WO2023233251A1 - Panneau de paroi ou de plafond, élément de connexion et ensemble d'un panneau de paroi ou de plafond et d'un élément de connexion - Google Patents

Panneau de paroi ou de plafond, élément de connexion et ensemble d'un panneau de paroi ou de plafond et d'un élément de connexion Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023233251A1
WO2023233251A1 PCT/IB2023/055401 IB2023055401W WO2023233251A1 WO 2023233251 A1 WO2023233251 A1 WO 2023233251A1 IB 2023055401 W IB2023055401 W IB 2023055401W WO 2023233251 A1 WO2023233251 A1 WO 2023233251A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wall
connection member
backing layer
layer
side part
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/055401
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven Vindevogel
Wiebe VAN GANSBEKE
Original Assignee
Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl filed Critical Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
Publication of WO2023233251A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023233251A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0862—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements composed of a number of elements which are identical or not, e.g. carried by a common web, support plate or grid
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
    • E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
    • E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
    • E04F13/0846—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements engaging holes or grooves in the side faces of the covering elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0866—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements composed of several layers, e.g. sandwich panels or layered panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0889—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections
    • E04F13/0894—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections with tongue and groove connections
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0153—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by rotating the sheets, plates or panels around an axis which is parallel to the abutting edges, possibly combined with a sliding movement
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/02—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
    • E04F2201/023—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with a continuous tongue or groove
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2203/00—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
    • E04F2203/06—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for comprising two layers fixedly secured to one another, in offset relationship in order to form a rebate
    • E04F2203/065—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for comprising two layers fixedly secured to one another, in offset relationship in order to form a rebate in offset relationship longitudinally as well as transversely

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns wall or ceiling panels, connection members, and assemblies for covering walls or ceilings, in particular assemblies comprising wall or ceiling panels and connection members cooperating therewith.
  • Panels for mounting on walls or ceilings are commonly installed by gluing, or by fixing by for example nailing or screwing, to a wall or ceiling, or a supporting structure in and/or on said wall or ceiling.
  • Example of such panels are disclosed in WO 01/38668 and WO 2019/003100.
  • As such installation methods only allow installation of panels to a wall or ceiling in a substantially fixed way, there may be some disadvantages related thereto, when used with particular panels.
  • Many substate materials of floor or wall panels may be prone to thermal expansion and/or shrinkage. As the panels cannot move freely, such expansion and/or shrinkage may lead to gaps appearing in between panels, and/or to doming of the panels.
  • deformation of the panels may furthermore lead to loosening of the panels from the wall or ceiling, or, in case of nailing or screwing, deformation of the panels may lead to breakage and/or ripping of the panels in those spots where a screw or nail is applied.
  • WO 02/052113 A2 discloses a connection member which loosely slides on the bottom of the panel, thereby allowing free movement of the panel with regard to the connection member.
  • the connection member has particular requirements from the point of view of strength and size, and may be costly. Further specially profiled wall panels are required to enable a good slidable connection to the connection member.
  • the present invention in the first place aims at providing alternative wall or ceiling panels, connection members or assemblies for covering wall or ceilings, wherein in accordance with preferred embodiments one or more problems of the state-of-the art may be solved.
  • the present invention seeks to provide wall or ceiling panels which may be installed in such a way that they may overcome certain problems related to expansion and/or crimping, in an economic manner, while providing sufficient support onto a wall or ceiling.
  • the present invention is a wall or ceiling panel, wherein said panel is provided with mechanical coupling parts, on at least one pair of opposite edges, and with as a characteristic that a surface of said panel, preferably a major surface of said panel, is provided with a backing layer at least partly covering said surface and partly extending beyond one or more of said opposite edges.
  • said major surface that is provided with said backing layer is opposite a major surface forming the decorative side of said wall or ceiling panels, i.e. opposite the side of the wall or ceiling panels that is visible in use.
  • such decorative side may be formed by a top layer applied to a substrate layer of said panel.
  • Such top layer may then comprise a decoration layer, and potentially a wear layer applied on said decoration layer.
  • the invention is a wall or ceiling panel which comprises a substrate layer and a top layer, said top layer comprising a decoration layer, and a wear layer provided above said decoration layer, wherein said panel, preferably said substrate layer, on at least one pair of opposite edges, is provided with mechanical coupling parts, and wherein a backing layer is provided onto the major surface of the substrate layer opposing the top layer, with as a characteristic that said backing layer at least partly covers said substrate layer, and wherein said backing layer at least partly extends beyond one or more of said edges.
  • the mechanical coupling parts preferably allow effecting a locking between two of such wall or ceiling panels in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels, and in a second direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges. It is however not excluded that the mechanical coupling parts would allow for a locking in said first or in said second direction only.
  • the mechanical coupling parts may be supplemented in use with a glue.
  • the mechanical coupling parts may be basically shaped as a tongue at one edge and a groove at an opposite edge. The groove is e.g. delimited by an upper lip and a lower lip.
  • the tongue and groove are essentially responsible for said locking in said direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and/or in said direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.
  • the tongue and groove may further comprise locking means preventing the drifting apart of the tongue and the groove, when in coupled condition.
  • the locking means may comprise a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip for cooperation with an excavation at the bottom of the tongue.
  • the lower lip is regarded as that groove lip which is positioned the closest to the wall or ceiling to be covered with the respective panels.
  • the said panels comprise a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges, wherein both said pairs of opposite edges comprise mechanical coupling means as described above.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the first pair of opposite edges can be configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement or a downward movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the second pair of opposite edges can be configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement or a downward movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of both pair of opposite edges can configured to allow coupling by a turning movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the first pair of opposite edges can be configured to allow coupling by a turning movement and the mechanical coupling means of the second pair of opposite edges can be configured to allow coupling by a downward movement.
  • These latter panels can be installed by means of the so-called “fold down” method.
  • These type of coupling parts can be as described in WO 2017/115202, WO 2021/111210, WO 2017/068523 or WO 2009/066153. The coupling parts described in these patent publications are incorporated by reference.
  • said panels are rectangular, i.e. oblong or square, and thus also comprise a second pair of opposite edges.
  • said second pair of opposite edges is provided with coupling parts as well, providing a locking in said first and/or in a second direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the second pair of edges.
  • the wall or ceiling panels of the first aspect may be particularly easy to install while still allowing expansion and shrinkage of the panels.
  • the portion of the backing layer which extends beyond said one or more edges is suitable to connect said panel to a wall or ceiling, while this portion of the backing layer may be hidden behind an adjacent panel connected to said wall or ceiling panel.
  • the wall or ceiling panel according to the invention may thus for example be connected to a wall or ceiling or a frame, by means of stapling, nailing or screwing through said part of the backing layer extending beyond said one or more edges. In this manner the staples, nails or screws may be hidden behind an adjacent panel.
  • the wall or ceiling panel according to the invention could for example be connected to a wall or ceiling or a frame, by means of an adhesive, through said part of the backing layer extending beyond said one or more edges.
  • said part of the backing layer extending beyond said one or more edges could be provided with adhesive.
  • Said adhesive could be covered by a removable, for example peelable, protection layer -such as a strip-, which should than be removed during installation of said panel, to glue the said part of the backing layer to the wall or ceiling or frame. It is also possible to provide the adhesive during installation.
  • the backing layer at least partly extends beyond the coupling parts as provided on at least one pair of opposite edges of the substrate layer.
  • Panels may thus be installed on a wall or ceiling by at least the following steps: the step of installing at least a first panel, the step of screwing, stapling, nailing, gluing or otherwise fixing through said part of the backing layer which extends beyond said one or more edges of said first panel, the step of connecting at least a second panel by coupling the mechanical coupling means at said first or second pair of opposite edges of said first and said second panel, the step of screwing, stapling, nailing, gluing or otherwise fixing through said part of the backing layer which extends beyond said one or more edges of said second panel.
  • step of fixing does not necessarily have to be executed immediately subsequently to the step of installing the respective panel.
  • said backing layer extends along at least a portion of said one or more edges, said portion preferably forming the majority of the respective edge.
  • the manner in which the backing layer extends along said one or more edges may be many of which here below practical examples are described, without desiring to be exhaustive.
  • the thickness of the backing layer can be between 0,5 mm and 3 mm, for example between 1 mm and 1,5 mm.
  • the parts or portions of said backing layer extending beyond an edge extend in one piece along said majority of the respective edge, i.e. along 50 percent or more of the length of the edge of the panel.
  • the parts or portions of said backing layer extending beyond an edge extend in one piece along said majority of the respective edge, and preferably along at most 99 percent of the length of said edge, such that the risk of overlapping backing layers of coupled panels is low.
  • the length of the backing layer is at least 1 mm shorter than the length of the corresponding edge it extends beyond, more preferably at least 2 mm.
