WO2023012587A1

WO2023012587A1 - Decorative panel comprising a grout imitation

Info

Publication number: WO2023012587A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056894
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan De Rick; Bryan ROLLIER
Original assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

Panel, comprising a substrate and a top layer. The top layer comprises a decor layer and a wear layer. The decor layer comprises a printed film. The panel is provided with a first pair of opposite edges, comprising coupling parts in the form of a tongue and a groove with locking parts. The male edge comprises a recess for providing a simulation of grout in coupled condition of the panels. The female edge comprises a distal portion which overlaps in coupled condition at least partly the recess at the male edge. The male edge and the distal portion each comprise a bevel. These bevels extend with an angle with the surface of the panel between 15° and 45° through the printed film.

Description

Decorative panel comprising a grout imitation

The invention relates to field of decorative panels that can be installed to form a floor, wall or ceiling covering.

Ceramic tiles or natural stone tiles can be installed into a floor covering. It is known technology to grout the joints between the tiles.

Panels are known that are made with a core comprising plastic material or wood fiber board; and that comprise a decorative top surface. Such panels are known that have a decorative top surface that simulates a ceramic tile or a natural stone tile. For a realistic simulation of a covering of ceramic or natural stone tiles, the grout between the joints remains a challenge.

US2012/0240502A1 describe vinyl floor tiles. The vinyl tiles comprise female and male coupling parts to enable a floating installation. A grouting channel is provided between vinyl floor tiles on the top surface of either the male or female coupling member. Grout is applied into the grouting channel to accomplish the installation of the vinyl floor tiles.

W02011087704A1 describes surface covering tiles made using synthetic materials and that employ junction strips which enable the tiles to be connected to one another. The connections can be made with or without adhesive, When the tiles are connected, a space is left between adjacent decorative surfaces to permit the application of grout or simulated grout therein.

Several approaches to simulate a specific joint between panels have been described in patent literature.

EP2281975A2 discloses a method for making a decorative groove on a floorboard. The floorboard has a core and a surface layer arranged on the upper side of the core. The method comprises the steps of displacing the floorboard through milling machines while being fixed between chains and bands, making a decorative groove by at least partly removing in between joint edges of the floorboard, following parallel with the joint edges, the upper layer so that an underlying layer is uncovered and forms a surface portion of the groove which is essentially parallel to the upper side of the floorboard, removing by a rotating tool which is located between the chains, and the tool has a rotating axis which is horizontal to the floorboard.

US2004146695A1 relates to a process for manufacturing resilient floor and wall. The resilient tiles have been individually cut, routed and mechanically embossed on two adjacent edges to give the appearance that each individual tile has grout lines on two adjacent edges. When a series of these tiles are installed on a floor or wall, the seams between the individual tiles are less visible than when using resilient tiles of the prior art having grout lines on all edges of the tile. This is because the seams between the tiles of the present invention are not in the grout lines themselves but rather adjacent to the grout lines.

US2013/0104486A1 discloses a floor covering including panels having a core of a plastic material and at least one cover layer covering the upper side of the core. The panels being provided with complementary and mutually engaging locking profiles at their connected lateral edges. For forming a groove between two connected panels at least one of these panels is provided with a milled-out portion at the upper side of its lateral edge, with the cover layer excavated completely over the width of the milled-out portion such that the bottom of the milled-out portion is formed by the material of the core.

W02020034436A1 discloses a chamfered plastic flooring, which is assembled by joining multiple panels. Provided on the upper surface of the panels at at least one side edge is a surface declining part, the surface declining part is arranged along the length direction of the edge of the panels. Adjacent panels are joined at the surface declining part to form a boundary area, which has an aesthetic appearance, an intense three- dimensional effect and is easy to clean. The surface of the boundary area is covered with a contamination-proof layer. The boundary area of the chamfered plastic flooring W02018037270A1 relates to a densified foam core tile having an imitation grout line. The flooring tile has a plurality of sides and comprises at least a top layer, a core layer and an exposed portion that extends outwardly along one side of the tile with a textured surface that imitates a grout line. The top layer of the tile can include a top surface defined by a wear layer, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer having an optimal density and a dye or colorant (s), and a decorative layer. The core layer is made of a densified foam material. The exposed portion and textured surface may be formed on the PVC layer below the top surface of the tile at a depth of between about 0.9 to 2 millimeters, or more, so as to extend into the core layer, and will have a width of generally between 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters. The overall thickness of the tile preferably ranges from 4 to 8 millimeters.

