ES2401735T3 - An installation method to connect floor panels in rows by vertical folding - Google Patents

Abstract

An installation method for connecting floor panels (1, 1 ', 1' ') in rows by vertical folding, being rectangular or square floor panel and comprising two long edges (5a, 5b) and two short edges (4a, 4b ), the long edges as well as the short edges being provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panel to immobilize two adjacent panels vertically and horizontally, the first and second connectors (9, 10, 6, 8, 14) of the long edges to be immobilized with an angle positioning, while the first and second connectors of the short edges (20, 30, 6, 8,14) are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding; wherein each first connector comprises an immobilization band (6) with an immobilization element (8) directed upwards at one edge of the relief panel and an immobilization groove (14) open downwards at an opposite edge of the panel (1, 1 ', 1' ') of ground to connect the edges of two adjacent panels horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the edges, and each second connector comprises a tongue (10, 30) on one edge of the floor panel, which extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge , and a tongue groove (9, 20) open horizontally on an opposed edge of the floor panel to connect the edges of two adjacent panels vertically; and wherein a long edge of a new panel (1 ') in a second row (R2) is configured to be connected to a long edge (5b) of a first panel (1' ') in a first row (R1) by angled positioning, so that a short edge (4b) of the new panel (1) and a short edge (4a) of a second panel (1) in a second row (R2) are configured to be connected with the same angled movement ; in which at least a part of the first and second connectors of the short edges (4a, 4b) that is active in the vertical immobilization at the short edges is flexible and is configured to be displaced horizontally during vertical folding, thereby creating a horizontal separation pressure (SP) between adjacent short edges (4a, 4b); method in which a first panel (1 '') and a second (1) are laid flat on a hearth with long edges connected to each other; the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a first long edge (5a) of a new panel (1 ') at an angle with the top of a second long edge (5b) of the first panel (1' '), b) contacting a short edge (4b) of the new panel (1 ') with a short edge (4a) of the second panel, whereby the new panel (1') is held in this position by the connectors of the long edges and / or short, c) press a short-edge section (4b) of the new panel (1 ') down towards the hearth, and d) connect the first (1' '), second (1) and new (1') panels between yes with vertical folding; whereby the method is characterized in that step b) of the method comprises the additional step of bringing the first panel (1 '') and the new panel (1 ') to an intermediate position in which the long edges have superior vertical contact points (CP1) and lower (CP2) and inner (CP3) and outer (CP4) horizontal contact points between adjacent surfaces of the first and second long edges (5a, 5b) while pressing the upper edge of the first panel (1 '') against the upper edge of the new panel (1 '), whereby, in said intermediate position, the new panel (1') is positioned at an angle so that its short edge (4b) is in initial contact with said flexible part of the short edge (4a) of the second panel (1) which is intended to be displaced horizontally during the vertical folding, so that preferably the new panel (1 ') is at an angle with the main plane of approximately 10 degrees in said intermediate position.

Description

An installation method to connect floor panels in rows by vertical folding

5 Area of the invention

The invention generally relates to the field of floor panels with mechanical immobilization systems with a flexible and movable tongue that allows easy installation. The invention provides new installation methods.

Background of the invention

In particular, although not restrictively, the invention is about a mechanical immobilization system for rectangular floor panels with long and short edges. It should be emphasized that long and short edges are only used

15 to simplify the description. The panels could also be square, they could have more than four edges and the adjacent edges could have angles other than 90 degrees. However, the invention is also applicable to construction panels in general. More particularly, the invention relates to the type of mechanical immobilization systems that allows all four edges of a panel to be immobilized to other panels by a single angle positioning action comprising a flexible and / or movable and / or flexible tongue. swivel in order to facilitate the installation of construction panels.

A floor panel of this type is presented in WO 2006/043893, which discloses a floor panel with an immobilization system comprising an immobilization element that cooperates with an immobilization groove, for horizontal immobilization, and a tongue flexible that cooperates with a 25-tongue groove, to immobilize in a vertical direction. The flexible tongue is buckled in the horizontal plane during the connection of the floor panels and makes it possible to install the panels by vertical folding or only by vertical movement. By "vertical folding" means a three-panel connection in which first and second panels are in a connected state and in which a single angle positioning action of a new panel, called "folding panel", connects two perpendicular edges of the new panel, at the same time, to the first and second panels. Such a connection takes place for example when a long edge of the first panel of a first row is already connected to a long edge of a second panel of a second row. The new folding panel is then connected by angle positioning to the long edge of the first panel of the first row. This specific type of angle positioning action, which also connects the short edge of the new folding panel and the second panel, is called "vertical folding." Short edges are usually

35 connect horizontally with a band comprising an immobilization element in a "band panel" and an immobilization groove in the lower part of the folding panel that cooperates with the immobilization element of the band panel. It is also possible to connect two panels by lowering a whole panel only by a vertical movement against another panel. This specific type of immobilization is called "vertical immobilization." A first row in a flooring system, which is designed to be immobilized by vertical folding, is often connected with a vertical immobilization in which a short edge is pressed down vertically towards another short edge. The other rows are connected with vertical folding. It is also possible to install an entire floor by connecting a row with vertical immobilization. The entire row is then connected to a previously installed row through an angle positioning.

Similar floor panels are further described in WO 2003/016654, which discloses an immobilization system comprising a tongue with a flexible flange. The tongue extends and buckles essentially in a vertical direction and the tip of the flange cooperates with a tongue groove for vertical immobilization.

WO 01/51732 A1 refers to panel elements for forming a floor covering. The panel elements comprise connection means in the form of a tongue and groove joint. The tongue interacts with the groove in such a way that two interconnected panel elements are protected against separation forces.

55 WO 01/02670 A1 refers to a floor panel fastening system that uses retention profiles. The mutually matching retention profiles have complementary hook elements that can be engaged together. The hook elements have retention surfaces by means of which the panels are held against each other when they are mounted for the formation of a hollow-free surface.

Vertical immobilization and vertical folding of this type create a separation pressure at the short edges when the flexible tongue or the flexible parts of the tongue move horizontally in a double action during the long-angle positioning of the edges. Parts of the tongue move inward during the initial part of the immobilization and then move to the initial position during the final part of the immobilization action. The inventor has analyzed several types of floor panels and has discovered that there is a considerable risk that short edges can be pushed away from each other during installation and that a gap can be produced between the edge portions of short edges . Such a gap could prevent continuing with

the installation and floor panels could not connect. It could also cause serious damage to the immobilization system at short edges. Pushing the floorboards sideways towards the short edges during installation could prevent the gap. Such an installation method is however complicated and difficult to use since three actions have to be combined and used simultaneously in relation to an angle positioning.

5 descending from the long edges as described below.

a) The edges of a new floor panel must be brought into contact with a first floor panel lying on the floor and the long edge of the new panel must be pressed forward at an angle towards the first panel.

b) The new panel must be moved laterally, in the pressed position and angled upwards, and pressed laterally against a short edge of a second panel lying on the ground in order to counteract the counter pressure of the tongue.

15 c) The new panel must finally be positioned at an angle down to the ground and the forward and lateral pressure must be maintained during the angle positioning action.

The inventor has discovered that separation and installation problems often occur when the panels are thin or when the panel core is made of a material with smooth surfaces such as high density fiberboard (HDF). Such problems could also occur when the panels are short or in relation to the installation of the first or last panel of each row since such installation is generally done with panels that are cut to a shorter length in order to adapt the floor to the floor. wall position. The separation problems are of course extremely difficult to handle on any type of panels using immobilization systems with a strong flexible tongue that creates a substantial separation pressure.

25 horizontal during vertical folding. Such strong tabs are very important in many applications where a high quality vertical connection is required and panels with such flexible tabs are very difficult to install with known installation methods. The purpose of the invention is to solve problems of flooring separation that is intended to be installed with vertical folding or vertical immobilization.

Definition of some terms

In the following text, the visible surface of the installed floor panel is called "front face", while the opposite side of the floor panel, which faces the floor, is called "rear face". The edge between the front and back faces is called the "joint edge". If not defined otherwise, upper and lower mean towards the front face and towards

35 the back face. Interior and exterior mean near or far from the center of the panel. By "horizontal plane" is meant a plane that extends parallel to the outside of the surface layer. Immediately juxtaposed upper parts of two adjacent joint edges of two floor panels joined together define a "vertical plane" perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

By "joint" or "immobilization system" means joint action connection means, which connect the floor panels vertically and / or horizontally. By "mechanical immobilization system" it is meant that the union can take place without a tail. Mechanical immobilization systems can also be combined in many cases with gluing. By "integrated in" is meant formed in one piece with the panel or factory connected to the panel.

By "flexible tongue" is meant a separate tongue that has at least some flexible parts and that has a length direction along the joint edges and that is forming a part of the vertical immobilization system. The entire tongue could for example be buckling or could have flexible or resilient parts that can be buckled and / or compressed and that could at least partially jump back to or into its initial position.

By "angle positioning" is meant a connection that is produced by a turning movement, during which there is an angular change between two parts that are being connected, or disconnected. When the angle positioning refers to a connection of two floor panels, the angular movement

55 takes place with the upper parts of the joint edges being at least partially in contact with each other during at least part of the movement.

By "angle positioning immobilization system" is meant a mechanical immobilization system that could be connected vertically and horizontally with angle positioning comprising a tongue and a groove that immobilize two adjacent edges in a vertical direction and an immobilization band with an immobilization element on one edge of a panel called "band panel" that cooperates with an immobilization groove on another edge of a panel called "crevice panel" and immobilizes the edges in a horizontal direction. The immobilization element and the immobilization groove have generally rounded guiding surfaces that guide the immobilization element into the groove of

65 immobilization and immobilization surfaces that freeze and prevent horizontal separation between the edges.

By "installation angle" is meant the angle generally used between two panels that are in the initial stage of an angle positioning installation when a panel is in an upwardly angled position and pressed with its upper edge against the upper edge from another panel lying flat on the floor. The angle of

The installation is generally approximately 25 degrees and, in this position, there are only two points of contact between the band panel and the slit panel. In very special cases, in which there may be more than two contact points between the connectors, the installation angle is greater than 25 degrees.