  • the respective edge is free from other backing layer parts, i.e. other than the backing layer portion that extends in one piece along said majority of the respective edge, independently whether such other backing layer parts are performed in one piece with the backing layer portion extending along the majority of said edge.
  • said backing layer at least partly extends beyond at least two non-opposing edges of said panel or substrate layer, for example, in the case of rectangular panels, said backing layer may extend at least partly beyond at least one edge of said first pair and at least one edge of said second pair of opposite edges.
  • the respective portions or parts extending beyond said two non-opposing edges form part of the same one piece backing layer.
  • said respective portions would be performed as separated backing layer portions.
  • the part or portion of the backing layer which extends beyond said two non-opposing edges of the substrate layer may be suitable to connect said panel to a wall or ceiling, and may be beneficial as it is easier to control the position of the panel.
  • a more secure installation of the panel may be obtained, independently of the type of mechanical coupling parts applied at said edges, if any.
  • the backing layer extends in one piece along the majority of at least one or at least both of said non-opposing edges.
  • one or both of said non-opposing edges are free from other backing layer parts or portions i.e. other than the backing layer portion that extends in one piece along said majority of the respective edge, independently whether such other backing layer parts are performed in one piece with the backing layer portion extending along the majority of said edge.
  • said backing layer at least partly extends beyond one edge only.
  • the panels are rectangular panels with a first pair of opposite long edges and a second pair of opposite short edges
  • the said backing layer at least partly extends beyond a said long edge only.
  • said long edges comprise mechanical coupling parts shaped as a said tongue and a said groove
  • the backing layer preferably extends beyond the long edge comprising the groove.
  • the backing layer extend in one piece along said majority of the respective long edge, i.e. along 50 percent or more of the length of the edge of the panel, more preferably along 80 percent or more of the length of the long edge.
  • said backing layer at least partly extends beyond two non-opposing edges only.
  • these special possibilities relate to a backing layer extending at least party beyond at most two edges and/or to a panel having extending backing layer portions at most at two edges only. It is clear that the remaining edges are thus free from other backing layer parts or portions.
  • These special possibilities may avoid that, in an installed condition, the part of the backing layer which extends beyond the edges of the substrate layer coincides with the extending part of the backing layer of an adjacent panel.
  • said backing layer at least partly extends beyond at least both edges of a pair of opposite edges.
  • the backing layer portions extending beyond respective opposing edges are preferably positioned in a staggered relationship, namely wherein the portion of the edge directly opposite to a portion of an edge having an extending backing layer portion, is free from an extending backing layer portion itself. In this way, these directly opposite edge portions can be installed adjacently without the extending backing layer portions obstructing the good installation.
  • the backing layer portions extending beyond respective opposing edges are positioned at least partly opposite to each other, namely wherein a portion of the edge directly opposite to a portion of an edge having an extending backing layer portion, also comprises an extending backing layer portion itself.
  • the respective portions preferably also comprise an edge portion free from extending backing layer part, such that an adjacent installation remains possible with the adjacent panels being in an offset relationship such that an edge portion having an extending backing layer portion may be installed adjacent to an edge portion being free from an extending backing layer portion.
  • the wall or ceiling panel comprises only one, one piece, backing layer.
  • said backing layer extends uninterruptedly along said edges of said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer may extend along just one edge, thereby forming a border aligned with said edge.
  • said backing layer may extend along two non-opposing edges, forming a continuous border aligned with said two non-opposing edges. Said backing layer may thus extend along said edges of said substrate layer to form a border aligned with said edges.
  • said backing layer may also extend interruptedly along said edges of said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer may thus extend in two, three or more parts beyond or along said edges of said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer may extend in two parts along a long edge of the wall or ceiling panel.
  • said backing layer may extend in two, three or more parts, said parts separately extending beyond or along one, two or more of said edges.
  • said backing layer may extend in one part along a long edge of the wall or ceiling panel, and in two parts along a short edge of the wall or ceiling panel.
  • said backing layer extends interruptedly, i.e. with two or more parts, along and beyond a respective edge, may be put in practice with a single one piece backing layer or with a plurality of separated backing layer portions.
  • said backing layer has a size equaling or about equaling the size of said panel, wherein said backing layer is preferably positioned off-set with regard to one or more of the edges of said panel or substrate layer.
  • said backing layer portions extending beyond one edge or beyond two non-opposing edges in a convenient manner.
  • said backing layer at least partly extends beyond a first edge of said panel or substrate layer over a first distance, wherein at an opposing second edge of said panel or substrate layer, said backing layer is absent over a second distance, wherein said second distance is at least the same or larger than said first distance.
  • the part of said major surface which is free from said backing layer of a first panel may thus accommodate the part of the backing layer which extends beyond said first edge of a second panel, preferably in a complementary way.
  • an opposing edge of said substrate layer or panel is free from said backing layer over about said first distance.
  • an opposing edge of said substrate layer or panel is free from said backing layer over a distance substantially larger than said first distance, for example two or three times said first distance.
  • said backing layer may at least partly extend beyond said one or more edges over a distance which is at least about 1% of the width and/or length of said wall or ceiling panel.
  • said backing layer may at least partly extend beyond said one or more edges over a distance which is at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, or at least about 15% of the width and/or length of said wall or ceiling panel.
  • the distance over which the respective backing layer part or portion extends is at least 1 centimeter.
  • the distance over which the respective backing layer extends lies between 10 and 20 mm, for example between 12 and 18 mm, for example between 14 and 16 mm.
  • said backing layer is more flexible than said panel, or, as the case may be, said substrate layer.
  • said more flexible backing layer thus allows some deformation which at least partly compensates for the expansion and/or shrinkage of the substrate layer or the panel, and may thereby ensure good installation to the wall or ceiling, also during expansion and/or crimping.
  • said movement may take place over at least 0.1 mm, preferably over at least 0.2 mm, more preferably over at least 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or even over at least 1 mm. More in particular, said movement may take place in the directions contained in the plane of the wall or ceiling covering, i.e. in a horizontal and/or vertical direction in the case of a wall covering.
  • said backing layer is at least 1% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer is at least 2% more flexible than said substrate layer, is at least 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer is at least 15% more flexible, 20% more flexible, or even 25% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said flexibility is expressed by means of the Young’s modulus of the respective material.
  • said backing layer has a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa.
  • the backing layer may provide sufficient support without breaking for installing the wall or ceiling panel, or a multitude of such panels, onto a wall or ceiling.
  • said backing layer has a tensile strength of between 10 and 25 MPa, more by preference of between 10 and 20 MPa.
  • said backing layer has a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa. The backing layer may thus be deformed to a certain extent such that expansion and/or crimping of the substrate layer is at least partly compensated for.
  • tensile strength and Young’s modulus may for example be measured according to ISO 527-1 :2019 for plastics, or according to ISO 37:2017 for vulcanized and thermoplastic rubbers. Depending on the material, other ISO standards may apply and are readily available which allow accurate measurement of the tensile strength.
  • said backing layer has a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa, and has a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa.
  • said backing layer comprises a material chosen from the group of a woven textile material, a non-woven textile material, a glass fiber cloth, a polymer material, a foamed polymer material, an elastomeric material, a thin metallic or polymeric foil, or combinations thereof.
  • said backing layer is based on polyvinylchloride or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene, preferably expanded and/or crosslinked polyethylene, for example so-called IXPE (irradiated cross-linked polyethylene).
  • said backing layer is based on bounded cork granules, polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane.
  • the backing layer can comprise non-woven PET fibers.
  • said backing layer comprises fibrous material, as is the case, for example with woven and non-woven textile material.
  • the fibrous material may reinforce the backing layer and prevent inadvertent ripping at the locations of stapling, nailing or screwing.
  • said backing layer comprises one or more connection regions, which connection regions are configured for receiving one or more connection elements chosen from the group of nails, screws, staples, or combinations thereof. It is clear that said connection region is by preference formed by the portions of the backing layer that extend beyond said one or more edges. Thus a said portion of the backing layer that extend beyond said one or more edges can be a said connection region.
  • said backing layer is connected, for example provided at said major surface, by means of a glue connection, for example a polyurethane dispersion glue, a polyvinyl alcohol glue, a tetrahydrofuran glue, a hotmelt glue.
  • a glue connection for example a polyurethane dispersion glue, a polyvinyl alcohol glue, a tetrahydrofuran glue, a hotmelt glue.
  • the glue available between the backing layer and said major surface may be deformable under shear stress. In such case, the deformation of the glue may be used to cope with expansion and shrinkage of the panels, without the backing layer necessarily being flexible, or more flexible than the panel material.
  • said backing layer comprises a print indicating the connection region and/or the preferred area for applying fixings and/or the preferred distance between fixings, such as staples or nails.
