is higher than the wear layer. Preferably, the height of the wear layer is less than half the height of the bottom element, more preferably the height of the wear layer is between about 4% and about 40% of the height of the bottom element, more preferably between about 10% and 30%, most preferably about 25%. the total height of the floor element. Resilient floor coverings can and must often be laid fluid tight due to the requirement profile, for example in medical rooms to meet hygienic standards and use liquid disinfectants, or in industrial areas where a thorough wet cleaning must be guaranteed, or potentially contaminating Liquid waste accumulates, such as oil in garages. Frequently, the thermal sealing is used to ensure the liquid density, which method is relatively complex and has already been described in the Background section of the invention. The present invention advantageously provides a floor element, characterized in that a liquid-tight surface without thermal welding can be achieved by connecting a plurality of floor elements. In part, this is advantageously due to the accuracy of fit of the toothed connection in combination with the seal by the overlying combination of groove and sealing lip. In addition, the toothed system is preferably combined with the concealed system so that you can achieve a liquid-tight surface even without thermal welding, with the simplest means. Completely Liquid-tight, the compounds of several floor elements according to the invention thereby preferably by the additional use of adhesives in the abutting areas between the individual floor elements. For this purpose, adhesive is applied to the outer edges to be joined before the pressing together of floor elements. The adhesive may be applied immediately prior to joining the floor elements, or it may be applied to it before, during, or subsequent to the manufacture of floor elements so as to facilitate laying. In order to make laying even more efficient, according to the present invention, the bottom element disclosed here is preferably provided, characterized in that a prefabricated joint adhesive is provided on one of the at least one outer edge. In order to further prevent displacement of the adhesive on the element surface when connecting the elements, the adhesive is prefabricated or applied immediately before assembly in the area below the sealing lip. For bonding different adhesives can be used. Advantageously, liquid adhesives, cold welding or porous / pasty adhesives such as polyurethane adhesive (PU adhesive) can be used. Also suitable is also silicone, which is not preferred. However, silane-modified polymer adhesives / sealants (also called MS polymer adhesives) are particularly preferably used. As a result, connections between floor elements according to the invention are advantageously provided which contain no solvents, are permanently elastic and temperature-resistant. If the adhesive has already been applied in advance to the elements according to the invention, a release strip can be applied to the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive, for example from drying out, which can be removed before the elements are assembled. In particular, by the preprocessing with adhesives, or even without preassembly simple use of adhesives and the possible lack of thermal welding floor coverings or plate systems according to the invention offer the possibility of easy and fast installation, which is possible even during operation, for example in industrial or craftwork rooms. The dimensions and shape of the floor elements according to the invention can be chosen relatively freely, depending on the field of application. Preferably, however, the bottom element according to the invention is provided, which is a plate, which is preferably rectangular or square. Furthermore, the bottom element according to the invention preferably has the dimensions of about 10 to 200 cm in length, about 10 to 200 cm in width and / or about 0.4 to 3 cm in height (thickness). In particular, bottom elements are preferably preferably about 50 ± 5 cm in length, about 50 5 cm in width and / or about 1 ± 0.25 cm in thickness or height. For rectangular, non-square elements, the elements preferably have the dimensions of about 60 x 30 cm or 60 x 100 cm. These values may each deviate up to the above-mentioned upper or lower limits for the length and / or width of the elements, in each case different values for the width and length being selected, as far as rectangular and non-square elements are to be generated. In relation to these relatively large dimensions of the floor panels according to the invention was in the experiments that led to the design shown here found that the dimensions of the sealing lip and / or the displacement channel can be relatively small. Thus, the sealing lip protrudes preferably horizontally, ie without taking into account its angle of inclination in the direction of the underside of the bottom plate (identified as distance 30 in FIG. 3 by way of example) by only about 5% to about 30%, more preferably about 10% to 20%, particularly preferably by about 12% to about 18% of the total height of the plate out of its outer edge. Additionally or alternatively, the displacement channel numerically has the same width as just mentioned for the distance of the sealing lip tip from the outer edge of the plate. Preferably, the depth of the displacement channel is between about 0.1% and 2%, more preferably between about 0.2% and 1%, most preferably between about 0.3% and 0.7% of the height of the plate.

