NZ758601B2 - Panel and covering - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an interconnectable panel (1), in particular a floor panel, comprising at least one first coupling part (3) and at least one second coupling part (4) connected respectively to opposite edges of the core (2). The first coupling part comprises an upward tongue (5), at least one upward flank (6) lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove (7), and the second coupling part comprises a downward tongue (9), at least one downward flank (10) lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove (11). The second coupling part comprises a resilient upper bridge part (13) connecting the downward tongue to the core of the panel, the bridge part being provided with at least one upper elongated slot (14) with an open first end connecting to the downward groove, and a closed, rounded second end. The first coupling part comprises a resilient lower bridge part connecting the downward tongue to the core of the panel, the bridge part being provided with at least one lower elongated slot with an open first end connecting to the upward groove, and a closed, rounded second end. e upward flank (6) lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove (7), and the second coupling part comprises a downward tongue (9), at least one downward flank (10) lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove (11). The second coupling part comprises a resilient upper bridge part (13) connecting the downward tongue to the core of the panel, the bridge part being provided with at least one upper elongated slot (14) with an open first end connecting to the downward groove, and a closed, rounded second end. The first coupling part comprises a resilient lower bridge part connecting the downward tongue to the core of the panel, the bridge part being provided with at least one lower elongated slot with an open first end connecting to the upward groove, and a closed, rounded second end.

Description

Panel and covering Field of the Invention The ion relates to an interconnectable panel, in particular a floor panel. The invention also s to a covering, in particular a floor covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected panels according to the invention.

Background Art Interconnectable panels, such as interconnectable floor panels, are generally joined mechanically at edges of the panels by using complementary coupling profiles at opposite edges. Traditionally, rectangular floor panels are connected at the long edges by means of a traditional angling method. On the short side, the different coupling mechanisms can be applied, wherein a short edge coupling mechanism may, for example, be based upon vertical folding, also referred to as a drop down, wherein a downward tongue d at a short edge of a panel to be coupled is moved in downward direction, such that said downward tongue is inserted into an upward groove located at a short edge of a panel y installed. An example of such a panel is disclosed in US7896571, n a short edge coupling mechanism is shown being configured to vertically lock ly coupled short edges of nt panels. Although this aimed vertical locking effect at the short edges is intended to stabilize the coupling between floor panels at the short edges, in practice often breakages, due to coupling edges being put under tension both during assembly and during practical use, occur at the coupling edges, which affects the reliability and durability of this type of drop down coupling.

FR2826392 ses an assembly ism for panel edges n the assembly mechanism for the edges of panels is composed of a male part fitting one longitudinal edge and a corresponding female part fitting the other longitudinal and transverse edges of the panels. The male and female parts are ed relative to the vertical joint plane n the panels. WO2012/126046 discloses vertical joint system for substrates which is formed with joints which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to (3) degrees (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise) while maintaining ment of the . DE20203311 discloses a panel element for forming a floor, wall or ceiling covering from a plurality of similar panel elements which can be connected to one another. At least two opposite sides are integrally formed on one side of the panel element, on the ide formed by a tion and on the other hand formed on the upper side by a projection. On the underside projection an opening is formed to the top opening. EP2390437 discloses a connector with a lower lip extended over a separating plane and formed at an edge of a panel, and a locking projection formed at the lip. The g projection is inserted into a locking recess of another panel in a locked condition. A spring element is arranged in a front-sided guiding groove of the former panel, and stays in effective connection with a vertical locking e at the latter panel. A vertical slot is formed in the lip, and increases elastic resilience of the lip. The slot is extended into a base layer of the former panel. DE10305695 discloses a floor panel with an upper step portion formed at one edge, and a corresponding lower step portion formed at the other edge. A protruding, mushroom-shaped latching strip is formed between the step portions. The latching strip engages the latching groove formed on an nt floor panel, and is locked with the retaining lip of the other floor panel.

WO2015/130169 ses a panel, in particular a floor panel, interconnectable with similar panels for forming a covering.

A first preferred aim of the invention is to provide an improved panel which can be coupled in ed manner to an adjacent panel.

A second preferred aim of the invention is to provide an improved panel comprising an improved, in particular relatively reliable, drop down coupling ism.

A third preferred aim of the invention is to provide an improved panel comprising an improved drop down coupling mechanism, wherein the risk of damaging, in particular breakage of, the drop down coupling mechanism is reduced.