  • the connection region can comprise a band-shaped print which indicates the preferred area of the connection region in which the connection elements should be applied. If the connection elements are staples, this band-shaped print can be indicated as the stapling zone.
  • this band-shaped print is at a distance from the respective edge and also at a distance of the border of the backing layer which is furthest from the said edge.
  • the connection region can be rectangular shaped, wherein said band-shaped print is located centrally in said connection region and runs substantially parallel to the respective edge.
  • the dimensions of said band-shaped print, seen according to a direction perpendicular to the length direction of said edge can be between 5 and 15 mm, preferably between 8 and 12 mm, for example 10 mm.
  • the distance of said band-shaped print to the edge, seen according to said direction perpendicular to the length direction of said edge can be between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm, for example 5 mm.
  • the distance of said band-shaped print to the border, seen according to said direction perpendicular to the length direction of said edge can be between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 4 and 6 mm, for example 5 mm.
  • the backing layer or backing layer portions may be provided separately, i.e. as an accessory, such that a user or installer themselves may attach the backing layer or backing layer portions on-site, i.e. during installation, onto for example said major surface or said substrate layer.
  • said backing layer may be provided on a roll, such that a user or installer may cut the backing layer to the desired size.
  • the backing layer may upon choice of the installer be cut to a size corresponding to the full length of the wall or ceiling panel, or to any other size shorter or longer than the full length of the respective panel.
  • attaching the backing layer to the wall or ceiling panel may comprise the risk of attaching the backing in a skewed orientation.
  • a user or installer may also choose to cut the backing layer to a size which is smaller than the full length of the wall or ceiling panel, as to apply a plurality of smaller backing layer portions instead of a single backing layer portion. It may be more easy to install the smaller backing layer portions in an off-set position.
  • the backing layer may also be provided in the form of pre-cut backing layer portions. If the backing layer or backing layer portions are provided separately, then it preferably comprise a print to ensure correct installation/connecting of said backing layer or backing layer portions. This print can further indicate the connection region and/or the preferred area of the connection region and/or the preferred distance between fixings, such as staples or nails.
  • the separately provided backing layer may be attached by means of an adhesive.
  • the separately provided backing layer may comprise a self-adhesive portion, preferably covered with a peel-off strip.
  • the portion of the backing layer which extends beyond or along one of the edges of the wall or ceiling panel, or along a majority of one of said edges, is free of adhesive.
  • This portion may be provided with a print indicating the connection region and/or the preferred distance between fixings, such as staples or nails.
  • the backing layer at least extends beyond an edge comprising a mechanical coupling part basically shaped as a groove. In that case, the most convenient installation may be obtained.
  • the present invention in accordance with its second independent aspect, is an assembly of a wall or ceiling panel and a connection member, wherein said wall or ceiling panel at least one edge comprises a profiled edge region, with as a characteristic that said connection member is configured to connect to said profiled edge region, and is configured to at least partly extend beyond said one edge.
  • Said profiled edge region preferably comprises a mechanical coupling part, in which case, preferably also the opposite edge comprises a profiled edge region with a mechanical coupling part, wherein the mechanical coupling parts of the respective opposite edges allow two such panels to become coupled at the respective edge, wherein in a coupled condition the panels become locked to one another in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, and/or in a second direction in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the respective edges.
  • said panels comprise a major surface forming a decorative side.
  • the decorative side may be formed by a top layer applied to a substrate layer of said panel.
  • Such top layer may then comprise a decoration layer, and potentially a wear layer applied on said decoration layer.
  • the invention in accordance with its second independent aspect, is an assembly of a wall or ceiling panel and a connection member, wherein said wall or ceiling panel comprises a substrate layer, and a top layer, said top layer comprising a decoration layer, and a wear layer provided above said decoration layer, wherein said substrate layer, on at least one pair of opposite edges, is provided with mechanical coupling parts, and with as a characteristic that said connection member is configured to connect to said mechanical coupling parts on at least one of the edges of said substrate layer, and is configured to at least partly extend beyond one of the edges of said substrate layer.
  • the mechanical coupling parts preferably allow effecting a locking between two of such wall or ceiling panels in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels, and in a second direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges. It is however not excluded that the mechanical coupling parts would allow for a locking in said first or in said second direction only.
  • the mechanical coupling parts may be supplemented in use with a glue.
  • the mechanical coupling parts may be basically shaped as a tongue at one edge and a groove at an opposite edge. The groove is e.g. delimited by an upper lip and a lower lip.
  • the tongue and groove are essentially responsible for said locking in said direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and/or in said direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.
  • the tongue and groove may further comprise locking means preventing the drifting apart of the tongue and the groove, when in coupled condition.
  • the locking means may comprise a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip for cooperation with an excavation at the bottom of the tongue.
  • the lower lip is regarded as that groove lip which is positioned the closest to the wall or ceiling to be covered with the respective panels.
  • the said panels comprise a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges, wherein both said pairs of opposite edges comprise mechanical coupling means as described above.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the first pair of opposite edges can be configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement or a downward movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the second pair of opposite edges can be configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement or a downward movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of both pair of opposite edges can configured to allow coupling by a turning movement.
  • the mechanical coupling means of the first pair of opposite edges can be configured to allow coupling by a turning movement and the mechanical coupling means of the second pair of opposite edges can be configured to allow coupling by a downward movement.
  • These latter panels can be installed by means of the so-called “fold down” method.
  • These type of coupling parts can be as described in WO 2017/115202, WO 2021/111210, WO 2017/068523 or WO 2009/066153. The coupling parts described in these patent publications are incorporated by reference.
  • the panels of the assembly of the second aspect are rectangular, i.e. oblong or square, and thus also comprise a second pair of opposite edges.
  • said second pair of opposite edges is provided with coupling parts as well, providing a locking in said first and/or in a second direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the second pair of edges.
  • connection member is to be interpreted as a separate element which is used in combination with a wall or ceiling panel in order to allow installing the wall or ceiling panel onto a wall or ceiling.
  • this separate element is configured to connect to the profiled edge and/or to one or more of the mechanical coupling parts of the panel.
  • the connection member on its own is considered to be an independent aspect of the invention as well, which may be used in combination with any wall or ceiling panels, thereby allowing an installation that is more flexible and may cope with dimensional variations due to changing ambient climate conditions.
  • connection member has substantially smaller dimensions than the length and/or width of the wall or ceiling panel.
  • said connection member can be connected to said mechanical coupling parts in multiple locations along the length and/or width of the wall or ceiling panel and/or multiple connection members can be positioned along the length and/or width of a wall or ceiling panel. It may be possible that the connection member is able to slide, possibly in a limited fashion, along the mechanical coupling parts of the panel. Such embodiment enables the panel to slightly move with regard to the wall or ceiling after installation, which may help in coping with or compensating expansion and/or shrinkage of the panel, or a covering composed from such panels.
  • such movement may take place over at least 0.1 mm, preferably over at least 0.2 mm, more preferably over at least 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or even over at least 1 mm. More in particular, said movement may take place in the directions contained in the plane of the wall or ceiling covering, i.e. in a horizontal and/or vertical direction in the case of wall covering.
  • connection member comprises a panel-side part and a wall-side part, wherein said panel-side part is configured to at least partly engage with said profiled edge and/or mechanical coupling parts on at least one of the edges of said substrate layer or panel, and the wall-side part is the remaining portion of the connecting member.
  • the wall-side part is preferably configured for receiving one or more connecting elements , such as screws, nails or staples, to connect the connection member to a wall or a ceiling or a frame, such as a wood frame or metallic frame.
  • the panel-side part could also be indicated as the panel part and the wall-side part could also be indicated as the wall part.
  • the wall-side part is preferably completely positioned beyond the respective edge with which the panel-side part engages. In another specific embodiment the wallside part can only partially be positioned beyond the respective edge with which the panel-side part engages. In a specific embodiment the panel-shaped part can be positioned beyond the respective edge with which the panel-side part engages.
  • the panel-side part and the wall-side part can comprise the same material or can comprise the same type of material. For example both the panel-side part and the wall-side part can comprise plastics or both the panel-side part and the wall-side part can comprise metals. However it is also possible the panel-side part is made from a different material than the wall-side part.
  • the panel-side part can be made from metals; for example an alloy, and the wall-side part can be made from plastics.
  • the benefit here is that the panel-side part can be made sufficiently thin and this while still having the required strength.
  • the panel-side part can have thickness dimensions of at most 0,5 mm, for example at most 0,3 mm, at most 0,25 mm, at most 0,2 mm.
  • the portion of the panel-side part which is provided to engage with the panel can be made sufficiently thin, such that thin panels, e.g. panels of less than 6 mm or less than 5 mm, can be installed with this connection member.