WO2018162992A1 relates to a tile that may be used as a covering on a floor, wall, or ceiling surface. The tile comprises at least a top section and a core layer may be made from a densified foam material. The top section can comprise a polyvinyl chloride layer, and may also comprise a wear layer and/or a decorative layer. The tile includes a plurality of sides with an exposed portion (s) formed along at least one of the sides, and optionally also across a middle section of the tile. The exposed portion(s) may be formed on the polyvinyl chloride layer below the tile's top surface at a depth to closely resemble an actual grout line. The tile may further comprise an interconnecting mechanism that at least partially enables an efficient tile installation.

EP1555141A1 relates to a panel comprising a decorative layer with a decorative pattern, a support layer for supporting the decorative layer and a carrier for supporting the support layer and the decorative layer. The support layer is arranged at least partially between the decorative layer and the carrier. The decorative layer is at least partially absent, preferably removed, such that the support layer is visible.

CN106193518A describes a wood-plastic floor. The wood-plastic floor comprises a WPC layer, a middle material layer, a color film layer and a wear-resistant layer. The WPC layer, the middle material layer, the color film layer and the wear-resistant layer are sequentially arranged from bottom to top. A pair of first opposite edges and a pair of second opposite edges are arranged on the upper surface of the wood-plastic floor. At least one first edge and/or second edge are/is provided with dividing areas/a dividing area. The dividing areas extend along the first edges and/or the second edges, and protective films are arranged on the surfaces of the dividing areas. Via the dividing areas, dividing lines for distinguishing different floors can be achieved.

WO2015078444A1 does not relate to a ceramic or stone tile covering imitation, but to a floor panel having a carrier plate which has at top-side wood veneer. The carrier plate and the veneer are connected to each other by a resin. An edge strip is present at least on two side edges of the veneer. The edge strip consists of the resin with which the wood veneer is adhered to the carrier plate.

It is also known to provide decorative panels with chamfers and bevels, examples are e.g. provided in W02016/050848 and in WO2012/004701.

The objective of the invention is to provide panels that comprise already in the panel a realistic grout imitation. It is meant that the grouting imitation is already available on the panels itself, such that no grouting operation needs to be performed after installing the panels on the surface that is to be covered by the panels.

The invention relates to a panel. The panel comprises a substrate and a top layer, wherein the top layer comprises a decor layer and a wear layer, wherein the decor layer comprises a printed film. The panel is provided at a first pair of opposite edges with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts and female coupling parts, for coupling two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering. The male coupling part is provided at the male edge of the first pair of opposite edges. The coupling parts are provided with mechanical locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels. The female coupling part is provided at the female edge of the first pair of opposite edges. The male coupling part comprises a tongue. The female coupling part comprises a groove bordered by an upper lip and a lower lip. The lower lip preferably extends more distal than the upper lip. The lower lip comprises a locking element; and the bottom of the tongue comprises a locking element, wherein in coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges, the locking element of the lower lip contacts the locking element of the tongue thereby establishing a locking of the coupled panels at their first pair of opposite edges in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel with the surface of the coupled panels; preferably, this locking is established with pretension. In coupled condition of the male edge with the female edge of another such panel the upper surface of the tongue contacts the bottom of the upper lip. Preferably, this contact is substantially parallel with the panel surface or this contact makes an angle of less than 5° with the panel surface. The surface of the male edge is provided with a recess. Preferably, this recess comprises at least a section parallel with the panel surface. The upper lip comprises a distal portion extending from the panel edge. Preferably, the bottom surface of the distal portion is provided in the substrate. In coupled condition of the female edge to the male edge of another such panel the distal portion of the upper lip of the female edge at least partially overlaps the recess at the surface of the male edge. The overlap between the distal portion and the recess at the surface of the male edge is provided at a vertical distance from the contact between the upper surface of the tongue and the bottom surface of the upper lip. In coupled condition of the female edge to the male edge of another such panel, the distal end of the upper lip below the distal portion contacts the male edge of the another such panel over substantially the full surface of the distal end of the upper lip below the distal portion.