By "three point contact angle" is meant the angle between two floor panels during angle positioning when there are at least three contact points between parts of the immobilization system.

By "contact angle" is meant the angle of the folding panel when the short edge of a panel is brought into initial contact with the part of the flexible tongue that is intended to be displaced horizontally and which is active in the vertical immobilization in The short edges.

15 By "guidance angle" is meant the angle between two floor panels during angle positioning when guiding surfaces of the immobilization element in the immobilization band and / or in the immobilization groove are in contact with each other or with the upper part of the immobilization element or the lower part of the immobilization groove, respectively. The guiding surfaces are often rounded or bevelled parts that, during angle positioning, press the upper edges of the panels towards each other and facilitate the insertion of the immobilization element into the immobilization groove. Most market restraint systems have a guiding angle of approximately 5 degrees.

By "immobilization angle" is meant the angle between two floor panels in a final stage of an action

25 of angle positioning when the active immobilization surfaces of the immobilization element and the immobilization groove are in an initial contact with each other. Most immobilization systems have immobilization angles of approximately 3 degrees or less.

By "friction angle" is meant the angle when the friction along the long edges increases considerably during the angle positioning from an installation angle due to the fact that more than two contact points are active in a system of immobilization of angle positioning and counteracts the movement along the long edges.

With "tongue pressure" means the pressure in N when a tongue is in a position

35 default. With "maximum tongue pressure" is meant the pressure of the tongue when it is in the inner position during vertical folding and with "pre-tension of tongue" means the tongue pressure in immobilized position when the tongue presses against a part of the tongue groove.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is directed to a set of floor panels or a floating floor with a mechanical immobilization system that will improve the installation of floor panel installed with vertical folding and that will counteract or prevent the separation of short edges during installation . More precisely, the invention relates to an installation method as defined in claim 1. In the dependent claims,

45 define preferred embodiments.

The invention is based on a first basic premise that such separation problems are mainly related to the long edge immobilization system. All known immobilization systems, which are used to immobilize panels with angled positioning, are very easy to move along the joint when the floor panels are in an initial position at an angle relative to each other. The friction increases considerably at a small angle, when the floor panels are almost in an immobilized position. This means that the friction between the long edges is not sufficient to prevent the displacement of the short edges during the initial stage of vertical folding when the angle is large and when a part of the flexible tongue has to be pressed horizontally in order to allow the folding

55 vertical. The friction between the long edges will increase, in most immobilization systems, at a small angle, but this is a disadvantage since the short edges could already have been separated and the short edge immobilization system is not able to overcome Friction at a small angle and bring the short edges together. The separation makes the installation more complicated since the panels have to be positioned at an angle and pressed laterally during installation and there is a considerable risk that the immobilization system on the short side will be damaged.

The main objective of the invention is to solve the problem of the separation between the short edges by, contrary to current technology, the increased friction between the long edges, when the long edges are in an angled position and prior to their final position immobilized. Increasing the friction between the long edges 65 could counteract or even prevent displacement along the joint of the long edges during vertical folding when the flexible tongue is pressing the floor panels away from each other and

it could counteract or even completely prevent the separation of short edges during such installation.

The invention is based on a second premise that the combined function of the long-edge immobilization system and the short-edge immobilization system is essential in a floor, which is designed to be installed with vertical folding. Long and short edge immobilization systems must be adapted to each other in order to provide a simple, easy and reliable installation.

The invention provides new embodiments of immobilization systems on long and short edges according to different aspects that offer respective advantages. Areas useful for the invention are floor panels of any shape and material, for example laminate; Especially panels with surface materials contain thermosetting resins, wood, HDF, plywood or stone.

The invention comprises, according to a first principle, floor panels with long edges that have an immobilization system that at an angle, larger than that used by current known technology, counteracts

15 displacement along the joint when the panels are connected with vertical folding.

According to an embodiment of the first principle, which is not part of the invention, a set of essentially identical floor panels is provided each comprising long and short edges and provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panels. The connectors are configured to connect adjacent edges. The first connector comprises an immobilization band with an immobilization element directed upwards at one edge of a floor panel and an immobilization groove open downwards at an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent edges. The second connector comprises a tongue on one edge of a floor panel, which extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge, and an open tongue groove

25 horizontally on an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges in a vertical direction. The connectors on the long edges are configured to be immobilized with angle positioning and the connectors on the short side are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding. A long edge of a new panel in a second row is configured to be connected to a long edge of a first panel in a first row by angle positioning. A short edge of the new panel and a short edge of a second panel in a second row are configured to be connected with the same angled movement. The long edge connectors have at least three separate contact points or contact surfaces between adjacent parts of the connectors when the new panel is pressed with its upper edge against the upper edge of the first panel at an angle to the main plane of At least 10 degrees.

35 As the floor panel according to the first principle is provided with long edges that at a 10 degree angle of angle positioning have three contact points, considerable friction between long edges will be created and this friction will counteract or prevent displacement of the short edges caused by the pressure of the tongue during vertical folding. The advantage is that the flexible tongue could be formed and positioned on the short side with an initial contact point that is located near the long edge, for example at a distance of approximately 15 mm from the long edge, and this will allow a vertical immobilization along a substantial length of the short edge.

An improved installation function can be obtained in some embodiments if the contact angle of three

45 points is greater than 10 degrees, preferably 15 degrees or more. In other embodiments, more than 18 or even more than 20 degrees are necessary for easy installation.

According to a second principle, the position and shape of a preferably flexible tongue at the short edge and the immobilization system at the long edges are such that the friction along the long edges will increase when the panel is positioned at an angle. down from an installation angle at a contact angle when the flexible tongue, due to the vertical folding action, comes into initial contact with the adjacent short edge and when an additional angle positioning causes a first flexible tongue edge Flexible move horizontally and create a horizontal separation pressure from the short edges.

In accordance with an embodiment of this second principle, a set of essentially identical floor panels is provided each comprising long and short edges and provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panels. The connectors are configured to connect adjacent edges. The first connector comprises an immobilization band with an immobilization element directed upwards at one edge of a floor panel and an immobilization groove open downwards at an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent edges. The second connector comprises a tongue on one edge of a floor panel, which extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge, and a tongue groove open horizontally on an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges in a vertical direction. The connectors on the long edges are configured to be immobilized with angle positioning and the

65 connectors on the short side are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding. A long edge of a new panel in a second row is configured to be connected to a long edge of a first panel in a first row by angle positioning. A short edge of the new panel and a short edge of a second panel in a second row are configured to be connected with the same angled movement. The tongue at the short edges is made of a separate material, connected to a connection groove, and has a flexible part with an edge section located near the long edge of the first panel. The edge section is

5 configured to be displaced horizontally during folding and to cooperate with the tongue groove of an adjacent short edge to immobilize the floor panels with each other in a vertical direction. The first and second connectors on the long edges are configured such that a frictional force along the long edges is lower at an installation angle than at a contact angle when the panels are pressed against each other with the same pressure force and with the upper edges of the joint in contact. The installation angle is 25 degrees and the contact angle is a lower angle corresponding to an initial contact between the edge section and the adjacent short edge.

Increasing the friction between the long edges at the contact angle could be obtained in many alternative ways, for example by increasing the pressure between the contact points and / or increasing the size.

15 of the contact surfaces at the contact points between the first and second connections and / or by increasing the contact points from 3 to 4.

According to a third principle, an immobilization system is provided, at the long edges, with friction means such that the friction will be high along the long edges in an angled position when there are only two points of contact between the connectors on the long edges.

According to an embodiment of this third principle, a set of essentially identical floor panels is provided each comprising long and short edges and provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panels. The connectors are configured to connect adjacent edges 25. The first connector comprises an immobilization band with an immobilization element directed upwards at one edge of a floor panel and an immobilization groove open downwards at an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent edges. The second connector comprises a tongue on one edge of a floor panel, which extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge, and a tongue groove open horizontally on an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges in a vertical direction. The connectors on the long edges are configured to be immobilized with angle positioning and the connectors on the short side are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding. A long edge of a new panel in a second row is configured to be connected to a long edge of a first panel in a first row by angle positioning. A short edge of the new panel and a short edge of a second

35 panel in a second row are configured to be connected with the same angle movement. The tongue at the short edges is made of a separate material, connected to a connecting groove, and has a flexible part that is configured to be displaced horizontally during folding and to cooperate with the tongue groove of an adjacent short edge to immobilize the floor panels with each other in a vertical direction. The first and second connectors at the long edges comprise friction means configured to increase friction along the long edges when the panels are at an angle where there are only two points of contact between the first and second connectors.

The friction means may or may not be active at smaller angles when there are three or more points of contact in the immobilization system.

45 The third principle offers the advantages that friction along the long edges could be high even at a large angle, for example at the installation angle, and this could be used in relation to an installation method in which Compress an edge of the flexible tongue by moving the long edge during an initial stage of vertical folding as shown in Figures 4b and 4c. The friction means will prevent or counteract the movement along the long edges and the separation of the short edges during vertical folding.

Such friction means could comprise mechanically formed devices such as small projections formed by rotating tools or pressure wheels in parts of the system of

55 immobilization, for example in the tongue and / or in the immobilization band. They could also comprise chemical compounds or small particles, which are applied in the immobilization system in order to increase friction along the long edges.

According to a fourth principle, which is not part of the invention, a flooring system is provided with a long and short edge immobilization system in which the floor panels could be immobilized with vertical folding and in which the Position, shape and material properties of a preferably flexible tongue at the short edge is combined with a long edge immobilization system comprising connectors that allow a floor panel cut to a length of 20 cm can be connected to another panel in the same row with vertical folding and that the friction between the long edges will prevent the separation of the short edges.

