NL2020255B1 - Panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Panel, comprising a hexagonal core, three first coupling parts connected to three adjacent sides of the hexagonal core; and three second coupling parts connected to three other adjacent sides of the hexagonal core, such that opposite sides of the hexagonal core are provided with a pair of first and second coupling parts wherein said first and second coupling parts are of the type allowing that at least two of such panels can be connected to each other by pushing one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part of another panel, in a motion perpendicular to the plane of the core.

Description

Patent center

Θ 2020255

(2?) Application number: 2020255 (22) Application submitted: January 9, 2018

Int. Cl .:

E04F 15/02 (2018.01) B27M 3/04 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): July 15, 2019 INNOVATIONS4FLOORING HOLDING N.V. at Willemstad, Curagao, CW. 0 Request published: 0 Inventor (s): 0 Patent granted: Eddy Alberic Boucké in Menen (BE). July 15, 2019 0 Patent issued: 0 Authorized representative: July 16, 2019 ir. H.Th. van den Heuvel et al. in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel

Ξ) Panel, including a hexagonal core, three first coupling parts connected to three adjacent sides of the hexagonal core; and three second coupling parts connected to three other adjacent sides of the hexagonal core, such that opposite sides of the hexagonal core are provided with a pair of first and second coupling parts said said first and second coupling parts are of the type allowing that at least two of such panels can be connected to each other by pushing one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part or another panel, in a motion perpendicular to the plane of the core.

NL B1 2020255

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

Panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel

The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel, a covering, such as a floor covering or a wall covering, including mutually coupled panels and a method of producing a panel

The last decades has seen an enormous advance in the market of floor panels. An important aspect of this advance is the easy with which panels can be laid to form coverings. Traditionally, such panels are elongated or rectangular shapes, the panels can be laid next to each other, for a traditional flooring pattern, or the panels can be laid in a herringbone pattern, or V-shaped pattern.

An objection of the invention is to provide an improved panel which can be laid in other patterns.

The present invention thereto provides a panel according to claim 1. The panel of claim 1 has a hexagonally shaped core, in particular seen from a top view, such that the panel has six sides. Similarly to coverings with rectangular panels or square panels, also hexagonal panels can form coverings without the need or additional insert panels. In appearance, hexagonal panels may be designed to represent ceramic tiles, which can also take a hexagonal shape. Such panels open up a new range of patterns to be laid, for instance as a floor covering, wall cladding or other coverings.

The panels according to the invention are coupled and locked by at least one of the coupling parts or a first panel into at least one of the coupling parts or a second panel. The locking or at least two coupled panels may occur with locking portions, located on the coupling parts or the panels. In floor panels, in which the panels are laid on a horizontal subfloor, this results in a locking in both vertical and horizontal direction.

The six sides of the hexagonal core are provided with three first coupling parts and three second coupling parts, the first coupling parts or a first panel are configured to co-act with the second coupling parts or other similar or identical panels. The three first coupling parts and the three second coupling parts are each located on adjacent sides of the panel, such that three subsequent sides of the panel have first coupling parts, and three subsequent sides of the panel have second coupling parts. Opposite sides of the panel thus have pairs or first and second coupling parts. Such configuration of coupling parts is relatively easy to produce, especially if all three first and all three second coupling parts are substantially identical. In that case, a first side can be provided with the first coupling part and, in order to provide two adjacent sides, the panel only has to be rotated 60 degrees to provide the first coupling part on the subsequent side. The locking portions of the coupling parts may be provided on all coupling parts, but may also be present on a selection of coupling parts. For instance, one of the first and one of the second coupling parts may be provided with locking portions, the other coupling parts do not contribute to locking. Alternatively, two of the first and two of the second coupling parts may be provided with locking portions, or all coupling parts may be provided with locking portions.

