EP4613952A1

EP4613952A1 - Finishing profile for a floor covering

Info

Publication number: EP4613952A1
Application number: EP25156497.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven Vindevogel; Wiebe VAN GANSBEKE
Original assignee: Unilin BV
Current assignee: Unilin BV
Priority date: 2024-03-04
Filing date: 2025-02-07
Publication date: 2025-09-10
Also published as: US20250277377A1

Abstract

Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein said profile comprises at least
- a finishing strip, wherein said finishing strip comprises a substrate and wherein said finishing strip comprises a top layer on the upper side of said substrate, which top layer comprises at least a decorative layer;
- a rail, wherein a main region of said rail is connected to an attachment region of said finishing strip, wherein said attachment region extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate;
characterized in that said finishing strip comprises a first curved portion, wherein said substrate and said top layer are uniformly curved.

Description

The present invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, to a set of parts for obtaining a finishing profile, to a floor covering having a plurality of floor panels and at least one finishing profile, and to a method for obtaining a finishing strip for use in a finishing profile.
In particular, the invention is intended to be used in combination with floor coverings composed of multiple floor panels or strips. These can be floating floor panels or floor panels glued flat to the base, for example consisting of multiple laminate panels for ready-to-lay parquet, veneer parquet, or solid wood parquet, plastic-based floor panels, such as LVT (luxury vinyl tile), rigid LVT, WPC (wood or waterproof plastic composite) or SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl panels, panels made of compact laminate, and the like. However, this does not preclude them from being used in combination with other floor coverings.
In many cases, the installation of floor coverings and floating floor coverings requires measures to be taken to finish their edges. Such additional edges to be finished can occur at the end of the floor covering, for example against a wall, at a transition to another type of floor covering, or when providing an expansion joint between two floor coverings that may or may not be different in nature, which means, inter alia, of different in material or thickness.
It is known that a finishing profile can be used for this purpose, which usually consists of at least one bracket or rail and at least one finishing strip that can be attached to the bracket or rail, wherein the finishing profile makes it possible to cover the corresponding edge or transition and thus, in most cases, to form an aesthetic transition.
The bracket or rail usually consists of an extruded profile that can preferably be attached to the base by means of gluing, screwing, nailing or simply by installing said profile partially under the floor covering. The bracket or rail can extend below the finishing strip continuously or uninterruptedly.
The finishing strip is usually designed as a trim or similar, multi-piece or not, that can be attached in the rail. Furthermore, it is known that such a finishing strip may be in the form of an end profile, a transition profile and an expansion profile or a combination thereof. End profiles are typically used to finish against a wall; transition profiles are typically used to transition from one type of floor covering to another type; and expansion profiles are used to bridge an expansion joint between two sections of a floor covering.
Such finishing profiles and the constituent parts thereof are known, inter alia, from EP 1 836 363 and EP 1 841 573 . The finishing profile of EP'363 is multifunctional and, by separating or combining two or more of said parts, makes it possible to form various transition profiles for floor coverings, such as expansion profiles, end profiles, transition profiles and skirting boards. EP'363 discloses finishing profiles that comprise at least one nose region, wherein said at least one nose region can be removed by breaking, tearing, cutting, etc., as a function of the application of the finishing profile.
US 2007/283654 , BE 1 019 657 and BE 1 025 955 illustrate further embodiments of multifunctional finishing profiles.
A seamless transition between different flooring sections is generally perceived as visually pleasing. If the pattern of the finishing profile does not match the floor covering, it can create a visual interruption that can be perceived as a disturbance.
The production of finishing profiles often involves a long logistic chain, where for each floor pattern a matching color and/or a matching pattern has to be found, which is then printed on a printing paper or printing film and is then to be laminated onto a profile. In practice, this profile is often manufactured from a material of lower quality than the material of the substrate of the floor panel. In this case, it still seems possible to achieve a seamless transition between the decorative surface of the floor panel and the decorative surface of the finishing profile
The invention is primarily intended to provide an alternative finishing profile of the aforementioned type, in which, according to various preferred embodiments, a solution can be obtained for the problems using state-of-the-art finishing profiles.
For this purpose, according to its first independent aspect, the invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein said profile comprises at least

a finishing strip, wherein said finishing strip comprises a substrate and wherein said finishing strip comprises a top layer on the upper side of said substrate, which top layer comprises at least a decorative layer;
a rail, wherein a main region of said rail is connected to an attachment region of said finishing strip, wherein said attachment region extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate;