The distal portion comprises a bevel extending through the printed film with an angle relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°. The male edge comprises a bevel proximal from the recess. This bevel extends through the printed film with an angle relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°.

Panels according to the invention provide a very realistic grout imitation by the recess. The bevels according to the invention contribute to the realism of the grout imitation by the recess. As the distal portion at least partially overlaps the recess in coupled condition of the panels, the grout imitation appears as a continuous grout, no junction line is visible as with other grout imitations already present in the panels before installing the panels. The panels according to the invention can be coupled easily for floating installation of the panels in a floor covering.

In coupled condition of the panel with its male edge to the female edge of another such panel, the recess can provide a simulation of a grout.

The overlap in coupled condition is preferably provided with contact between the bottom of the distal portion and the recess. More preferably, this said contact is provided with pretension. This contact has the benefit that moisture is prevented from penetrating between the coupled edges of installed panels. This benefit is more outspoken when this contact is provided with pretension. This pretension can be obtained by providing overlapping profile designs.

The vertical distance between on the one hand the overlap between the distal portion and the recess at the surface of the male edge and on the other hand the contact between the upper surface of the tongue and the bottom surface of the upper lip is preferably at least 0.7 mm.

Preferably, the distal end of the upper lip below the distal portion is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

In preferred embodiments, the bevel at the distal portion is a rounded bevel - convex or concave - or the bevel at the distal portion comprises a rounded section - convex or concave.; or the bevel at the distal portion is an inclined linear bevel. Such embodiments have the benefit that an even more realistic imitation of grout is provided to the installed panels.

In preferred embodiments, the bevel at the male edge is a rounded bevel - convex or concave - or the bevel at the male edge comprises a rounded section - convex or concave; or the bevel at the male edge is an inclined linear bevel. Such embodiments have the benefit that an even more realistic imitation of grout is provided to the installed panels. Preferably, the bevel at the distal portion is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer. This lacquer layer can provide an even more realistic look of the grout simulation in coupled condition of the panels. The lacquer layer can provide a visual effect, and can cover the intersection of the bevel at the distal portion through the printed film which provides the decor layer.

Preferably, the bevel at the male edge is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer. This lacquer layer can provide an even more realistic look of the grout simulation in coupled condition of the panels. The lacquer layer can provide a visual effect, and can cover the intersection of the bevel at the male edge through the printed film which provides the decor layer.

Preferably, the recess is provided with a lacquer layer. This lacquer layer can provide an even more realistic look of the grout simulation in coupled condition of the panels, by providing the grout simulation with a specific color and/or texture.

In more preferred embodiments, the lacquer layer of the recess extends at least partially onto the bevel of the male edge. This way, an even more realistic grout simulation is obtained of the installed panels. The lacquer layer can provide a visual effect, and can cover the intersection of the bevel at the male edge through the printed film which provides the decor layer.

In preferred embodiments, the bevel at the distal portion is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer, such that in coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges the lacquer layer of the recess visually continues into the lacquer layer of the bevel of the distal portion. This way, an even more realistic grout imitation is obtained in coupled panels.

Preferred lacquer layers comprise sand and/or particles preferably having a particle size larger than 20 pm. It is a benefit of such embodiments that an imitation is realized of cement based grout, which comprises sand or other particulate fillers. Preferably, the lacquer layer is less than 200 pm thick, more preferably less than 100 pm thick, even more preferably less than 60 pm thick.

Preferably, the recess has a width of at least 2 mm, and preferably of at least 2.3 mm.