At least one of the first coupling parts may include an upward tongue, an upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove between the upward tongue and the upward flank, and at least one of the second coupling part may include a downward tongue, a downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue and a downward groove between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward tongue may be configured to be pushed into the upward groove for connection. Such arrangement of coupling parts, with upward tongues and downward grooves, is also referred to as a hook-like coupling system. Such a system is particularly useful in push-in locking motions. The upward groove of the first coupling part will generally be given a form such that it is adapted for receiving in locked manner at least a part of a downward tongue or a second coupling part or an adjacent panel. A first locking will thus be formed by confining the downward tongue or a panel in the upward groove or an adjacent panel and by confining the upward tongue or the adjacent panel in the upward groove or the panel.

A side of at least one of the upward tongues facing towards the core may be at least partly inclined towards the core or the upward groove and a side of at least one of the downward tongues facing towards the core may be at least partly inclined towards the core or the downward groove and locking portions are formed by said inclined parts, in particular, said sides of the tongues and the plane of the panel and an angle between 90 and 10 degrees. The inclination of the sides of the tongues towards the respective grooves results in the formation of so-called closed grooves. A closed groove means that the minimum width of the groove is narrower than the maximum width of the tongue, and that deformation or at least one of the coupling parts needs to occur in order to push the tongue into the groove.

Because the coupling parts are given in a specific form, the substantially complementarily formed coupling parts or adjacent panels can be coupled to each other relatively simply, but durably and efficiently. During coupling of adjacent panels a force will here beerted on one or both coupling parts, the one or both coupling parts will deform elastically (move resiliently), as a consequence of which the volume tasks up by the downward groove and / or upward groove will be increased such that the upward tongue and the downward tongue can be arranged relatively simply in respectively the downward groove and the upward groove. By continuing allowing the forced coupling parts to move back resiliently to the original position a reliable, locked coupling will be realized between the two coupling parts, and more likely between the two coupled panels. This locked coupling, in which both coupling parts mutually engage in relatively reliable manner, will counter friction or parts of the coupling against each other, the coupling as such will generally generate relatively little noise.

The angle between 90 and 10 degrees between the inclined sides and the plane of the panel defines the closed groove or at least one of the coupling parts. The angle of exactly 90 degrees is, at least in this embodiment, not part of the intended range, as this would result in an open groove system.

At least a part of a side or at least one of the upward tongues facing away from the upward flank may be provided with at least one first locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulge and / or a recess, adapted for co -action with at least one second locking element, for instance in the form of a recess and / or an outward bulge, or an adjacent panel; and at least a part of a side or at least one of the downward flanks may be provided with at least one second locking element, for instance in the form of a recess and / or an outward bulge, adapted for co-action with the at least one first locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulk and / or a recess, or an adjacent panel; or vice versa.

The side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank may also be considered as the outside of the upward tongue, and may be the side of the upward tongue opposite the inclined side thereof. The locking elements co-act to lock two panels in a coupled and locked condition, and thus contribute to a strong and durable locking. The locking portions of the panel may thus comprise these first and second locking elements. The locking portions of the coupling parts, in this case the first and second locking elements may be provided on all coupling parts, but may also be present on a selection of coupling parts. For instance, one of the first and one of the second coupling parts may be provided with these locking portions, the other coupling parts do not contribute to locking. Alternatively, two of the first and two of the second coupling parts may be provided with these locking portions, or all coupling parts may be provided with these locking portions.

At least a part of the upper side of the upward tongue may be inclined compared to the plane of the panel, and, preferably, the complete upper side of the upward tongue may be inclined. At least a part of the bottom side of the downward groove may also be included compared to the plane of the panel, and, preferably, the complete bottom side of the downward groove may be included. This has the result that the thickness of the upward tongue decreases in the direction of the side of the tongue facing away from the upward flank. By having the downward groove substantially connect to the upper side of the upward tongue, in a coupled position or two panels according to the invention following an upper side of the downward groove extends in the direction of the normal or the lower side of the core, a second coupling part can be provided which is on the one hand relatively strong and solid and can on the other guarantee sufficient resilience to enable a coupling to be realized to a first coupling part or an adjacent floor panel. Additionally, this inclination forms a coupling part with varying thickness, whether a part of the coupling parts will have a minimal thickness, or thinnest zone. This zone is most prone to elastic deformation, such that during coupling the location or deformation can be determined and set on forehand.