The finishing profile has the advantage that it can be manufactured from a floor panel. The floor panel comprises a substrate and a top layer that comprises at least a decorative layer. The substrate of the floor panel then forms the substrate of the finishing strip, and the top layer of the floor panel then forms the top layer of the finishing strip. As a result, no separate materials - and no supply of separate materials - are required to produce the finishing strip. The finishing profile also comprises an identical pattern to the floor panel from which it is manufactured. When the finishing profile is used with similar floor panels, a floor covering is obtained in which the finishing profile has the same pattern as the floor panels. This creates a very aesthetically pleasing effect.
Said main region of said rail can be considered to be that part of said rail that makes it possible to connect said finishing strip to said rail.
Said curved portion makes it possible for the production process of said finishing strip to be carried out more efficiently than in the state of the art; in particular rounded corners can be obtained more efficiently than in the state of the art.
Because the substrate and said top layer comprising at least a decorative layer are uniformly bent, the decorative layer can run seamlessly over an upper surface of said finishing strip.
Preferably, said first curved portion comprises a chamber, wherein said chamber is at least partially filled with a filler, preferably adhesive. Said adhesive is preferably a hot melt adhesive, more specifically a polyurethane hot melt adhesive or a polyamide hot melt adhesive.
Said filler, preferably adhesive, can be used to reinforce said first curved portion and to maintain the shape of said curved portion.
Said attachment region is preferably in one piece with said substrate.
By designing said attachment region in one piece with said substrate, the number of material parts of said finishing strip is limited and the production process of said finishing strip is kept as simple as possible.
Said attachment region preferably comprises at least one downwardly directed leg.
Said main region of said rail preferably comprises at least one upwardly directed leg.
Preferably, at least one lateral surface of said downwardly directed leg makes contact with at least one lateral surface of an aforementioned upwardly directed leg.
In a first preferred embodiment according to the invention, said main region comprises two upwardly directed legs, wherein said downwardly directed leg of said attachment region is attached between said two upwardly directed legs of said main region, for example by means of adhesive, glue or preferably by clamping and/or a click connection.
In a second preferred embodiment according to the invention, said attachment region comprises two downwardly directed legs and wherein said main region comprises at least one upwardly directed leg and wherein said upwardly directed leg is attached between said two downwardly directed legs, for example by means of adhesive or clamping and/or a click connection.
The finishing strip and rail are preferably designed in such a way that said finishing strip can snap into said rail and that said finishing strip can snap back out of said rail. This allows for simple installation and removal of the finishing strip and the rail.
Said rail preferably comprises at least one clamping region that is in one piece with said main region and extends in the horizontal direction along at least one edge of said main region and wherein said clamping region is configured for clamping a floor panel between said clamping region and said first curved portion.
Said clamping region preferably comprises a portion having a reduced wall thickness compared to the wall thickness of said clamping region, for example a notch or incision, wherein said portion is located on an upper surface and/or a lower surface of said clamping region and wherein said portion is intended for simple removal of an end of said clamping region, for example by means of a cutting tool or by breaking said clamping region at the location of said portion having a reduced wall thickness.
Said finishing strip preferably comprises a first flank region, wherein said first flank region extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region up to said first curved portion. Said first flank region is preferably in one piece with said substrate.
Said first curved portion is preferably located at a distal end of said first flank region.
Said first curved portion is preferably at least 50% thinner, for example at least 60% or at least 75% thinner than said first flank region. This intentional design characteristic has the advantage that the bending operation to achieve said curved portion is easier to carry out. The reduced thickness minimizes resistance during bending and reduces the chance of splitting and/or tearing said first curved portion.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said finishing strip comprises a second flank region, wherein said second flank region extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region. In this way, for example, a transition profile and/or an expansion profile can be obtained.
Said finishing strip preferably comprises a second curved portion, wherein said substrate and said top layer are uniformly curved and wherein said second curved portion is located at a distal end of said second flank region. Said second flank region is preferably in one piece with said substrate.
Said first flank region and/or said second flank region preferably comprises at least one recess on its underside and in said substrate.
Said recess is preferably at least 50% thinner, for example at least 60% or at least 75% thinner than said first and/or second flank region. Said recess can be intended as a marker to remove a part of said finishing strip. The reduced thickness of said recess allows a certain part of said finishing strip to be easily removed. For example, said first or said second flank region can be fully or partially removable. Removable means that the removable part in question is designed in such a way that an action to remove the part in question from said finishing strip, for example using a cutting tool, for example a snap-off utility knife, can be carried out more easily than for a non-removable part. In this way, for example, an end profile for a wall can be obtained.
In a preferred embodiment, said finishing strip comprises at least one nose region, wherein the angle between a flat region on a decorative side of said finishing profile and an upper surface of said nose region is not more than 55°, more specifically not more than 45° and wherein said nose region is in line with said second curved portion. Said nose region can be used, for example, in an end profile.
In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate of said finishing strip is a wood-based substrate, more specifically an MDF (medium density fiberboard) and/or HDF (high density fiberboard). The inventor discovered that bends at an angle of less than 55° had no negative effect on the visual performance of said finishing strip. For example, no or minimal tearing and/or cracking was observed on the decorative surface of said finishing strip. If the bends are made at an angle of less than 55°, the structural integrity of said can be maintained.
Said nose region is preferably in one piece with said second curved portion and said second flank region. Said nose region is preferably in one piece with said substrate.
Preferably, a transition area between said nose region and said second curved portion is at least 50% thinner, for example at least 60% or at least 75% thinner, than said second flank region. Due to the reduced thickness of said transition area, said nose region can easily be removed from said finishing strip. For example to achieve a transition profile and/or an expansion profile. In this way, said nose region is designed to be removable.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said rail comprises a support region, wherein said main region and said support region are in one piece and wherein said support region supports said nose region. The fact that said main region and said support region are designed in one piece allows said rail to be produced in an efficient manner, for example by extrusion.
A connection area between said main region and said support region of said rail preferably has a thickness that is less than 15%, for example less than 10% of the maximum thickness of said support region. Said connection area preferably has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm. Due to the reduced thickness of said connection area, said support region can easily be removed from said rail. For example to achieve a transition profile and/or an expansion profile.
Said second flank region preferably comprises a recess, and said support region comprises at least one protruding portion that is sunk in said recess of said second flank region. Since said protruding portion is sunk in said recess, a locking of the finishing strip in the horizontal direction and an additional supporting surface of the finishing strip are achieved.
Said nose region preferably comprises at least one recess, and said support region comprises at least one protruding portion, wherein said protruding portion is sunk in said recess of said nose region. Since said protruding portion of said support region is sunk in said recess of said nose region, a locking of the finishing strip in the horizontal direction and an additional supporting surface of the finishing strip are achieved.
Said nose region preferably comprises at least one protruding portion, and said support region comprises at least one recess, wherein said protruding portion of said nose region is sunk in said recess of said support region. Since said protruding portion of said nose region is sunk in said recess of said support region, a locking of the finishing strip in the horizontal direction and an additional supporting surface of the finishing strip are achieved.
Said nose region preferably comprises at least one notch, and said support region comprises at least one supporting portion, wherein said notch rests on said supporting portion.
Said support region preferably comprises at least one notch, and said nose region comprises at least one supporting portion, wherein said supporting portion rests on said notch of said support region.
In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of said recesses and/or protruding portions and/or notches and/or supporting portions and/or resting portions of said finishing strip and/or rail to achieve a click connection between the finishing strip and the rail. In this way, easy installation and/or removal of said finishing profile can be achieved.
In a preferred embodiment, said substrate is a fiber- and/or particle-based substrate, wherein at least the fibers and/or particles of said substrate that are located at a perpendicular distance of not more than 0.2 mm from the top layer, more specifically from the underside of the top layer, are oriented according to the contour of the decorative layer of said finishing strip. Said fibers and/or particles are preferably wood fibers and/or wood particles. In this way, less waste is generated during the production process of said finishing strip, because no machining techniques, for example milling, need to be used to achieve a rounded corner.
The fibers and/or particles of said substrate as a whole are preferably oriented according to the contour of the decorative layer of said finishing strip.
Said substrate is preferably a wood-based substrate.
Said substrate preferably comprises MDF and/or HDF.
Said substrate preferably has a density of not less than 400 kilograms per cubic meter, preferably not less than 750 kilograms per cubic meter, preferably not less than 800 kilograms per cubic meter.
Said substrate preferably comprises particle board.
It is possible, for example, that said substrate comprises a layered structure, wherein a plurality of layers can each be designed in a different or similar material.
In another preferred embodiment, said substrate is a mineral-based substrate.
Said substrate preferably comprises magnesium oxide crystals.
Said substrate preferably comprises magnesium chloride and/or magnesium sulfate.
In yet another preferred embodiment, said substrate is a cement-based substrate.
In yet another preferred embodiment, said substrate is a polymer-based substrate. The base material of said substrate is preferably selected from the following list of materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), or other similar polymer types.
In the event that said substrate is a polymer-based substrate, it is desirable for said substrate to comprise fillers, for example calcium carbonate (CaCO3), chalk, tallow, wood fibers, or other similar filler material.
Preferably, the polymer chains of said polymer-based substrate that are located at a perpendicular distance of not more than 0.2 mm from the top layer are oriented according to the longitudinal direction of said finishing strip or according to the contour of the decorative layer of said finishing strip.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said substrate has a minimum flexural modulus of 1000 Newtons per square millimeter, more specifically of 2000 Newtons per square millimeter, preferably of 4000 Newtons per square millimeters. For wood-based materials, said flexural modulus is preferably determined according to the physical and technical specifications of DIN EN 622 Parts 1-5.
Said decorative layer preferably comprises a pattern. For example, a wood imitation or wood pattern or a stone imitation or stone pattern.
Said pattern preferably runs over the entire decorative surface of said finishing strip.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said decorative layer comprises a layer of printed paper.
Said printed paper preferably comprises an impregnated paper.
Said impregnated paper preferably comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin and acrylate resin.
In another preferred embodiment, said pattern is digitally applied to said substrate, for example by means of digital printing.
Preferably, a base layer is located between said pattern and said substrate, and said pattern is digitally applied to said base layer, for example by means of digital printing. Said base layer ensures better adhesion of, for example, the ink of said pattern if said ink were applied directly to the substrate, and results in better defined details of said pattern.
Said top layer preferably comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer. Said wear layer ensures that said finishing profile is protected from scratches and wear caused by daily use.
Said wear layer is preferably located over said decorative layer.
Said wear layer preferably comprises hard particles, preferably aluminum oxide particles. These hard particles provide additional resistance to scratches and wear caused by daily use of said finishing profile.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said wear layer comprises an impregnated paper.
Said impregnated paper of the wear layer preferably comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin and acrylate resin.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said wear layer comprises a cured coating. It is noted that cured coatings can also include coatings that are cured to a significant extent but not cured completely, for example coatings that are at least 70% cured, for example 80% cured.
Said cured coating preferably comprises a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating. The inventor's findings indicate that a better visual result of said first and/or second curved portion can be achieved when said wear layer comprises a cured coating.
Said wear layer preferably comprises a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating, and said wear layer does not comprise impregnated paper. The inventor discovered that the absence of impregnated paper in said wear layer eliminates the problem of torn paper in said wear layer. This results in a better visual result and minimizes the risk of visual defects on the decorative surface of said finishing strip, for example white stripes in the first or second curved portion. This also allows more vivid colors of said pattern to be made more visible on said finishing strip, for example by achieving a higher transparency of said wear layer.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intermediate layer is located between said decorative layer and said wear layer, wherein said intermediate layer preferably comprises polyurethane. By using said intermediate layer, excellent adhesion can be achieved between said wear layer and the rest of said top layer.
Preferably, an adhesive layer is located between said decorative layer and said substrate, wherein said adhesive layer preferably comprises a gluing system and wherein said gluing system preferably comprises polyurethane. By using said adhesive layer, excellent adhesion can be achieved between said decorative layer and the substrate.
The upper surface of said finishing strip preferably comprises a flat portion, wherein said flat portion is configured to run parallel to a floor covering.
An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the finishing strip comprises an insert on its underside, wherein the insert is attached to the substrate and wherein said insert comprises at least the attachment region of the finishing strip.
This embodiment has the advantage that relatively thin floor panels can also be used to produce the finishing profile. A floor panel can be machined, and the insert can be attached to the underside of the substrate of said machined floor panel, for example by means of gluing. It is thus also possible to produce finishing profiles according to the invention from relatively thin floor panels; said finishing profiles can be combined in a floor covering on at least one side of the finishing profile with similar floor panels as those from which the finishing strip is produced. This allows a nice continuous visual aspect to be achieved in a floor covering from floor panels to the finishing profile.
In finishing profiles in which the finishing strip comprises an insert, the thickness of the combination of the substrate and the top layer is at most 5.2 mm, and more preferably at most 4.5 mm, and even more preferably at most 4 mm.
This also has the advantage that finishing profiles can be produced from floor panels having a substrate based on polyvinyl chloride. These can be, for example, floor panels such as LVT panels, SPC panels or WPC panels.
The substrate can be made of filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, or of filled or unfilled polyester, or of filled or unfilled polyethylene or of filled or unfilled polypropylene.
The decorative layer can comprise a printed plastics material film, preferably a printed polyvinyl chloride film.
The decorative layer can comprise a transparent plastics material film placed on the printed plastics material film; the transparent plastics material film preferably is or comprises a polyvinyl chloride film.
The decorative layer optionally comprises a lacquer layer, more preferably an acrylate lacquer layer or a polyurethane lacquer layer.
The rail can be manufactured from plastics material, preferably from filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, preferably by means of extrusion.
The insert can be manufactured from plastics material, preferably from filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride and/or by means of extrusion. The insert can therefore be manufactured from polyvinyl chloride by means of extrusion, optionally with additional mechanical post-processing after the extrusion of the insert.
The insert is preferably bonded to the substrate, preferably by means of polyurethane adhesive.
In a preferred embodiment of the finishing profile, the finishing strip comprises a first flank region, wherein said first flank region extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of the attachment region up to a curved portion, and the finishing strip comprises a second flank region, wherein said second flank region extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of the first edge of the attachment region. The insert also comprises a first flange part at a first edge adjacent to the attachment region and a second flange part at a second edge adjacent to the attachment region, wherein the first flange part is part of the first flange region and wherein the second flange part is part of the second flange region.
An advantage of the first flange part and the second flange part is that they provide strength to the first flank region and the second flank region of the finishing strip.
Preferably, both the first flank region and the second flank region are not completely part of the insert.
The combination of substrate and top layer is preferably curved together.
In the production of the finishing strip, the combination of substrate and top layer can be bent together to its final shape. This approach makes it possible to produce at least part of the finishing strip from a floor panel. Optionally, an insert may be required that is attached to the underside of the substrate, for example by means of an adhesive bond.
Preferably, the position and orientation of the substrate and of the top layer are achieved in the finishing strip at least after a board is bent that comprises at least the substrate and the top layer laminated on the substrate.
An example of a finishing strip according to the invention in which the finishing strip comprises an insert on its underside, wherein the insert is attached to the substrate and wherein said insert comprises at least the attachment region of the finishing strip, has at least the following characteristics:

the substrate comprises a filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride matrix. Said substrate can be made up of different layers. The polyvinyl chloride matrix can comprise, for example, calcium carbonate as a filler;
the top layer comprises a decorative printed polyvinyl chloride film;
the top layer comprises a translucent or transparent wear layer that comprises a transparent or translucent polyvinyl chloride film and/or a lacquer layer; the optional lacquer layer can be, for example, an acrylate lacquer layer or a polyurethane lacquer layer.

Finishing profiles according to the invention - with and without an insert - are preferably designed in such a way that they can be split to form a finishing profile:

that is suitable for forming a transition from a floor panel on which part of the finishing profile rests to a lower floor by means of the nose region of the finishing profile; or
that is suitable for forming a transition from a first floor panel to a second floor panel, wherein the finishing profile is positioned between the first floor panel and the second floor panel and wherein the finishing profile rests on the first floor panel and the second floor panel;
that is suitable for forming a transition from a floor panel on which part of the finishing profile rests to an upright wall.

Preferably, each of these can alternatively be separated from the finishing profile according to the invention.
In addition to the aforementioned first aspect of the invention, a second essential aspect of the invention is the set of parts that work together to achieve such a finishing profile described by the first aspect of the invention.
For this purpose, the invention according to a second independent aspect relates to a set of parts for achieving a finishing profile according to the first independent aspect, wherein said set comprises at least

the finishing strip; and
the rail, wherein a main portion of said rail can be connected to an attachment portion of said finishing strip, which attachment portion extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate;

With a view to a floor covering in which the finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention is used, the invention according to an independent third aspect relates to a floor covering having a plurality of floor panels and at least one finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the floor panels comprise a substrate and a top layer attached thereto, wherein said top layer comprises at least a decorative layer and wherein said decorative layer comprises a pattern, characterized in that said floor panel has a similar structure with regard to the substrate and the top layer as said finishing strip. The term "structure" preferably encompasses material selection. The thickness of the top layer of said floor panel is preferably equal to the thickness of the top layer of said finishing strip.
Said finishing strip preferably comprises a pattern, and said pattern of said finishing strip is substantially the same as said pattern of said floor panel. As an example, both said finishing strip and said floor panel can comprise a wood pattern, wherein the wood pattern of said finishing strip is not identical to the wood pattern of said floor panel, but the wood pattern of said finishing strip may comprise a portion of the wood pattern of said floor panel or a pattern that takes into account the natural variation of wood and, as a result, has a nice match with the pattern of said floor panel. In this way, an aesthetically pleasing transition can be achieved, for example, between the floor panels at a first edge of said finishing profile and the floor panels at a second edge of said finishing profile, or between the floor panels at a first edge of said finishing profile and a wall.
In a first preferred embodiment of the floor covering according to the third aspect of the invention, at least a first said floor panel is clamped between said first curved portion and a base or subfloor. Some free space is preferably provided between the end of said floor panel and the main region of said rail of said finishing profile to allow for possible expansion of said floor panel.
Said subfloor can be designed as a separate part of said floor covering or can already be attached to said floor panel.
Preferably, a second floor panel is clamped between said second curved portion of said finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention and a base or subfloor. In this way, a floor covering having a transition profile and/or expansion profile can be achieved.
In a second preferred embodiment of the floor covering according to the third aspect of the invention, a first said floor panel is clamped between said first curved portion of said finishing profile and said clamping region of said finishing profile.
Preferably, a second floor panel is clamped between a second curved portion of said finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention and a base or subfloor.
Said floor covering preferably comprises a subfloor, wherein the region of said floor covering is free of said subfloor at the location of the portion of said floor panel that is clamped between said curved portion and said clamping region.
According to the first and/or second preferred embodiment of the floor covering according to the third aspect of the invention, at least a portion of an aforementioned flank region that extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first curved portion of said finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention adjoins an upright wall.
According to another preferred embodiment, said finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a nose region, wherein said nose region comes into contact with a base.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, said decorative layer of an aforementioned floor panel comprises a printed paper, preferably an impregnated printed paper.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, said decorative layer of an aforementioned floor panel comprises a pattern that is digitally applied to said substrate.
Preferably, a base layer is located between said digitally applied pattern and said substrate.
Said top layer of an aforementioned floor panel preferably comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer that is located above said decorative layer.
According to a preferred embodiment, said wear layer of said floor panel comprises an impregnated paper, wherein said impregnated paper comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin and acrylate resin.
According to another preferred embodiment, said wear layer of said floor panel comprises a cured coating, preferably a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating.
Preferably, an intermediate layer is located between said decorative layer and said wear layer, wherein said intermediate layer preferably comprises polyurethane.
Preferably, an adhesive layer is located between said decorative layer and said substrate of said floor panel, wherein said adhesive layer preferably comprises a gluing system and wherein said gluing system preferably comprises polyurethane.
As already mentioned with respect to the first aspect of the invention, said curved portion makes it possible for the production process of said finishing strip to be carried out more efficiently than in the state of the art; in particular rounded corners can be achieved more efficiently than in the state of the art. For this purpose, according to its fourth independent aspect, the invention is a method for manufacturing a finishing strip for use in a finishing profile according to the first aspect of the invention, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