Preferably, the recess has in the panels coupled at their first pair of opposite edges a visible width of at least 1.5 mm, more preferably of at least 2 mm. Such embodiments provide an even more realistic imitation of grout.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the distal edge of the distal portion extends over at least a horizontal distance 0.25 mm and preferably of at least 0.7 mm from the female edge. Such embodiments provide an even more realistic imitation of grout.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the recess extends into the substrate. Such embodiments allow to provide an improved panel. The color of the grout imitation can be provided by the substrate, or by a lacquer applied onto it. The depth of the recess can be selected such that it imitates the grout of a covering with ceramic tiles.

Preferably, in coupled condition of the female edge to the male edge of another such panel, a gap is provided below the upper lip in horizontal direction between the distal end of the tongue and the proximal end of the female edge.

In preferred embodiments, the substrate comprises a thermoplastic polymer layer, preferably a polyvinyl chloride polymer layer, comprising fillers, wherein the fillers comprise or consist of mineral fillers, e.g. selected from one or more than one of chalk, lime, or stone; or wherein the fillers comprise wood or cellulose particles or fibers.

In preferred embodiments, the substrate comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer is provided closer to the surface of the panel than the first layer, wherein the composition of the first layer differs from the composition of the second layer, wherein the tongue is provided in the first layer. Preferably, the second layer is made out of a more supple material than the first layer. Such embodiments allow to provide a more realistic grout imitation, e.g. by adapting the color of the layer into which the recess extends when producing this layer (e.g. by extrusion). A tongue provided in the more rigid second layer results in a sturdy coupling between the panel edges.

In more preferred embodiments, the first layer and the second layer comprise a polyvinyl chloride matrix and fillers. Optionally, the fillers comprise inorganic fillers, e.g. chalk, lime or stone.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the recess extends into the second layer, but not into the first layer. Such embodiments allow to provide a more realistic grout imitation, e.g. by adapting the color of the second layer when producing this second layer.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the depth of the recess relative to the surface of the panel is at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm. Such embodiments provide an even more realistic grout imitation.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the depth of the recess relative to the surface of the panels is less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.5 mm. Such embodiments provide an even more realistic grout imitation.

Preferably, the coupling parts at the first pair of opposite edges are configured such that the panel can be coupled to another such panel at their first pair of opposite edges, with its male edge onto the female edge of the another such panel by means of an angling movement of the tongue of the panel into the groove of the another such panel.

Preferred panels comprise a second pair of opposite edges, wherein the second pair of opposite edges are configured as described in any embodiment of the invention for the first pair of opposite edges. The features at the second pair of opposite edges do not necessarily have to be the same as the features at the first pair of opposite edges. When the second pair of opposite edges are configured as described in any embodiment of the invention for the first pair of opposite edges, a realistic grout imitation is obtained in around the full panel installed condition of a plurality of such panels in a covering. Preferred panels are rectangular, oblong or square, wherein the panel comprises a second pair of opposite edges, wherein the second pair of opposite edges is provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts and female coupling parts, for coupling two such panels at their second pair of opposite edges to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering; wherein the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges are provided with mechanical locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels, wherein the edges of the second pair of opposite edges are configured such that in coupled condition of two such panels at their second pair of opposite edges, a grout imitation is provided at these coupled edges.

More preferably, the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges are configured such that the panel can be coupled to another such panel at their second pair of opposite edges, by means of an angling movement of the male coupling part of the panel into the female coupling part of the another such panel.

In preferred embodiments, the printed film is a printed polymer film - more preferably a polyvinyl chloride film - comprising a printed image. More preferably, the printed decor layer comprises or consists of a printed polyvinyl chloride film less than 0.1 mm thick. A 0.07 mm thick printed polyvinyl chloride film can e.g. be used.

Preferably, the wear layer comprises - and preferably consists of - a transparent polymer film, preferably a transparent polyvinylchloride film, optionally comprising a lacquer layer.

Preferred panels comprise at their back a base layer, more preferably a cushioning base layer. The base layer can be provided at the bottom of the panel. Such embodiments allow to provide panels with improved acoustics. E.g. less noise is generated when walking on such floor panels. Preferably, the panel thickness is between 3.2 and 7 mm; more preferably the panel thickness is less than 4.5 mm.

Preferred panels are rectangular, whether oblong or square.