  • the wall-side part can be made from plastics such that the wall-side part can be easily provided with the required flexibility.
  • connection members comprising a metallic panel-side part and a plastic wall-side part can be shaped by multi -material injection molding, overmolding or insert molding.
  • the metallic panel-side part can form a frame into which the plastic wallside part engages.
  • connection member may comprise means for interacting with said profiled edge and/or mechanical coupling means, for example a connector, more specifically a hook shaped connector.
  • the said plateshaped part can comprise said connector.
  • the connector can be made from a metal or alloy, and can be thinner than 0,5 mm.
  • Said means for interacting may be a perpendicular element which is positioned as to divide the connection member into the panel-side part and the wall-side part.
  • Such means for interacting may be shaped as such to, preferably effectively, interact with at least a part of the mechanical coupling parts at an edge of the substrate layer or of the wall or ceiling panel.
  • any upstanding element which extends transversally with regard to the plane of the connection member, may function as a “perpendicular element” or a “means for interacting with a profiled edge” as disclosed herein. It is clear that the profiled edge and/or the mechanical coupling parts, in a coupled condition, preferably provide sufficient clearance for the means for interacting or the perpendicular element to become engaged with the respective edge.
  • the means for interacting or the perpendicular element may be hook-shaped.
  • a hook may limit the movement of the respective panel in said first direction, namely perpendicularly to the plane of the wall or ceiling covering. This can for example be obtained when a part of a mechanical coupling part, for example at least said protrusion on the upper side of said lower lip of said groove, becomes caught in the hook-shaped portion of the means for interacting.
  • the hook-shaped means for interacting or perpendicular element may comprise a first portion shaped to protrude transversally from the connection member to become seated between the mechanical coupling parts at the location of the distal end of the lower lip of the groove, wherein said means for interacting then further comprise a second portion protruding transversally with respect to said first portion, wherein said second portion becomes seated in between said protrusion on the upper side of said lower lip and the bottom of the tongue. It is clear that at least said first and said second portion together form said hook.
  • the interaction or engagement of the means for interacting or the perpendicular element may be such that the respective panel cannot move in said first direction, i.e. that there is no play in said first direction or there is even a tensioned fit between the connection member and said profiled edge. According to an alternative embodiment, some play may be available in said first direction, preferably a play of 0.5 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less.
  • the means for interacting or the perpendicular element and the coupling parts may be shaped as such that, in a coupled state of two adjacent wall or ceiling panels, the means for interacting or the perpendicular element is locked tightly in between the coupling parts of two adjacent panels.
  • the wording “locked tightly” means that the respective means or element fits in between the coupling parts without play, or even fit with a tension.
  • mechanical coupling part basically shaped as a tongue and a groove
  • connection member may at least partly extend beyond at least one of the edges of the panel or substrate layer over a distance which is at least about 1% of the width and/or length of said wall or ceiling panel.
  • said connection member may at least partly extend beyond at least one of the edges of the substrate layer over a distance which is at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, or at least about 15% of the width and/or length of said wall or ceiling panel.
  • Said distance can be situated between 5 and 30 mm, for example between 10 and 20 mm.
  • said wall-side part comprises at least a first material zone which is more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • first material zone which is more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said movement may take place over at least 0.1 mm, preferably over at least 0.2 mm, more preferably over at least 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or even over at least 1 mm. More in particular, said movement may take place in the directions contained in the plane of the wall or ceiling covering, i.e. in a horizontal and/or vertical direction in the case of a wall covering.
  • Said first material zone can comprise or can consist of plastic material.
  • said wall-side part can comprise said first material zone, and said plate-side part can be more rigid than said first material zone, and can further for example be a metallic part. Therefore, said wall-side part can comprise at least a first material zone which is more flexible than said plate-side part.
  • said first material zone is at least 1% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said first material zone is at least 2% more flexible than said substrate layer, is at least 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said first material zone is at least 15% more flexible, 20% more flexible, or even 25% more flexible than said substrate layer.
  • said flexibility is expressed by means of the Young’s modulus of the respective material.
  • said wall-side part comprises at least a first material zone having a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa.
  • the first material zone may provide sufficient support without breaking for installing the wall or ceiling panel, or a multitude of such panels, onto a wall or ceiling.
  • said first material zone has a tensile strength of between 10 and 25 MPa, more by preference of between 10 and 20 MPa.
  • said wall-side part comprises at least a first material zone having a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa.
  • the first material zone may thus be deformed to a certain extent such that expansion and/or shrinkage of the substrate layer or panel is at least partly compensated for.
  • said first material zone has a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa, and has a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa.
  • said wall-side part comprises at least a first material zone comprising a material chosen from the group of a woven textile material, a non-woven textile material, a glass fiber cloth, a polymer material, a foamed polymer material, an elastomeric material, a thin metallic or polymeric foil, or combinations thereof.
  • said wall-side part comprises at least a second material zone which at least partly surrounds said first material zone, wherein said second material zone is more rigid than said first material zone.
  • the connection member may have sufficient rigidity to keep the panel as a whole in place after installation.
  • said second material zone can be part of the panel-side part and can for example be made form a metal or an alloy, such as (stainless) steel.
  • said wall-side part comprises one or more connection regions, which connection regions are configured for receiving one or more connection elements chosen from the group of nails, screws, staples, or combinations thereof.
  • the first material zone comprises a non-continuous material zone, such as a plurality of deformable legs, which provide for flexibility.
  • said deformable legs may be shaped as such that controlled movement of the connection region within the wall-side part remains possible.
  • the wall-side part may thus be shaped as a frame forming the outer edges of the wall-side part, wherein the connection region is positioned within said frame, wherein for example the first material zone comprises or surrounds said connection region and said first material zone is positioned within the frame or forms said frame.
  • the term “frame” may be interpreted in a broad sense, and may surround the connection region completely, or may surround the connection region only partly.
  • the frame may have a closed or open structure, the connection region being positioned at least partly inside said structure.
  • a closed structure may for example have a square, rectangular, triangular, oval or circular shape
  • an open structure may for example have a square, rectangular or triangular shape in which at least a side, or a part of a side is missing, or an oval or circular shape in which at least one arc section is missing.
  • the deformable legs may thus connect the frame of the wall-side part with the connection region positioned inside said frame, thereby allowing controlled movement of the connection region within the frame.
  • each of said deformable legs may comprise a plurality of angling points or hinges, which provide the legs with improved flexibility.
  • said angling points or hinges may be positioned at the inside edge of the frame of the wall-side part, at the outside edge of the connection region, and/or substantially halfway in between the inside edge of the frame of the wall-side part and the outside edge of the connection region.
  • controlled movement may be interpreted as movement which preferably takes place in the plane of the wall or ceiling panels, for example in the case of a wall covering in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.
  • said frame is part of the panel-side part or said panelside part can comprise a frame-shaped part which connects to the frame of the wallside part and preferably completely surrounds the frame of the wall-side part.
  • the panel-side part can then be a metallic part.
  • said connection region comprises a material which is more rigid than said first material zone. Connection elements may thus be securely connected to the connection member, thereby allowing secure installation of the panels to a wall or ceiling.
  • the connection region can comprise the same material as the first material zone, but can have different dimensions, can for example be made thicker, such that the connection region is more rigid.
  • connection region locally protrudes from the side of the connection member that is facing the wall or ceiling.
  • flexibility of a surrounding material zone for example said first material zone, may not be or may be less hindered by a sturdy connection of the connection member to the wall or ceiling.
  • said panel-side part comprises a synthetic material, preferably a hard and/or rigid synthetic material, preferably chosen from the group of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether ether ketone, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, acrylics, thermoset polyesters, high impact polystyrene, or combinations thereof; or said panel-side part comprises metals, for example is made from a metal or an alloy, such as (stainless) steel.
  • connection member as disclosed in the second independent aspect of the invention forms an inventive idea per se. Therefore, the invention, in accordance with a particular independent aspect, concerns a connection member for installing wall or ceiling panels, said wall or ceiling panels being provided with at least one profiled edge, said connection member comprising: means for interacting with said profiled edge, and a connection region configured for receiving one or more connection elements, characterized in that, said connection region is flexibly and/or movably mounted with respect to said means for interacting with said profiled edge.
  • the wording “mounted” may be interpreted in a broad sense, such as positioned, configured and the like.
  • connection member of the invention has the advantage that the connection region is able to move in respect to the means for interacting with said profiled edge, which may thus allow wall or ceiling panels installed by means of said connection member to move in respect to a wall or ceiling upon which they are installed.
  • the wall or ceiling panel may be subject to expansion and/or shrinkage, for example as a result of changing temperature
  • the connection member of the invention may allow movement which at least partly compensates for or copes with the expansion and/or shrinkage of said wall or ceiling panel, and may thereby ensure good installation to the wall or ceiling, also during expansion and/or crimping.