machining a floor panel into a semi-finished product, wherein said floor panel comprises at least a substrate and a top layer, wherein said top layer comprises at least a decorative layer and wherein said decorative layer comprises at least a pattern;
bending or folding a region of said semi-finished product;
machining said semi-finished product into a finishing strip.

Preferably, during said step of machining the floor panel into the semi-finished product, a plurality of semi-finished products are manufactured from said floor panel. Thus, a plurality of finishing strips can be obtained from one floor panel. For example, panels that are qualitatively rejected for sale as floor panels could be used as raw material for manufacturing finishing strips for finishing profiles according to the first aspect of the invention. In this way, finishing strips are obtained that have a material quality that is similar to the material quality of said floor panel, and there is no need to match the color and/or pattern between the finishing profile and floor panel.
Preferably, during said step of machining the floor panel into a semi-finished product, a region to be bent or folded is obtained, wherein said region has a wall thickness of not more than 50%, preferably not more than 25%, preferably not more than 10% of the thickness of said floor panel.
The method preferably comprises the following step:

applying an adhesive in a chamber on the underside of the region of said semi-finished product that is bent or folded.

Said step of bending or folding a region of said semi-finished product is preferably carried out at an elevated temperature.
Said step of bending or folding preferably takes place progressively, wherein a first portion of the length of said semi-finished product is bent earlier than a last portion of the length of said semi-finished product.
Preferably, at least part of said semi-finished product is heated in a temperature range of 100°C to 250°C.
In embodiments where the finishing strip comprises an insert, the finishing strip can be produced according to a method in which

a floor panel comprising the substrate and the top layer is mechanically processed, at least on its underside;
said mechanically processed floor panel is bent and glued to the insert;
preferably, other mechanical operations, for example milling operations, are carried out to give the finishing strip its final shape. These mechanical operations can be carried out before or after the finishing strip is attached to the rail.

With a view to better demonstrating the characteristics of the invention, the following, by way of example and without any restrictive character, describes some preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a finishing profile according to the first aspect;
Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a set of parts according to the second aspect;
Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a floor covering according to the third aspect;
Fig. 4 shows a cross section of a further finishing profile according to the first aspect;
Fig. 5 shows a cross section of a further floor covering according to the third aspect;
Fig. 6 shows a cross section of a further finishing profile according to the first aspect;
Fig. 7 shows a cross section of a further floor covering according to the first aspect;
Fig. 8 shows a cross section of a variant of the finishing profile of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 shows a cross section of a variant of the floor covering of Fig. 3;
Fig. 10 shows a cross section of a variant of the finishing profile of Fig. 4;
Fig. 11 shows a cross section of a variant of the floor covering of Fig. 5;
Fig. 12 shows a cross section of a variant of the finishing profile of Fig. 6;
Fig. 13 shows a cross section of a variant of the floor covering of Fig. 7;
Fig. 14 shows a cross section of another variant of the floor covering of Fig. 7;
Fig. 15 shows an enlarged detail indicated by F15 in Fig. 10;
Fig. 16 shows a variant of the enlarged detail of Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 shows the various steps in obtaining a finishing strip according to the fourth aspect;
Fig. 18 shows an enlarged detail indicated by F18 in Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 shows an example of a finishing profile according to the invention;
Fig. 20 and 21 show an example of how the finishing profile of Fig. 19 can be divided;
Fig. 22-24 show examples of inserts that can be used for finishing profiles according to embodiments of the invention; and
Fig. 25 illustrates a method for producing finishing profiles according to an embodiment of the invention.