Summary of the Disclosure According to one , there is disclosed a panel, in particular a floor panel, comprising: - a centrally located core provided with an upper side and a lower side, which core defines a plane; - at least one first coupling part and at least one second resilient coupling part connected respectively to opposite edges of the core, ○ which first coupling part comprises an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling part of an adjacent panel of the same type, wherein: ■ at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing toward the upward flank is inclined toward the upward flank ○ which second coupling part comprises a downward tongue, at least one downward flank lying at a ce from the rd tongue, and a downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the rd flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling part of an adjacent panel, wherein: ■ at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing toward the downward flank is inclined toward the rd flank, wherein the second coupling part comprises a resilient upper bridge part connecting the downward tongue to the core of the panel, wherein the bridge part is configured to deform during coupling of adjacent panels, to widen the downward groove, facilitating introduction of the upward tongue into the d downward groove; and wherein said bridge part is provided with at least one upper elongated slot, wherein the upper elongated slot has an open first end connecting to the downward groove, and a closed second end, such that a weakened area is formed in said upper bridge part between said closed second end of said elongated slot and an upper side of said upper bridge part, facilitating deformation of said bridge part; and wherein the first coupling part comprises a ent lower bridge part connecting the upward tongue to the core of the panel, wherein the bridge part is configured to deform during coupling of the panels, to widen the upward groove arily, facilitating introduction of the downward tongue in the widened upward groove, and n said lower bridge part is provided with at least one lower elongated slot, wherein the lower elongated slot has an open first end connecting to the upward groove, and a closed second end, such that a ed area is formed in said lower bridge part between said closed second end of said lower elongated slot and a lower side of said lower bridge part, facilitating deformation of said lower bridge part.

The panel disclosed herein is provided with an improved drop down coupling mechanism with t to known drop down coupling mechanisms. In ular, the ng mechanism is still configured to lock coupled panels both in horizontal and vertical direction due to the presence of the upward tongue having an ed (inner) side facing toward the upward flank, and due to the presence of an inclined side of the downward tongue facing toward the rd flank, as a result of which the downward tongue will be secured within the upward groove. This first locking mechanism is also referred to as an inner lock. In order to prevent damaging of the profiles and/or in order to realize a coupling between two panels in a relatively controlled (and predictable) manner, the at least one upper elongated slot is applied in the resilient upper bridge part. The upper elongated slot provided in the upper bridge part typically s a weakened area (weakened zone) of said upper bridge part, and therefore defines the location of (maximum) al deformation of the bridge part. Due to the resiliency of the ) bridge part, in combination with the upper elongated slot on-selectively weakening the bridge part, deformation of said bridge part will take place in a controlled and facilitated manner, which significantly reduces the change of damaging and breaking (parts of) of the coupling parts, which is in favour of the reliability and durability of the connection between the panels, and hence of the panels as such.

The upper slot is an elongated slot meaning that the slot length is greater than the slot width. Typically, the slot width is small, preferably smaller than or equal to 5 millimetre, more preferably smaller than or equal to 3 millimetre, and most preferably smaller than or equal to 1.5 millimetre. Typically, the slot length is larger than 1.5 millimetre, and commonly larger than 2.5 millimetre. Dependent on the panel thickness and the material used, the slot length may even exceed 5 millimetre. The maximum slot length is d in order to secure that the bridge parts remains sufficiently strong to stay intact during coupling and uncoupling.

The upper elongated slot may have a length which is at least two times the width of the slot, preferably at least three times the width of the slot. The upper elongated slot may be considered a long slit or slot, which function is to locally interrupt the material of the panel to create a weakest, or thinnest, area in the bridge part to facilitate deformation at this weakest, or thinnest, area. Instead of three times, the length may also be at least 2 times the width.

The closed second end of the upper elongated slot may be rounded. Having a rounded end of the slot may be used to distribute forces exerted on the panel, for instance when walked upon, equally and gradually over the material beneath the slot.

A sharp transition for instance would increase the risk of tearing or splitting because peak forces may occurs at the sharp angles of the transition. In particular since the slot typically defines a weakest or st point in the bridge part, the distribution and transmittal of forces, in particular peak forces, prevents the bridge part from locally ng or failing. Forces d on the bridge part are transmitted rdly towards the rest of the coupling part, preventing peak forces to be exerted on sharp corners or transitions where the slot otherwise would extend.