  • said movement may take place over at least 0.1 mm, preferably over at least 0.2 mm, more preferably over at least 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or even over at least 1 mm. More in particular, in the case of a wall covering, said movement may take place in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.
  • connection region is able to move with respect to said means for interacting over at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3mm, at least 0.5mm, or even at least 1 mm, without becoming damaged.
  • connection region is able to move away and towards said means for interacting over these distances.
  • connection region when moved out of its nominal position is pushed back towards its nominal position, for example by means of a spring portion.
  • connection region may be flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a portion having a material composition different from another portion of said connection member.
  • said portion may have a material composition which is different from said means for interacting with said profiled edge.
  • a portion connecting said connection region with said means for interacting may be more expandable, more compressible and/or more flexible such that movement of the connection region with respect to said other portion of said connection member, for example with respect to said means for interacting with said profiled edge, may be possible through compressing and/or extending the respective material portion.
  • the different material composition may take different forms of which here below a few examples are explained, without desiring to be exhaustive.
  • said portion connecting said connection region with said means for interacting may have a Shore A hardness below 75, while the means for interacting have a Shore A hardness above 75, and preferably of 80 and above.
  • said portion connecting said connection region with said means for interacting may comprise an elastomeric material or a plasticizer, while said means for interacting is free from elastomeric material and plasticizer, or comprises elastomeric material and/or plasticizer to a lesser extent.
  • said portion connecting said connection region with said means for interacting is essentially made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), while said means for interacting are essentially made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene).
  • said portion connecting said connection region with said means for interacting is made from a material having a Young’s modulus which is at least 20% lower than the Young’s modulus of the material of the means for interacting.
  • connection region may be flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a compressible and/or expandable material portion.
  • said compressible and/or expandable material portion may potentially be of a locally different material composition, for example using any of the above examples mentioned within the first possibility.
  • said compressible and/or expandable material portion of said second possibility may comprise a material chosen from the group of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, elastomer, soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or combinations thereof.
  • said rubber may for example be natural rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl rubber, or combinations thereof.
  • soft PVC may relate to PVC having a plasticizer content of at least 10 phr, preferably of at least 20 phr.
  • connection member may comprise another material portion, which is different from the material portion which is compressible and/or expandable, comprising a material chosen from the group of polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or combinations thereof.
  • PP polypropylene
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PVC rigid polyvinyl chloride
  • PE polyethylene
  • rigid PVC may relate to PVC having a plasticizer content of less than 10 phr, preferably of less than 5 phr.
  • a compressible and/or expandable material portion in accordance with said second possibility, may also be obtained in one piece in the same material as the means for interacting and/or the remainder of the connection member.
  • the geometry of a portion connecting the connection region with said means for interacting may be such that it allows for compression
  • connection region may be flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a folded material portion.
  • the folded material portion preferably comprises folded portions having apexes in a plane parallel or about parallel to the main plane of the connection member or in a plane perpendicular or about perpendicular thereto, wherein this plane is also perpendicular or about perpendicular to the means for interacting.
  • a folded material portion may be compressed as well as expanded to provide for said movable and/or flexible mounting.
  • the connection member, or the respective portion needs to be folded upon installation.
  • said connection region may be flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a bendable material portion.
  • said bendable material portion may be bendable out of the plane of said wall or ceiling panels, i.e. bulging out of said plane, or may be bendable in the plane of said wall or ceiling panels, i.e. bulging out in a direction in said plane.
  • said bendable material portion may for example be shaped as one or a plurality of deformable legs.
  • connection member may be needed to bend the respective portion upon installation, for example by pushing the connection member towards the profiled edge while fixing it one the wall or ceiling.
  • An initial bending may be needed to allow that both a compression and an expansion is possible upon the first dimensional variation.
  • connection region may be flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of one or more spring portions, hinge portions, angle portions, sliding portions, or combinations thereof.
  • the flexibility and/or movability of the connection region may be accurately set, for example allowing movement out of the plane of said wall or ceiling panels, or allowing movement in the plane of said wall or ceiling panels.
  • said angle portions may be angling points which are provided along one or a plurality of deformable legs.
  • said profiled edge may comprise a mechanical coupling part and/or at least a groove, which does not necessarily need to have a function as a coupling means between two of such panels.
  • said wall or ceiling panel, on at least one pair of opposite edges may be provided with mechanical coupling parts.
  • the mechanical coupling parts provided at said pair of opposite edges may be basically shaped as a tongue at one edge and a groove at an opposite edge.
  • the groove may be delimited by an upper lip and a lower lip.
  • the tongue and groove are essentially responsible for said locking in said direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels.
  • the tongue and groove may further comprise locking means preventing the drifting apart of the tongue and the groove, when in coupled condition.
  • the locking means may comprise a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip for cooperation with an excavation at the bottom of the tongue.
  • the coupling means may allow the panels to become connected to each other at the respective edges by means of a turning motion of one panel relative to the other, and/or by means of a shifting motion in a substantially horizontal fashion of one panel towards the other.
  • the decorative side of the panel is considered to be the top side of the panel, even though, e.g. in a ceiling arrangement, it would be directed downwards.
  • the indication of lower lips, upper lips, bottom side and upper sides are to be understood as the lower lip, upper lip, bottom or upper side with the decorative side of the panel being directed upwards, thus not in the installed condition.
  • connection region locally protrudes from the side of the connection member that is facing the wall or ceiling.
  • flexibility of a surrounding material zone for example said compressible or expandable material portion of said second possibility and/or said one or more spring portions or hinge portions or said fifth possibility, may not be or may be less hindered by a sturdy connection of the connection member to the wall or ceiling.
  • said flexible and/or movable mounting is preferably available in said connection member upon installing the connection member.
  • the flexibility and/or movability may be hindered initially by some components of the connection member being connected e.g. through breakable sections.
  • the sliding portions of the fifth possibility may be connected with one or more breakable portions between them. These breakable portions may then be broken to enable the slidability of the respective portions before or during installing, or after installation, e.g. due to the occurrence of an expansion or shrinkage of the wall or ceiling covering large enough to break said breakable portions.
  • connection member may comprise a panel-side part and a wall-side part, wherein said panel-side part comprises said means for interacting with said profiled edge, in particular with said mechanical coupling part and/or said groove.
  • the panel-side part and the wall-side part may further show one or more of the characteristics described in the context of the second independent aspect.
  • the panel-side part can be made from metals, such as (stainless) steel, while the wall-side is made from plastics.
  • connection member may comprise a perpendicular element or an upstanding element, e.g. forming said means for interacting.
  • the perpendicular or upstanding element may be positioned as to divide the connection member into said panel-side part and said wall-side part.
  • said perpendicular element or said upstanding element may be hook-shaped. The hook may cooperate with the mechanical coupling part, in particular with the protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip, as described in connection with the second independent aspect of the invention.
  • said wall-side part of the connection member may comprise a first material zone which is more flexible than said substrate layer and/or which is more flexible then said panel-side part.
  • Said connection member may also comprise a second material zone.
  • said compressible and/or expandable material portion may relate to said first material zone, and/or said other material portion, which is different from the material portion which is compressible and/or expandable, may relate to said second material zone.
  • said first material zone may comprise a non-continuous material zone. More by preference, said non- continuous material zone may be formed as one or a plurality of deformable legs. Even more by preference, said one or said plurality of deformable legs may provide for flexibility.
  • said deformable legs may be shaped as such that controlled movement of the connection region within the wallside part remains possible.
  • said movement may take place over at least 0.1 mm, preferably over at least 0.2 mm, more preferably over at least 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or even over at least 1 mm. More in particular, said movement may, in the case of a wall covering, take place in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.
  • said wall-side part may be shaped as a frame forming the outer edges of the wall-side part, wherein the connection region is positioned within said frame.
  • said deformable legs may connect said frame of the wall-side part with the connection region positioned inside said frame.
  • each of said deformable legs may comprise a plurality of angling or hinging points. Said angling or hinging points may for example correspond to said one or more spring portions, hinge portions, angle portions, or sliding portions.
  • said angling points are positioned at the inside edge of said frame, at the outside edge of the connection region, and/or substantially halfway in between the inside edge of said frame and the outside edge of the connection region.
  • the panel-side part can comprise a frame-shaped part, which connects to and surrounds the frame of the wall-side part.
  • the panel-side part can comprise said frame, with the wall-side part then comprising said connection region, and preferably said first material zone which connects said connection region to said frame, the first material zone for example comprising said deformable legs.
  • the connection region and the first material zone can be made from the same material, for example can be made from plastics.
