ITTO20080554A1 - PANEL TO COVER SURFACES AND METHOD TO FIX ONE OR MORE COVERING PANELS TO A SURFACE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the patent for industrial invention entitled:

â € œPANEL FOR COATING SURFACES AND METHOD FOR FIXING ONE OR MORE COVERING PANELS TO A SURFACEâ €

The present invention relates to a panel for covering surfaces and a method for fixing one or more covering panels to a surface.

In particular, the present invention relates to a substantially rectangular cladding panel of the type comprising four coupling lateral edges of which, two main lateral edges are arranged orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the panel on two opposite sides and are shaped in in such a way as to be able to make a coupling or interlocking `` snap '' with the relative main edges of the adjacent panels, while the two secondary lateral edges are parallel to the longitudinal axis and are shaped in such a way that they can be `` anchored '' to the corresponding side edges of adjacent panels.

More in detail, one of the two main edges of the panel has a rectilinear appendix shaped in such a way that it can be coupled `` snap '' with a rectilinear groove obtained on the main edge of an adjacent panel in such a way as to prevent any movement of the long panel a direction orthogonal to the main edge and parallel to the plane of the panel itself.

In this case, the appendix and the rectilinear groove have cross sections complementary to each other and are structured in such a way as to be able to couple two adjacent panels only by moving the panels on the same plane in opposite directions.

As for the secondary edges of the panel, on the other hand, one of them is made in such a way as to have a longitudinal protrusion shaped in such a way that it can be fitted inside a longitudinal recess obtained on the secondary edge of an adjacent panel so as to preventing any movement of the panel along a direction orthogonal to the main edge and parallel to the plane of the panel itself.

In this case, the projection and the longitudinal recess have cross sections complementary to each other, and are structured in such a way as to be able to implement the coupling between two adjacent panels by positioning the panel to be coupled in an inclined position with respect to the plane of the laid panel. adjacent, and performing a movement of partial engagement and rotation of the panel itself in and respectively around the secondary edge towards the plane of lying itself.

Panels for covering floors are known having a structure having four coupling edges of the type described above. For example, the patent US-6006486 describes a rectangular panel for floors having four coupling edges structured to be able to perform the functions described above, in which the two main edges are shaped to make a snap coupling, and the two secondary edges are able to make an anchoring, by means of a rotary movement, with a similar adjacent panel already laid on the surface of the floor to be covered.

The aforesaid panels are extremely advantageous as they allow the surface of a floor to be coated in extremely short times without the need for any type of glue for fixing the edges.

Thanks to the configuration of the four coupling edges described above, it is in fact possible to stably anchor the panel to the remaining panels laid on the floor support surface through a fastening method that provides for two simple and rapid consecutive operations similar to those described above for each panel. In fact, the first operation involves positioning the panel to be coupled in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane of the already laid panel, engaging the longitudinal projection of the secondary edge on the hollow of the secondary edge of the already laid panel, and rotating the panel to be coupled around the secondary edge itself until it rests on the horizontal support surface; while the second operation involves pushing the panel to be coupled towards the panel laid along the horizontal plane, in such a way as to snap-fit the rectilinear appendage of the main edge with the groove of the main edge of a previously laid panel .

Although they are extremely advantageous, the panels described above are structured to be used exclusively for covering floors, ie for covering horizontal support surfaces, but they are unsuitable for covering external wall surfaces.

The object of the present invention is therefore to produce a panel of the type described above structured in such a way as to be able to quickly cover, in addition to horizontal surfaces, also vertical or inclined surfaces.

According to the present invention, a panel is provided for covering surfaces, as explained in claim 1 and preferably, but not necessarily, in any one of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, a method is also provided for fixing one or more panels to a vertical surface as made explicit in claim 7 and preferably, but not necessarily, in any of the dependent claims.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of embodiment, in which:

- figure 1 is a top view of a panel for covering surfaces made according to the dictates of the present invention;

- figure 2 is a perspective view with parts in section and parts removed for clarity of a main coupling edge of the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1;

- figure 3 is a perspective view with parts in section and parts removed for clarity of a secondary coupling edge of the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1;

- figure 4 shows the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1 according to a longitudinal section line I-I;

figure 5 shows the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1 according to section II-II;

figure 6 shows the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1 according to section III-III;

Figure 7 shows three consecutive anchoring operations of the coupling edge of the flat body covering the panel shown in Figure 1;

Figures 8 to 11 show as many consecutive coupling operations of the clip on the flat body covering the panel shown in Figure 1;

Figure 12 shows a schematic front and side elevation view of an anchoring clip of the panel shown in Figure 1;

- figures 13 and 14 show two consecutive operations for fixing the flat body covering the panel shown in figure 1 to a supporting structure of a vertical surface; while

- figure 15 shows a front view of the panel of figure 1 stably fixed to the vertical surface.