65 According to an embodiment of this fourth principle, a set of essentially identical floor panels

each comprising long and short edges and provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panels. The connectors are configured to connect adjacent edges. The first connector comprises an immobilization band with an immobilization element directed upwards at one edge of the floor panel and an immobilization groove open downwards at an adjacent edge of another floor panel 5 for connecting adjacent edges horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent edges. The second connector comprises a tongue on one edge of a floor panel, which extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge, and a tongue groove open horizontally on an adjacent edge of another floor panel for connecting adjacent edges in a vertical direction. The connectors on the long edges are configured to be immobilized with angle positioning and the connectors on the short side are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding. A long edge of a new panel in a second row is configured to be connected to a long edge of a first panel in a first row with angled positioning. A short edge of the new panel and a short edge of a second panel in a second row are configured to be connected with the same angled movement. The tongue at the short edges is made of a separate material, connected to a connection groove, and has a flexible part that is configured

15 to be displaced horizontally during folding and to cooperate with the tongue groove of an adjacent short edge to immobilize the floor panels with each other in a vertical direction. The long and short edge connectors are configured such that the second and new panels, so that one of said panels, cut to a length of approximately 20 cm, is not moved away from the other panel when said panels are in a position contact at an installation angle and during vertical folding.

The fourth principle offers the advantages that such floor panels with an immobilization system could be installed with high precision and that the separation of the short edges will not take place even when the panels are cut into small pieces and installed as panels First or last in a row. A separation of about 0.01 mm could be enough to create unwanted problems and gaps, which could be visible in a

25 floor surface or where moisture can penetrate the joint.

An object of the invention is to provide an installation method for connecting floor panels with vertical folding. The panels have an angle positioning immobilization system on the long edges and a vertical folding system on the short edges for the immobilization of the panels vertically and horizontally, so that first and second panels are laid flat in a hearth with long edges connected to each other, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

a) placing a long edge of a new angled panel in contact with the top of a long edge of the first panel,

B) put a short edge of the new panel in contact with a short edge of the second panel, whereby the new panel is held in this position by the immobilization system at the long and / or short edges,

c) press a short edge section of the new panel down towards the hearth and thereby connect the first, second and third panels to each other with vertical folding.

This installation method allows the floor panels to be maintained in an upwardly angled position, for example by the top of an immobilization element and the bottom of an immobilization groove. This will facilitate installation, as the installer could change the position of the hand to bring a

45 panel to an installation angle and then to a suitable position to press down the short edge section of this panel towards the hearth. The advantage is that the combined actions of pressing together the upper edges at an angle, pressing the panel laterally to avoid the separation of the short edges and bending the panel down to the ground, could be avoided and replaced by three separate and independent actions.

A third objective, which is not part of the invention, is to provide a new immobilization system or combinations of immobilization systems that could be used at long and / or short edges and that are specially designed to reduce separation problems. These immobilization systems of course could be used separately to connect any type of floorboards or construction panels at short and / or long edges.

According to a first aspect of this third objective, a flexible tongue is provided comprising two flexible parts, an inner flexible part that is located in an inner part of a sliding groove and an outer flexible part located in the outer part of the sliding groove and which is immobilized in a tongue groove of an adjacent edge of another panel. The inner part is preferably more flexible than the outer part and, preferably, could be displaced to a greater extent than the stiffer outer part that immobilizes the panels vertically. According to this aspect, the combination of strength and low resistance to displacement becomes possible.

According to a second aspect of this third objective, a short-edge immobilization system with a

65 preferably flexible tongue is combined with a compact tongue immobilization system that could be immobilized with angled positioning. Such an immobilization system is cost effective and the geometry is favorable and could be used to design an immobilization system that would create a considerable friction along the long edge during the angle positioning. Such tongue restraint could replace the long-edge immobilization system with a protruding band in all the principles and methods described above. This embodiment has a first connector comprising a tongue with a directed immobilization element.

5 upwardly at an upper part of the tongue at one edge of a floor panel and a second connector comprising an immobilization groove extending downward located in a tongue groove cut into an adjacent edge of another floor panel for the connection of adjacent edges horizontally and vertically. The connectors on the long edges are, even in this embodiment, configured to be immobilized with angle positioning and the connectors on the short side are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding. As an example it can be mentioned that, according to the first principle, the connectors of the long edges have at least three separate contact points or contact surfaces between adjacent parts of the connectors when the new panel is pressed with its upper edge against the upper edge of the first panel at an angle relative to the main plane of at least 10 degrees.

15 According to a third aspect of this third objective, a short-edge immobilization system is provided with a preferably flexible tongue that counteracts or prevents the movement of long edges during vertical folding. The immobilization system comprises, as described above, a band with an immobilization element and a separate flexible tongue in a band panel, a tongue groove and an immobilization groove in the folding panel. The immobilization surface of the immobilization groove is essentially vertical and parallel to the vertical plane VP and preferably has a height that is at least 0.1 times the floor thickness. The immobilization system is preferably designed in such a way that the immobilization element with its upper part of the immobilization surface is in contact with the lower part of the immobilization surface of the immobilization groove at an immobilization angle when there is no contact between the folding panel and the flexible tongue. The essentially vertical immobilization surface

25 will prevent separation when the tongue during an additional angle positioning is in contact with the folding panel. A part of the immobilization surfaces is in a preferred embodiment located in a projection and in a cavity.

It is obvious that two or more, or even all, of the principles described above could be combined and that all embodiments of the immobilization systems described in this application could be used in combinations or independently to connect the long edges and / or short The figures are only used to show examples of different embodiments, which could be used in various combinations at long and short edges in the same type of panel or in different types of panels intended to be connected to each other. All immobilization systems on the long and / or short edges of a panel could be formed in one piece with

35 the core or could comprise separate materials, for example a tongue and / or a separate band, which could be integrated with the floor panel or connected during installation. Even the immobilization groove and / or the tongue groove could be made of separate materials. This means that the invention also comprises one-piece immobilization systems at the short edges in which the parts of the immobilization system, such as, for example, the tongue and / or the band and / or the immobilization element, are flexible and preferably they comprise a material based on wood fiber, for example HDF, and which could be immobilized by vertical folding, provided that such immobilization systems created a separation force during immobilization. A separate wood fiber based material could also be fixed connected to the panel edge by for example gluing, and could be machined for an immobilization system in the same manner as the one-piece system described above.

The invention is useful in all types of flooring. However, it is especially suitable for short panels, for example from 40 to 120 cm, where the friction along the long edges is low, for wide panels with a width of more than 20 cm since the flexible tongue is long and it will create an extensive tongue pressure, and for panels with for example an HDF core, compact laminate or plastic materials and the like, where the friction is low due to very smooth surfaces and low friction in the immobilization system. The invention is also useful in thin panels, for example with a thickness of 6-9 mm, more preferably thinner than 8 mm and thinner, and especially in such panels with compact immobilization systems at long edges, for example with bands of immobilization shorter than 6 mm, since such floor panels and such immobilization system will have small contact surfaces with low friction.

55 Several advantages could be achieved with a flooring system configured in accordance with one or more of the principles described above. A first advantage is that the installation could be done in a simple manner and no lateral pressure has to be applied during installation in order to prevent the floorboards from being separated by the short edges. A second advantage is that the risk of edge separation, which could cause cracks in the immobilization system during folding, is considerably reduced. A third advantage is that the immobilization systems could be formed with stiffer and stronger tongues that could immobilize the panels vertically with greater strength and substantial prior tongue tension. Such tabs with substantial maximum tongue pressure and pre-tension pressure in immobilized position will create large separation forces during vertical folding. A fourth advantage is that the

The flexible tongue could be located near the long edge and a reliable immobilization function could be obtained despite the fact that such flexible tongue will create a separation pressure at a fairly high contact angle.

A measurement of initial contact friction and installation friction should be made in accordance with the following principles. The contact angle of a new floor plate and a first floor board should be measured when a first edge section of the flexible tongue, which is active in vertical immobilization, is

5 in a first contact with the short edge during the initial stage of the vertical folding action. The contact friction along the long edge of a 200 mm sample should be measured at this contact angle when the panels are pressed against each other with a normal installation pressure of 10 N. The installation friction should be measured in according to the same method at an installation angle of 25 degrees. Contact friction should be at least approximately 50% higher than the installation pressure.

Friction means comprising mechanical devices such as protrusions, brushed fibers, scraped edge and the like in an immobilization system are easy to detect. Chemicals are more difficult.

15 Another method should be used to measure the increase in friction due to friction means if it is not clear and evident that mechanical devices, chemicals, impregnation, coating, separate materials, etc. they have been used in order to increase the friction between floor boards at an installation angle. A new immobilization system with essentially the same design as the original sample should be produced from the same original floor and core material panels. The friction should be measured at the same installation and pressure angle and the friction between the two samples, the original sample and the new sample should be compared. This test method assumes of course that the entire core does not contain materials that increase friction.

A large number of HDF-based floor panels have been tested on the market and the result is that a

25 shows with a long edge of 200 mm that is pressed against another long edge with a pressure of 10 N at an angle of 25 degrees generally has a friction of about 10 N or less. This is too low to prevent displacement of short edges during vertical folding. Friction media could greatly increase the friction.

The contact angle is defined as the angle of the new panel when an edge is in initial contact with the part of the flexible tongue that is intended to be displaced and is active in vertical immobilization. There could be, for example, protrusions on the edge of the tongue that are not causing any significant horizontal pressure during vertical folding. Such protrusions and similar devices should not be considered a part of the flexible tongue.

35 All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, medium, step, etc.]" should be openly interpreted as a reference to at least one case of said element, device, component, medium, step, etc, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1a-d illustrate an immobilization system of the prior art.

Figures 2a-b shows a flexible tongue of the prior art during the immobilization action.

45 Figures 3a-b show floor panels with a prior art mechanical immobilization system on a short edge.

Figures 4a-d show how the short edges of two floor panels could be immobilized with vertical folding according to the prior art.

Figures 5a-e show embodiments of short edge immobilization systems that could be used in relation to the invention.

Figures 6a-c show movable tabs in embodiments according to the invention.