The bridge part of the second coupling part according to the invention may for instance be understood as (merely) a part of the bridge (also referred to as shoulder) connecting the rd tongue to the core, and being provided with the at least one upper elongated slot. However, the bridge part may also be understood as being the complete bridge ted the downward tongue to the core. The bridge part may be the part of the coupling part which is extending from the top of the rd flank or from the second closed end of the elongated slot, up to the downward . The slot is an elongated slot meaning that the slot length is greater than the slot width. Typically, the slot width is small, preferably smaller than or equal to 5 millimetre, more preferably smaller than or equal to 3 millimetre, and most preferably r than or equal to 1.5 millimetre. Typically, the slot length is larger than 1.5 millimetre, and commonly larger than 2.5 millimetre. Dependent on the panel thickness and the material used, the slot length may even exceed 5 millimetre. The maximum slot length is limited in order to secure that the bridge parts s sufficiently strong to stay intact during coupling and ling. The first coupling part and the second coupling part preferably form an integral part of the core. From a structural, production engineering and logistics viewpoint this integral connection between the core and the coupling parts is generally recommended. However, it is also able that the first coupling part and/or the second coupling part (or parts thereof) are separate components which are connected, for example glued and/or mechanically attached, as te components to the core.

The upper elongated slot may have a longitudinal axis having at least a component extending in a direction perpendicular to a (virtual) plane defined by the core. For instance, when the panel is a floor panel lying on a floor which extends horizontally, the slot may have a longitudinal axis having at least a vertical component. The vertical component provides for a local ng of the bridge part, and thus formation of a weakened area, and preferably the weakest area, of the bridge part, formed in between the (closed) end of the elongated slot and an upper side of the panel. The thinnest part of the second coupling part, measured from the upper side of the panel to the downward groove, is commonly located at the end of the elongated slot. The thinnest part of the second coupling part, measured from the upper side of the panel to the downward groove, is commonly located at the end of the elongated slot. The thinnest part of the second coupling part, ed (as st distance) from the upper side of the panel to the (closed) end of the elongated slot, has a thickness which is preferably less than half (50%) the ess of the core of the panel, in particular less than a third (33%) of the thickness of the core of the panel. At the other hand, the thinnest part of the second coupling part, measured from the upper side of the panel to the (closed) end of the elongated slot, has a thickness which is ably more than 10% of the ess of the core of the panel, in particular more than 20% of the thickness of the core of the panel, in order to secure sufficient robustness to the bridge part.

The upper elongated slot may have a longitudinal axis having a direction with a component extending in a direction perpendicular to the abovementioned plane of the core and a component extending in the direction of the plane of the core, n the angle enclosed by the longitudinal axis and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the core lies between 0 and 85 degrees, in particular lies between 25 and 60 degrees, and is in particular is about 45 s. For instance, when the panel is a floor panel lying on a floor which s horizontally, the elongated slot may have a longitudinal axis having at least a vertical component and a horizontal component.

The component extending in the direction of the (virtual) plane of the core is preferably directed towards the core of the panel, or is ed inwardly. This will result in an inwardly extending elongated slot. Here, the horizontal component is used to position the d) end of the elongated slot inwardly compared to the downward flank, which would elongate the bridge part between the core and the downward tongue. When forces are to be applied to the tongues during coupling, the ted bridge part creates a longer arm for applying this force, and furthermore limits the amplitude of the deformation (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel). This will be reduce material stress during coupling and uncoupling, which will be in favour of the reliability and durability of the panel tion.

The upper elongated slot may also have a longitudinal axis having a direction with a component extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the core and a ent extending in the direction of the plane of the core (i.e. parallel to the core), wherein the angle enclosed by the longitudinal axis and the upper side of the core lies between 2 and 90 degrees, in particular lies between 25 and 60 degrees, and in particular is about 45 degrees. For instance, when the panel is a floor panel lying on a floor which extends horizontally, the slot may have a longitudinal axis having at least a vertical component and a ntal component. The ent extending in the direction of the plane of the core may for instance be directed towards the core of the panel, or is directed inwardly. The horizontal component may thus be used to place the (closed) end of the elongated slot inwardly compared to the downward flank. This elongates the bridge part between the core and the downward .

When forces are to be applied to the tongues during coupling, the elongated bridge part creates a longer arm for ng this force, and furthermore limits the amplitude of the deformation (in a ion perpendicular to the plane of the panel).