With reference to figure 1, the number 1 indicates a panel as a whole, which is structured in such a way as to be able to conveniently cover both a flat horizontal surface in such a way as to create a floor, and a vertical flat surface or tilted to cover one wall.

The panel 1 comprises a flat covering body 2 having a substantially rectangular or square shape, made through a plate made of wood-based material and / or coated, for example, with a laminate of the type preferably, but not necessarily MDF (acronym for Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (acronym for High Density Fiberboard) or HPL (acronym for High Pressure Laminate).

In the example shown in figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, the flat covering body 2 has an elongated rectangular shape which extends along a longitudinal axis A and comprises four coupling lateral edges suitable to allow the flat covering body 2 to be connected stably, but in an easily removable way, with other flat bodies 2 of adjacent similar panels.

In particular, the flat covering body 2 comprises a front face 2a able to be arranged â € œin viewâ € so as to define the surface of the floor or wall, a rear face 2b able to be arranged abutment on a supporting surface of the floor or wall, and two main coupling edges 3 and 4, which are arranged on the two opposite sides of the flat covering body 2 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A, and are shaped in such a way as to be able to make a coupling, i.e. a â € œcatchingâ € interlocking with the relative main coupling edges 4 and 3 of a flat covering body 2 of an adjacent identical panel 1.

The flat covering body 2 also comprises two secondary coupling edges 5 and 6, which are arranged on the two opposite sides of the flat covering body 2 parallel to the longitudinal axis A and are shaped in such a way as to be â € œanchoredâ € to the corresponding edges 6 and 5 of a flat covering body 2 of an adjacent identical panel 1.

With reference to figures 2 and 5, the main coupling edge 3 of the flat covering body 2 has a rectilinear appendix 7 shaped in such a way that it can be coupled with a `` snap '' coupling with a straight groove or groove 8 obtained on the main edge of coupling 4 of a flat covering body 2 of an adjacent identical panel, in such a way as to prevent any movement of the flat covering body 2 along a direction orthogonal to the main coupling edge 3 and coplanar with the plane of lying of the flat covering body 2 same.

In the example shown in Figures 2 and 5, the rectilinear appendage 7 extends from the main coupling edge 3 of the flat covering body 2 outwards along a direction coplanar with it and has a straight relief 7a at one end which extends it extends from the appendix 7 in a direction orthogonal to the appendix 7, extending over the entire width L of the flat covering body 2; while the groove 8 extends rectilinear along the main coupling edge 4 and is shaped in such a way as to present a cross section substantially complementary to the cross section of the appendix 7.

In particular, with reference to Figures 2 and 5, the groove 8 obtained on the main coupling edge 4 is delimited by a front flap 9, the external face of which represents a portion of the front face 2a of the flat covering body 2, and by a rear flap 10, the outer face of which represents a portion of the rear face 2b of the flat covering body 2 itself.

On the internal face of the rear flap 10 defining a wall of the groove 8 there is also a recess 11 which extends rectilinear along the main coupling edge 3 for the entire width L of the flat covering body 2 and has a substantially complementary cross section to the transversal section of the relief 7a so as to be able to accommodate it internally thus determining the coupling, ie the snap-fit between the main coupling edges 3 and 4 of two adjacent flat cladding bodies 2.

On the other hand, as regards the secondary coupling edge 5, with reference to Figure 6, it comprises a longitudinal projection 12 shaped in such a way as to be able to be fitted inside a longitudinal recess 13 obtained on the secondary coupling edge 6 of a flat body covering 2 of an adjacent identical panel 1 in such a way as to prevent any movement of the flat covering body 2 along a direction orthogonal to the secondary coupling edge 6 and parallel to the plane of lying of the flat covering body 2 itself.

In this case, with reference to Figure 7, the projection 12 and the longitudinal recess 13 have cross sections complementary to each other and are structured in such a way as to be able to carry out the coupling between two flat covering bodies 2 of two adjacent panels 1 by partially inserting the projection 12 of the flat covering body 2 of a panel in the recess 13 of the flat covering body 2 of the adjacent panel while maintaining,

during insertion, the flat covering body 2 of the panel to be laid in an inclined position with respect to the flat covering body 2 adjacent to the laid panel, and completing the coupling by means of a rotation movement of the flat covering body 2 of the panel 1 in which it is placed abutment on the flat support surface of the floor or wall to be covered.