Preferably, the decor layer provides an imitation of a ceramic tile or of a natural stone tile. This way, installed panels provide a realistic simulation of a covering with ceramic tiles or with natural stone tiles.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, as an example without any limitative character, several preferred embodiments will be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 represents an example of a panel according to the invention; figure 2 shows a cross section according to II-II of the panel of figure 1; figure 3 shows two panels as in figure 1, coupled at their first pair of opposite edges; figure 4 shows another panel according to the invention, in the same view as in figure 2; figure 5 shows two panels as in figure 4, coupled at their first pair of opposite edges.

Figure 1 represents an example of a panel 1 according to the invention. The panel 1 is rectangular and oblong. The panel 1 comprises a first pair of opposite edges 3, 4 and a second pair of opposite edges 5, 6. The male edge 3 comprises a recess 91. The second male edge 5 also comprises a recess 91. The first pair of opposite edges as well as the second pair of opposite edges are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts and female coupling parts, for coupling two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges 3, 4 or at their second pair of opposite edges 4, 5 to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering. The coupling parts are provided with mechanical locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels.

A multitude of such panels can be installed in a covering, for instance in a floor covering. The recesses 91 provide in the installed covering an imitation of a grout.

Figure 2 shows a cross section according to II-II of the panel of figure 1. Figure 3 shows two panels as in figure 1, coupled at their first pair of opposite edges 3, 4. The panel 1 comprises a substrate 10 and a top layer 11. The thickness T of the panel of the example shown is 5 mm. The top layer 11 comprises a decor layer 20 and a wear layer 21. The decor layer 20 is provided by a printed film 23.

The substrate 10 can comprise one or a plurality of thermoplastic polymer layers, e.g. one or a plurality of polyvinyl chloride polymer layers, comprising fillers. The fillers can comprise or consist of mineral fillers, e.g. selected from one or more than one of chalk, lime, or stone.

The printed film 23 can be a printed polymer film, e.g. a printed polyvinyl chloride film, preferably less than 0.1 mm thick. The decor layer 20 can e.g. provide an imitation of a ceramic tile or of a natural stone tile.

The wear layer 21 can comprise a transparent polyvinylchloride film, optionally comprising a lacquer layer (not shown in the figures).

The panel is provided at its first pair of opposite edges 3, 4 with coupling parts 7, 8, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts 7 and female coupling parts 8, for coupling two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges 3, 4 to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering. The male coupling part 7 is provided at the male edge 3 of the first pair of opposite edges. The coupling parts are provided with mechanical locking parts 13, 14 which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels. The female coupling part 8 is provided at the female edge 4 of the first pair of opposite edges 3, 4. The male coupling part 7 comprises a tongue 53. The female coupling parts 8 comprises a groove 54 bordered by an upper lip 55 and a lower lip 56; wherein the lower lip 56 extends more distal than the upper lip 55. The lower lip 56 comprises a locking element 13. The bottom of the tongue 53 comprises a locking element 14. As shown in figure 3, in coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges, the locking element 13 of the lower lip contacts the locking element 14 of the tongue thereby establishing a locking of the coupled panels at their first pair of opposite edges in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel with the surface of the coupled panels. Preferably this locking is established with pretension, which can be realized via overlapping contours of the related sections of the panel edges. In coupled condition of the male edge with the female edge of another such panel the upper surface of the tongue 53 contacts the bottom of the upper lip 55. In the example shown, this contact is substantially parallel with the panel surface. In an alternative embodiment, this contact can make an angle of less than 5° with the panel surface.

The panel 1 can be coupled to another such panel at their first pair of opposite edges 3,4, with its male edge 3 onto the female edge 4 of another such panel by means of an angling movement of the tongue 53 of the panel into the groove 54 of the another such panel.

The surface of the male edge 3 is provided with a recess 91. The recess 91 extends into the substrate 10. In the example shown, this recess 91 comprises a section 92 parallel with the panel surface. In the example shown the depth DI of the recess 91 relative to the surface of the panel is 0.65 mm.