The longitudinal axis of the upper elongated slot may be directed s the direction perpendicular to the plane of the core, such that the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the core and the longitudinal axis intersect. This way, the slot is, from its open end to its closed end, directed towards the core of the panel, which results in an inward direction of the slot. By directing the slot ly, the distance between (an upper part of) the core and the downward tongue may be increased, which provides a longer arm for applying a coupling force, and limits the amplitude of the deformation, and hence limits material stress during coupling and/or uncoupling. The open first end of the slot may be arranged at the tion between the bridge part and the core, or at the transition between the bridge part and the downward flank. By providing the slot at the transition, the slot may be used to prolong, or elongate, the bridge part.

At least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing toward the upward flank may form an upward aligning edge for the e of coupling the first coupling part to a second coupling part of an adjacent panel. The aligning edge aids in the mutual alignment of two panels (to be coupled). This ng edge may help to guide the downward tongue towards the upward groove, which groove lly is too narrow to allow insertion of the downward tongue, before deformation of the upper bridge part.

The upward aligning edge is preferably flat (non-curved and non-profiled) and/or inclined to provide an improved sliding surface.

At least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank may be provided with a first locking element, and the downward flank may be provided with a second locking element, wherein each locking element may be adapted to coact with another g element of an adjacent panel. The locking elements may be used to provide a locking against vertical and/or rotational uncoupling of two coupled floor panels. In another embodiment variant the first locking element comprises at least one outward bulge, and the second g element comprises at least one recess, which outward bulge is adapted to be at least partially received in a recess of an adjacent coupled floor panel for the purpose of realizing a locked coupling. This embodiment variant is lly advantageous from a production engineering viewpoint. The first locking element and the second locking element ably take a complementary form, whereby a form-fitting connection of the locking elements of adjacent floor panels to each other will be realized, this enhancing the effectiveness of the locking.

In an embodiment of the floor panel according to the invention the first locking element is positioned at a distance from an upper side of the upward tongue.

Positioning the first locking element at a distance from the upper side of the upward tongue has a number of advantages. A first age is that this positioning of the first locking t can facilitate the coupling between adjacent floor , since the first g element will be positioned lower than (a lower part of) the aligning edge of the upward , whereby the coupling between two coupling parts can be performed in stages. During the coupling process the tongue sides facing toward the associated flanks will first engage each other, after which the locking elements engage each other, this generally requiring a less great maximum pivoting (amplitude), and thereby deformation of a second coupling part of an adjacent floor panel, than if the first aligning edge and the first locking element were to be located at more or less the same height. A further advantage of positioning the first locking element at a ce from an upper side of the upward tongue is that the ce to the resilient connection n each coupling part and the core, generally formed by the resilient bridge of each coupling part, is increased, whereby a torque exerted on the coupling parts can be compensated relatively quickly by the locking elements, which can further enhance the reliability of the locking.

The upper ted slot may be provided with an elastic insert, such as a rubber insert. Such c insert may be used to provide a waterproof seal between the coupling parts in coupled condition. The insert may also be used to prevent closing of the elongated slot through ation of the bridge part, which insert does not impede opening of the elongated slot h deformation. This way, unintentional closing and thus ing of coupling of two panels, can be prevented. In coupled condition, the elongated slot may be essentially free of (tongue) material of another panel, which prevents ing of deformation of the bridge part. The insert may for ce be formed of silicon, (natural) rubber, EPDM, PU, PVC, or a thermoplastic material. Preferably, the elastic insert co-acts in a sealing manner with an upward tongue of an adjacent panel (in coupled condition).

The open first end of the upper elongated slot may be located at a distance from both the downward flank and the downward tongue. More in particular the open end of the elongated slot may be situated in between the top of the downward flank and a position halfway between the top of the downward flank and the side of the downward tongue facing toward the downward flank. The open end of the upper ted slot may thus be located on the first half of the bridge part closest to the core of the panel.

By having the open end of the slot relatively close to the core of the panel, the length of the coupling part following the slot towards the outside is also relatively large, which provides a relatively long arm tating deformation of the bridge part of the second coupling part.