  • the profiled edge as described throughout the present disclosure may not necessarily need to be continuous along the complete edge of the wall or ceiling panel. It may as well be that the profiled edge only spans a shorter distance, such as at least 1 cm, at least 5 cm, or at least 10 cm, however allowing the means for interacting with the profiled edge to interact over said short distance, or at least a part thereof.
  • the present invention in accordance with its third independent aspect, is a method for installing wall or ceiling panels, said wall or ceiling panels preferably comprising a substrate layer and a top layer having a decoration layer and a wear layer provided above said decoration layer, wherein said panel or substrate layer, on first and second pairs of opposite edges, is provided with mechanical coupling parts, and wherein a backing layer is provided onto a major surface of the panel, preferably onto a major surface of the substrate layer opposing the top layer, characterized in that said backing layer at least partly covers said major surface, and wherein said backing layer at least partly extends beyond one or more of said edges, said method comprising the steps of installing a first wall or ceiling panel at least by mechanically coupling one edge of said first and/or second pair of opposite edges to a previously installed panel, and preferably at least partly fixing said backing layer to the wall or ceiling; Bending or pulling said first wall or ceiling panel with an edge of said second pair of edges at least partly away from the wall or ceiling; coupling
  • the method is continued with bending the bent-away edge back into the plane of the wall or ceiling covering and mechanically coupling at least an edge of said first pair of opposite edges of said second wall or ceiling panel to a previously installed panel, and preferably at least partly fixing said backing layer of said second panel to said wall or ceiling.
  • the fixing of the backing of said first panel is firstly executed in an incomplete manner so as to allow said bending away.
  • the method also comprises further fixing the backing layer of said first panel, after the respective edge has been bent back into the plane of the wall covering.
  • said first pair of edges are the long pair of opposite edges, while said second pair are the short pair of opposite edges.
  • said step of installing a first wall or ceiling panel includes mechanically coupling one edge of said first and one edge of said second pair of opposite edges to previously installed panels, and preferably at least partly fixing said backing layer to the wall or ceiling.
  • each panel of said row of panels is coupled with its short edges onto the panels adjacent to it.
  • each panel will need to be connected (i) with one of its long edges onto the already installed first row, as well as (ii) with one of the short edges of an adjacent panel of the second row.
  • an already installed panel in a second row may be at least partly pulled or bent away from the wall or ceiling, the backing layer of said panel being fixed in a manner that allows the pulling away.
  • a subsequent panel to be installed in said second row can first be connected with its short edge onto the short edge of the panel that is pulled away, whereafter the connected second panel may be coupled with its long edge onto the first row.
  • the backing layer of the panel which was pulled away may be further fixed, whereby pulling away of the respective edge may become obstructed.
  • the backing layer of the just installed panel may be fixed partly on the wall or ceiling, as to allow pulling away of its respective edge, and thus allowing efficient coupling of a next panel in the same row.
  • said coupling parts preferably allow effecting a locking between two of such wall or ceiling panels in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels, and in a direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.
  • the mechanical coupling parts provided at said two opposite edges may be basically shaped as a tongue at one edge and a groove at an opposite edge.
  • the groove is delimited by an upper lip and a lower lip.
  • the tongue and groove are essentially responsible for said locking in said direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and/or in said direction parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.
  • the tongue and groove may further comprise locking means preventing the drifting apart of the tongue and the groove, when in coupled condition.
  • the locking means may comprise a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip for cooperation with an excavation at the bottom of the tongue.
  • the coupling means or parts may allow the panels to become connected to each other at the respective edges by means of a turning motion of one panel relative to the other, and/or by means of a shifting motion in a substantially horizontal fashion of one panel towards the other.
  • the substrate layer preferably comprises a thermoplastic material, and optionally a filler material.
  • a vinylbased substrate such as PVC
  • a polyethylene-based substrate such as PVC
  • a polypropylene- based substrate or a polyurethane-based substrate can be applied. These materials have a good resistance against water or moisture and are readily available.
  • the substrate material comprises a foamed synthetic material.
  • the substrate material comprises a highly filled synthetic material, comprising a filler material such as, for example, calcium carbonate.
  • the ratio of synthetic material to filler material is comprised between 1 : 1 and 1:2, even up to 1 :4.
  • said substrate material may or may not comprise at least one reinforcement layer such as a glass fiber layer. It is not excluded that said substrate material may comprise wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF (Medium or High Density Fiberboard), or for the substrate use is made of another board material on the basis of glued-together wood particles or wood fibers.
  • MDF Medium or High Density Fiberboard
  • the present invention preferably relates to wall or ceiling panels which as such are rigid and thus cannot be wound up.
  • the final panel shows a thickness of 3.2 millimeter or more, or of more than 5 millimeters, however, preferably of less than 15 millimeters. A good value for the thickness is 4.2 to 7 millimeters.
  • Such panels are very suitable for providing mechanical coupling parts thereon, which allow to connect two or more such panels to each other at their edges.
  • the wall or ceiling panels are rigid such that they will bend less than 10 centimeters per meter under their own weight.
  • the wall or ceiling panel may comprise a decoration layer and a wear layer provided thereupon.
  • a decoration layer may for example be a decorative film.
  • the wall or ceiling panel may comprise a decoration layer only, for example a wood layer, a veneer layer, or a ceramic layer.
  • the wall or ceiling panel may consist of a substrate layer only, which substrate has a decorative uppermost surface of its own. Examples of such panels are wooden panels or vinyl composite tiles (VCT).
  • the wall or ceiling panel may simply be a panel, which does not need to be decorative of its own, for example a plain MDF or HDF panel.
  • the wall or ceiling panels preferably have a width of 8 centimeters or more. Particularly preferred dimensions are a width situated between 14 and 22 centimeters and a length situated between 118 and 220 centimeters.
  • figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of wall or ceiling panels according to the first independent aspect of the invention
  • figure 2 is a cross-sectional view according to line II-II in figure 1
  • figure 3 is a perspective view of a wall or ceiling panel applied in figure 1
  • figure 4 gives an enlarged view on the area by F4 in figure 3
  • figure 5 and 6 in a similar view as figure 3 illustrates alternatives
  • figure 7 and figure 8 in a view similar to that of figure 2 illustrate a cross- sectional view of several embodiments of an assembly of a wall or ceiling panel and a connection member according to the second independent aspect of the invention
  • figure 9 illustrates a top view following F9 in figure 8 of a connection member according to the invention
  • figure 10 illustrates a variant of a connection member according to the invention, in a same view as figure 9
  • figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate some preferred embodiments are described below, by way of example and without any limiting character, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 illustrates a perspective
  • Figures 1 and 2 respectively show a plurality of wall panels 1, one panel 1 being installed in with a rotational movement R, and a cross-section of such a wall or ceiling panel 1 according to line II-II, which panels 1 comprises a substrate layer 2 and a top layer 3.
  • Said top layer 3 may comprise a decoration layer and a wear layer provided above said decoration layer. It may be possible that the top layer 3 further comprises one or more lacquer layers provided above, or forming part of said wear layer.
  • said substrate layer 2, on at least one pair of opposite edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’, is provided with mechanical coupling parts 6, 7, wherein a backing layer 8 is provided onto the major surface of the substrate layer 2 opposing the top layer 3, which backing layer 8 at least partly covers said substrate layer 2, and wherein said backing layer 8 at least partly extends beyond one of said edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’ of said substrate layer 2. In this case, the backing layer 8 extends beyond two non-opposing edges 4 and 5.
  • Figure 1 shows the horizontally oriented installation of a plurality of wall or ceiling panels 1, wherein said panels 1 are interconnected to one another by means of the coupling parts 6, 7, and wherein the panels 1 are connected to a wall or ceiling by means of the backing layer 8, more particularly by means of portions 8 A of the backing layer 8 that extend beyond the two non-opposing edges 4-5.
  • the backing layer 8 is at least partly covering the substrate layer 2 and at least partly extending beyond the edges 4-5 of the substrate layer 2. This allows for easy installation of the plurality of wall or ceiling panels 1, wherein the backing layer 8 is in its entirety concealed behind the installed panels 1.
  • the mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 allow effecting a locking between two of such panels 1 in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels 1, and in a second direction parallel to the plane of the coupled panels 1 and perpendicular to the coupled edges 4, 4’.
  • the mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 may be shaped as a tongue 7A at one edge 4’ and a groove 6A at an opposite edge 4.
  • the groove 6A is e.g. delimited by an upper lip 6B and a lower lip 6C.
  • the tongue 7A and groove 6A are essentially responsible for said locking in said direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels 1 and/or in said direction parallel to the plane of the coupled panels 1 and perpendicular to the coupled edges 4, 4’ .
  • the tongue 7A and groove 6A may further comprise locking means preventing the drifting apart of the tongue 7A and the groove 6A, when in coupled condition.
