WO2019137965A1

WO2019137965A1 - Panel, in particular a floor panel or wall panel

Info

Publication number: WO2019137965A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/050460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eddy Alberic BOUCKÉ
Original assignee: Innovations4Flooring Holding N.V.
Priority date: 2018-01-09
Filing date: 2019-01-09
Publication date: 2019-07-18
Also published as: NL2020255B1

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

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, comprising mutually coupled panels and a method of producing a panel

The last decades has seen 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, wherein the panels can be laid next to each other, for making 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 of 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 pushed at least one of the coupling parts of a first panel into at least one of the coupling parts of a second panel. The locking of at least two coupled panels may occur by locking portions, located on the coupling parts of the panels. In floor panels, wherein 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, wherein the first coupling parts of a first panel are configured to co-act with the second coupling parts of 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 of 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, wherein 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 comprise 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 comprise 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, wherein 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 system is particularly useful in the 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 of a second coupling part of an adjacent panel. A first locking will thus be formed by confining the downward tongue of a panel in the upward groove of an adjacent panel and by confining the upward tongue of the adjacent panel in the upward groove of 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 the 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 wherein the locking portions are formed by said inclined parts, wherein, in particular, said sides of the tongues and the plane of the panel enclose 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 minimal width of the groove is smaller than the maximal width of the tongue, and that deformation of 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 a specific form, the substantially

complementarily formed coupling parts of adjacent panels can be coupled to each other relatively simply, but durably and efficiently. During coupling of adjacent panels a force will here be exerted on one or both coupling parts, whereby the one or both coupling parts will deform elastically (move resiliently), as a consequence of which the volume taken 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 subsequently 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 thereby between the two coupled panels. This locked coupling, wherein both coupling parts mutually engage in relatively reliable manner, will counter friction of parts of the coupling against each other, whereby 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 of 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 of 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, of an adjacent panel; and at least a part of a side of 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 bulge and/or a recess, of 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, wherein 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 inclined compared to the plane of the panel, and, preferably, the complete bottom side of the downward groove may be inclined. 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 of two panels according to the invention wherein an upper side of the downward groove extends in the direction of the normal of 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 of an adjacent floor panel. Additionally, this inclination forms a coupling part with varying thickness, wherein 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 of deformation can be determined and set on forehand. At least one of the first and second coupling parts may further comprise 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 for instance disclosed 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 of two panels.

In coupled condition, a gap may exists between the upper side of 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 material to collect when such material is for instance shaved of the coupling parts during coupling. Such may occur when, due to for 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 each of 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 solely used to be laid 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 for instance 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 of 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, of 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, of 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 of coupled panels.

A part of the side of 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, wherein the third and/or fourth locking element may be located on the at least partially curved or inclined part. Such curved or inclined part may for instance for an aligning edge, facilitating mutual alignment of panels to be coupled. The first and second coupling parts may for instance comprise 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, wherein, 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 section with a minimum thickness, or a section wherein 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 of 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 of such weakest zone defines the location where deformation of the coupling parts, and the bridge thereof in particular, is most likely to occur. The second coupling part may thus configured to deform at least temporary during coupling, in particular the bridge part of the second coupling part.

The minimal thickness of the second coupling part, in particular the bridge thereof, 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 is 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 of such thin zone defines the location where deformation of the coupling parts, and the bridge thereof in particular, is most likely to occur. The second coupling part may thus configured to deform at least temporary during coupling, in particular the bridge part of the second coupling part.

Beneath at least one of the first coupling parts, in particular beneath at least one of the upward tongues thereof, 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 of 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 (or combinations) thereof. The panel may further be provided with one or more reinforcement layers, such as a glass fibre layer or polyester layer, to strengthen the panel. The panel may for instance be elongated, 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 a - relative

environmentally friendly - material comprising 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 thereof. The core may include filling materials, such as mineral fillers, such as particles, dust, and/or fibres. The panel, in particular the core, may further comprise plasticizer to make the panel as such more flexible. The core of the panel may at least partially be made of a wood fibre core, for instance a recycled wood fibre core.