A lower side (lower surface) of the bridge part of the second coupling part defining an upper side (upper surface) of the downward groove may be at least partially inclined, and preferably extends downward towards the core of the panel. The upper side (upper surface) of the upward tongue may, as well, be at least partially inclined, wherein the inclination of this upper side of the upward tongue and the inclination of the lower side of the bridge part of the second coupling part may be identical, though wherein it is also imaginable that both ations for instance mutually enclose an angle between 0 and 5 degrees. The inclination of the bridge part of the second coupling part creates a l weakened area of the bridge part, where deformation is likely to occur. This weakened area may for instance be the location where the upper elongated slot is provided, which increases or enlarges the weakened area. atively, the slot may be provided on a different location, to bute weakened zones over the bridge part and distribute ation over the bridge part. This decreases the chances of the bridge part being damaged or fails upon coupling of the panels.

Similarly to the upper bridge part of the second coupling part, the lower ted slot on the first coupling part serves a similar purpose. It is imaginable that, at least in an uncoupled condition and possibly also in a d condition, at least a part of the first coupling part is ed at a higher level than the lower side of the panel (facing the core). Here, at least a part of the first coupling part be inclined upwardly in uncoupled condition, which may additionally facilitate bending down (downward ation) during coupling, leading to less material stress both in the first coupling part (of a first panel) and the second coupling part (of a second panel) during coupling. In an embodiment of the panel according to the invention, it is imaginable that the lower bridge part (of the first coupling element) is provided with at least lower elongated slot, while the upper bridge part (of the second coupling element) is not provided with an upper elongated slot.

The panel may be elongated, in particular rectangular, n the first and second coupling parts are provided on the short sides of the panel. On the long sides of the panel in that case typically an angling in profile is present. Coupling of panels, and floor panels in particular, is typically done by angling a new panel in a groove of an existing, already laid, panel. Difficulty in these situations lies in ing a relatively strong connecting on the short sides of the , which is preferably obtained during the same angling motion along the long sides. In that case, first and second coupling parts can be configured to be coupled with a zipping motion, wherein the first and second coupling parts are particularly configured to be coupled during an angling movement on one of the long sides of the panel.

Alternatively, the panel may be elongated, wherein the first and second coupling parts are provided on the long sides of the panel, and wherein the first and second coupling parts are configured to be coupled with a zipping motion, wherein the first and second coupling parts are particularly ured to be coupled during an angling movement on one of the short sides of the panel.

In an embodiment a plurality of sides of the floor panel comprise the first coupling part, and a plurality of other sides of the floor panel comprise the second coupling part. Each first coupling part and each second coupling part are preferably situated on opposite sides of the floor panel. By positioning the first coupling part and the second coupling part on opposite sides it will be relatively simple for a user to lay a floor formed by floor panels ing to the invention, since each floor panel can be formed in the same way. However, it is also conceivable that a first coupling part is situated on a side of the panel, wherein a second coupling part is situated on an adjacent side of said panel. In this way each side of the floor panel can be provided with a (first or second) coupling part, this increasing the coupling options of the floor panel. Each panel can have y the same uration. However, it is also able that different types of panels ing to the invention, for example a first type A and a second type B, are used. The two types are in this embodiment identical except that the location of the coupling parts is mirror-inverted. Several variants may be used. The two types of panels need not be of the same format, and the coupling parts can also be of ent shapes provided that they can be joined.

Hence, this may lead to a flooring according to the invention, comprising two (or more) different types of floorboards (A and B tively), wherein the ng part of one type of floorboard (A) along one pair of opposite edge portions are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the coupling parts along the same pair of opposite edge portions of the other type of oard (B). The (floor) panel according to the invention is primarily intended for so-called laminated floors, but generally it can also be applied for other kinds of covering, consisting of hard floor panels, such as veneer parquet, prefabricated parquet, or other floor panels which can be compared to laminated flooring. Hence, the floor panel according to the invention is preferably a laminated floor panel. A laminated floor panel is considered as a floor panel comprising multiple material layers. A typical laminated floor panel comprises at least one l core layer, and at least one further layer attached to either at a bottom surface and/or top e of said core layer. A backing layer attached to at least a part of a bottom surface is also ed to as a balancing layer. This backing layer commonly covers the core of the panel, and optionally, though not necessarily, one or more edges of the panel. On top of the core, commonly one or more additional layers are applied, including at least one design layer ative layer) which is preferably covered by a substantially transparent protective layer. The decorative layer may be formed by a paper layer onto which a decorative pattern is printed, though it is also ble that the decorative design is directly d onto the core or onto a core coating. The protective layer may have a profiled top surface, which may include an embossing which corresponds to the decorative pattern (design) ised underneath the protective layer, to provide the floor panel an improved feel and touch. Different materials may be used for the layers. The core, for example, can be formed of a MDF or HDF product, provided with a protective layer. The core could also be formed of a synthetic material, such as a thermoplastic like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or a thermoplastic material which is enriched with one or more additives. The plastic material may be fibre rced and/or dust reinforced, and may be part of a composite material to be used as core material. To this end, a dust-(thermo)plastic-composite may be used as core material. The expression “dust” is understood is small dust-like particles (powder), like wood dust, cork dust, or nonwood dust, like mineral dust, stone powder, in ular cement. By combining bamboo dust, wood dust, or cork dust, or combination thereof, with for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polyvinylchloride (virgin, recycled, or a mixture thereof), a rigid and inert core is provided that does not absorb re and does not expand or contract, resulting in peaks and gaps. An ative material which may be used to manufacture at least a part of the floor panel according to the invention, in particular the core layer, is at least one mineral, ceramics and/or cement.