At least one of the first and second coupling parts may further include a separate locking element, adapted to co-act with the locking portion to provide locking in at least one of the directions. Such separate locking element is disclosed for instance in EP1415056, which is incorporated by reference with regard to its disclosure on separate locking elements, or snap tab as it is referred to in EP1415056. The separate locking element may be used in both the first and second coupling parts, and is typically arranged to deform at least temporarily during coupling or two panels.

In coupled condition, a gap may exist between the upper side or at least one of the upward tongues and the lower part of at least one of the downward grooves. The presence of a gap between the upper side of the upward tongue and the lower part of the downward groove results in that the upward tongue and the downward groove are, as such, not in direct contact. Instead, the inside and outside of the tongues are on contact. The gap allows foreign material to collect, without hindering the coupling of panels. The gap also allows panel to collect material when such material is shaved for instance or the coupling parts during coupling. Such may occur when, due to instance production tolerances, one of the coupling parts is slightly over dimensioned compared to the available space.

The core may also be octagonal instead of hexagonal, and the first and second coupling parts may be connected to four adjacent sides of the octagonal core. Similarly to hexagonal panels, the core may also be octagonal, and may thus have eight sides. Also these panels may be used to produce new patterns with panels. Octagons however cannot be used exclusively for laying in filling patterns, due to their shape. When a number of octagons are laid and coupled with their coupling parts, four octagons will mutually enclose a square space. This space may be filled with a square panel, which may again result in an appearance similar to that of ceramic tiles.

At least a part of a side or at least one of the downward tongues facing away from the downward flank may be provided with a third locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulge or a recess, adapted for co-action with a fourth locking element, for instance in the form of a recess or an outward bulge, or an adjacent panel; and at least a part of at least one of the upward flanks may be provided with a fourth locking element, for instance in the form of a recess or an outward bulge, adapted for co-action with the third locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulge or a recess, or an adjacent panel, or vice versa. These third and fourth locking elements may function like the first and second locking elements, and contribute to the locking or coupled panels.

A part of the side or at least one of the downward tongues facing away from the downward flank and / or at least a part of at least one of the upward flanks may be at least partially curved or inclined, the third and / or fourth locking element may be located at least partially curved or inclined part. Such curved or inclined part may for instance for an aligning edge, facilitating mutual alignment or panels to be coupled. The first and second coupling parts may include a bridge part, connecting the upward and downward tongues to the respective flanks. The curve or inclination of the part of the side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank and / or at least a part of the upward flank may be placed towards the bridge part of the coupling part.

Between at least one of the downward tongues and the core of the panel a bridge part may present, connecting the downward tongue to the core, in particular, the bridge part may have a variable thickness between the core and the downward tongue. Such variable thickness of the bridge part results in a bridge part having a minimum thickness, or a section on the thickness of the bridge part is minimal. It is that section where the least amount of material is present in the bridge, such that said section forms a weakest zone or the bridge part. Especially in so-called “closed groove” locking systems, where (at least temporary) deformation of the coupling parts occurs, the formation or characterization or such weakest zone defines the location where deformation of the coupling parts, and the bridge in particular, is most likely to occur. The second coupling part may thus be configured to deform at least temporary during coupling, in particular the bridge part or the second coupling part.