As stated above, the floor panels according to the invention have particularly advantageous connections. These connections can also be used for other elements in addition to the floor panels. Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound as defined herein with respect to the floor elements of the invention

Due to the versatility of the compound according to the invention, it can be used in a large number of miscible agents or be part of such agents. Preferably, therefore, with the present invention, further matable means such as plates, boards, panels, strips, panels, profiling means, as well as containers such as tanks, etc., or individual parts thereof containing at least one compound according to the invention, as described herein, provided.

By means of the compounds according to the invention, regions which are particularly simply connected can contain a plurality of the compoundable agents according to the invention or Floor elements are manufactured. The present invention therefore further provides a composite comprising at least two inventive floor elements or joinable means interconnected by means of the connection means. The floor elements, composites, connections and joinable means according to the invention can preferably be used to form or line parts of rooms, such as floors, walls or ceilings. For this reason, a floor, wall or ceiling comprising at least one inventive floor element, composite, compound and / or an attachable means is further provided.

Another use of the elements according to the invention consists in the production of furniture or parts thereof, such as doors or walls of furniture, or their parts. In this case, parts also mean parts of the furniture surfaces, that is to say, for example, the furniture surfaces occupied by the elements according to the invention or the elements as recessed components in the furniture surfaces. In this context, furniture or parts thereof are therefore further provided, comprising at least one element according to the invention. Furthermore, the elements according to the invention are provided for attachment to furniture. As a result, in furniture similar advantages can be achieved as in the use of the elements of the invention as floor, wall or ceiling coverings, so for example waterproofness at least in relation to parts of the furniture, such as floors, rear walls or ceilings, and splash protection against liquids. The term "waterproof" with respect to the elements according to the invention, or the connections between them as used herein, as well as the term liquids, shall refer not only to water but to liquids in general and in particular to water, oils, fuels or alcohols ,

The floor elements according to the invention can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, an object such as a hall, for example an industrial or sports hall, a house, a place, for example a sports field, storage, etc. is also provided, comprising a floor, a wall and / or a ceiling as disclosed herein.

In this context, the present invention also relates to a use of floor elements according to the invention or joinable means for producing a Soil, a wall, a ceiling or an object, or for making a covering for a floor, a wall, a ceiling or for an object.

For this purpose, a method for producing a liquid-tight floor, a liquid-tight wall cladding or a liquid-tight ceiling cover is provided consisting of laying the floor elements of the invention or joinable means according to the invention, wherein prior to the connection of the extensions with the recesses and optionally the sealing lips with the grooves on the Longitudinal and / or front edges of the floor elements or the joinable means a joint material (joint adhesive) is applied. This method is preferably carried out without time-consuming preparation of the substrate, so under the covering later lying floor, wall or ceiling, since the floor elements according to the invention are suitable to be laid on uneven surfaces, so the elaborate preliminary work such as sanding of the soil in the rule can stay undone. Likewise, in particular in damp, cracked and oily surfaces, the floor elements / panel systems or joinable compositions according to the invention can also be laid loosely. Alternatively or additionally, the substrates for the process according to the invention can also be pretreated, that is to say ground off, dried, filled (cracks) or freed from oil. Furthermore, in the context of the method according to the invention, instead of a loose laying, a step of bonding the floor, wall or ceiling to be produced by the method to the substrate can also take place.

In one embodiment, there is also provided a kit comprising one or more bottom elements or joinable agents as defined herein, a joint adhesive, preferably an MS polymer adhesive, a resin or glue, instructions for making a floor, wall or ceiling according to the invention and optionally Thermal welding means, such as a welding string. Alternatively, or in addition to the adhesive, the kit may also include a cold weld agent. In the event that the kit according to the invention elements are used, which are already pretreated with an adhesive, the additional addition of adhesive for the kit can be omitted.