The upper lip 55 comprises a distal portion 93 extending from the panel edge. In the example shown, the distal edge 98 of the distal portion 93 extends in the horizontal direction over a distance D equal to 0.86 mm from the female edge. In the example shown this distal portion 93 extending from the panel edge is provided as a nose. The bottom surface of the distal portion 93 is provided in the substrate 10. In coupled condition of the female edge to the male edge of another such panel the distal portion 93 of the upper lip 55 of the female edge overlaps the recess 91 at the surface of the male edge. This overlap is provided with contact between the bottom of the distal portion 93 and the recess 91. In embodiments of the invention, this contact can be provided with pretension, e.g. by providing overlapping contours of the relevant sections of the panel edges. The overlap between the distal portion and the recess at the surface of the male edge is provided at a vertical distance D20.95 mm from the contact 94 between the upper surface of the tongue and the bottom surface of the upper lip.

In coupled condition of the female edge 4 to the male edge 3 of another such panel, the distal end of the upper lip 55 below the distal portion 93 contacts the male edge 3 of the another such panel over the full height of the distal end of the upper lip 55 below this distal portion 93. This contact of the distal end of the upper lip below the distal portion is provided at a section of this distal end of the upper lip substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

The distal portion 93 comprises a bevel 95. This bevel 95 extends through the printed film 23 with an angle A relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°, in the example of 30°. The male edge 3 comprises a bevel 96 proximal from the recess 91. The bevel 96 extends through the printed film 23 with an angle A relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°, in the example of 30°. The bevels 95, 96 are substantially linearly inclined bevels.

In the example shown, the recess 91 has a width W1 equal to 2.3 mm. As is indicated in figure 3, the recess provides in the coupled panels a visible width W2 equal to 2 mm. The recess 91 provided in the coupled panels a grout simulation.

In coupled condition of the female edge 4 to the male edge 3 of another such panel a gap 100 is provided in horizontal direction between the distal end of the tongue and the proximal end of the female edge.

In coupled conditions, a gap 125 is provided in horizontal direction between the distal end of the female edge 4 of panel and the edge of the male edge 3 of the other panel, allowing to accommodate an expansion of the female edge towards the male edge of the other panel in coupled condition of the panels. Figure 4 shows another panel according to the invention, in the same view as in figure 2. Figure 5 shows two panels as in figure 4, coupled at their first pair of opposite edges. Same reference numerals in figures 4 and 5 have the same meaning as in figures 2 and 3.

In the example shown in figures 4 and 5, the substratelO comprises a first layer 101 and a second layer 102, provided closer to the surface of the panel than the first layer 101. The tongue 53 is provided in the first layer 101. The recess 91 extends into the second layer 102, but not into the first layer 101.

The first layer 101 and the second layer 102 can comprise a polyvinyl chloride matrix and optional fillers. The optional fillers can comprise inorganic fillers, e.g. chalk, lime or stone. The composition of the first layer differs from the composition of the second layer. In the example, the second layer 102 is made out of a more supple material than the first layer 101.

The shape of the bevels 95, 96 differs in the exemplary panel shown in figures 4 and 5 from the shape of the bevels 95, 96 of the exemplary panel shown in figures 2 and 3. In the panel shown in figures 4 and 5, the bevel 95 at the distal portion 93 as well as the bevel 96 at the male edges comprises a rounded section. However, both bevels 95, 96 extend through the printed film 23 with an angle A relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°, in the example 30°.

The bevel 95 at the distal portion 93 is provided with a lacquer layer 97, at least covering the section of the bevel 95 extending through the printed film 23. The recess 91 is provided with a lacquer layer 97, extending onto the bevel 96 of the male edge, thereby at least covering the section of this bevel 96 extending through the printed film 23. In coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges the lacquer layer 97 of the recess 91 visually continues into the lacquer layer 97 of the bevel 95 of the distal portion 93.

The back of the panel 1 of figures 4 and 5 comprises a cushioning base layer 22. As already mentioned, the panel 1 of figure 1 comprises a second pair of opposite edges 5, 6. The edges - and the coupling parts - of the second pair of opposite edges can be configured as described for the first pair of opposite edges in any embodiment of the invention. The configuration of the edges and/or of the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges does not need to be identical to the respective configuration at the first pair of opposite edges.