The reference signs in the various figures have the same meaning.
Fig. 1 shows a finishing profile 1 for a floor covering, wherein said profile 1 comprises a finishing strip 3, wherein said finishing strip 3 comprises a substrate 4 and wherein said finishing strip 3 comprises a top layer 5 on the upper side of said substrate 4, which top layer comprises a decorative layer 6. The finishing profile 1 comprises a rail 7, wherein a main region 8 of said rail 7 is connected to an attachment region 9 of said finishing strip 3, wherein said attachment region 9 extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate 4. Said finishing strip 3 comprises a first curved portion 10, wherein said substrate 4 and said top layer 5 are uniformly curved.
Said first curved portion 10 comprises a chamber 11, wherein said chamber 11 is filled with an adhesive 12. Said adhesive 12 is preferably a hot melt adhesive, more specifically a polyurethane hot melt adhesive or a polyamide hot melt adhesive.
Said attachment region 9 is in one piece with said substrate 4.
Said attachment region 9 comprises one downwardly directed leg 13.
Said main region 8 comprises two upwardly directed legs 14, wherein said downwardly directed leg 13 of said attachment region 9 is attached between said two upwardly directed legs 14 of said main region 8, for example by means of adhesive or clamping.
Said finishing strip 3 comprises a first flank region 15, wherein said first flank region 15 extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region 9 up to said first curved portion 10. Said first flank region 15 is in one piece with said substrate 4.
Said first curved portion 10 is located at a distal end of said first flank region 15.
Said first curved portion 10 is at least 75% thinner than said first flank region 15.
Said finishing strip 3 comprises a second flank region 16, wherein said second flank region 16 extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region 9.
Said finishing strip 3 comprises a second curved portion 10, wherein said substrate 4 and said top layer 5 are uniformly curved and wherein said second curved portion 10 is located at a distal end of said second flank region 16. Said second flank region 16 is in one piece with said substrate 4.
Said second flank region 16 comprises a recess 17 on its underside and in said substrate 4.
Said recess 17 is at least 50% thinner in the thinnest portion of said recess than said second flank region 16.
Said finishing strip 3 comprises at least one nose region 18, wherein the angle between a flat region on a decorative side of said finishing profile 1 and an upper surface of said nose region 18 is not more than 45° and wherein said nose region 18 is in line with said second curved portion 10.
The substrate 4 of said finishing strip 3 is a wood-based substrate 4, more specifically an MDF and/or HDF.
Said nose region 18 is in one piece with said second curved portion 10 and said second flank region 16.
A transition area 19 between said nose region 18 and said second curved portion 10 is at least 75% thinner than said second flank region 16. Due to the reduced thickness of said transition area, said nose region can easily be removed from said finishing strip.
Said rail 7 comprises a support region 20, wherein said main region 8 and said support region 20 are in one piece and wherein said support region 20 supports said nose region 18.
A connection area 21 between said main region 8 and said support region 20 of said rail 7 has a thickness d1 that is less than 10% of the maximum thickness d2 of said support region 20. Due to the reduced thickness of said connection area 21, said support region 20 can easily be removed from said rail 7.
Said second flank region 16 comprises a recess 17, and said support region 20 comprises a first protruding portion 22 that is sunk in said recess 17 of said second flank region 16.
Said nose region 18 comprises a recess 23 and said support region comprises a second protruding portion 22, wherein said protruding portion 22 is sunk in said recess 23 of said nose region 18.
Said nose region 18 comprises a protruding portion 24 and said support region 20 comprises a recess 25, wherein said protruding portion 24 of said nose region 18 is sunk in said recess 25 of said support region 20.
Said nose region 18 comprises a notch 26 and said support region 20 comprises a supporting portion 27, wherein said notch 26 rests on said supporting portion 27.
Said support region 20 comprises a notch 28 and said nose region 18 comprises a supporting portion 29, wherein said supporting portion 29 rests on said notch 28 of said support region 20. A lock in the vertical direction is obtained by connecting said notch 28 of said support region 20 and said supporting portion 29 of said nose region 18. The connection is obtained by means of a click connection.
Said decorative layer 6 comprises a pattern 30. For example, a wood imitation or wood pattern or a stone imitation or stone pattern.
Said pattern 30 runs over the entire decorative surface 31 of said finishing strip 3.
Said decorative layer 6 comprises a printed impregnated paper, wherein said impregnated paper comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin and acrylate resin.
The upper surface of said finishing strip comprises a flat portion 32, wherein said flat portion 32 is configured to run parallel to a floor covering 2.
Fig. 2 shows a set of parts 33 for obtaining a finishing profile 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The finishing strip 3 is the same as that shown in a connected state in Fig. 1. The rail 7 is the same as that shown in a connected state in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 1 is used and wherein a floor panel 34 is connected to said finishing profile 1. The finishing profile 1 is used as an end profile here.
The floor panel 34 comprises a substrate 35 and a top layer 36 attached thereto, wherein said top layer 36 comprises at least a decorative layer 37 and wherein said decorative layer 37 comprises a pattern 38. Said floor panel 34 comprises a similar structure with regard to the substrate 4 and the top layer 5 as said finishing strip 3. The term "structure" also encompasses material selection. The thickness of the top layer 36 of said floor panel 34 is equal to the thickness of the top layer 5 of said finishing strip 3.
The pattern 38 of said floor panel 34 is substantially the same as said pattern 30 of said finishing strip 3.
Said floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and a base 39. Some free space is provided between the end of said floor panel 34 and the main region 8 of said rail 7 of said finishing profile 1 to allow for possible expansion of said floor panel 34.
The floor covering 2 comprises a subfloor 40, wherein said subfloor 40 can be designed as a separate part of said floor covering 2 or can already be attached to said floor panel 34.
Said nose region 18 of said finishing strip 3 comes into contact with a base 39.
Fig. 4 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 1, wherein said nose region 18 has been removed at the location of said transition area 19 and wherein said support region 20 of said rail 7 has been removed at the location of said connection area 21 and wherein said finishing strip 3 is installed in said rail 7 in mirror image with respect to the installation shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 4 is used and wherein a first floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 3, is connected to said finishing profile 1 at a first edge and wherein a second floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 3, is connected to the finishing profile 1 at a second edge opposite said first edge. Said first floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and a base 39, and said second floor panel 34 is clamped between said second curved portion 10 and a base. The finishing profile 1 is used as a transition profile here.
Fig. 6 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 4, wherein a portion of said second flank region 16 has been removed at the location of said recess 17 of said second flank region 16.
Fig. 7 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 6 is used and wherein a floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 3, is connected to said finishing profile 1 at a first edge. Said floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and a base 39. The remaining portion of said second flank region 16 adjoins an upright wall 41 at the location of said recess 17 of said second flank region 16.
Fig. 8 shows a variant of the finishing profile in Fig. 1, wherein said attachment region 9 comprises two downwardly directed legs 13, wherein said main region 8 comprises an upwardly directed leg 14 and wherein said upwardly directed leg 14 comprises two branches 42 and wherein said upwardly directed leg 14 is attached between said two downwardly directed legs 13, for example by means of clamping. The two branches 42 can be designed to be resilient.
The finishing strip 3 and rail 7 are designed in such a way that said finishing strip 3 can snap into said rail 7 and that said finishing strip 3 can snap back out of said rail 7.
Said rail 7 comprises at least one clamping region 43 that is in one piece with said main region 8 and extends in the horizontal direction along at least one edge of said main region 8 and wherein said clamping region 43 is configured for clamping a floor panel 34 between said clamping region 43 and said first curved portion 10.
Said finishing strip 3 comprises a first flank region 15 and a second flank region 16, wherein both flank regions 15-16 slope downward along the underside from the adjacent aforementioned attachment region 9.
Said second flank region 16 comprises a recess 17 on the underside and in the substrate 4, wherein said recess 17 is at least 50% thinner than an adjacent portion of said second flank region 16.
Said support region 20 comprises a first notch 28 and said nose region 18 comprises a first supporting portion 29, wherein said first supporting portion 29 is located adjacent to said transition area 19 and wherein said first supporting portion 29 rests on said first notch 28 of said support region 20.
Said support region 20 comprises a supporting portion 27 and said nose region 18 comprises a notch 26, wherein said notch 26 of said nose region 18 rests on said supporting portion 27 of said support region 20.
Said support region 20 comprises a second notch 28 and said nose region 18 comprises a second supporting portion 29, wherein said second supporting portion 29 is located adjacent to said notch 26 of said nose region 18 and wherein said second supporting portion 29 rests on said notch 28 of said support region 20.
Fig. 9 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 8 is used and wherein a floor panel 34 is connected to said finishing profile 1. The finishing profile 1 is used as an end profile here. The floor panel 34 is the same as the floor panel 34 described in the context of Fig. 2.