The structure of the main edges 3 and 4 and secondary edges 5 and 6 is known and therefore will not be further described.

With reference to figures 1, 8-12 Unlike conventional panels, the panel 1 is also provided with a mechanical anchoring device 15, which is designed to couple the flat covering body 2 in a stable but easily removable manner. of a panel 1 to a substantially vertical wall 16.

In particular, in the example shown in figures 1, 12 and 13, the mechanical anchoring device 15 is designed to be able to fix stably, but in an easily removable way, one of the edges of the flat covering body 2 of the panel 1 to a structure bearing 25 firmly connected to the wall 16.

In the example shown in Figures 8-15, the supporting structure 25 comprises a series of anchoring profiles 18 preferably but not necessarily having a section

omega, which are stably fixed to the wall 16, in parallel positions, at a certain distance from each other, while the mechanical anchoring device 15 comprises a clip 19 shaped in such a way that it can be coupled to a edge of the flat cladding body 2 and be fixed to an anchoring profile 18 so as to determine the fixing of the flat cladding body 2 itself to the wall 16.

In particular, in the example shown in Figures 1 and 12, the clip 19 comprises a plate 19a preferably, but not necessarily, square or rectangular in shape which has a central portion 19b bent substantially L-shaped, suitable for being coupled to the main coupling edge 4 ; and a pair of fins 19c which extend starting from the two opposite sides of the clip 19 parallel to each other from opposite bands of the central portion 19b in opposite directions and are adapted to be engaged in the anchoring profile 18 so as to anchor the clip 19 to the same.

On the other hand, as regards the main coupling edge 4 of the flat covering body 2, in the example shown in Figures 2 and 4 and 5, it is structured in such a way that the rear flap 10 has a central section 10a which is beveled in such a way that its height S1 measured with respect to the bottom portion

of the groove 8 is lower than the predetermined nominal height S0 (shown in Figure 1) of the end portions of the rear flap 10 itself.

The main coupling edge 4 is also shaped in such a way as to present, in correspondence with the central chamfered portion 10a, a seat 24, which is defined by a longitudinal extension of the groove 8 in the opposite direction to the main coupling edge 4 and It is shaped in such a way as to be able to accommodate inside a section of the central portion 19a of the clip 19 so as to couple it to the flat covering body 2.

In this case, the main coupling edge 4 is shaped in such a way that its central portion 10a comprised between the seat 24 and the rear face 2b of the flat covering body 2 is engaged and therefore remains trapped between the plate 19a and the portion central 19b of clip 19 (Figure 11).

More in detail, the plate 19a of the clip 19 abuts against the rear face 2b of the flat covering body 2 while the central portion 19b engages in the seat 24 thus determining, with the plate 19a, a tightening of the central portion 10a by one side. of clip 19.

With reference to figures 7-11 and 13-15 it will come to

The method for fixing the panel 1 to a wall 16 is described below, in which it is assumed that the anchoring profiles 18 are fixed stably on the vertical wall 16 in horizontal positions spaced from each other by a distance D1 equal to approximately the width L1 (figure 13) of each flat covering body 2 measured transversely to the longitudinal axis A, and that the panel 1 is coupled with a first panel 1H identical to the panel 1 and positioned in a row H of underlying panels fixed to the wall 16, and at the same time, with a second panel 1K identical to panel 1 and positioned in a column K of panels fixed to wall 16 in which the second panel 1K is aligned with panel 1.

With reference to figures 7 and 13, the method provides for carrying out the following steps for each panel 1: aligning the flat covering body 2 of the panel 1 with the flat covering body of the panel 1H so that the longitudinal projection 12 faces to the longitudinal recess 13 of the panel 1H; keeping the flat covering body 2 of the panel 1 in an inclined position with respect to the plane of the panel 1H, insert the projection 12 into the recess 13 in such a way as to partially engage the secondary coupling edge 5 of the panel 1 in the secondary coupling edge 6 of the panel 1H; rotate the body flat of

covering 2 of the panel 1 around the secondary coupling edge 6 until it abuts against the visible surface of the wall 16 in such a way as to complete the coupling between the secondary coupling edge 5 of the panel 1 and the secondary coupling edge 6 of the 1H panel.