The minimal thickness of the second coupling part, in particular the bridge, may be less than half the total thickness of the panel. By having such minimal thickness of the second coupling part, a relative thin zone has been created in the second coupling part. This thin zone is especially useful in the closed groove systems, where (at least temporary) deformation of the coupling parts occurs, the formation or characterization or such thin zone defines the location where deformation of the coupling parts, and the bridge in particular , is most likely to occur. The second coupling part may thus be configured to deform at least temporary during coupling, in particular the bridge part or the second coupling part.

Beneath at least one of the first coupling parts, in particular beneath at least one of the upward tongue, a space may be present, such that, when placed on a surface, a gap exists between the upward tongue and the surface the panel is placed on. This space may for instance increase in height in a direction from the core towards the outside of the upward tongue, or the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank. A space underneath the first coupling element may allow the first coupling element to deform, or bend, slightly downward during coupling, facilitating coupling or two panels. This facilitation of coupling further allows larger tolerances and deviations from the exact dimensions of the coupling parts to be coupled.

The panel according to the invention is typically used to provide a floor covering, but can also be applied to form an alternative covering, for example a wall covering, ceiling covering, column covering, beam covering, or furniture covering. The panel may have a thickness between 2.5 and 10 mm thick. At least a part of the core may be made of any material, such as MDF, HDF, particle board, plastic, such as PVC, PE, PP, PET, PU, (wood) plastic composites, mineral board, magnesium oxide board, gypsum, glass, sand, wood, or mixtures. The panel may be further provided with one or more reinforcement layers, such as a glass fiber layer or polyester layer, to strengthen the panel. The panel may be elongated for instance, and have a width between 10 and 100 cm, and a length of 50 to 250 cm.

At least a part of the core of the panels is preferably made of - relatively environmentally friendly - material including plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyurethane (PU), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyester, preferably a compostable polyester, or combinations. The core may include filling materials, such as mineral fillers, such as particles, dust, and / or fibers. The panel, in particular the core, may further include plasticizer to make the panel as such more flexible. The core of the panel may be at least partially made of a wood fiber core, for instance a recycled wood fiber core.

On top of the core, the panels may include a decorative layer, for instance a decorative print layer, preferably made of plastic and / or paper, or a decorative print printed directly on the core. On top of the decorative layer, a protective layer may be present, to protect the decorative layer. On the bottom of the core a balancing or (sound) dampening layer may be present.

The decorative layer may include, for example, paper. The paper may be a printed melamine impregnated paper, for example, a decor sheet composed of melamine resin impregnated cellulose fibers. The paper may be placed directly on the carrier, for example, on an HDF board. The paper may be placed on a scattering or decorative powder mix. For example, the decorative powder may include wood fibers and a binder, and optionally, a pigment and / or wear resistant particles. The wood fibers or the decorative power may be processed wood fibers or unprocessed wood fibers, such as recycled wood fibers.

The decorative layer may include, for example, a scattering or decorative powder mix. For example, the decorative powder may include wood fibers and a binder, and optionally, a pigment and / or wear resistant particles. The wood fibers or the decorative power may be processed wood fibers or unprocessed wood fibers, such as recycled wood fibers. The decorative layer may include, for example, multiple layers or scattered decorative powder mix.

The decorative layer may include, for example, a wood veneer. The wood veneer may be placed directly on the carrier, for example, on an HDF board. The wood veneer may be placed on a scattering or decorative powder mix. For example, the decorative powder may include wood fibers and a binder, and optionally, a pigment and / or wear resistant particles. The wood fibers or the decorative power may be processed wood fibers or unprocessed wood fibers, such as recycled wood fibers.

The decorative layer may include, for example, cork. The cork may be placed directly on the carrier, for example, on an HDF board. The cork may be placed on a scattering or decorative powder mix. For example, the decorative powder may include wood fibers and a binder, and optionally, a pigment and / or wear resistant particles. The wood fibers or the decorative power may be processed wood fibers or unprocessed wood fibers, such as recycled wood fibers.