Figures 7a-d show, in a three-dimensional view, the separation between panels during vertical folding.

Figures 8a-d show the separation pressure of the tongue over the short edge, during installation.

Figures 9a-o show immobilization systems used in large volumes on the market and points of contact between surfaces in such systems at various angles during installation with angle positioning.

Figures 10a-c show embodiments of long-edge immobilization systems with a friction angle of 10 degrees according to the invention.

Figures 11a-c show embodiments of the long-edge immobilization systems with a friction angle of 15 degrees according to the invention. 5 Figures 12a-c show immobilization systems of long and short edges and the position of a flexible tongue according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 13a-d show embodiments of the position of the panel at the contact angle. Figures 14a-d show the position of the flexible tongue in relation to the long edge according to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 15a-c show an embodiment with friction means according to the invention.

Figures 16a-d show a method for measuring frictional forces at various angles according to embodiments of the invention. Figures 17a-c show alternative embodiments with three contact points. Figures 18a-c show additional alternative embodiments with three contact points. Figures 19a-c show additional alternative embodiments with two and three contact points that create

friction.

Figures 20a-c show alternative embodiments with four contact points at an angle of 20 degrees according to the invention. Figures 21a-d show a flexible tongue with two flexible parts. Figures 22a-c show the installation of panels with a flexible tongue according to the invention. Figures 23a-b show a tongue immobilization system. Figures 24a-e show an immobilization system that could be used in the invention.

35 Figures 25a-c show methods for measuring contact points. Figures 26a-d show embodiments of the invention with vertical immobilization surfaces. Figures 27a-c show immobilization systems on long and short edges according to the invention.

Description of embodiments of the invention

Figures 1-6 and the following related description describe published embodiments and are used to explain

45 important principles of the invention and to show examples of embodiments that could be used in the invention. The embodiments shown are examples only. It should be emphasized that all types of flexible tongue and one-piece tongues that can be used in an immobilization system that allows vertical folding and / vertical immobilization could be used and the applicable part of this description forms a part of the present invention

A panel 1, 1 ’of prior art flooring provided with a mechanical immobilization system and a movable tongue is described with reference to Figures 1a-1d.

Figure 1a schematically illustrates a cross-section of a joint between a short edge 4a edge of a panel 1 and an opposite edge 4b of a short edge joint of a second panel 1 ’.

The front faces of the panels are essentially positioned in a common horizontal plane HP, and the upper parts 21, 41 of the joint edges 4a, 4b are attached to each other in a vertical plane VP. The mechanical immobilization system provides immobilization of the panels relative to each other in the vertical direction D1 as well as in the horizontal direction D2.

In order to provide the union of the two joint edges in directions D1 and D2, the edges of the floor panel in a manner known per se have an immobilization band 6 with an immobilization element 8 on a joint edge, referred to herein. hereinafter "band panel", which cooperates with a groove 14 of

65 immobilization on the other joint edge, hereinafter referred to as "folding panel", and provides horizontal immobilization.

The prior art mechanical immobilization system comprises a separate flexible tongue 30 fixed in a sliding groove 40 formed on one of the joint edges. The flexible tongue 30 has a groove portion P1, which is located in the displacement groove 40, and a projection portion P2

5 projecting outside the sliding groove 40. The projection portion P2 of the flexible tongue 30 on one of the joint edges cooperates with a tongue groove 20 formed on the other joint edge.

The flexible tongue 30 has a protruding part P2 with a rounded outer part 31 and a sliding surface 32, which in this embodiment is formed as a bevel. It has upper surfaces 33 and lower 35 of tongue displacement and an inner part 34.

The sliding groove 40 has upper and lower openings 46, which in this embodiment are rounded, lower surfaces 44 and upper 43 and lower 45 sliding grooves, which

15 preferably are essentially parallel to the horizontal plane HP.

The tongue groove 20 has a tongue immobilization surface 22, which cooperates with the flexible tongue 30 and immobilizes the joint edges in a vertical direction D1. The folding panel 1 ’has a vertical immobilization surface 24, which is closer to the rear face 62 than the tongue groove 20. The vertical immobilization surface 24 cooperates with the band 6 and immobilizes the joint edges in another vertical direction. In this embodiment, the folding panel has a sliding surface 23 that cooperated during immobilization with the sliding surface 32 of the flexible tongue 30.

The flexible tongue could be wedge-shaped and could be immobilized in the tensioned tongue groove

25 that would press the folding panel 1 ’against the band panel. Such an embodiment will give a very strong joint of high quality.

Figure 3a shows a cross-section A-A of a panel according to Figure 3b seen from above. The flexible tongue 30 has a length L along the joint edge, a width W parallel to the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the length L, and a thickness T in the vertical direction D1. The sum of the largest slit portion P1 and the largest protruding portion P2 is the total width TW. The flexible tongue also has in this embodiment a middle section MS and two edge sections ES adjacent to the middle section. The size of the protruding part P2 and the groove portion P1 varies in this embodiment along the length L and the tongue is spaced from the two corner sections 9a and 9b. Flexible tongue 30 has one of the edge sections

35 a friction connection 36 that could be formed, for example, as a small local vertical projection. This friction connection keeps the flexible tongue in the sliding groove 40 during installation, or during production, packaging and transport, if the flexible tongue is integrated with the factory floor panel.

Figures 2a and 2b show the position of the flexible tongue 30 after the first displacement towards the bottom 44 of the displacement slot 40. The displacement is essentially caused by the buckling of the flexible tongue 30 in its longitudinal direction L parallel to the width W. This feature is essential for this prior art. The realizations that are on the market have a maximum tongue pressure of approximately 20N.

The folding panel could be disconnected with a needle-shaped tool, which could be inserted from the corner section 9b inside of the tongue groove 20 and presses the flexible tongue back into the sliding groove 40. The folding panel could then be positioned at an upward angle while the band panel is still in the hearth. Of course, the panels could also be disconnected in the traditional way.

Figure 4a shows an embodiment of a vertical fold. A first panel 1 ’of a first row R1 is connected to a second panel 1 of a second row R2. A new panel 1 ’moves with its long edge 5a toward the long edge 5b of the first panel 1’ at a normal installation angle of approximately 25-30 degrees,

55 presses to the adjacent edge and connects with its long edge 5a to the long edge 5b of the first panel with angled positioning. This angle positioning action also connects the short edge 4b of the new panel 1 'with the short edge 4a of the second panel 1. The folding panel 1' is immobilized to the band panel 1 with a combined vertical and rotational movement vertical plane length VP. The projecting part P2 has a folding, rounded and / or angled part P2 ’, which, during folding, cooperates with the sliding surface 23 of the folding panel 1. The combined effect of a folding part P2 'and a sliding surface 32 of the tongue which during folding cooperates with the sliding surface 23 of the folding panel 1' facilitates the first displacement of the flexible tongue 30. An essential feature of This embodiment is the position of the protruding portion P2, which is spaced from the corner section 9a and 9b. The spacing is at least 10% of the length of the joint edge, in this case the visible short edge 4a.

65 Figures 4b-c show an embodiment of the floor panel assembly with a movable tongue and a

alternative method of installation. In this embodiment, the length of the tongue is more than 90% of the width WS of the front face of the panel; In other preferred embodiments, the length of the tongue is preferably in the range of 75% to substantially the same as the width WS of the front face. Preferably, the length of the tongue is approximately the total width of the panel minus the width of the immobilization system of the 5 adjacent edges of the panel. A small bevel may be provided at the ends of the outer edge, but the straight part of the tongue at the outer edge preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the tongue or desirably more than 90%. The new panel 1 ’is in an angled position with an upper part of the joint edge in contact with the first panel 1’ of the first row. The short edges 4a and 4b are spaced apart from each other. The new panel 1 'then moves laterally towards the second panel 1 until 10 the short edges 4a, 4b are essentially in contact and a part of the flexible tongue 15 is pressed into the sliding groove 40 as can be seen in the figure 4b. the new panel 1 'then folds down towards the second panel 1. Since the displacement of the new panel 1' presses only an edge section of the flexible tongue 30 inside the displacement groove 40, it will be possible to make the vertical folding With less resistance. The installation could be done with a movable tongue that had a straight outer edge 15. When panels with the known arc-shaped tongue 30 (see Figures 2-4) are installed, the entire tongue has to be pressed into the sliding groove. When comparing the known arc-shaped tongue with a tongue according to the invention, less force is needed for a tongue with the same elastic constant per unit length of the tongue. It is therefore possible to use a tongue with a higher elastic constant per unit length and a higher elastic return force, giving

20 resulted in a more reliable end position of the tongue. With this installation method, the bevel sliding surface of the folding panel is not necessary, or may be smaller, which is an advantage for a thin panel. The disadvantage of this method is that the new panel has to be positioned at an angle and pressed laterally during vertical folding. Figure 4c shows that all the embodiments of a tongue could be on the folding panel. Of course, some adjustments are required.

25 It is generally an advantage to have the band panel tongue since rounded parts could be used

or bevels of the folding panel to facilitate the movement of flexible parts of the tongue. An embodiment with a tongue, which is in the folding panel, as shown in Figure 4d, will have the disadvantage that the tongue must slide against a sharp edge of the panel surface.

30 A tongue could comprise plastic material and could be produced with for example injection molding. With this production method, a wide variety of complex three-dimensional shapes could be produced at low cost and the flexible tongues can be easily connected to each other to form initial tongue pieces. A tongue could also be made of a plastic or metal section, extruded or machined, which could be

35 further conforming with for example punching to form a flexible tongue. The drawback with extrusion, apart from the additional production steps, is that it is difficult to reinforce the tongue, for example by fibers.

Any type of polymeric materials such as PA (nylon), POM, PC, PP, PET or PE or similar could be used that

40 had the properties described above in the different embodiments. These plastic materials could be reinforced, when injection molding is used, with for example glass fiber, kevlar fiber, carbon fiber or chalk. A preferred material is fiberglass, preferably PP or extra long, reinforced POM.