For some applications, a vertical locking of the floor elements of the invention is not necessarily necessary, or it is sufficient that the excess adhesive is trapped in a reservoir and not on the surfaces of the is displaced according to the invention floor elements. In addition to the floor elements discussed above, therefore, the present invention also provides a floor member or joint configured as defined herein comprising a displacement channel with the sealing lip and / or groove missing.

In summary, floor elements / panel systems are provided by the present invention, which are equipped with connecting means on at least one outer edge for connection to other, in particular similar elements. In this regard, new fasteners are also disclosed which allow a tighter connection of the elements and a sealing of the surfaces created with such elements, such as floor, wall or ceiling coverings against liquid passage without the need for thermal welding. In addition to floor elements, other matable compositions equipped with the compounds according to the invention are described as composites thereof, as well as floors, ceilings, walls and objects containing the elements themselves or the composites.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Shown are only the simple reference numerals, without bullets, at

Descriptions of multiple entities of the same genus are used, so for example (10) for a floor element and (10 ') for another floor element.

10 floor element

12 outer edge

14 connecting means

16 sealing lip

17 groove

18 displacement channel

18719 Displacement channel underneath and preferably adjacent to the groove (17)

20 extension of the toothing

20 'Symmetrical partial extension of the toothing

21 Unsymmetrical partial extension of the toothing

22 recess of the toothing

22 'partial recess of the toothing

24 plate surface / bottom element surface / bottom element top

26 slab bottom / bottom element underside 28 Inclination angle of the sealing lip (16)

28b inclination angle of the groove (17), preferably equal to the inclination angle of the sealing lip (28)

29 Inclination angle of the rear wall of the displacement channel (18)

30 distance of the tip of the sealing lip (16) from the upper outer edge of the bottom element (10)

32 thickness of the wear layer (1 10) from the element surface to the beginning of the lower edge of the sealing lip (16)

34 thickness of the wear layer (1 10) from the element surface to the beginning of the upper edge of the sealing lip (16)

36 Penetration offset of the lower edge of the sealing lip into the outer edge of the floor element 38 Depth of the displacement channel (18)

40 Width of the displacement channel (18)

42 Distance from the tip of the sealing lip (16) to the upper edge of the toothed area 44 Height of the floor element

46 symmetry axis

47 Horizontal axis

48 Vertical axis

100 elongated floor element with corner type el-e4

101a pitch between two dental processes on the long side of an elongated floor element 100 (from the middle of one to the middle of an adjacent dental extension)

101b pitch between two dental processes on the short side of an elongated floor element 100 (from the middle one to the middle of an adjacent tooth extension)

102a width of a tooth extension on the long side of an elongated floor element 100

102b width of a tooth extension on the short side of an elongated floor element 100

103 Depth of a recess of the toothing

200 Square floor element with corner type el-e4

1 10 wear layer of the floor element

120 carrier layer of the floor element

300 protruding part of the element surface (30), which covers the teeth el floor element corner with partial extension of the toothing

e2 floor element corner with a partial recess of the toothing

e3 floor element corner with two symmetrically arranged part recesses

e4 Floor element corner symmetrical to e2 with a partial recess of the toothing

Claims

claims

Floor element (10, 100, 200), in which at least one outer edge (12) at least one connecting means (14) for connecting the bottom element (10, 100, 200) with another, in particular similar, bottom element (10 ', 100, 200 ), characterized in that the connecting means

(i) has a sealing lip (16) which fits positively into a negative mold (groove, 17) of the connecting means (14 '), which at at least one outer edge (12') on the further, in particular similar, bottom element (10 ', 100, 200) is present; and

(ii) preferably a displacement channel (18) which, in the case of the positive connection of the two base elements (10, 10 ', 100, 200), is suitable for possibly receiving excess joint material.