Instead of the downward pushing motion, said first and second coupling parts may also be of the type allowing that at least two of such panels can be connected to each other by angling one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part of another panel, may, preferably at least one of the first coupling parts comprises a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, and, preferably, at least one of the second coupling parts comprises a recess for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue or a further panel, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip being provided with an upwardly protruding shoulder.

The sideward tongue is typically provided with a bottom side, which may be rounded at least partially, which co-operates with the side of the upwardly protruding shoulder that faces towards the core. The bottom side of the sideward tongue and this inner side of the shoulder together lock the panels in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel. The sideward tongue, in particular the upper side, and the recess, in particular the lower ide of the upper lip, together lock the panels in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. These elements thus form at least the part of the locking portions of the panels.

It may also be the adjacent sides of the panel provided with the first coupling parts include both coupling parts of the type that is at least two of such panels can be connected to each other by pushing one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part of another panel, as well as of the type allowing that at least two of such panels can be connected to each other by angling one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part or another panel. Preferably, opposite sides of the core are provided with coupling parts of the same nature.

The present invention further relates to a covering, such as a floor covering or a wall covering, including mutually coupled panels according to the invention, in particular, the covering has a honeycomb pattern.

When the panels are provided with an octagonal shaped core, the covering may further include substantially square panels, where the square panels are provided with first and second coupling parts on opposite sides, for co-acting with the first and second coupling parts of the octagonal panels. When a number of octagons are laid and coupled with their coupling parts, four octagons will mutually enclose a square space. This space may be filled with a square panel, which may again result in an appearance similar to that of ceramic tiles.

The panels may also have cores shaped like other n-sided polygons, like n> 4, like pentagons, heptagons and other regular polygons. If the number of sides is more than four and even, the number of adjacent sides is provided with the first coupling parts is half of the number of sides, and the number of adjacent other sides is provided with the second coupling parts is also half of the number or sides. If the number of sides is more than four and uneven, the number of adjacent sides is provided with the first coupling parts is half of the number of sides minus one, and the number of adjacent other sides is provided with the second coupling parts is half of the number of sides or the number of adjacent sides provided with the first coupling parts is half of the number of sides, and the number of adjacent other sides provided with the second coupling parts is half of the number of sides minus one. The panel according to the invention is preferably n-sided, where n> 4 and preferably and even number. If n is an even number, the number of adjacent sides provided with the first coupling parts is n / 2, and the number of adjacent other sides provided with the second coupling parts is also n / 2. If the n is uneven, the number of adjacent sides is provided with the first coupling parts (n-1) / 2, and the number of adjacent other sides is provided with the second coupling parts is n / 2 or the number of adjacent sides provided with the first coupling parts is n / 2, and the number of adjacent other sides is provided with the second coupling parts is (n-1) / 2.

The present invention further relates to a method or producing panels according to the invention. The method may include the steps of a) providing a hexagonal core, b) milling first locking profiles on three adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees; c) milling second locking profiles on three other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps or milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

The method may also include the steps of a) providing a core; b) milling a first locking profile on one of the sides of the core; c) shaping the core to a hexagonal shape, one of the sides of the hexagon is the side milled in step b), d) milling first locking profiles on two adjacent sides of the core, adjacent to the side milled in step b) , including the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees; e) milling second locking profiles on three other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps or milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

The method may also include the steps of a) providing an octagonal core; b) milling first locking profiles on four adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps or milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees; c) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps or milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

The method may also include the steps of a) providing a core; b) milling a first locking profile on one of the sides of the core; c) shaping the core to an octagonal shape, wherein one of the sides or the octagon is the side milled in step b); d) milling first locking profiles on three adjacent sides of the core, adjacent to the side milled in step b), including the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees; e) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps or milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

Since similar profiles are provided on adjacent sides of the cores, the rotation of the cores in order to manufacture the panels is limited, such that the production is relatively easy and straight forward. The angle of rotation of the panels depends on the number of sides, and can be generically given as 360 degrees divided by the number of sides, so 60 degrees for a hexagon, 45 degrees for an octagon, and 72 for a pentagon.