Figures 5a-5e show embodiments of flexible tongues 30, which could be used to immobilize edges.

45 shorts according to the invention. Figure 5a shows a separate tab 30 on the folding panel with a flexible snap-fit tab extending upward. Figure 5b shows a separate tab 30 on the band panel with a flexible snap-fit tab extending downward. Figure 5c shows a separate tongue with a flexible snap-fit tab within a sliding groove 40. The one elastic snap fit tab could be

50 extend up or down and could be in the band panel or in the folding panel according to the same principles shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Figure 5d shows a flexible tongue comprising projections, as shown in Figure 6a, and these projections could be located in the displacement groove 40 or could extend from the vertical plane inside the tongue groove 20. Figure 5e shows that the tongue 30 could be formed in one piece with the panel and the immobilization could be obtained

55 due to compression of fibers or parts of the panel material and / or buckling of the web 6.

Figures 6a-c show embodiments of the tongue 30 that could be used in accordance with the invention. All of them are configured to be inserted into a recess in a floor panel. Figure 6a shows a flexible tongue 30 with flexible projections 16. Figure 6b shows an arc-shaped tongue 30 and Figure 6c

60 shows a tongue 30 with a flexible snap-fit tab 17.

A flexible tongue similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, 5d 6a and 6b could also be produced for example from wood fiber based material, for example HDF, solid wood or plywood with several layers. Extremely strong and flexible HDF tabs could be made especially if the design is

65 such that flexibility is essentially obtained in parallel with the fiber orientations of the HDF fibers.

Figures 7a-d show in a four steps an installation with vertical folding and problems related to such installation. In order to simplify the description, an embodiment is shown with the flexible tongue 30 on the band panel. As explained above, the tongue could be on the folding panel. A new panel 1 ’moves with an installation angle with its long edge 5a towards the long edge of a first panel 1’ until the top 5 edges are in contact. The new panel then moves laterally until the short edge 4b is in contact with a short edge of a second panel, adjacent, of the same row, as shown in Figure 7a. The new panel 1 ’is then positioned at an angle down to a contact angle when an edge portion 30’ of the flexible tongue 30 is in a first initial contact with the short edge of the new panel as shown in Figure 7b. An additional angle positioning, which for optimal function should be done with contact between the short edges, will gradually push a larger part of the flexible tongue horizontally and the flexibility of the tongue will create an increasing pressure that could push the short edges 4a and 4b away from each other. An unwanted gap G will be created as shown in Figure 7c. The immobilization element 8 will not be able in many cases to push back the short edges of the panels since the friction between the long edges could be substantial when the panels are at a small angle and the

15 gap G will be maintained in the connected stage as shown in Figure 7d. This could cause fractures or other damage to the immobilization system. Even very small gaps of 0.01 - 0.1 mm that remain could cause significant problems since moisture could easily penetrate the joint.

Figures 8a-8d show in detail the separation problems caused by the flexible tongue 30. The panels 1, 1 'are in accordance with Figure 8a with a contact angle with respect to the sliding surfaces 23, 32 of the panel 1 'folding and flexible tongue in contact. Figures 8b and 8c show that the flexibility of the tongue will create a separation pressure SP that could separate the panels 1, 1 ’from one another and create a gap G if the panels do not press each other by the installer. Figure 8d shows the panels in immobilized position with a permanent gap G. In this case, the immobilization band 6 is buckled and the

The immobilization element 8 is only partially in the immobilization groove 14. In the worst case, there will be fractures in the immobilization element 8 and the panels will not be immobilized horizontally by the short edges.

Figures 9a-9o show three types of angle positioning immobilization systems that are used in large quantities in traditional immobilized flooring with angle positioning. Figures 9a-c show the floor panels at an installation angle A of 25 degrees. In this position, there are only two contact points CP3 and CP2 or CP3, CP4 between the first and second connectors. There is always an upper contact point CP3 or contact surface at the upper joint edges and a second lower contact point or contact surface CP4, CP2 at the bottom of the tongue or at some point between the inner lower part of the tab 10 and the locking slot 14. The sliding friction along the joint edges is in this very low position especially in HDF-based floors with smooth surfaces. Figures 9d-f show an additional angle positioning at an angle of 15 degrees and Figures 9g-l show an angle of 10 degrees. In these positions, there are only two contact points and the friction is still low. Figures 9j-l show the position at an angle of 5 degrees, which in these embodiments is the angle of friction. Figures 9j and 9k show that the immobilization systems are at an immobilization angle with which the immobilization surfaces 51, 52 are partially in contact. Figure 9l shows an immobilization system with a guiding angle with the contact guiding surfaces 11, 12. Figure 9j shows that this immobilization system has four contact points: two upper contact points on the upper edges CP3 of the joint and on the upper part of the tongue CP1 and two lower contact points on the lower part 45 of the tongue CP2 and between the immobilization surfaces CP4. Figure 9k shows two upper contact points CP1, CP3 and one lower CP4. Figure 9l is similar to Figure 9j but a lower point of contact is between the guiding surfaces 11, 12. The sliding friction along the joint edges will increase in these positions considerably, especially if there is a tight fit between the contact points or contact surfaces and / or if the contact surfaces have a considerable size. A previous tension could increase the friction further and a displacement along the long edges in relation to the vertical folding could be counteracted and in most cases completely eliminated even in small pieces of floor panels. Such immobilization systems are not suitable, however, on the long side in a vertical folding system in which the contact angle is greater than 5-8 degrees, especially if they are produced with a normal engagement between the connectors, since they will not prevent he

55 displacement along the long edges and the separation of the short edges.

Figure 10a shows an embodiment according to the first object. Such an immobilization system could preferably be used at long edges in a vertical folding system with a contact angle A of approximately 10 degrees and less. It will also be possible to use such a system in immobilization systems with a greater contact angle since such a system will prevent displacement already at 10 degrees when the majority of the folding down immobilization systems create the highest displacement pressure. Figure 10a shows the position of panel 1 ’at an angle of 15 degrees when only two points CP3, CP2 are in contact. Panel 1’a is in a 12 degree friction angle position with three contact points CP3, CP2, CP4 ’. The position is characterized by the fact that there is only one contact point CP2 in the tongue and that the guiding surfaces 11, 12 are in contact. This is an advantage since the guide surfaces will press the tongue into the groove during an additional angle positioning shown in Figure 10b. The friction has increased further and is caused by vertical contacts and cooperation between the tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9 (CP1, CP2), the horizontal contacts between the upper edges CP3 and the guiding surfaces 11, 12 forming the second point of lower contact CP4. The ideal position is preferably an embodiment with a contact angle equal to or less than the friction angle and the guided angle. Such an embodiment could, for example, have a friction and guide angle of approximately 10 degrees and a contact angle of approximately 8-9 degrees. The immobilization could be done in an extremely simple way and you only have to apply a downward pressure on the new panel when the panel is positioned with a guiding angle. Figure 10c shows that the immobilization system is configured with a large angle between the immobilization surfaces and that, during the final stage of the angle positioning, shown by position 1'a, the fibers must be compressed at upper edges CP4 and on CP4 immobilization surfaces in order to allow immobilization. This configuration gives several advantages. The friction will increase and be at a high level when the separation force is at the highest level. The floor panels will be held in an upwardly angled position by the immobilization element and the immobilization groove, as shown in Figure 10b, independently or in combination with a contact between the

15 short edge of the folding panel and an edge section of the flexible tongue. Friction will prevent the short edge from sliding away from the flexible tongue. This will facilitate installation since the installer could change the position of the hand to put the panel with the installation angle to a vertical pressure action on the short edge. A vertical immobilization system is therefore provided with a long edge angle positioning system that allows one panel to remain in an angled position against another panel with upper edges of contact gasket. It also provides an immobilization system in which there is increasing pressure between the upper joint edges and the immobilization element and / or between the tongue and the groove in a final stage of the angle positioning when a part of the immobilization groove 14 is in contact with the immobilization element 8.

Figures 11a-11c show that the same principles could be used to form an immobilization system with an even greater friction angle A of for example 15 degrees as shown in Figure 11a. The immobilization element 8 has been made higher and extends in this preferred embodiment vertically LH from the lowest point of the immobilization band 6 approximately up to 0.2 times the thickness T of the floor. The tongue has a lower part 54, which is essentially parallel to the horizontal plane HP and which extends from the vertical plane VP preferably over a distance TD of approximately 0.1 times the thickness T of the floor.

The importance of the contact angle and the combined function of the long and short edges during vertical folding and vertical immobilization will now be explained with reference to Figures 12a-13d.

35 Figure 12a shows a 1 ’’, 1 ’long-edge immobilization system and a 1, 1’ short-edge immobilization system in an installed flooring system that is intended to be immobilized with vertical folding or vertical immobilization. The long edges have an immobilization system that can be immobilized with angle positioning. The short edges have an immobilization system that can be immobilized with vertical immobilization or vertical folding.

Figure 12b shows the position of the sliding surface 23 of for example a new panel 1 ’seen from a second panel 1 towards the new panel 1’ when the new panel 1 ’moves vertically downwards. This freeze could be used to connect the first row for example. The sliding surface 23 is in a

45 plane that is located at the bottom of panel 1 ’.

Figure 12c shows the position of the sliding surface 32, the tip 31 of the flexible tongue and the sliding surface 23 when the first 1 ’and second 1 panels are lying flat on the floor.

Figures 12b and 12c show that the position of the flexible tongue in the longitudinal direction of the short edge is not important in a vertical immobilization in which the entire panel moves vertically downwards.

Figure 13a shows an embodiment of the same immobilization system as in Figures 12 during vertical folding. The edge of a flexible tongue 30 is positioned in this embodiment at a distance FD from the edge

55 length of the first panel 1 ’. Figure 13b shows the vertical folding of a corner section CS and the position of the new panel 1 ’when it is near a contact angle. Due to the sliding bevel surfaces 23, 32, there is still no contact between the folding panel 1 ’and the flexible tongue 30. Figure 13c shows the contact angle, which in this embodiment is 10 degrees. The sliding surfaces 32, 23 overlap each other at an initial contact point CP5. An additional angle positioning will begin to create a gradually increased separation pressure between the short edges of the panels 1, 1 'since a larger part TPC of the flexible tongue will be pressed horizontally inwards into a sliding groove by the surface 23 sliding panel 1 'as shown in figure 13d.