  • the locking means may comprise a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip 6C for cooperation with an excavation at the bottom of the tongue 7A.
  • the panels 1 are rectangular panels comprising long edges 4, 4’ and short edges 5’, 5’, of course square panels 1 are also a possibility.
  • the long edge 4, 4’ respectively comprise a said groove 6A and a said tongue 7A and the short edges 5, 5’ respectively comprise a groove and a tongue.
  • the backing layer 8 at least partly extends beyond two non-opposing edges 4-5, and, in this case at most said two non-opposing edges 4-5 of the substrate layer 2.
  • the backing layer 8 may at least partly extend beyond a first edge 4 of said substrate layer 2 over a first distance DI.
  • said backing layer 8 is absent over a second distance D2 that about equals said first distance DI. It may be possible that said backing layer 8 is absent over a larger distance than said first distance DI.
  • the backing layer 8 may comprise one or more connection regions 9, which connection regions 9 are configured for receiving one or more connection elements 10 which may be chosen from the group of nails, screws, staples, or combinations thereof. More specifically shown in Figure 2 is a screw 10 which is fitted through the connection region 9. In the embodiment shown in figure 23 the backing layer 8 at least partly extends beyond one edge 4. As more specifically shown in Figure 23, the backing layer 8 may at least partly extend beyond a first edge 4 of said substrate layer 2 over a first distance DI, said first edge 4 comprising the groove 6A. In such a case, at an opposing second edge 4’ of said substrate layer 2, said backing layer 8 is absent over a second distance D2 that about equals said first distance DI. It may be possible that said backing layer 8 is absent over a larger distance than said first distance DI.
  • Figures 3 and 4 respectively show a perspective view on the wall panel 1 from figures 1 and 2, and a detailed view of a corner portion of this wall panel 1.
  • said backing layer 8 extends uninterruptedly beyond two non-opposing edges 4, 5 of said substrate layer 2.
  • the backing layer 8 is found to be positioned off-set with regard to the edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’ of said substrate layer 2, as indicated by means of the dashed lines.
  • connection region 9 may comprise holes 9A, for example applied in the factory, to indicate the preferred position of the connecting elements, though this is not necessarily the case.
  • the connection region 9 may alternatively comprise a print indicating the connection region 9 or the preferred position and/or preferred distance between connecting elements 10.
  • the connection region 9 may also be free from any indication whatsoever regarding the position of the connecting elements.
  • the backing layer 8 only extends beyond the first edge 4 of the panel 1 -e.g. beyond the long edge 4 comprising the groove 6A-, as such forming a rectangular shaped connection region 9, which extends next to said long edge 4 and approximately has the length of said long edge 4.
  • connection region 9 comprises a band-shaped print 9C which indicates the preferred area in which the connecting elements 10 are to be inserted, for example where stapling should take place.
  • this band-shaped print 9C has a certain height H2 and is at a certain distance Hl from said edge 4 and is also at a certain distance H3 from the corner of the connection region 9 opposite said edge 4.
  • Hl can be approximately 5 mm
  • H2 can be approximately 10 mm
  • H3 can be approximately 5 mm.
  • the panels 1 of the previous Figures illustrate an embodiment in accordance with the first and second practical example listed in the introduction.
  • the parts 8A of the backing layer 8 that extend beyond the respective edge 4-5, extend in one piece along the majority of the respective edge, while the respective edge is free from other backing layer portions.
  • the embodiments of the previous Figures form an illustration in accordance with the second special possibility of the second practical example in that the backing layer 8 extends beyond said two non-opposing edges 4-5 only, and the remaining edges 4’ and 5’ are free from other backing layer parts or portions.
  • the wall panel 1 comprises a single one piece backing layer 8 having about the size of the substrate layer 2, and that, thanks to said off-set positioning, extends uninterruptedly beyond said two non-opposing edges 4-5.
  • a continuous border serving as a connection region 9 is formed adjacent the two non-opposing edges 4-5.
  • FIG. 1 It is further clear that the panels 1 shown in the Figures 1 to 4 may also be used as ceiling panels.
  • Figures 5 and 6 concern alternative embodiments of a wall or ceiling panel 1 according to first aspect of the invention. These embodiments basically show the characteristics of the wall or ceiling panel 1 of the previous Figures. In the cases of Figures 5 and 6, however, different practical examples are illustrated for the manner in which the backing layer 8 extends beyond the one or more edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the first special possibility of the first practical example mentioned in the introduction in that the backing layer 8 extends beyond edge 4 only.
  • the backing layer portion 8A extends uninterruptedly along the edge 4 only. A continuous border adjacent to the edge 4, forming the connection region 9, is thus provided.
  • FIG. 6 alternatively shows that the backing layer 8 extends interruptedly along the edge 4 only. It is of course possible that the backing layer 8 extends along a plurality of edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’ in an interrupted manner.
  • the backing layer portions 8A may be formed in one piece from a single backing layer 8. In the illustrated case, the backing layer portions 8A are formed as separated backing layer portions.
  • said backing layer 8 may have a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa, may have a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa, and/or may comprise a material chosen from the group of a woven textile material, a non-woven textile material, a glass fiber cloth, a polymer material, a foamed polymer material, an elastomeric material, a thin metallic or polymeric foil, or combinations thereof.
  • said coupling parts 6, 7 allow effecting a locking between two of such wall or ceiling panels 1 in a first direction LI perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels 1, and in a second direction L2 parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels 1 and perpendicular to the coupled edges 4, 5.
  • the backing layer 8 at least extends beyond one or more edges 4-5 having a mechanical coupling part 6 that is basically shaped as a groove 6A.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show an assembly of a wall or ceiling panel 1 and a connection member 11, wherein said wall or ceiling panel 1 comprises a substrate layer 2, and a top layer 3, wherein said substrate layer 2, on at least one pair of opposite edges 4, 5 is provided with mechanical coupling parts 6, 7, and wherein said connection member 11 is configured to connect to said mechanical coupling parts 6 on at least one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2, and is configured to at least partly extend beyond one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2.
  • said connection member 11 comprises a panel-side part 12 and a wallside part 13, wherein said panel-side part 12 is configured to at least partly engage with said mechanical coupling parts 6 on at least one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2.
  • connection member 11 is configured to cooperate with a mechanical coupling part 6 basically shaped as a groove 6 A.
  • wall-side part 13 comprises one or more connection regions 9, which connection regions 9 are configured for receiving one or more connection elements 10 which may be chosen from the group of nails, screws, staples, or combinations thereof.
  • connection regions 9 can comprise one or more connection holes 9A. More specifically shown in Figures 7 and 8 is a screw 10 which is fitted through the connection region 9.
  • FIG. 8 It is remarked that the embodiment of figure 8 is basically the same as the embodiment illustrated in figure 7, with this exception that an excavation 17 has been provided at the bottom of the panel 1, at the location of both opposite edges 4-4’ to accommodate for at least a part of the thickness T of said connection member 11.
  • connection member 11 said connection member 11 comprising a panel-side part 12 and a wall-side part 13.
  • a connection with a wall may be obtained through connecting means, such as screws, through the connection region 9.
  • the connection member 11, and in particular the wall-side part 13 may comprise at least a first material zone 14 having a tensile strength of between 5 and 50 MPa, a Young’s modulus of between 0.01 and 5.00 GPa, and/or may be chosen from the group of a woven textile material, a non-woven textile material, a glass fiber cloth, a polymer material, a foamed polymer material, an elastomeric material, a thin metallic or polymeric foil, or combinations thereof.
  • the wall-side part 13 may further comprise at least a second material zone 15 which at least partly surrounds said first material zone 14, wherein said second material zone 15 is more rigid than said first material zone 14.
  • the connection regions 9 may comprise a material, here in the form of a ring 9B, surrounding a connection hole 9A, which is more rigid than said first material zone 14.
  • Figure 9 specifically shows an embodiment wherein the first material zone 14 is a continuous material zone.
  • Figure 10 shows an embodiment wherein the first material zone 14 may comprise a non-continuous material zone, such as one or a plurality of deformable legs 18.
  • the panel-side part 12 may comprise a material chosen from the group of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether ether ketone, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, acrylics, thermoset polyesters, high impact polystyrene, metallic material or combinations thereof.
  • the panel-side part 12 may also comprise alternative hard and/or rigid synthetic materials.
  • connection member 11 may comprise a means 16 for interacting with the mechanical coupling parts 6, such as a perpendicular element 16A as the case is here, which is positioned as to divide the connection member 11 into the panel-side part 12 and the wall-side part 13, and which is shaped as such to effectively surround at least a part of the mechanical coupling parts 6 at an edge 4 of the substrate layer 2.
  • a perpendicular element 16A requires sufficient clearance to be available between the mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 in a coupled condition thereof, as to provide for sufficient space for this perpendicular element 16A to fit in between the coupling parts 6, 7.