With reference to Figures 8, 9 and 14, the method also provides for the step of pushing the main coupling edge 3 of the reference plane body 2 of the panel 1 towards the main coupling edge 4 of the reference plane body 2 of the panel 1K in in such a way as to cause the insertion of the straight relief 7a of the panel 1 into the recess 11 of the panel 1K (Figure 9) so as to cause the snap coupling between the two main coupling edges 3 and 4.

At this point the method involves the step of fixing in a stable but easily removable way the flat covering body 2 of the panel 1 to the profile 18 of the wall 16 by means of the mechanical anchoring device 15.

In particular, this step essentially involves coupling the clip 19 to the anchoring profile 18 (Figure 10) and respectively to the main coupling edge 4 of the panel 1 (Figures 11 and 15) in such a way as to determine the fixing of the flat covering body. 2 on the wall 16.

In this case, this step involves coupling the fins 19c (figure 12) to the anchoring profile 18; to partially rotate the clip 19 around an axis of rotation in such a way as to fix it to the anchoring profile 18; to translate the clip 19 along the anchoring profile 18 so as to engage the central portion 19b of the clip 19 inside the seat 24 (Figure 11) so as to fix the flat covering body 2 to the wall 16.

In this case, in this phase the plate 19a of the clip 19 abuts against the face 2b of the flat covering body 2 while the end of the central portion 19b of the clip 19 is engaged in the seat 24 thus determining on one side the tightening of the clip 19 on the portion 9a of the main coupling edge and on the other hand the fixing of the flat covering body 2 to the wall 16.

According to a possible embodiment, the anchoring device 15 is structured in such a way that, instead of being provided with the fins 19b, it is provided with a fixing member structured to be able to fix the plate 19a to the profile 18.

According to a variant not shown, the anchoring profiles 18 instead of being arranged horizontally are arranged vertically and the method of fixing the

panel 1 provides for the same steps described above.

The panel described above has many advantages: first of all, the panel can be used for covering any flat surface, that is, for both walls and floors. The structure with four interlocking edges of the panel allows it to be fastened to the four adjacent panels while the clip maintains the fixing of the same in case it is necessary to fix it to a wall.

In addition, the clip 19 being coupled with the portion 10a obtained on the rear flap 10 of the panel 1 remains conveniently hidden by the front flap 9 of the flat covering body 2 thus maintaining unaltered the continuity of coupling between the panels 1 in the visible surface and thus obtaining the same aesthetic effect obtained in floor covering.

It should be noted that the non-visibility of the clip 19 and the versatility of fixing the flat cladding bodies to flat or vertical surfaces advantageously allows to obtain a seamless cladding of floors and walls, thus obtaining an extremely satisfying aesthetic effect.

Furthermore, the clip 19 being able to slide freely in the seat 24 allows to obtain a compensation of any dilatations of the flat body of