Figures 14a and 14b show the position of the flexible tongue 30 in two embodiments of the invention. The flexible tongue 30 is in these embodiments pandable in the longitudinal direction horizontally. The edge of the

flexible tongue is in figure 14a located in a position FD1 near the long edge 5b, for example approximately 15 mm from the edge. Such immobilization system will have, on a laminate floor with a normal thickness, a contact angle of approximately 10 degrees. The contact angle could be smaller if the edge of the tongue is positioned at a distance FD2 greater than the long edge 5b as shown in Figure 14b. In this case, immobilization systems with a smaller contact angle could be used. Such an embodiment could be sufficient in thick and stable floor panels or narrow floor panels. In thinner floorboards, for example plating or laminate flooring of 6-8 mm, it is advantageous if the flexible tongue could immobilize the short edges near the long edge and along a substantial distance from the short edge. Figures 14c and 14d show the flexible tongue in an essentially contact position when a first part of the flexible tongue 30 has been buckled horizontally and pressed horizontally inwardly in the sliding groove. It is obvious that the separation pressure will increase when a larger part of the tongue is buckled and pressed horizontally laterally during the folding action. These embodiments and those previously described show that long and short edge immobilization systems depend on each other and must be adapted to each other in order to ensure an immobilization function.

15 simple and reliable.

Figures 15a-c show friction means 53, 53 'which in this embodiment are formed as small local projections in the upper part of the immobilization band 6 in the band panel 1 and in the lower part of the tongue or in the 1 'slit panel. Such protrusions could be formed on other surfaces in the immobilization system 20 and will prevent displacement with large angles, for example when there are only two contact points as shown in Figure 15a. The friction means could also comprise any type of materials or chemical products such as small hard particles, rubber, binders and similar materials that are applied in the immobilization system. Preferred materials are soft waxes such as microcrystalline waxes or paraffin-based waxes that could be applied to one or more surfaces of the immobilization system, for example in the tongue and / or tongue groove, in the web, in the element of immobilization and / or immobilization groove, on one or both guiding surfaces, etc., and could increase the initial friction between especially HDF surfaces. In a plywood core different layers and fiber structure could be used to form a tongue 10 and a band 6 such that a high friction is obtained during the angle positioning. The friction means mentioned above are

30 could combine. Small local protrusions, rough surfaces, fiber oriented structures, etc. they could be combined for example with wax or chemicals.

Figures 16a-d show methods for measuring friction between long edges of floor panels. A sample of a 1 'slit panel with a width W2 of approximately 200 mm is pressed with a pressure force 35 F1 of 10 N at an angle A against a 1' 'band panel, which is fixed and has a width W1 that exceeds 200 mm. The pressure force F1 is applied on the slit panel 1 ’with a wheel that rotates with little friction. The sliding friction is defined as the maximum force F2 that is required to move the groove panel 1 ’along the joint. The Fa curve of Figure 16b shows measurements made on a sample of an 8 mm laminated panel with a printed paper surface impregnated with thermosetting resins and with an HDF core. The friction should be measured from an installation angle and at smaller angles gradually. The displacement friction of this sample is, at an installation angle IA, of approximately 10 N and almost the same at a contact angle CA of 10 degrees. The friction angle FA is in this example approximately 5 degrees. Many HDF-based immobilization systems on the market have a sliding friction below 10 N with the installation angle. The friction could be as low as 5 N. The 45 long edges will only contribute, in such an immobilization system, marginally to counteract the displacement of the short edges during the initial stage of vertical folding since the friction angle is less than the angle contact. The curve Fb shows a special immobilization system in which the friction, due to the geometry of the immobilization system, at an installation angle, is greater than at a smaller angle. The invention is based on the principle that friction should be increased with the contact angle compared to a

50 installation angle or any other angle between the installation angle and the contact angle at which the friction force is at the lowest level. A preferred embodiment is that the friction at the contact angle exceeds 15 N and even more preferably 20 N. A preferred embodiment is also a vertical immobilization system with a flexible tongue that creates a tongue pressure of more than 20 N, even more than 30 N.

55 There are immobilization systems on the market that show a fairly high friction at large angles. Such immobilization systems cannot lower the angle from an installation angle to a contact angle.

or a guiding angle in a normal manner with an F1 pressure of 10 N, which corresponds to a pressure force of 60 N applied to a 120 cm floor panel during installation and is a type of immobilization system in the that the angle positioning must be accompanied by a very strong pressure or a snap action 60 by elastic jump in an angled position. Such immobilization systems are not used in vertical folding systems. They are not excluded according to the invention but are not favorable in a vertical folding system since they will only improve the installation, in some specific applications, marginally compared to the installation traditionally used with an angle positioning of short and long edges, a snap-fit of short and long edges, or an angle positioning of long edges and a

65 snap-fit snapping with short edges.

Figure 16c shows a more favorable immobilization system according to the invention in which the friction angle FA is approximately 15 degrees and the contact angle CA 10 degrees. The friction angle FA is greater than the contact angle CA and the friction between the long edges has increased considerably to the contact angle CA compared to the installation angle IA. Figure 16d shows 5 how two samples 1, 1 'with a width W3 of 200 mm are installed and, according to the fourth principle of the invention, such installation should not cause a separation of the short edges when the folding panel is press up to the hearth, exclusively vertically and without any lateral pressure towards the short edge, provided that the panels have immobilization systems according to the invention. The test could also be done with a full-size panel 1 and a 1 ’panel cut to a length of approximately 20 cm. Such

10 immobilization system with long edge friction, which prevents the displacement of such small pieces of floor, will allow easy installation, not only of ordinary floor panels but also of all custom cut panels next to the wall.

Figures 17a-c show how the immobilization system of Figure 11 could be adjusted in order to create a

15 friction with initially three contact points CP3, CP1 and CP4. Friction is mainly obtained by the pressure between the immobilization / locking element 8 and the upper part of the tongue 10 / tongue groove 9. In this embodiment, the tongue has a lower part 54 which is essentially parallel to the horizontal plane HP and which extends from the vertical plane preferably along a shorter distance TD than in Figure 11 and which is less than 0.1 times the thickness T of the soil.

20 Figures 18a-18c show that the immobilization system of Figure 11 could also be adjusted in order to create a friction with initially three other contact points CP3, CP1 and CP3. Friction is mainly obtained by the pressure between the upper and lower portions of the tongue 10 / tongue groove 9. In this embodiment, the tongue has a lower part 54 that is essentially parallel to the horizontal plane HP and which

25 extends from the vertical plane preferably along the same distance TD as in Figure 11. The height LH of the immobilization element is however smaller. The friction means 53 are shown in the form of a wax, in the lower part of the tongue 10. The wax should preferably be quite soft and should preferably be able to deform during angle positioning. This soft wax will prevent the initial displacement along the joint. Such wax could be applied throughout the entire immobilization system and

30 would prevent displacement especially against surfaces made of HDF.

Figures 17 and 18 show that many combinations of friction angles and friction points could be obtained if the dimensions of the tongue 10, the groove 9, the band 6, the immobilization element 8 and the immobilization groove 14 fit within of the principles of the invention.

Figure 19a shows an embodiment with a friction angle of 20 degrees in which the friction is obtained with only two contact points CP1 and CP2 between the upper and lower portions of the tongue 10 / tongue groove 9. The tongue also has in this embodiment a lower part 54, which is essentially parallel non-horizontal HP and which extends from the vertical plane over a distance TD of more than 0.2 times the thickness

40 T from the ground. In this embodiment, the tongue has a space 55 between the lower part of the tongue and the tongue groove that facilitates immobilization and allows the guide surfaces 11, 12 to overlap at a large angle of for example 15 degrees as shown in Figure 19b

Figures 20a-c show that it is possible to design an immobilization system with three CP3 contact points,

45 CP1 and CP2 at an installation angle of 25 degrees as shown in Figure 20a. The immobilization element has been made even higher (LH) than in the previous embodiments and the slit panel 1 'has a shoulder 56 between the tongue 10 and the tongue groove 9. The upper portion of the tongue is angled with respect to the horizontal plane and this facilitates the machining with large rotating tools of the tongue groove 9.

50 A simple vertical immobilization at the short edge does not give any significant improvement over current technology if it is not combined with a long edge immobilization system that works well with superior guidance and immobilization properties that allow a long edge connection and shorts with a simple angle positioning action. As can be seen from the embodiments shown in for example Figures 10b, 11a, 17a, 13c 18b, 19b and 20b, it is possible to form an immobilization system with an angle of

55 friction and guiding angle combined and with an immobilization element 8 and an immobilization groove 14 that holds the folding panel in an upwardly angled position. The only action that is then required to immobilize the panels is a vertical pressure on the folding panel next to the short edges.

The invention provides, based on this principle, a three-panel installation method in which the first 1 '' and second 1 panels are laid flat on the floor with the long edges connected to each other as shown for example in the figure 7a. The method comprises the steps of:

a) Put a new panel 1 ’in an angled position with a long edge 5a in contact with the top of a 65 long edge 5b of the first panel 1’.

b) Put a short edge 4b of the new panel 1 'in contact with a short edge 4a of the second panel 1 such that the new panel 1' is maintained in this position by the long and short edge immobilization system. The new panel 1 ’could be held in this position by the guiding surface of the immobilization element and the immobilization groove as shown in Figure 10a and / or by the edge of the

5 flexible tongue.

c) Press a short edge section of the new panels down towards the ground and therefore connect the first, second and third panels to each other with vertical folding preferably without substantial visible gaps between the short edges.