Floor element (10 ', 100, 200) as defined in claim 1, which preferably has a displacement channel (18', 19) which is suitable in the case of the positive connection of the two floor elements (10, 10 ', 100, 200), if necessary to receive excess grout material that is present in the groove (17) prior to joining and displaced by the insertion of the sealing lip.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, having at least one outer edge (12) with at least one connecting means (14) and at least one outer edge (12') with a connecting means (14 '), preferably the bottom element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) is shaped as a displaceable bottom plate which has at least four outer edges (12, 12').

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein as connecting means on at least one edge or an outer edge (12, 12') toothings (14, 14 ') for a positive connection with another, in particular similar, bottom element (10, 100, 200) are provided.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to claim 4, wherein the toothings (14, 14') of projections (20) and recesses (22) are formed, wherein the projections (20) for positive engagement in the recesses ( 22) are determined. Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing lip (16) preferably locks vertically after insertion into the groove (17).

A floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to claim 6, wherein the sealing lip (16) extends at an angle from the horizontal plane of the floor element (10, 10', 100, 200) towards the floor element underside.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the toothings (14, 14'), in particular the projections (20) and recesses (22) on at least one outer edge (12, 12 ') of the bottom element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) openly protrude from this, and / or present concealed.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the sealing lip (16) above the extensions (20) and recesses (22) at an open outer edge (12,12') of the bottom element (10 , 10 ', 100, 200) according to claim 8 is attached.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the groove (17) above the projections (20) and recesses (22) on a hidden outer edge (12/12') according to claim 8 attached is.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which consists of a molded, elastic material, preferably of plastic or a wood and / or plastic-containing composite material and preferably a top (wear layer, 1 10) having a predeterminable surface and having a bottom (carrier layer, 120) possibly with a support structure.

12. The floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to claim 11, wherein the plastic is PVC, PP or PE or wherein the wood-containing composite material is HDF (high-density fiberboard) or HB (hardboard).

13. floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that by connecting a plurality of bottom elements (10, 10', 100, 200), a liquid-tight surface without thermal welding can be achieved.

14. floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at one of the at least one outer edge (12, 12') is provided a prefabricated joint adhesive.

Floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which is a plate, preferably rectangular or square, and preferably the dimensions of about 10 - 200 cm long, about 10 - 200 cm wide and / or about 0.4 - 3 cm in height (thickness), more preferably about 50 ± 5 cm in length, about 50 ± 5 cm in width and / or about 1 ± 0.25 cm in thickness.

Floor element (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 15, which has four differently shaped corner regions el to e4, characterized in that:

Corner el has a symmetrical partial extension 20 'of the toothing, which only partially fills a recess of the toothing;

Corner region e3 comprises two symmetrically arranged partial recesses, which can take from the dimensions in each case an asymmetrical partial extension (21) from the corner area e4 or e2.

Floor element (100, 200) according to claim 16, characterized in that the floor element (100, 200) with one or more such floor elements (100, 200) can be assembled into a composite, wherein two or more floor elements optionally over the entire length or only are interconnected by a portion of one or more of their outer edges (12).

18. A compound (14, 14 ') as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17. 19. joinable means such as boards, boards, panels, strips, panels, profiling means, and containers such as tanks, etc., or parts thereof containing at least one compound according to claim 18.

20. Composite comprising at least two interconnected by means of the connecting means (14, 14 ') floor elements (10, 10', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 17 or at least two interconnected joinable means according to claim 19.

21, floor, wall or ceiling containing at least one bottom element (10,10 ', 100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 17, a composite according to claim 20, a compound (14, 14') according to claim 18 and / or a Agent according to claim 19.

22. Object such as hall, for example, industrial or sports hall, house, place, for example. Sports field, warehouse, etc. containing a floor, a wall and / or a ceiling according to claim 21.

A floor element (10, 10 ', 100, 200) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17 or a connection as defined in claim 18, comprising a displacement channel (18), the sealing lip (16) and / or the groove (17 ) absence.

24. Kit comprising at least two floor elements (10, 10 ', 100, 200) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17 or 23, or at least two joinable means according to claim 19, instructions for laying the floor elements or the joinable means, an adhesive , preferably an MS polymer adhesive, a resin or a glue and / or means for thermal or cold welding.