The methods may also include the step of milling locking portion on the locking profile on least two of the sides of the core, for instance on opposite sides of the core. Preferably the locking profiles are milled on all sides of the core, since this would achieve the greatest locking, whereas locking profiles on some of the sides achieve less locking, but easier installation and cheaper manufacturing.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative example as shown in the following figures. Herein:

- Figure 1 shows schematically a panel according to the present invention, including a hexagonal core;

- Figure 2 shows schematically a panel according to the present invention, including an octagonal core;

- Figure 3 shows schematically a cross sectional view of two coupled panels according to the present invention, in a closed groove system;

- Figure 4 shows schematically a variation on the panel of Figure 3, with additional locking elements;

- Figure 5 shows schematically another variation on the panel of figures 3 and 4, but in an open groove system;

- Figure 6 shows schematically a variation on the panels or figures 3, 4 and 5, in an open groove system with separate locking element;

- Figure 7 schematically shows a covering of octagonal panels according to the present invention, with square filling panels; and

- Figure 8 shows schematically a honeycomb covering according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows schematically a panel (1), including a hexagonal core (2), three first coupling parts (3) connected to three adjacent sides (4) or the hexagonal core (2); and three second coupling parts (5) connected to three other adjacent sides (6) or the hexagonal core (2), such that opposite sides of the hexagonal core are provided with a pair of first and second coupling parts, as indicated with the doubleheaded arrows.

Figure 2 shows schematically a panel (1), including an octagonal core (2), four first coupling parts (3) connected to four adjacent sides (4) or the octagonal core (2); and four second coupling parts (5) connected to four other adjacent sides (6) or the octagonal core (2), such that opposite sides of the octagonal core are provided with a pair of first and second coupling parts, as indicated with the double -headed arrows.

Figure 3 shows schematically a cross sectional view of two coupled panels (1) according to the present invention, showing two opposite sides (4, 6) in coupled state. The two opposite sides (4, 6) are provided with a first coupling part (3) and a second coupling part (5), both shown substantially as hooks, with the first coupling part (3) being substantially an upward directed hook (3) ), and the second coupling part (5) is substantially a downward directed hook (5).

The first coupling part (3) comprises an upward tongue (7), an upward flank (8) lying at a distance from the upward tongue (7) and an upward groove (9) between the upward tongue (7) and the upward flank (8)

The second coupling part (5) comprises a downward tongue (10), a downward flank (11) lying at a distance from the downward tongue (10) and a downward groove (12) between the downward tongue (10) and the downward flank (11). The downward tongue (10) is configured to be pushed into the upward groove (9) for connection, upon deformation of the coupling parts (3, 5).

The side (13) or the upward tongue (7) facing the upward flank (8), which side (13) is also directed towards the upward groove (9) is partly inclined. The angle (a) enclosed by this inclined direction, and the plane of the panel (1), shown in figure 3 as the upper side of the panel (1), is about 85 degrees. The same angle (a) can be observed for the side (14) or the downward tongue (10) facing the downward flank (11), or towards the downward groove (12), including the angle (a) enclosed by this inclined direction, and the plane of the panel (1), shown in figure 3 as the lower side of the panel (1), is again about 85 degrees. The exact angle is not important, however, for a closed groove system this angle should be less than 90. For an open groove system this angle can be 90 degrees or more. In the figure 3, the locking portions or the coupling parts (3, 5) are formed by the sides (13, 14) or the tongues (7, 10).

The upper side (15) or the upward tongue (7) is inclined, and so is the lower side (16) or the downward groove (12).