This installation method allows floor panels to be maintained in an upwardly angled position by for example guiding surfaces 11, 12 as shown in Figure 10. This will facilitate installation since the installer could change the position of the hand from a first position in which the panel is placed with an installation angle of 25 degrees, pressed towards the edge of the first panel 1 '' already installed, and

15 preferably lower the angle slightly to the angle of friction and guidance. The installer can then move his hands to a suitable second position to preferably press down both sections of the short edge of the panel towards the hearth. The guiding surfaces will guide the immobilization element inside the immobilization groove and the tongue in the tongue groove. Friction between long edges will prevent displacement. The advantage is that the combined actions of pressing each other edges higher than one angle, pressing the panel laterally to avoid the separation of short edges and folding the panel down to the ground could be avoided and replaced by two or three independent, separate actions and simple.

Figures 21a-c show a flexible tongue 30 with flexible inner and outer flexible parts 61. The flexible tongues 25 as shown in Figures 5a-5c suffer from the following disadvantages:

one.

 They are usually made from an extruded plastic section that is cost effective but production tolerances are not sufficient to obtain high quality immobilization.

2.

 Flexibility is not enough due to the fact that only a flexible snap-fit tab is used that is buckled along a very limited vertical distance on thin floorboards. This low flexibility creates substantial forces of edge separation.

3.

 It is difficult to combine flexibility and immobilization resistance especially in flexible tongues as

35 shown in figures 5a, b. The embodiment according to the invention reduces or eliminates the problems mentioned above. The inner flexible part 62 is not part of the vertical immobilization and therefore could be made very flexible since its main function is to move the flexible tongue 30 in a sliding groove. The upper part 67 of the inner flexible part will be pressed against an inner part of a sliding groove and will be buckled or compressed as soon as an edge of a floor panel is pressed against the outer flexible part 61. It is preferred that the outer part 61 is more rigid and stronger than the inner part 62. The combined flexibility of the inner and outer parts could be designed to give a stronger immobilization with less separation force than the known tabs. The flexible tongue 30 could of course have one or more inner parts, for example in the form of W, and / or outer parts that extend vertically upwards or downwards and this could be used to create more flexibility and

45 offset Such a tongue could also be made with a rigid outer part that is not pandeable. The tongue could be connected to the folding panel. The outer flexible part 61 will extend in such an embodiment vertically upwards and will be immobilized against an upper part of a tongue groove.

Figure 21b shows that an extruded tongue made of for example plastic or metal could be matched by for example machining or grinding. This will improve production tolerances considerably to a level similar to injection molding or even better. The displacement, the immobilization function and the immobilization resistance could be considerably improved. In the embodiment shown, the lower contact surface 64 and / or the immobilization surface 65 have been equalized before insertion into the sliding groove 40. A part of the flexible tongue, preferably the outer flexible part 61, could be equalized 55 when the tongue is or has been connected to the edge. This could be obtained in a separate production step

or online when the immobilization system is formed. The flexible tongue could be designed such that it was buckled horizontally in the longitudinal direction during vertical folding. Such buckling will be facilitated and the separation forces will be reduced if a tongue section 68 is removed at one edge as shown in Figure 21d. This means that the width W of the tongue 30 will vary along the length L. Such a tongue section could also be removed from the inner resilient part 67 and the tongue will buckle in the longitudinal direction with less resistance and facilitate vertical folding. . Such formation with a pate cut of an edge section could be done on all types of tongue extruded especially on such tongues that have limited flexibility, for example the embodiment with only a resilient or flexible outer part as shown in the figures. 5a, 5b and 6c. The flexible tongue could also be designed according to the hinge principle with a rigid projection

65 and a flexible kneecap so that it does not pan horizontally during immobilization. Such an embodiment could give a strong immobilization. However, considerable separation forces could occur. This could, for example, be counteracted by an embodiment comprising several individual inner or outer flexible parts 61a, 61b that are separated with a cut 69 made for example by punching and machining. Such individual flexible parts could jump elastically individually and this will make it possible to reduce production tolerances especially if the tabs are made with individual flexible parts that have

5 lengths that could vary for example about 0.1 mm and that are designed to be immobilized at specific predetermined levels relative to each other. This guarantees that some individual flexible parts will always be in a perfect immobilized position. The individual separate parts could be combined with a flexible tongue that is fixedly connected to the panel edge, preferably within a horizontally extending groove.

The invention also comprises a separate extruded flexible tongue designed to be used for vertical immobilization of floorboard characterized in that such tongue has preferably been matched on an upper contact surface 63 and / or lower 64 and / or on an immobilization surface 65 . Such a tongue and the tongue described above with a removed edge section could also have a similar shape to the

15 forms shown in Figures 5a-5c in which the flexible tongue comprises only flexible inner or outer elastic jump tabs.

Machining, grinding and similar production steps will generally create a surface that differs from the original extruded surface. In most cases this could be detected with a microscope. Such machining could also be used to increase or reduce friction between the tongue and the sliding groove.

Figures 22a-22c show vertical folding or vertical immobilization. A panel 1 'preferably moves along the vertical plane VP towards another panel 1. The inner flexible part 62 will be buckled vertically when an edge section of the folding panel 1' comes into contact with an outer part of the flexible tongue 30, preferably the outer flexible part 61, and the flexible tongue will move inwardly in the sliding groove 40 when preferably connected to a friction connection. Gradually, even this outer flexible part 61 will begin to buckle as shown in Figure 22b. Finally, both the inner part 62 and the outer part 62 will spring elastically back to their initial positions and the flexible tongue 30 will move in the sliding groove 40 towards the tongue groove 20. The locking surface 65 of the flexible tongue 30 will be immobilized against a part of a tongue groove 20. The connection between the tongue and the sliding groove could be made with a small play that allows easy movement and some inclination of the tongue during immobilization. The flexible outer part 61 is preferably during the immobilization mainly horizontally displaced with a small turn around

35 of the upper kneecap 70. The lower contact surface 65 could be made at an angle, which is preferably less than 10 degrees against the horizontal plane and this will increase the immobilization resistance.

Figure 23a shows a tongue immobilization system that could be immobilized with angle positioning. The new panel 1 ’has a first connector comprising a tongue 10 with an immobilization element 8a at the top. The first panel 1 ’has a clipped tongue groove 9 with upper and lower lips 6b 6a and an immobilization groove 14a formed in the upper lip 6b and extending downwards towards the lower lip 6a. The first and second connectors immobilize the panels vertically and horizontally. The lower lip 6a preferably extends beyond the vertical plane VP and preferably has a horizontal contact surface, which is in contact with a lower part of the tongue 10.

The immobilization system could, for example, be designed in such a way that it has three contact points CP1, 2, 3 at an angle that exceeds 15 degrees as shown in Figure 23a. Tongue immobilization could be used as an alternative to band immobilization systems in all the embodiments described above. A tongue immobilization on long edges could be combined with a hook system on the short sides, which is preferably only immobilized horizontally as shown in Figure 24d.

50 Figure 24a shows an immobilization system with a double tongue 10, 10 'and two corresponding tongue grooves 9, 9', which could be used to immobilize long edges with angled positioning, elastic jump or even vertical immobilization if tabs and the band are adjusted to allow a vertical elastic jump action. Such a system could have more than four contact points and friction along the joint

55 could be considerable.

Figure 24b shows an immobilization system with a separate band 6 ’that could also be used to immobilize the long edges in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 24a. Such a band could comprise a material or a surface having friction properties more favorable than the core material.

60 Figure 24c shows an immobilization system with a separate tongue 10 'that could be flexible or rigid and that could be connected to the band 1' 'band or to the folding panel 1' at long and / or short edges in order to improve friction properties or to save material.

65 Figure 24d shows a hook system that only immobilizes horizontally.

Figure 24e shows an embodiment of an immobilization system with a flexible tongue 30 made in one piece with the core. A trimmed groove 71 that is formed behind the flexible tongue 30 could increase the flexibility of the tongue. Such a groove could preferably be formed by a scraping tool, when the short edges are machined. Such scraping or broaching technology could be used to form advanced shapes similar to extruded plastic sections especially in fiber-based material such as HDF but even in solid wood and plastic materials. The flexible tongue 30 could also be formed with large rotating tools in the folding panel 1 ’with an outer part extending upwards. The immobilization system could also have two flexible tabs, one on each edge. The wood fibers in the flexible tongue could be impregnated and / or coated with for example a binder 70 in order to increase strength and flexibility. The impregnation could be done before or after the formation of the tongue or the edge. The entire edge or parts of the immobilization system could also be impregnated and / or coated, for example the tongue groove 20, the immobilization element 8 or the immobilization groove 14. The trimmed groove could be filled with flexible materials in order to improve strength and flexibility. Vertical folding could be facilitated if the band 6 and / or the immobilization element 8 could flex during vertical folding 15. Wax in the immobilization system will facilitate immobilization. An essentially vertical groove 73 above the band in the folding panel 1 ', or a cavity 72 in the band 6 adjacent to the immobilization element 8 of the band panel 1 will increase the flexibility of the immobilization system further and allow The parts are more flexible. The parts 78 of the lower side of the band and / or a balancing layer could be removed, and this could increase the flexibility of the band and allow easier buckling towards the hearth. The folding panel could have a projection 74 and preferably also immobilization surfaces of the type as described in Figure 27c. The flexible tongue could also be formed from a separate material, which is fixed connected to the panel by, for example, gluing, friction or elastic jump. Such a separate material could be, for example, a fairly local edge portion 77, which could be connected to the edge before final machining. The trimmed groove 71 could also be preformed before the separated material 77 is connected to the edge of the panel. Such a connection could be made on individual panel edges or for a panel table that is then cut into individual floor panels. The separated material 75, 76 could also be connected to the edge of the band panel 1 and / or the folding panel 1 'so that it comprises important parts of the immobilization system. Such a separated material could preferably be glued, on a wooden floor, to the upper layer of upper and the lower layer of balancing. The separated materials could comprise for example solid wood that is preferably hard and flexible such as syringe or birch, wood impregnated with binders, for example acrylic binders, plastic materials, compact laminate made of wood fiber material and phenol which could also comprise fiber glass, HDF or HDF reinforced with binders, HDF with essentially a vertical fiber orientation, multi-layered materials comprising wood fibers and / or plastic materials and / or fiberglass. Such materials could be used separately or in combinations. He

The immobilization system could of course also be made in accordance with the principles described above without the cutout groove 71, for example in accordance with the embodiment described in Figure 5e if appropriate gasket materials and configurations are used to allow the required flexibility.