Instead of a laminated floor panel, the floor panel according to the invention may also be formed by a single layer floor panel, which may for example be made of wood.

The panel according to the invention can also be applied to form an alternative covering, for example a wall covering or a ceiling covering.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following s.

Brief Description of the Drawings - Figure 1 schematically shows a panel according to the present invention; - Figure 2 schematically shows a panel according to the present invention; - Figure 3 tically shows the coupling parts of two panels in coupled condition according to the present invention; - s 4A-4C schematically show the coupling of two ng parts according to the present invention; and - Figures 5A-5C schematically show different locations of the elongated slot in a panel according to the present invention.

Description of Embodiment(s) of the Invention Figure 1 schematically shows a panel (1), comprising a centrally located core (2) provided with an upper side (2a) and a lower side (2b), which core defines a plane.

The panel (1) is further provided with a first coupling part (3) and second resilient coupling part (4) ted respectively to te edges of the core (2). The first coupling part (3) comprises an upward tongue (5), an upward flank (6) lying at a distance from the upward tongue (5) and an upward groove (7) formed n the upward tongue (5) and the upward flank (6) wherein the upward groove (7) is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue (9) of an adjacent panel (1). A part of a side (8) of the upward tongue (5) facing toward the upward flank (6) extends towards the core (2) of the panel (1). The angle (α) enclosed by on the one hand the direction in which the side (8) of the upward tongue (5) extends and on the other a ion (N1, N2) perpendicular to the plane of the core (2) lies between 1 and 5 degrees. The direction perpendicular to the plane of the core (2) is defined by the upper normal (N1) and the lower normal (N2) of the core (2).

The second coupling part (4) comprises a downward tongue (9), a downward flank (10 lying at a distance from the downward tongue (9), and a downward groove (11) formed between the downward tongue (9) and the downward flank (10), wherein the downward groove (11) is d to receive at least a part of an upward tongue (5) of an adjacent panel (1). A part of a side (12) of the downward tongue (9) facing toward the downward flank (10) extends towards the core (2), The angle (β) enclosed by on the one hand the direction in which the side (12) of the downward tongue (9) extends and on the other a direction (N1, N2) perpendicular to the plane of the core (2) lies n 1 and 5 degrees. The direction perpendicular to the plane of t he core (2) is defined by the upper normal (N1) and the lower normal (N2) of the core (2).

The second coupling part (4) comprises a resilient bridge part (13) connecting the downward tongue (9) to the core (2) of the panel (1), n the bridge part (13) is ured to deform during coupling of adjacent panels (1), to widen the downward groove (11), facilitating introduction of the upward tongue (5) in the widened downward groove (11). The bridge part (13) is thereto provided with an elongated slot (14), wherein the elongated slot (14) has an open first end (15) connecting to the downward groove (11), and a closed second end (16), wherein the closed second end (16) defines a weakest area (17) of said bridge part (13), where the bridge part (13) has the smallest (material) thickness , such that deformation of the bridge (13) is facilitated at that location of the slot (14), in particular the location of the closed second end (16) of the slot (14).

The slot (14) in figure 1 has a longitudinal axis (L) having a direction with a component in a direction (N1) perpendicular to the plane of the core (2) and a component in the direction of the plane of the core (2), wherein the angle (γ1) ed by the longitudinal axis (L) and the direction (N1) perpendicular to the plane of the core (2) is about 45 degrees. In figure 1, the upper side (2a) of the core (2) is flat, such that the angle (γ1) enclosed by the longitudinal axis (L) and the upper side (2a) of the core also is about 45 degrees.