Figure 4 shows schematically a variation on the panel (1) or Figure 3, corresponding features have been given the same numbers. Compared to figure 3, the side (17) or the upward tongue (7) facing away from the upward flank (8) and the upward groove (9) is provided with a first locking element (18) or outward bulge (18), and the downward flank (11) is provided with a second locking element (19), or inward recess (19). The co-acting locking elements (18, 19) are part of the locking portions of figure 4, in cooperation with the sides (13, 14) or the tongues (7, 10).

Figure 5 shows schematically another variation on the panel (1) or figures 3 and 4, corresponding features have been given the same numbers. Where figures 3 and 4 show a closed groove system, figure 5 shows an open groove system.

A part of a side (20) or the downward tongue (10) facing away from the downward flank (11) is provided with a third locking element (21), in the form of an outward bulge (21), adapted for co- action with a fourth locking element (22), in the form of a recess (22), or an adjacent panel; and the upward flank (8) is provided with a fourth locking element (22), in the form of a recess (22) adapted for co-action with the third locking element (21).

The figure 5 embodiment is also provided with the first (18) and second (19) locking elements, such as the first (18), second (19), third (21) and fourth (22) locking elements. locking or two coupled panels (1). The figure 5 further shows that the inclined parts (15, 16) or the respective grooves (9, 12) have a mutually different inclination, resulting in a space (23) between the upper side (15) or the upward tongue (7 ) and the lower side (16) or the downward groove (12).

Figure 6 shows schematically a variation on the panels (1) or figures 3, 4 and 5. Similarly to figure 5, figure 6 also shows an open groove system. Corresponding features have again been given the same numbers. The figure 6 is further provided with a separate locking element (24), or snap tab (24), arranged on the downward tongue (10), cooperating with a snapping recess (25) in the upward flank (8). Although this element (24) is shown on the downward tongue (10) in figure 6, it may be just as well placed on the upward flank (8), by flipping the orientation of the element (24).

Figure 7 schematically shows a covering of octagonal panels (1), with square filling panels (26).

Figure 8 shows schematically a honeycomb covering or hexagonal panels (1).

Hence, the inventive concepts described above are illustrated by several illustrative exponents. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details or the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the abovedescribed inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re) combined in order to arrive at a specific application.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The verb "include" and conjugations used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only "comprise", but are also understood to mean the phrases "contain", "substantially consistent of", "formed by" and conjugations thereof.

Claims (20)