Many chemicals could be used to impregnate or coat parts or all of the immobilization systems such as melamine, urea, phenol, thermoplastic materials such as PP or PUR. Such chemicals could be cured with for example heat, microwave, UV or the like, with or without pressure.

The flexible tongue 70 could, in a standard HDF material, flex a few tenths of a millimeter and this could be sufficient to obtain a vertical immobilization especially on a laminate floor. The

Impregnation and / or coating could increase this flexibility considerably.

A preferred embodiment is provided comprising a short-edge immobilization system that could be immobilized with vertical folding or vertical immobilization and which is characterized in that the immobilization system comprises an edge with a band 6, an immobilization element 8, a flexible tongue 30 extending downward and formed in one piece with a panel core or in a separate material that is fixedly connected to the core. The flexible tongue 30 comprises a clipped recess 70 formed behind the tongue.

Figures 25a-c show how the greatest three-point contact angle could be correctly determined in an immobilization system made primarily of a wood fiber based core material. There are several 55 hundred different immobilization systems on the market used to connect laminate flooring only. In most of them, it is quite easy to measure the largest three-point contact angle. This is shown in Figure 25a. A sample with a width W2 and a length of approximately 100 mm is positioned at an angle downward from an installation angle with the upper edges in contact until a resistance is produced from the contact between the immobilization groove and the immobilization element. The sample should in this position, which is the largest three-point contact angle, be able to keep its position angled upwards and should not fall to the floor due to the weight of the sample. Such an immobilization system has a design that is characterized in that the three points are the upper edges CP3, the upper part of the tongue and the groove CP1, and the immobilization / immobilization element CP4. However, an immobilization system could have a design as shown in the figures 25b, c in which the three points of contact are the upper and lower parts of the tongue together with upper edges (CP1, CP2, CP3). Some of such immobilization systems will not stand still however in

a position angled up. In such systems a cross section of a joint should be analyzed in a microscope. If loose fibers make it difficult to define a three-point contact angle, friction should be measured as described in Figure 16. An increased friction is an indication that a contact point is active in the immobilization system.

5 Figures 26a-26d show an embodiment of a short edge immobilization system that counteracts or prevents the movement of long edges during vertical folding. Figure 26a shows a cross-section B-B of a short-sided immobilization system next to the edge portion at which the folding begins, as shown in Figure 4a. This immobilization system, as described above with

10 in relation to, for example, Figures 1-3, 5 and 8, comprises a band 6 with an immobilization element 8 and a separate flexible tongue 30 in a band panel 1, a tongue groove 20 and an immobilization groove 14 in 1 'folding panel. The immobilization surfaces are essentially vertical and parallel to the vertical plane VP. Preferably, this immobilization system could be designed such that the immobilization element 8 with its upper part of the immobilization surface 8a is in contact with the part

15 bottom of the immobilization surface 14a of the immobilization groove 14 as shown in Figure 26a, when there are no contacts between the folding panel 1 'and the flexible tongue 30. This can be achieved due to the fact that there is no no part of the tongue next to the long edge or that the tongue is arc-shaped and has no protruding part that is in contact with the folding panel 1 '. Figure 26b shows a cross-section C-C in Figure 4a. The immobilization surfaces 8a, 14a will prevent separation when the tongue

20 30 is in contact with the folding panel provided that they are essentially, and completely preferably, vertical and extend vertically over a considerable distance so that they can prevent displacement at an angle of preferably 10 degrees or more, even in an embodiment where the flexible tongue 30 is positioned next to the long edge. The immobilization surfaces should preferably have a height H that is at least 0.1 or even more than 0.15 times the floor thickness T. The surfaces

Vertical immobilization could also be done with a height H of approximately 0.2 * T or more.

Several alternatives are possible within the basic principle of this invention. Figure 26d shows that the function could be equivalent if only the immobilization surface 14a of the immobilization groove 14 satisfies the above requirements. The function could also be the same if the immobilization groove 14b has for

An example arc towards the outer edge, provided there are at least two parts that are located vertically along a vertical plane and the distance is approximately 0.1 * T.

Figure 27a shows an embodiment in which the immobilization element 8 and the immobilization groove 14 at the short edge are used to prevent separation. It is an advantage if the edge 8a of the immobilization element 8 is located next to the long edge 5b of the first panel 1 '' since this edge will be held in the immobilization groove of the new panel at a fairly large angle and the flexible tongue is it could be positioned in such a way that it will be immobilized along the long edge The flexible tongue 30 is in this embodiment an extruded section with a cut of the edge section 68 that facilitates horizontal movement during folding. High and vertical immobilization surfaces at short edges are especially suitable in immobilization systems with

A flexible tongue comprising an extruded plastic section and especially if such a section only has an outer flexible elastic jump tab that due to limited flexibility causes considerable separation pressure.

Figure 27 shows that flexible tongue 30 could move even more towards long edge 5b and prevent

45 travel along the long edge at an even greater angle if a compact tongue immobilization system is used at the long edges since such an immobilization system does not comprise a band 6a that protrudes far beyond the vertical plane VP.

Figure 27c shows an immobilization system with a tongue 30 preferably extruded and flexible and

50 essentially vertical immobilization surfaces between the immobilization element 8 of the band 6 and the immobilization groove 14 of the folding panel 1 ’. The folding panel 1 'comprises a projection 74 adjacent to the immobilization surface of the immobilization groove 14 that is received in an adjacent cavity 72 of the band 6 and preferably an essentially horizontal bottom contact surface 24 that is immobilized vertically against a 6 'adjacent band contact surface. This setting is very suitable in

55 flooring with an HDF core since the cavity is formed at the bottom of the core where the density is high. The cavity will only reduce to a limited extent the resistance of the immobilization system. The height H of the vertical immobilization surfaces is preferably at least 0.1 * T. In order to avoid fractures when the ground is contracted and to facilitate the fixing of the separate tongue 30 in the displacement groove 40, the design of the immobilization system is preferably such that the immobilization element 8 is located below a

60 horizontal plane H2 comprising the lower part of the sliding groove 40 and the immobilization groove 14 is located below a horizontal plane H1 comprising the inner part and the lower part of the tongue groove 20.

Claims (3)

1. An installation method for connecting floor panels (1, 1 ', 1' ') in rows by vertical folding, each panel being rectangular or square and comprising two long edges (5a, 5b) and two short edges ( 4a, 5 4b), the long edges as well as the short edges being provided with first and second connectors integrated with the floor panel to vertically and horizontally immobilize two adjacent panels, the first and second connectors being configured (9, 10, 6, 8, 14) of the long edges to be immobilized with an angle positioning, while the first and second connectors of the short edges (20, 30, 6, 8, 14) are configured to be immobilized with vertical folding; wherein each first connector comprises an immobilization band (6) with an immobilization element (8) directed upwards at one edge of the floor panel and an immobilization groove (14) open downwards at an opposite edge of the panel (1, 1 ', 1' ') of ground to connect horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the edges of the edges of two adjacent panels, and each second connector comprises a tongue (10, 30) on one edge of the floor panel, which it extends horizontally perpendicular to the edge, and a tongue groove (9, 20) open horizontally on an opposite edge 15 of the floor panel to vertically connect the edges of two adjacent panels; and wherein a long edge of a new panel (1 ') in a second row (R2) is configured to be connected to a long edge (5b) of a first panel (1' ') in a first row (R1) by angle positioning, whereby a short edge (4b) of the new panel (1) and a short edge (4a) of a second panel (1) in a second row (R2) are configured to be connected with the same movement in angle; in which at least a part of the connectors first 20 and second of the short edges (4a, 4b) that is active in the vertical immobilization at the short edges is flexible and is configured to be displaced horizontally during vertical folding, thereby creating a pressure (SP) of horizontal separation between edges adjacent shorts (4a, 4b); method in which a first panel (1 ’) and a second (1) are laid flat on a hearth with long edges connected to each other; The method comprising the steps of: 25 a) contacting a first long edge (5a) of a new panel (1 ’) at an angle with the top of a second long edge (5b) of the first panel (1’), b) contacting a short edge (4b) of the new panel (1 ') with a short edge (4a) of the second panel, whereby the new panel (1') is held in this position by the connectors of the long and / or short edges, c) press a short-edge section (4b) of the new panel (1 ’) down towards the hearth, and d) connect the first (1 ’), second (1) and new (1’) panels to each other with vertical folding; 35 whereby the method is characterized in that step b) of the method comprises the additional step of bringing the first panel (1 '') and the new panel (1 ') to an intermediate position in which the long edges have points of upper (CP1) and lower (CP2) and horizontal (CP3) and exterior (CP4) horizontal contact points between adjacent surfaces of the first and second long edges (5a, 5b) while pressing the upper edge 40 of the first panel (1 '') against the upper edge of the new panel (1 '), whereby, in said intermediate position, the new panel (1') is positioned at an angle so that its short edge (4b) it is in initial contact with said flexible part of the short edge (4a) of the second panel (1) which is intended to be displaced horizontally during vertical folding, whereby preferably the new panel (1 ') is at an angle with the plane principal of approximately 10 degrees in said intermediate position. 2. The installation method according to claim 1, wherein the tongue (10, 30) at the short edges (4a, 4b) of the floor panel comprises a separate material connected to a connection groove (40) in said short edges and is provided with a flexible part that is configured to be displaced horizontally during folding and to cooperate with the tongue groove (9, 20) on the short edge of a floor panel 50 adjacent to immobilize floor panels with each other in a vertical direction (D1) parallel to the vertical plane (VP). 3. The installation method of claim 2, wherein a portion of the tongue (10, 30) is disposable movable in its connection groove (40).