Said floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and said clamping region 43. The region of the floor covering 2 at the location of the portion of said floor panel 34 that is clamped between said curved portion 10 and said clamping region 43 is free of said subfloor 40.
Fig. 10 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 8, wherein said nose region 18 has been removed at the location of said transition area 19 and wherein said support region 20 of said rail 7 has been removed at the location of said connection area 21 and wherein said finishing strip 3 is installed in said rail 7 in mirror image with respect to the installation shown in Fig. 8.
Fig. 11 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 10 is used and wherein a first floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 9, is connected to said finishing profile 1 at a first edge and wherein a second floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 9, is connected to the finishing profile 1 at a second edge opposite said first edge. Said first floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and a base 39, and said second floor panel 34 is clamped between said second curved portion 10 and said clamping portion 43. The finishing profile 1 is used as a transition profile here.
Fig. 12 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 10, wherein said second flank region 16 has been removed at the location of said recess 17 of said second flank region 16 and wherein said finishing strip 3 is installed in said rail 7 in mirror image with respect to the installation shown in Fig. 10.
Fig. 13 shows a portion of a cross section of a floor covering 2, wherein the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 12 is used and wherein a floor panel 34, as described in the context of Fig. 3, is connected to said finishing profile 1 at a first edge. Said floor panel 34 is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and said clamping region 43. Said attachment region 9 adjoins an upright wall 41.
Fig. 14 shows a portion of a cross section of a variant of the floor covering 2 shown in Fig. 13, wherein a part of said clamping region 43 has been removed at the location of a portion with a reduced wall thickness of said clamping region 43, whereby said floor panel is clamped between said first curved portion 10 and a base 39 or, if said subfloor is not part of said floor panel, a subfloor 40.
Fig. 15 shows an enlarged detail of the curved portion 10 as indicated by F15 in Fig. 10. The layered structure of the top layer 5 is clearly visible here. Said top layer 5 comprises said decorative layer 6, wherein said decorative layer 6 comprises a pattern 30. In a first embodiment, said decorative layer 6 is an impregnated printed paper. The decorative layer 6 could also be a printed film, for example a printed PVC film. In this first embodiment, said top layer 5 also comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer 44. In this embodiment, said wear layer 44 is an impregnated paper. According to the first embodiment, said wear layer 44 could also be a transparent or translucent film, for example PVC film. According to the first embodiment, said wear layer 44 could also be a cured coating, for example a cured acrylic coating or polyurethane coating.
In a second embodiment, said top layer 5 comprises a base layer 45 to which a pattern 30 is digitally applied, for example by means of digital printing, for example inkjet printing. Said top layer 5 comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer 44 over said pattern 30, as in the first embodiment.
Fig. 16 shows an enlarged detail of a variant of the curved portion 10 from Fig. 15. Wherein said wear layer 44 comprises a cured coating, for example a cured acrylic coating, and wherein an intermediate layer 46 is located between said wear layer 44 and said decorative layer 6, wherein said intermediate layer 46 comprises polyurethane.
Fig. 17 shows the various steps for obtaining a finishing profile 1 as shown in Fig. 1, beginning with step A, in which a cross section of a floor panel 34 or a portion of a floor panel 34 is provided. Said floor panel 34 comprises a substrate 35 and a top layer 36, wherein said top layer 36 comprises a decorative layer 37 and a transparent or translucent wear layer 50. Said decorative layer 37 comprises a pattern 38, for example a wood pattern or a stone pattern. It is possible for a plurality of finishing strips 3 to be obtained from one floor panel 34.
Fig. 18 shows an enlarged detail of the cross section of the floor panel 34 or the portion of the floor panel 34 indicated by F18 in Fig. 17, in which the layered structure of the top layer 36 of said floor panel 34 is clearly shown. Said top layer 36 of said floor panel 34 comprises a decorative layer 37 having an intermediate layer 51 thereover, wherein said intermediate layer 51 comprises polyurethane, and a transparent or translucent wear layer 50 thereover, wherein said wear layer 50 comprises a cured acrylic coating.
In step B of Fig. 17, said floor panel 34 is machined into a semi-finished product 47. The method comprises a step in which the floor panel 34 is machined into a semi-finished product 47. During the step of machining the floor panel 34 into a semi-finished product 47, a region 48 to be bent or folded is obtained, wherein said region 48 has a wall thickness of not more than 25%, for example 10% of the thickness of said floor panel 34. During said machining step, said recesses 17, 23, protruding portions 24, notches 26, and supporting portions 29 present in the substrate 4 of the final finishing strip 3 can be preformed.
The method comprises a step in which adhesive 12 is applied in a chamber 49 on the underside of the region 48 of said semi-finished product 47 that is bent or folded.
The method comprises a step in which a region 48 of said semi-finished product 47 is bent. In step C, a cross section of the semi-finished product 47 is shown after said bending step.
The method comprises a step in which the said semi-finished product 47 is further machined in a bent state into a finishing strip 3. In step D, a cross section of the finishing strip 3 obtained after said step of machining said semi-finished product 47 in a bent state into a finishing strip 3 is shown.
In step E, a cross section of the finishing profile 1 obtained by installing said finishing strip 3 of step D in a rail 7 is shown.
Fig. 19 shows an example of a finishing profile 1 according to the invention. The reference signs have the same meaning as in the preceding figures. The finishing profile 1 comprises a finishing strip 3 and a rail 8. The finishing strip 3 comprises a substrate 4, a top layer 5, and an insert 81. The insert 81 is attached to the underside of the substrate 4 by means of an adhesive bond.
The insert 81 comprises the attachment region 9. The insert 81 also comprises a first flange part 83 at a first edge adjacent to the attachment region 9, wherein the first flange part 83 is part of the first flank region 15. The insert 81 also comprises a second flange part 84 at a second edge adjacent to the attachment region 9, wherein the second flange part 84 is part of the second flank region 16.
Fig. 20 and 21 show examples of how the finishing profile of Fig. 19 can be divided into finishing profiles that can be used in floor coverings.
Fig. 20 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 19, wherein said nose region 18 has been removed at the location of said transition area 19 and wherein said nose support region 20 of said rail 7 has been removed at the location of said connection area 21. The rail 8 and the insert 81 are also split. The other reference signs have the same meaning as in the other figures. The finishing profile 1 of Fig. 20 can be used in the same way as the similar finishing profile 1 of Fig. 4, for example in an application as shown in Fig. 5 for the profile of Fig. 4.
Fig. 21 shows the finishing profile 1 from Fig. 19, wherein a portion of said second flank region 16 has been removed at the location of said recess 17 of said second flank region 16. The rail 8 and the insert 81 are also split. The other reference signs have the same meaning as in the other figures. The finishing profile 1 of Fig. 21 can be used in the same way as the similar finishing profile 1 of Fig. 6, for example in an application as shown in Fig. 7 for the profile of Fig. 6 for connecting a floor covering to an upright wall 41.
Fig. 22-24 show examples of inserts 81 that can be used for finishing profiles according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 22 shows the insert 81 used in the finishing profile of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 and 23 show alternatives that can be used in the same way in finishing profiles as shown in Fig. 19.
The inserts 81 of Fig. 22-24 comprise the attachment region 9. Said inserts 81 also comprise a first flange part 83 at a first edge adjacent to the attachment region 9. In the finishing profile, a part of the first flange part forms part of the first flank region of the finishing profile. Said inserts 81 also comprise a second flange part 84 at a second edge adjacent to the attachment region 9. In the finishing profile, a part of the second flange part 84 forms part of the second flank region of the finishing profile.
Fig. 25 illustrates a method for producing finishing profiles according to an embodiment of the invention, more specifically for producing finishing profiles that comprise inserts, for example for producing a finishing profile as shown in Fig. 19.
A floor panel 34 having a thickness of 5 mm comprises a substrate made of polyvinyl chloride filled with calcium carbonate and a top layer. The top layer comprises a decorative printed polyvinyl chloride film, to which a transparent polyvinyl chloride film and a transparent acrylate lacquer have been applied.
Said floor panel is milled on the underside, whereby a semi-finished product is obtained as shown in Fig. 25A. Said semi-finished product is bent into the shape shown in Fig. 25B. On the underside, an insert 81 is glued to the substrate (in the example an insert as shown in Fig. 22, but other inserts are also possible, for example the inserts of Fig. 23 and of Fig. 24), and the rail 8 is attached, resulting in the semi-finished product of Fig. 25C. The insert 81 and the rail 8 can be polyvinyl profiles, with or without a filler (for example with calcium carbonate as a filler) and can be extruded profiles.
Subsequently, mechanical operations (for example milling operations) are carried out, wherein the final finishing profile 1 as shown in Fig. 25D is obtained; in the example shown, this is the finishing profile of Fig. 19.
The invention also relates to the following list of numbered items:

1.- A finishing profile (1) for a floor covering (2), wherein the profile comprises
- a finishing strip (3), wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a substrate (4) and wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a top layer (5) on the upper side of said substrate (4), which top layer comprises at least a decorative layer (6);
- a rail (7), wherein a main region (8) of said rail (7) is connected to an attachment region (9) of said finishing strip (3), wherein said attachment region (9) extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate (4);
- characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first curved portion (10),
- wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved.
2.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the underside of said first curved portion (10) comprises a chamber (11), wherein said chamber (11) is at least partially filled with adhesive (12).
3.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that said attachment region (9) is in one piece with said substrate (4).
4.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 3, characterized in that said attachment region (9) comprises at least one downwardly directed leg (13).
5.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 4, characterized in that said main region (8) comprises at least one upwardly directed leg (14).
6.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 5, characterized in that at least one lateral surface of said downwardly directed leg (13) makes contact with at least one lateral surface of said upwardly directed leg (14).
7.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 5 or 6, characterized in that said main region (8) comprises two upwardly directed legs, wherein said downwardly directed leg (13) of said attachment region (9) is attached between said two upwardly directed legs of said main region (8), for example by means of adhesive or clamping.
8.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 5 or 6, characterized in that said attachment region (9) comprises two downwardly directed legs and wherein said main region (8) comprises at least one upwardly directed leg (14) and wherein said upwardly directed leg (14) is attached between said two downwardly directed legs, for example by means of adhesive or clamping.
9.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said rail (7) comprises at least one clamping region (43) that is in one piece with said main region (8) and extends in the horizontal direction along at least one edge of said main region (8) and wherein said clamping region (43) is configured for clamping a floor panel (34) between said clamping region (43) and said first curved portion (10).
10.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first flank region (15), wherein said first flank region (15) extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region (9) up to said first curved portion (10).
11.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 10, characterized in that said first curved portion (10) is located at a distal end of said first flank region (15).
12.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 10 or 11, characterized in that said first curved portion (10) is at least 50% thinner than said first flank region (15).
13.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 9 to 12, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a second flank region (16), wherein said second flank region (16) extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region (9).
14.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 13, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a second curved portion (10), wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved and wherein said second curved portion (10) is located at a distal end of said second flank region (16).
15.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 13 or 14, characterized in that said first flank region (15) and/or said second flank region (16) comprises at least one recess (17) on its underside and in said substrate (4).
16.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 15, characterized in that said recess (17) is at least 50% thinner than said first and/or second flank region (16).
17.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 13 to 16, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises at least one nose region (18), wherein the angle between a flat region on a decorative side of said finishing profile (1) and an upper surface of said nose region (18) is not more than 45° and wherein said nose region (18) is in line with said second curved portion (10).
18.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 17, characterized in that said nose region (18) is in one piece with said second curved portion (10) and said second flank region (16).
19.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 18, characterized in that a transition area (19) between said nose region (18) and said second curved portion (10) is at least 50% thinner than said second flank region (16).
20.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 17 to 19, characterized in that said rail (7) comprises a support region (20), wherein said main region (8) and said support region (20) are in one piece and wherein said support region (20) supports said nose region (18).
21.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 20, characterized in that a connection area (21) of the rail (7) between said main region (8) and said support region (20) has a thickness that is less than 15% of the maximum thickness of said support region (20) and/or is less than 1.5 mm.
22.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 20 or 21, characterized in that said second flank region (16) comprises a recess (17), and in that said support region (20) comprises at least one protruding portion (22) that is sunk in said recess (17) of said second flank region (16).
23.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 20 to 22, characterized in that said nose region (18) comprises at least one recess (23) and wherein said support region (20) comprises at least one protruding portion (22), wherein said protruding portion (22) is sunk in said recess (23) of said nose region (18).
24.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 20 to 23, characterized in that said nose region (18) comprises at least one protruding portion (24) and wherein said support region (20) comprises at least one recess (25), wherein said protruding portion (24) of said nose region (18) is sunk in said recess (25) of said support region (20).
25.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 20 to 24, characterized in that said nose region (18) comprises at least one notch (26) and wherein said support region (20) comprises at least one supporting portion (27), wherein said notch (26) rests on said supporting portion (27).
26.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 20 to 25, characterized in that said support region (20) comprises at least one notch (28) and wherein said nose region (18) comprises at least one supporting portion (29), wherein said supporting portion (29) rests on said notch (28) of said support region (20).
27.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said substrate (4) is a fiber- and/or particle-based substrate (4) and wherein at least the fibers and/or particles of said substrate (4) that are located at a perpendicular distance of not more than 0.2 mm from the top layer (5) are oriented according to the contour of the decorative layer (6) of said finishing strip (3).
28.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said substrate (4) is a wood-based substrate (4).
29.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 28, characterized in that said substrate (4) comprises MDF and/or HDF.
30.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 28 or 29, characterized in that said substrate (4) comprises particle board.
31.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 27, characterized in that said substrate (4) is a mineral-based substrate (4).
32.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 31, characterized in that said substrate (4) comprises magnesium oxide crystals.
33.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 31 or 32, characterized in that said substrate (4) comprises magnesium chloride and/or magnesium sulfate.
34.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 27, characterized in that said substrate (4) is a cement-based substrate (4).
35.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 27, characterized in that said substrate (4) is a polymer-based substrate (4).
36.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said substrate (4) has a minimum flexural modulus of 1000 Newtons per square millimeter.
37.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said decorative layer (6) comprises a pattern (30).
38.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 37, characterized in that said pattern (30) runs continuously over the entire decorative surface (31) of said finishing strip (3).
39.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said decorative layer (6) comprises a printed paper.
40.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 39, characterized in that said printed paper comprises an impregnated paper.
41.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 40, characterized in that said impregnated paper comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin and acrylate resin.
42.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 37 or 38, characterized in that said pattern (30) is digitally applied to said substrate (4).
43.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 42, characterized in that a base layer (45) is located between said pattern (30) and said substrate (4).
44.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said top layer (5) comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer (44).
45.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 44, characterized in that said wear layer (44) is located over said decorative layer (6).
46.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 44 or 45, characterized in that said wear layer (44) comprises hard particles, preferably aluminum oxide particles.
47.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 44 to 46, characterized in that said wear layer (44) comprises an impregnated paper.
48.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 47, characterized in that said impregnated paper comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin or acrylate resin.
49.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 44 to 48, characterized in that said wear layer (44) comprises a cured coating.
50.- The finishing profile (1) according to item 49, characterized in that said cured coating comprises a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating.
51.- The finishing profile (1) according to items 44 to 46, characterized in that said wear layer (44) comprises a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating and does not comprise an impregnated paper.
52.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of items 49 to 51, characterized in that an intermediate layer (46) is located between said decorative layer (6) and substrate (4) said wear layer (44), wherein said intermediate layer (46) preferably comprises PU.
53.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative surface (31) of said finishing strip (3) comprises a flat portion (32) and wherein said flat portion (32) is configured to run parallel to a floor covering (2).
54.- The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the finishing strip (3) comprises an insert (81) on its underside, wherein the insert (81) is attached to the substrate (4) and wherein said insert (81) comprises at least the attachment region (9) of the finishing strip (3).
55.- The finishing profile according to items 54, characterized in that the thickness of the combination of the substrate (4) and the top layer (4) is at most 5.2 mm, and preferably at most 4.5 mm, and more preferably at most 4 mm.
56.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-55, characterized in that the substrate (4) is made of filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, or of filled or unfilled polyester, or of filled or unfilled polyethylene or of filled or unfilled polypropylene.
57.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-56, characterized in that the decorative layer (6) comprises a printed plastics material film, preferably a printed polyvinyl chloride film.
58.- The finishing profile according to item 57, characterized in that the decorative layer comprises a transparent plastics material film placed on the printed plastics material film, wherein the transparent plastics material film preferably is or comprises a polyvinyl chloride film, and wherein the decorative layer optionally comprises a lacquer layer, preferably an acrylate lacquer layer or a polyurethane lacquer layer.
59.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-58, characterized in that the rail (7) is made of plastics material, preferably of filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, preferably produced by means of extrusion.
60.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-59, characterized in that the insert (81) is made of plastics material, preferably of filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, preferably produced by means of extrusion.
61.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-60, characterized in that the insert (81) is adhered to the substrate (4), preferably by means of polyurethane adhesive.
62.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items 54-61, characterized in that the finishing strip (3) comprises a first flank region (15), wherein said first flank region (15) extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region (9) up to the first curved portion (10), wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a second flank region (16), wherein said second flank region (16) extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region (9), wherein the insert (81) comprises a first flange part (83) at a first edge adjacent to the attachment region (9) and a second flange part (84) at a second edge adjacent to the attachment region (9), wherein the first flange part (83) is part of the first flank region (15) and wherein the second flange part (84) is part of the second flank region (16).
63.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the combination of substrate (4) and top layer (5) is curved together.
64.- The finishing profile according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the position and orientation of the substrate (4) and of the top layer (5) are obtained at least after a board is bent that comprises at least the substrate (4) and the top layer (5) laminated on the substrate (4).
65.- A set of parts (33) for obtaining a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64, wherein said set comprises at least
- the finishing strip (3);
- the rail (7), wherein a main portion (8) of said rail (7) can be connected to an attachment portion (9) of said finishing strip (3), which attachment portion extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate (4);
- characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first curved portion (10),
- wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved.
66.- A floor covering (2) having a plurality of floor panels and at least one finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64, wherein the floor panels comprise a substrate (35) and a top layer (5) attached thereto, wherein said top layer (5) comprises at least a decorative layer (6) and wherein said decorative layer (6) comprises a pattern, characterized in that said floor panel (34) has a similar structure with regard to the substrate (35) and the top layer (36) as said finishing strip (3).
67.- The floor covering (2) according to item 66, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a pattern (30), and in that said pattern (30) of said finishing strip (3) is substantially the same as said pattern (38) of said floor panel (34).
68.- The floor covering (2) according to item 66 or 67, characterized in that said finishing profile (1) is a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64 and wherein at least an aforementioned floor panel (34) is clamped between said first curved portion (10) and a base (39) or subfloor (40).
69.- The floor covering (2) according to item 68, characterized in that said finishing profile (1) is a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64 and according to item 14 and wherein a second floor panel (34) is clamped between said second curved portion (10) and a base (39) or subfloor (40).
70.- The floor covering (2) according to any of items 66 or 67, characterized in that said finishing profile (1) is a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64 and according to item 9 and wherein a first said floor panel (34) is clamped between said first curved portion (10) and said clamping region (43).
71.- The floor covering (2) according to item 70, characterized in that said finishing profile (1) is a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64 and according to item 14 and wherein a second floor panel (34) is clamped between a second curved portion (10) and a base (39) or subfloor (40).
72.- The floor covering (2) according to item 70 or 71, characterized in that said floor covering (2) comprises a subfloor (40) and wherein the region of said floor covering (2) is free of said subfloor (40) at the location of the portion of an aforementioned floor panel (34) that is clamped between said curved portion (10) and said clamping region (43).
73.- The floor covering (2) according to item 68, characterized in that at least a portion of an aforementioned flank region that extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first curved portion (10) adjoins an upright wall (41).
74.- The floor covering (2) according to item 70, characterized in that at least a portion of an aforementioned flank region that extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first curved portion (10) adjoins an upright wall (41).
75.- The floor covering (2) according to item 68, characterized in that said finishing profile (1) is a finishing profile (1) according to any of items 1 to 64 and according to item 17, wherein said nose region (18) comes into contact with a base (39).
76.- The floor covering (2) according to any of items 66 to 75, characterized in that said decorative layer (6) of an aforementioned floor panel (34) comprises a printed paper, preferably an impregnated printed paper.
77.- The floor covering (2) according to any of items 66 to 76, characterized in that said decorative layer (6) of an aforementioned floor panel (34) comprises a pattern (38) that is digitally applied to said substrate (35).
78.- The floor covering (2) according to item 77, characterized in that a base layer (45) is located between said pattern (38) and said substrate (35).
79.- The floor covering (2) according to any of items 66 to 78, characterized in that said top layer (36) of an aforementioned floor panel (34) comprises a transparent or translucent wear layer (50) that is located above said decorative layer (37).
80.- The floor covering (2) according to item 79, characterized in that said wear layer (50) comprises an impregnated paper and wherein said impregnated paper comprises melamine resin or acrylate resin or a combination of melamine resin or acrylate resin.
81.- The floor covering (2) according to item 79 or 80, characterized in that said wear layer (50) comprises a cured coating, preferably a cured acrylic coating or polyester coating or polyurethane coating.
82.- The floor covering (2) according to any of items 66 to 81, characterized in that an intermediate layer (51) is located between said decorative layer (37) and said wear layer (50), wherein said intermediate layer (51) preferably comprises PU.
83.- A method for manufacturing a finishing strip (3) for use in a finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding items 1 to 64, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:
- machining a floor panel (34) into a semi-finished product (47), wherein said floor panel (34) comprises at least a substrate (35) and a top layer (36), wherein said top layer (36) comprises at least a decorative layer (37) and wherein said decorative layer (37) comprises at least a pattern (38);
- bending or folding a region of said semi-finished product (47);
- machining said semi-finished product (47) into a finishing strip (3).
84.- The method according to item 83, characterized in that, during said step of machining the floor panel (34) into the semi-finished product (47), a plurality of semi-finished products are manufactured from said floor panel (34).
85.- The method according to item 83 or 84, characterized in that, during said step of machining the floor panel (34) into a semi-finished product (47), a region (48) to be bent or folded is obtained, wherein said region (48) has a wall thickness of not more than 50% of the thickness of said floor panel (34).
86.- The method according to any of items 83 to 85, characterized in that the method comprises the following step:
- applying an adhesive in a chamber (49) on the underside of the region of said semi-finished product (47) that is bent or folded.
87.- The method according to any of items 83 to 86, characterized in that said step of bending or folding a region of said semi-finished product (47) is carried out at an elevated temperature.
88.- The method according to item 87, characterized in that at least part of said semi-finished product (47) is heated in a temperature range of 100°C to 250°C.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as examples and shown in the figures, but such finishing profiles, sets of parts, floor coverings and methods can be implemented according to various variants without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A finishing profile (1) for a floor covering (2), wherein the profile comprises
- a finishing strip (3), wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a substrate (4) and wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a top layer (5) on the upper side of said substrate (4), which top layer comprises at least a decorative layer (6);