On top of the core, the panels may comprise 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 fibres. The paper may be placed directly on the carrier, for example, an HDF board. The paper may be placed on a scattering of decorative powder mix. For example, the decorative powder may include wood fibres and a binder, and optionally, a pigment and/or wear resistant particles. The wood fibres of the decorative power may be processed wood fibres or unprocessed wood fibres, such as recycled wood fibres.

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

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

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, wherein, 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 wherein, preferably, at least one of the second coupling parts comprises a recess for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of a further panel, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip being provided with a 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 thereof, and the recess, in particular the lower ide of the upper lip thereof, together lock the panels in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. These elements thus form at least part of the locking portions of the panels.

It may also be that the adjacent sides of the panel provided with the first coupling parts comprise both coupling parts of the type 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, 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 of 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, comprising mutually coupled panels according to the invention, wherein, in particular, the covering has a honeycomb pattern.

When the panels are provided with an octagonal shaped core, the covering may further comprise substantially square panels, wherein 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 for instance 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, wherein 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 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 also half of the number of sides. If the number of sides is more than four and uneven, the number of adjacent sides provided with the first coupling parts is half of the number of sides minus one, and the number of adjacent other sides 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, wherein 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 provided with the first coupling parts is (n-1 )/2, and the number of adjacent other sides 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 provided with the second coupling parts is (n-1 )/2.

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

The method may also comprise 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, wherein 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), comprising 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, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

The method may also comprise the steps of a) providing an octagonal core; b) milling first locking profiles on four adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees; c) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees.

The method may also comprise 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 of 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), comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees; ejmilling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 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 generically be 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 further comprise the step of milling locking portion on the locking profile on at 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 instalment and cheaper manufacturing.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary

embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

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

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

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

- Figure 4 schematically shows a variation on the panel of figure 3, with

additional locking elements;

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

- Figure 6 schematically shows a variation on the panels of 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 schematically shows a honeycomb covering according to the

present invention.

Figure 1 schematically shows a panel (1 ), comprising a hexagonal core (2), three first coupling parts (3) connected to three adjacent sides (4) of the hexagonal core (2); and three second coupling parts (5) connected to three other adjacent sides (6) of 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 double headed arrows.

Figure 2 schematically shows a panel (1 ), comprising an octagonal core (2), four first coupling parts (3) connected to four adjacent sides (4) of the octagonal core (2); and four second coupling parts (5) connected to four other adjacent sides (6) of 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 schematically shows 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, wherein the first coupling part (3) is 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

(1 1 ) lying at a distance from the downward tongue (10) and a downward groove

(12) between the downward tongue (10) and the downward flank (1 1 ). 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) of the upward tongue (7) facing towards 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 ), in figure 3 shown as the upper side of the panel (1 ), is about 85 degrees. The same angle (a) can be observed for the side (14) of the downward tongue (10) facing towards the downward flank (1 1 ), or towards the downward groove (12), wherein the angle (a) enclosed by this inclined direction, and the plane of the panel (1 ), in figure 3 shown 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 embodiment, the locking portions of the coupling parts (3, 5) are formed by the sides (13, 14) of the tongues (7, 10). The upper side (15) of the upward tongue (7) is inclined, and so is the lower side (16) of the downward groove (12).

Figure 4 schematically shows a variation on the panel (1 ) of figure 3, wherein corresponding features have been given the same numbers. Compared to figure 3, the side (17) of 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 (1 1 ) 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) of the tongues (7, 10).

Figure 5 schematically shows another variation on the panel (1 ) of figures 3 and 4, wherein 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) of the downward tongue (10) facing away from the downward flank (1 1 ) 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), of 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, wherein he first (18), second (19), third (21 ) and fourth (22) locking elements contribute to the locking portions for locking of two coupled panels (1 ).

The figure 5 embodiment further shows that the inclined parts (15, 16) of the respective grooves (9, 12) have a mutually different inclination, resulting in a space (23) between the upper side (15) of the upward tongue (7) and the lower side (16) of the downward groove (12).