Figure 2 schematically shows the panel of figure 1, wherein the coupling parts (3, 4) are ed ly ent. Another side (17) of upward tongue (5) facing toward upward flank (6) forms an aligning edge (17) enabling facilitated realization of a coupling to an adjacent panel (1). As shown, this side (17) functioning as aligning edge (17) is directed away from the normal N1 of upper side (2a) of the core (2). An upper side (18) of upward tongue (18) extend in the direction of the normal N1 of upper side (2a) of core (2), and runs inclining downward in the direction of the side (19) of upward tongue (5) facing away from upward flank (6). This chamfering provides the option of giving the complementary second coupling part (4) a more robust and therefore stronger form. The side (19) of upward tongue (5) facing away from upward flank (6) is oriented substantially vertically and is moreover provided with a locking element (20), shown as an d bulge (20). A lower part (21) of upward flank (6) is oriented diagonally, while an upper part (22) of upward flank (6) is shown to be substantially vertical and forms a stop surface for second coupling part (4). A lower wall part (23) of upward groove (7) is oriented ntially horizontally in this exemplary embodiment. A bridge (24) lying between lower wall part (23) of upward groove (7) and a lower side (2b) connects the upward tongue (5) and the core (2).

A side (25) facing away from downward flank (10) is diagonally oriented, but may have a flatter orientation than the complementary side (21) of upward flank (6), whereby a gap (air space) will be formed in the coupled position. The inclining side (25) of rd tongue (9) also functions as aligning edge (25) for the purpose of r facilitating coupling between two panels (1). Another side (26) facing away from downward flank (10) takes a substantially vertical form and forms a complementary stop surface (26) to the stop e (22) of upward flank (6) of an adjacent panel (1). Downward tongue (9) is further ed with a side (27) which is facing toward downward flank (10) and which functions as aligning edge (27) for first coupling part (3) of an adjacent panel (1). Because upper side (18) of upward tongue (5) has an inclining orientation, an upper side (28) of downward groove (11) has a similar inclining orientation, whereby the (average) distance n upper side (28) of rd groove (11) and an upper side (18) of second coupling part (4) is sufficiently large to impart sufficient strength to second coupling part (4) as such.

Downward flank (10) is oriented substantially vertically and is provided with a locking t (29), embodied as a recess (29) adapted to receive the outward bulge (20) of the upward tongue (5) of an adjacent panel (1).

Figure 3 schematically shows the coupling parts (3, 4) of two panels as shown for instance in figure 1, in coupled condition. The elongated slot (14), in coupled condition, is free of any material of the tongues (5, 9).

Figures 4A-4C schematically show the coupling of two ng parts, for instance as shown in figures 1 or 3. In figure 4A, two adjacent panels (1) are close together, but uncoupled. The downward tongue (9) of one panel (1) is located above the upward groove (7) of another panel (1). Since the side (8) of the upward tongue (5) facing towards the upward flank (6) is directed towards the core (2), or inwardly, the coupling parts require deformation for coupling.

In figure 4B the deformation of the bridge part (13) of the second coupling part of one of the panels (1) is shown. At the location of the closed end (16) of the elongated slot (14) the bridge part (13) is thinnest, and thus weakest. At that location, the bridge part (13) pivots, wherein the downward tongue (9) is turned upwards slightly. This pivots the downward tongue (9) slightly such that the downward tongue (9) can be placed into the upward groove (7). The deformation widens the elongated slot (14), at least temporarily.

In figure 4C, the panels (1) are coupled. The elongated slot (14) returned to its original shape and dimension, while the sides (8, 12) of the tongues (5, 9) grip behind each other, forming both a horizontal as vertical locking of the panels (1).

Figures 5A-5C schematically show different locations of the elongated slot (14) in a panel (1). In all embodiments the slot (14) is located in the bridge part (13) of the second coupling part of the panel (1).