- a rail (7), wherein a main region (8) of said rail (7) is connected to an attachment region (9) of said finishing strip (3), wherein said attachment region (9) extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate (4);

characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first curved portion (10),

wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved.
The finishing profile (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said attachment region (9) comprises at least one downwardly directed leg (13) and in that said main region (8) comprises at least one upwardly directed leg (14).
The finishing profile (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said main region (8) comprises two upwardly directed legs, wherein said downwardly directed leg (13) of said attachment region (9) is attached between said two upwardly directed legs of said main region (8), for example by means of adhesive or clamping.
The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rail (7) comprises at least one clamping region (43) that is in one piece with said main region (8) and extends in the horizontal direction along at least one edge of said main region (8) and wherein said clamping region (43) is configured for clamping a floor panel (34) between said clamping region (43) and said first curved portion (10).
The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first flank region (15), wherein said first flank region (15) extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region (9) up to said first curved portion (10).
The finishing profile (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a second flank region (16), wherein said second flank region (16) extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region (9).
The finishing profile (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a second curved portion (10), wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved and wherein said second curved portion (10) is located at a distal end of said second flank region (16).
The finishing profile (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the finishing strip (3) comprises an insert (81) on its underside, wherein the insert (81) is attached to the substrate (4) and wherein said insert (81) comprises at least the attachment region (9) of the finishing strip (3).
The finishing profile according to claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the combination of the substrate (4) and the top layer (4) is at most 5.2 mm, and preferably at most 4.5 mm, and more preferably at most 4 mm.
The finishing profile according to any of the preceding claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the insert (81) is made of plastics material, preferably of filled or unfilled polyvinyl chloride, preferably produced by means of extrusion.
The finishing profile according to any of the preceding claims 8-10, characterized in that the finishing strip (3) comprises a first flank region (15), wherein said first flank region (15) extends in the horizontal direction along a first edge of said attachment region (9) up to the first curved portion (10), wherein said finishing strip (3) comprises a second flank region (16), wherein said second flank region (16) extends in the horizontal direction along an opposite edge of said first edge of said attachment region (9), wherein the insert (81) comprises a first flange part (83) at a first edge adjacent to the attachment region (9) and a second flange part (84) at a second edge adjacent to the attachment region (9), wherein the first flange part (83) is part of the first flank region (15) and wherein the second flange part (84) is part of the second flank region (16).
A set of parts (33) for obtaining a finishing profile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said set comprises at least
- the finishing strip (3);

- the rail (7), wherein a main portion (8) of said rail (7) can be connected to an attachment portion (9) of said finishing strip (3), which attachment portion extends in the vertical direction on the underside of said substrate (4);

characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a first curved portion (10),

wherein said substrate (4) and said top layer (5) are uniformly curved.
A floor covering (2) having a plurality of floor panels and at least one finishing profile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the floor panels comprise a substrate (35) and a top layer (5) attached thereto, wherein said top layer (5) comprises at least one decorative layer (6) and wherein said decorative layer (6) comprises a pattern, characterized in that said floor panel (34) has a similar structure with regard to the substrate (35) and the top layer (36) as said finishing strip (3).
The floor covering (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that said finishing strip (3) comprises a pattern (30), and in that said pattern (30) of said finishing strip (3) is substantially the same as said pattern (38) of said floor panel (34).