Figure 6 schematically shows a variation on the panels (1 ) of 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 embodiment 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 to be arranged on the downward tongue (10) in figure 6, it may just as well be 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 schematically shows a honeycomb covering of hexagonal panels (1 ).

Flence, the above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above- described 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 herein, 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“comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only“comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases“contain”,“substantially consist of”,“formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1. 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, which core defines a plane, for instance a horizontal plane;

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, for instance in a downward or vertical motion,

and wherein at least one of the first coupling parts is provided with a first locking portion, and wherein at least one of the second coupling parts is provided with a second locking portion,

wherein at least one first locking portion and at least one second locking portion of at least two of such of a panels connected to each other will co act, 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.

2. Panel according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first coupling parts comprises 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 wherein at least one of the second coupling part comprises 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, wherein the downward tongue is configured to be pushed into the upward groove for connection.

3. Panel according to claim 2, wherein a side of at least one of the upward tongues facing towards the core is at least partly inclined towards the core or the upward groove and wherein a side of the at least one of the downward tongues facing towards the core is at least partly inclined towards the core or the downward groove, and wherein the locking portions are formed by said inclined parts, wherein, in particular, said sides of the tongues and the plane of the panel enclose an angle between 90 and 10 degrees.

4. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of a side of at least one of the upward tongues facing away from the upward flank is provided with a first locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulge or a recess, adapted for co-action with a second locking element, for instance in the form of a recess or an outward bulge, of an adjacent panel; and wherein at least a part of a side of at least one of the downward flanks is provided with a second locking element, for instance in the form of a recess or an outward bulge, adapted for co-action with the first locking element, for instance in the form of an outward bulge or a recess, of an adjacent panel; or vice versa.

5. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the upper side of the upward tongue is inclined compared to the plane of the panel, wherein, preferably, the complete upper side of the upward tongue is inclined.

6. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling parts further comprises a separate locking element, adapted to co-act with the locking portion to provide locking in at least one of the directions.

7. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in coupled condition, a gap exists between the upper side of at least one of the upward tongues and the lower part of at least one of the downward grooves.

8. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is octagonal instead of hexagonal, and the first coupling parts and second coupling parts are each connected to four adjacent sides of the octagonal core.

9. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of a side of at least one of the downward tongues facing away from the downward flank is 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, of an adjacent panel; and wherein at least a part of at least one of the upward flanks is 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, of an adjacent panel, or vice versa.

10. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein between at least one of the downward tongues and the core of the panel a bridge part is present, connecting the downward tongue to the core, wherein, in particular, the bridge part has a variable thickness between the core and the downward tongue.

1 1. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second coupling parts is configured to deform at least temporary during coupling, in particular the bridge part of the second coupling part.

12. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the minimal 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.

13. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein beneath at least one of the first coupling parts, in particular beneath at least one of the upward tongues thereof, a space is present, such that, when placed on a surface, a gap exists between the upward tongue and the surface the panel is placed on.

14. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein instead of the downward pushing motion, 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 angling one of these panels with a first coupling part into the second coupling part of another panel, wherein, 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 wherein, preferably, at least one of the second coupling parts comprises a recess for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of a further panel, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip being provided with a upwardly protruding shoulder.

15. Covering, such as a floor covering or a wall covering, comprising mutually coupled panels according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular, the covering has a honeycomb pattern.

16. Covering according to claim 15, wherein the panels are provided with an octagonal shaped core, further comprising substantially square panels, wherein 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.

17. Method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 -14, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a hexagonal core

b) milling first locking profiles on three adjacent sides of the core, comprising 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, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

18. Method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 -14, comprising 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, wherein 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), comprising 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, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 60 degrees.

19. Method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 -14, comprising the steps of:

a) providing an octagonal core

b) milling first locking profiles on four adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees;

c) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees.

20. Method of producing a panel according to any of claims 1 -14, comprising 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 of 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), comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees;

e) milling second locking profiles on four other adjacent sides of the core, comprising the subsequent steps of milling a side and rotating the core 45 degrees.