Claims

1.- Panel (1), wherein the panel comprises a substrate (10) and a top layer (11), wherein the top layer comprises a decor layer (20) and a wear layer (21), wherein the decor layer comprises a printed film (23); wherein the panel is provided at a first pair of opposite edges (3, 4) with coupling parts (7, 8), cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts (7) and female coupling parts (8), for coupling two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges (3, 4) to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering; wherein the male coupling part (7) is provided at the male edge (3) of the first pair of opposite edges; wherein the coupling parts are provided with mechanical locking parts (13, 14) which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels; wherein the female coupling part (8) is provided at the female edge (4) of the first pair of opposite edges; wherein the male coupling part (7) comprises a tongue (53); wherein the female coupling part (8) comprises a groove (54) bordered by an upper lip (55) and a lower lip (56); preferably wherein the lower lip (56) extends more distal than the upper lip (55); wherein the lower lip (56) comprises a locking element (13), wherein the bottom of the tongue (53) comprises a locking element (14), wherein in coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges, the locking element (13) of the lower lip contacts the locking element (14) of the tongue thereby establishing a locking of the coupled panels at their first pair of opposite edges in the direction perpendicular to the coupled edges and parallel with the surface of the coupled panels; preferably wherein said locking is established with pretension; wherein in coupled condition of the male edge with the female edge of another such panel the upper surface of the tongue (53) contacts the bottom of the upper lip (55), preferably wherein said contact is substantially parallel with the panel surface or wherein said contact makes an angle of less than 5° with the panel surface; wherein the surface of the male edge is provided with a recess (91), preferably wherein said recess comprises at least a section (92) parallel with the panel surface; wherein the upper lip (55) comprises a distal portion (93) extending from the panel edge, preferably wherein the bottom surface of the distal portion is provided in the substrate, wherein in coupled condition of the female edge to the male edge of another such panel the distal portion (93) of the upper lip (55) of the female edge at least partially overlaps the recess (91) at the surface of the male edge; wherein the overlap between the distal portion and the recess at the surface of the male edge is provided at a vertical distance (D2) from the contact (94) between the upper surface of the tongue and the bottom surface of the upper lip; wherein in coupled condition of the female edge (4) to the male edge (3) of another such panel, the distal end of the upper lip (55) below said distal portion (93) contacts the male edge (3) of the another such panel over substantially the full surface of the distal end of the upper lip below said distal portion (93); wherein the distal portion (93) comprises a bevel (95), wherein said bevel (95) extends through the printed film (23) with an angle (A) relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°; wherein the male edge comprises a bevel (96) proximal from the recess (91), wherein said bevel extends through the printed film (23) with an angle (A) relative to the surface of the panel between 15° and 45°.

2.- Panel as in claim 1, wherein in coupled condition of the panel with its male edge (3) to the female edge (4) of another such panel, the recess (91) provides a simulation of a grout.

3.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein said overlap is provided with contact between the bottom of the distal portion and the recess, more preferably wherein said contact is provided with pretension.

4.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical (D2) distance between on the one hand the overlap between the distal portion and the recess at the 19 surface of the male edge and on the other hand the contact between the upper surface of the tongue and the bottom surface of the upper lip is at least 0.7 mm.

5.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the upper lip below the distal portion (93) is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

6.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel (95) at the distal portion (93) is a rounded bevel - convex or concave - or wherein the bevel (95) at the distal portion (93) comprises a rounded section - convex or concave.; or wherein the bevel (95) at the distal portion (93) is an inclined linear bevel.

7.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel (96) at the male edge is a rounded bevel - convex or concave - or wherein the bevel (96) at the male edge comprises a rounded section - convex or concave; or wherein the bevel (96) at the male edge is an inclined linear bevel.

8.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel (95) at the distal portion

(93) is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer (97).

9.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel (96) of the male edge is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer (97).

10.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (91) is provided with a lacquer layer (97).

11.- Panel as in claim 10, wherein the lacquer layer (97) of the recess (91) extends at least partially onto the bevel (96) of the male edge.