Conclusions A panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel, comprising: - a hexagonal core with six sides, provided with an upper side and a lower side, the core defining a plane, for example a horizontal plane; - three first coupling portions connected to three adjacent sides of the hexagonal core; and - three second coupling portions connected to three other adjacent sides of the hexagonal core, such that opposite sides of the hexagonal core are provided with a pair of first and second coupling portions; - wherein said first and second coupling portions are of the type that allows at least two of such panels to be connected to each other by pushing one of these panels with a first coupling portion into the second coupling portion of another panel, in a movement perpendicular to the plane of the core, for example in a downward or vertical movement, - and wherein at least one of the first coupling parts is provided with a first locking part, and wherein at least one of the second coupling parts is provided with a second locking part, - wherein at least one first locking part and at least one second locking part of at least two of such panels that are connected to each other co-operate, such that a locking of the panels in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel, and also a locking of the panels in a second direction, parallel to the plane of the panel, is realized. The panel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling portions comprises an upward tongue, an upward flank spaced from the upward tongue, and an upward groove between the upward tongue and the upward flank, and wherein at least one of the second coupling portions comprises a downward tongue, a downward flank spaced from the downward tongue, and a downward groove between the downward tongue and the downward flank, the downward tongue being configured to engage in the upward groove are pushed for connection. The panel of claim 2, wherein one side of at least one of the upwardly facing tongues is inclined at least partially toward the core or upward groove and wherein one side of at least one of the downwardly facing tongues facing the core at least partially inclined toward the core or downward groove, and wherein the locking portions are formed by said inclined portions, wherein, in particular, said sides of the tongues and the face of the panel enclose an angle comprised between 90 and 10 degrees. 4. Panel as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least a part of a side of at least one of the upward tongues directed away from the upward flank is provided with a first locking element, for example in the form of an outwardly facing directed protrusion or a recess adapted for cooperation with a second locking element, for example in the form of a recess or an outwardly directed protrusion, of an adjacent panel; and wherein at least a portion of a side of at least one of the downward flanks is provided with a second locking element, for example in the form of a recess or an outwardly directed protrusion, adapted for cooperation with the first locking element, for example in the shape of an outward-facing protrusion or recess, of an adjacent panel; or vice versa. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the upper side of the upward tongue is inclined with respect to the plane of the panel, wherein, preferably, the entire upper side of the upward tongue is inclined. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling portions further comprises a separate locking element adapted to cooperate with the locking portion to provide locking in at least one of the directions. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in coupled condition, there is a gap between the top of at least one of the upward tongues and the lower portion of at least one of the downward grooves. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is octagonal instead of hexagonal, and the first coupling portions and second coupling portions are each connected to four adjacent sides of the octagonal core. 9. Panel as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least a part of a side of at least one of the downward tongues directed away from the downward flank is provided with a third locking element, for example in the form of an outward facing directed protrusion or a recess adapted for cooperation with a fourth locking element, for example in the form of a recess or an outwardly directed protrusion, of an adjacent panel; and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upward flanks is provided with a fourth locking element, for example in the form of a recess or an outwardly directed protuberance, adapted for cooperation with the third locking element, for example in the form of a outwardly directed protrusion or recess, of an adjacent panel, or vice versa. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a bridge portion between at least one of the downward tongues and the core of the panel connecting the downward tongue to the core, wherein, in particular, the bridge portion has a variable thickness between the core and the downward tongue. 11. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second coupling parts is configured to deform at least temporarily during the coupling, in particular the bridge part of the second coupling part. 12. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum thickness of at least one of the second coupling parts, in particular the bridge thereof, is less than half the total thickness of the panel. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a space is present under at least one of the first coupling parts, in particular under at least one of its upward tongues, such that, when placed on a surface, there is a space there is a gap between the upward tongue and the surface on which the panel is placed. 14. Panel as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein instead of the downward pushing movement said first and second coupling parts are of the type that allows at least two of such panels to be connected to each other by one of these panels having a first coupling part in the rotate the second coupling portion of another panel, wherein, preferably, at least one of the first coupling portions comprises a lateral tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top of the panel, and wherein, preferably, at least one of the second coupling portions comprises a recess for receiving at least a portion of the lateral tongue of another panel, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip having an upwardly projecting shoulder. A covering, such as a floor covering or a wall covering, comprising mutually coupled panels according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular, the covering has a honeycomb pattern. 16. A cover according to claim 15, wherein the panels are provided with a core with an octagonal shape, further comprising substantially square panels, wherein the square panels are provided with first and second coupling portions on opposite sides, for cooperation with the first and second coupling portions of the octagonal panels. A method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: a) providing a hexagonal core b) milling first locking profiles on three adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees; c) milling second locking profiles on three other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees. A method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: a) providing a core; b) milling a first locking profile on one of the sides of the core; c) forming the core into a hexagonal shape, one of the sides of the hexagon being the side milled in step b) d) milling first locking profiles on two adjacent sides of the core, adjacent to the side milled in step b), comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and turning the core 60 degrees; e) milling second locking profiles on three other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees. A method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: a) providing an octagonal core b) milling first locking profiles on four adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees; c) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees. A method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: a) providing a core; b) milling a first locking profile on one of the sides of the 5 core; c) forming the core into a hexagonal shape, one of the sides of the octagon being the side milled in step b) d) milling first locking profiles on three adjacent sides of the core, adjacent to the side milled in step b), comprising the 10 subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees; e) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, including the subsequent steps of milling one side and turning the core 60 degrees. 1/4