cladding 2, this latter condition not obtainable in the case of a stable fastening of the panels to a wall by means of fastening members such as nails or screws.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the panel and to the method described and illustrated here without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the attached claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Panel (1) for covering a flat surface (14) provided with a flat covering body (2) having four sides comprising four respective coupling edges (3), (4), (5), (6) each of the which is adapted to be mechanically coupled, in a stable but easily removable way, to a corresponding coupling edge (4), (3), (6), (5) of another adjacent panel (1H, 1K); a first (5) and a second coupling edge (6) being shaped in such a way as to be anchored to said second (6) and respectively to the first edge (5) of an adjacent panel (1H), identical to said panel ( 1), through a movement of partial insertion of the said first coupling edge (5) in the second coupling edge (6), and through a rotation movement of the said flat covering body (2) of the said panel (1) around the first coupling edge (5) itself; a third (3) and fourth coupling edge (4) of said panel (1) being shaped in such a way as to snap together with the fourth (4) and respectively third (3) edge of another adjacent panel (1K), identical to said panel (1); said panel (1) being characterized in that it comprises mechanical anchoring means (15), which are structured to be coupled to said fourth coupling edge (4) of said panel (1) and simultaneously be coupled in a stable manner, but easily removable from said surface (14) so as to fix the panel (1) to the surface (14) itself. 2. Panel according to claim 1, wherein said third coupling edge (3) of the flat covering body (2) has an appendage (7), and said fourth coupling edge (4) has a groove (8) shaped in in such a way as to accommodate said appendix (7) and provide a snap coupling with it; said groove (8) being delimited by a front flap (9) and by a rear flap (10), the outer face of which represents a portion of the rear face (2b) of the said flat covering body (2) itself; said rear flap (10) presenting a central portion (10a) beveled in such a way that its height (Si) is lower than the nominal height (SO) of the end portions of the rear flap (10) itself. 3. Panel according to claim 2, in which said fourth coupling edge (4) is shaped in such a way as to present, in correspondence with said central beveled section (10a), a seat (24) which is defined by a longitudinal extension of a central portion of said groove (8). 4. Panel according to claim 3, in which said mechanical anchoring means (15) comprise a clip (19) comprising a plate (19a) which has a central portion (19b) bent substantially in an L-shape suitable to be placed abutment on said section ( 10a) central beveled in such a way as to engage inside said seat (24). 5. Panel according to claim 4, wherein said surface (14) is a surface of a vertical wall comprising a bearing structure (16) fixed stably on the surface (14) itself and comprising one or more parallel anchoring profiles (18) and spaced apart; said clip (19) being provided with fixing means (19c) structured to couple said clip (19) in a stable but easily removable way to said anchoring profile (18). 6. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flat covering body (2) is made through a plate made of wood-based material and / or covered for example with a laminate of the MDF or HDF or HPL type. 7. Method of fixing a panel (1) to a flat surface (14); said panel (1) comprising a flat covering body having four sides comprising four respective coupling edges (3), (4), (5), (6), each of which is adapted to be mechanically coupled, in a stable manner but easily removable to a corresponding coupling edge (4), (3), (6), (5) of another adjacent panel (1H, 1K); a first (5) and a second coupling edge (6) being shaped in such a way as to be anchored to said second (6) and respectively first coupling edge (5) of an adjacent panel (1H), identical to said panel (1); a third (3) and fourth coupling edge (4) of said panel (1) being shaped in such a way as to snap together with the fourth (4) and respectively third coupling edge (3) of another panel (1K) adjacent, identical to said panel (1); said method comprising the steps of: partially inserting said first coupling edge (5) into the second coupling edge (6); rotating said flat covering body (2) of said panel (1) around the first coupling edge (5) so as to arrange the flat covering body (2) on the lying plane of the other adjacent panel (1H); push the third coupling edge (3) of the reference plane body (2) of the panel (1) towards the fourth coupling edge (4) of the said reference plane body (2) of the adjacent panel (1H) in such a way as to determining the snap coupling between said third and fourth coupling edges (3) and (4); said method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of coupling mechanical anchoring means (15) to said fourth coupling edge (4) of said flat covering body (2); and coupling said mechanical anchoring means (15) to said surface (14) in such a way as to determine the fixing of said flat covering body (2) to said surface (14). Method according to claim 7, wherein said third coupling edge (3) of the flat covering body (2) has an appendage (7), and said fourth coupling edge (4) has a groove (8) shaped in in such a way as to accommodate said appendix (7) and provide a snap coupling with it; said groove (8) being delimited by a front flap (9) and by a rear flap (10), the outer face of which represents a portion of the rear face (2b) of the said flat covering body (2) itself; said rear flap (10) presenting a central portion (10a) blunted in such a way that its height (Si) is lower than the nominal height (SO) of the end portions of the rear flap (9) itself; said method comprising the step of coupling said mechanical anchoring means (15) to said central beveled portion (10a). Method according to claim 8, wherein said mechanical anchoring means (15) comprise a clip (19), and wherein said surface (14) corresponds to a substantially vertical surface of a wall comprising a bearing structure provided with one or more several profiles (18) parallel and spaced apart; said method comprising the step of coupling said clip (19) to said profile (18) and of engaging said clip (19) on said central beveled section (10a) of said fourth coupling edge (4) of said panel (1) . Method according to claim 9, wherein said clip (19) comprises an L-folded central portion (19b) and fixing means (19b) structured to couple said clip (19) to said profile (18) in such a way as to being able to slide along said profile (18); said fourth coupling edge (4) being shaped in such a way as to present, in correspondence with said central section (10a) beveled, a seat (24) which is defined by a longitudinal extension of a central portion of said groove (8 ); said method comprising the step of coupling said fixing means (19b) of said clip (19) to said profile (18), of sliding said clip (19) along said anchoring profile (18) so as to engage said portion central (19b) of the clip (19) in said seat (24) determining the fixing of the flat covering body (2) to the profile (18) itself.