12.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel (95) at the distal portion (93) is at least partially provided with a lacquer layer (97), such that in coupled condition of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges the lacquer layer of the recess visually continues into the lacquer layer of the bevel (95) of the distal portion. 20

13.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims 10 - 12, wherein the lacquer layer (97) comprises sand and/or particles preferably having a particle size larger than 20 pm.

14.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims 9 - 13, wherein the lacquer layer (97) is less than 200 pm thick, more preferably less than 100 pm thick, even more preferably less than 60 pm thick.

15.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (91) has a width (Wl) of at least 2 mm, and preferably of at least 2.3 mm.

16.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (91) has in the panels coupled at their first pair of opposite edges a visible width (W2) of at least 1.5 mm, more preferably of at least 2 mm.

17.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal edge (98) of the distal portion (93) extends in horizontal direction over at least a distance (D) 0.25 mm and preferably of at least 0.7 mm from the female edge.

18.- Panel as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (91) extends into the substrate (10).

19.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein in coupled condition of the female edge (4) to the male edge (3) of another such panel, a gap (100) is provided below the upper lip (55) in horizontal direction between the distal end of the tongue and the proximal end of the female edge.

20.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (10) comprises a thermoplastic polymer layer, preferably a polyvinyl chloride polymer layer, comprising fillers, wherein the fillers comprise or consist of mineral fillers, e.g. selected from one or more than one of chalk, lime, or stone; or wherein the fillers comprise wood or cellulose particles or fibers. 21

21.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (10) comprises a first layer (101) and a second layer (102), wherein the second layer is provided closer to the surface of the panel than the first layer, wherein the composition of the first layer differs from the composition of the second layer, wherein the tongue (53) is provided in the first layer (101), preferably wherein the second layer is made out of a more supple material than the first layer.

22.- Panel as in claim 21, wherein the first layer (101) and the second layer (102) comprise a polyvinyl chloride matrix and fillers, optionally wherein the fillers comprise inorganic fillers, e.g. chalk, lime or stone.

23.- Panel as in claim 21 or 22, wherein the recess (91) extends into the second layer

(102), but not into the first layer (101).

24.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth (DI) of the recess relative to the surface of the panel is at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm.

25.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth (DI) of the recess relative to the surface of the panels is less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.5 mm.

26.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling parts at the first pair of opposite edges are configured such that the panel can be coupled to another such panel at their first pair of opposite edges, with its male edge onto the female edge of the another such panel by means of an angling movement of the tongue of the panel into the groove of the another such panel.

27.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a second pair of opposite edges, wherein the second pair of opposite edges are configured as described for the first pair of opposite edges in any of the preceding claims. 22

28.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, preferably wherein the panel is rectangular, oblong or square, wherein the panel comprises a second pair of opposite edges, wherein the second pair of opposite edges is provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of male coupling parts and female coupling parts, for coupling two such panels at their second pair of opposite edges to each other in a floor, wall or ceiling covering; wherein the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges are provided with mechanical locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled panels into the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels as well as into the direction perpendicular to the respective coupled edges in the plane parallel to the coupled panels, wherein the second pair of opposite edges are configures such that in coupled condition of two such panels at their second pair of opposite edges, a grout imitation is provided at these coupled edges.

29.- Panel as in claim 28, wherein the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges are configured such that the panel can be coupled to another such panel at their second pair of opposite edges, by means of an angling movement of the male coupling part of the panel into the female coupling part of the another such panel.

30.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the printed film (23) is a printed polymer film - preferably a polyvinyl chloride film - comprising a printed image; more preferably wherein the printed decor layer comprises or consists of a printed polyvinyl chloride film less than 0.1 mm thick.

31.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the wear layer (21) comprises - and preferably consists of - a transparent polymer film, preferably a transparent polyvinylchloride film, optionally comprising a lacquer layer.

32.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the back of the panel comprises a base layer, preferably a cushioning base layer (22).

33.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel thickness is between

3.2 and 7 mm; preferably wherein the panel thickness is less than 4.5 mm. 23

34.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is rectangular, whether oblong or square. 35.- Panel as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the decor layer provides an imitation of a ceramic tile or of a natural stone tile.