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

The verb “comprise” jugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only ise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, antially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims (20)

Claims

1. A panel comprising: - a centrally located core provided with an upper side and a lower side, which 5 core defines a plane; - at least one first coupling part and at least one second resilient coupling part connected tively to opposite edges of the core, ○ which first coupling part comprises an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward 10 groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling part of an adjacent panel of the same type, wherein: ■ at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing toward the 15 upward flank is inclined toward the upward flank ○ which second coupling part comprises a downward tongue, at least one downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove formed in n the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at 20 least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling part of an nt panel, wherein: ■ at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing toward the downward flank is inclined toward the downward flank, wherein the second coupling part comprises a resilient upper bridge part ting 25 the rd tongue to the core of the panel, n the bridge part is configured to deform during coupling of adjacent panels, to widen the rd groove, facilitating introduction of the upward tongue into the widened downward groove; and wherein said bridge part is provided with at least one upper elongated slot, wherein the upper elongated slot has an open first end connecting to the downward groove, 30 and a closed second end, such that a weakened area is formed in said upper bridge part between said closed second end of said elongated slot and an upper side of said upper bridge part, facilitating deformation of said bridge part; and wherein the first coupling part comprises a resilient lower bridge part connecting the upward tongue to the core of the panel, n the bridge part is configured to 35 deform during coupling of the panels, to widen the upward groove temporarily, facilitating introduction of the rd tongue in the d upward , and wherein said lower bridge part is provided with at least one lower elongated slot, wherein the lower elongated slot has an open first end connecting to the upward groove, and a closed second end, such that a weakened area is formed in said lower 5 bridge part between said closed second end of said lower elongated slot and a lower side of said lower bridge part, facilitating deformation of said lower bridge part.

2. A panel according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the upper elongated slot is directed towards a direction dicular to a plane defined by the 10 core, such that said direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the core and the longitudinal axis ect.

3. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open first end of the upper elongated slot is arranged at the tion between the bridge part 15 and the core, or at the transition between the bridge part and the downward flank.

4. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of a side of the upward tongue facing toward the upward flank forms an upward aligning edge for the purpose of coupling the first coupling part to a second coupling part of an 20 adjacent panel.

5. A panel as claimed in claim 4 wherein the upward aligning edge is a flat, inclined upward aligning edge. 25

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is provided with a first locking element, and wherein the downward flank is provided with a second locking element configured to co-act with a first g element of an adjacent panel. 30

7. A panel ing to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper elongated slot is provided with an elastic insert, such as a rubber insert, preferably configured to co-act in a sealing manner with an upward tongue of an adjacent panel.

8. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, n that the 35 weakened area of the bridge part formed in between the closed second end of the upper elongated slot and an upper side of said bridge part forms the weakest area of the bridge part.

9. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance 5 between the closed second end of the upper elongated slot and an upper side of said bridge part is less than half the ess of the core of the panel.

10. A panel as claimed in claim 9 wherein the distance between the closed second end of the upper elongated slot and an upper side of said bridge part is less than a 10 third of the thickness of the core of the panel.

11. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open first end of the upper elongated slot is located at a distance from both the downward flank and the downward tongue.

12. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower side of the bridge part of the second ng part defines an upper side of the downward groove, wherein said lower side of the bridge part is at least partially inclined, and preferably s downward towards the core of the panel, wherein, preferably, the 20 upper side of the upward tongue is at least partially inclined, n the ation of the upper side of the upward tongue and the inclination of the lower side of the bridge part of the second coupling part are substantially similar, wherein preferably both inclinations mutually enclose an angle between 0 and 5 degrees. 25

13. A panel according to any one of the ing claims, wherein the upper elongated slot has a length which is at least three times the width of the slot; and wherein the closed second end of the upper elongated slot has a rounded shape.

14. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is 30 elongated, and wherein the first and second ng parts are provided on the short edges of the panel, and wherein, preferably, the opposite long edges of the panel are provided with coupling parts that allow that two such panels can be coupled to each other by means of an angling movement.

15. A panel according to claim 14, wherein the first and second coupling parts of a first and second panel are configured to be coupled with a zipping .

16. A panel as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second coupling parts are 5 configured to be coupled during ng of a second and third panel at the long edges by means of said angling movement.

17. A panel according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the panel is elongated, and wherein the first and second coupling parts are provided on the long edges of 10 the panel, and wherein te long edges of the panel are provided with coupling parts that allow that a first panel and a second panel can be coupled to each other by means of an angling movement, during which angling movement the first coupling part of said second panel and the second coupling part of a third panel are configured to be coupled with a g motion.

18. A panel as claimed in any one of the ing claims, wherein the panel is a floor panel.

19. A covering comprising a plurality of interconnected panels according to any one 20 of claims 1 to 17.

20. A floor covering comprising a plurality of interconnected panels according to claim 18.