  • FIGS 11, 12 and 13 show some preferred steps in a method for installing wall or ceiling panels 1 according to the third independent aspect of the invention.
  • said wall or ceiling panels 1 comprise a substrate layer 2 and a top layer 3, wherein said substrate layer 2, on at least one pair of opposite edges 4, 4’, 5, 5’ is provided with mechanical coupling parts 6, 7, and wherein a backing layer 8 is provided onto the surface of the substrate layer 2 opposing the top layer 3, which backing layer 8 at least partly covers said substrate layer 2, and wherein said backing layer 8 at least partly extends beyond one of said edges 4,5, said method comprising the steps of:
  • a subsequent second wall or ceiling panel may be efficiently connected with its short edge 5’ onto the short edge 5 of the first panel 1 that is pulled away, whereafter the connected first and second panels may be coupled with their long edge 4’ onto an already installed horizontal row of panels.
  • its backing layer 8 is only partly fixed onto the wall or ceiling.
  • the backing layer 8 of the first panel 1 which was pulled away may be further fixed or fixed completely onto the wall or ceiling, and the backing layer 8 of the just installed panel 1 may be fixed partly on the wall or ceiling, thus allowing efficient coupling of a next panel.
  • FIGs 11 and 12 an embodiment is shown wherein the first wall or ceiling panel 1 is bent away such that the coupling of the long edge 4’ with an already installed horizontal row of panels 1 is partly undone.
  • FIG 13 A variant is shown in Figure 13, wherein the first wall or ceiling panel 1 is bent away such that the coupling of the long edge 4’ with an already installed horizontal row of panels 1 is not undone.
  • Such method is conveniently executed with wall or ceiling panels 1 that are somewhat or substantially flexible, or with wall or ceiling panels 1 having a thickness of 6 mm or less.
  • Figure 14 shows an assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, while figures 15 and 16 illustrate the connection member 11 applied therewith.
  • the connection member 11 in itself forms an example of the particular independent aspect mentioned in the introduction.
  • Figure 14 shows an assembly of a wall or ceiling panel 1 and a connection member 11, wherein said wall or ceiling panel 1 comprises a substrate layer 2, and a top layer 3, said top layer 3 comprising a decoration layer, and a wear layer provided above said decoration layer, wherein said substrate layer 2, on at least one pair of opposite edges 4, 4’ is provided with mechanical coupling parts 6, 7.
  • Said mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 provided at said pair of opposite edges 4, 4’ are basically shaped as a tongue 7A at one edge 4’ and a groove 6A at an opposite edge 4.
  • the groove 6A is delimited by an upper lip 6B and a lower lip 6C.
  • Said mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 allow effecting a locking between two of such wall or ceiling panels 1 in a first direction LI perpendicular to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels 1, and in a second direction L2 parallel to the plane of the coupled wall or ceiling panels 1 and perpendicular to the coupled edges 4, 4’.
  • the tongue 7A and groove 6A basically achieve said locking in said direction L2, while locking parts 6D-7D basically achieve said locking in said direction LI .
  • the locking part 6D is, in this example, at least formed by a protrusion on the upper side of the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A, while the locking part 7D is, in this example at least formed by a cooperating therewith, excavation at the bottom of the tongue 7A.
  • connection member 11 is configured to connect to said mechanical coupling parts 6, in particular onto the lower lip 6C or onto said locking part 6D on the upper side of said lower lip 6C, on at least one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2, and to at least partly extend beyond one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2, namely beyond the edge 4 comprising said groove 6A.
  • said connection member 11 comprises a panel-side part 12 and a wall-side part 13, wherein said panel-side part 12 is configured to at least partly engage with said mechanical coupling parts 6, in particular with the lower lip 6C, on at least one of the edges 4 of said substrate layer 2.
  • said wall-side part 13 comprises one or more connection regions 9, which connection regions 9 are configured for receiving one or more connection elements 10, which may e.g. be chosen from the group of nails, screws, staples, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a screw 10 which is fitted through the connection region 9 is shown.
  • connection member 11 comprises a means 16 for interacting or a perpendicular element 16A which is positioned as to divide the connection member 11 into the panel-side part 12 and the wall-side part 13, and which is shaped as such to, preferably effectively, interact with at least a part of the mechanical coupling parts 6 at an edge 4 of the substrate layer 2.
  • the perpendicular element 16A is hook-shaped, thereby, preferably effectively, interacting with at least a part of the mechanical coupling parts 6, in particular with the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A.
  • the perpendicular element 16A and the coupling parts 6, 7 are shaped as such that, in a coupled state of two adjacent wall or ceiling panels 1, the perpendicular element 16A is locked tightly in between the coupling parts 6, 7 of two adjacent panels 1, in particular in between the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A and a lower region of the tongue 7A, more particularly a surface 32 of the edge 4’ with the tongue 7A opposite the distal end 33 of the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A.
  • the means 16 for interaction with the profiled edge 4 comprising said groove 6 A is hook shaped.
  • the hook-shaped means 16 for interacting limits the movement of the panel 1 in said first direction LI.
  • the means 16 for interacting comprise a first portion 34 that protrudes transversally from the connection member 11 away from the wall or ceiling.
  • the first portion 34 in a coupled condition, is seated between the mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 at the location of the distal end 33 of the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A.
  • Said means 16 for interacting comprise a second portion 35 protruding transversally with respect to said first portion 34.
  • the second portion 35 in a coupled condition, is seated between the mechanical coupling parts 6, 7 between the upper side of said locking part 6D on the upper side of the lower lip 6C of the groove 6A and the bottom of the tongue 7A.
  • connection member 11 shows the connection member 11 applied in the assembly of figure 14.
  • Said connection member 11 comprises a panel-side part 12 and a wall-side part 13.
  • the wall-side part 13 is provided with a connection region 9, which connection region 9 is configured for receiving one or more connection elements 10, such as a nail or a screw.
  • the wall-side part 13 furthermore comprises a plurality of deformable legs 18, which are shaped as such that controlled movement of the connection region 9 within the wall-side part 13 remains possible.
  • the wall-side part 13 are, in the example of figures 15 and 16, shaped as a frame 20 forming the outer edges of the wall-side part 13, wherein the connection region 9 is positioned within said frame 20.
  • the deformable legs 18 connect the frame 20 of the wall-side part 13 with the connection region 9 being positioned inside said frame 20.
  • Each of said deformable legs 18, may comprise a plurality of angling points 19.
  • said angling points 19 may be positioned at an inner edge of the frame 20 of the wall-side part 13, at the outer edge of the connection region 9, and/or substantially halfway in between the inner edge of the frame 20 of the wall-side part 13 and the outer edge of the connection region 9.
  • angling points 19 are present in all of the aforementioned positions.
  • the panel-side part 12 is provided with a perpendicular element 16A.
  • said perpendicular element 16A is hook-shaped as explained above.
  • connection member 11 may be made from a single material, or may comprise a combination of materials, such as polypropylene (PP) and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • the wall-side part 13 comprises a frame 20, forming the outer edges of the wall-side part 13, and comprises deformable legs 18 and a connection region 9, wherein said deformable legs 18 connect the connection region 9 in a movable manner to the frame 20.
  • This wall-side part 13 preferably is made from a plastic material.
  • the panel-side part 12 comprises a frame-shaped part 20A and a hook-shaped element 16 to connect to the lower lip 6C of a coupling part 6 of a said panel 1, and is made from metal, such as stainless steel.
  • the frame-shaped part 20A of the panel-side part 12 is connected to the frame 20 of the wall-side part 13, and this for example by overmolding.
  • the panel-side part 12 can only comprise the hook-shaped element, and all the other parts are then part of the wall-side part 13.
  • the panel-side part 12 is thinner than the wall-side part 13, and this is possible because the panel-side part 12 is a metallic part.
  • the panel-side part 12 has a thickness of at most 0,5 mm, preferably at most 0,3 mm, most preferably at most 0,2 mm.
  • the wall-side part 13 can have a thickness of between 1 mm and 2 mm.
  • connection region 9 locally protrudes from the side of the connection member 11 that is facing the wall or ceiling.
  • the flexibility of the plurality of deformable legs 18 is less hindered by a sturdy connection of the connection member 11 to the wall or ceiling.
  • connection members 11 comprise means 16 for interacting with a profiled edge of a wall or ceiling panel 1, and a connection region 9 configured for receiving one or more connection elements 10, wherein said connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted with respect to said means 16 for interacting with said profiled edge.
  • Said connection member 11 comprises a panel-side part 12 and a wall-side part 13, wherein said panel-side part 12 comprises said means 16 for interacting with said profiled edge of a wall or ceiling panel 1, in particular with a profiled edge comprising a mechanical coupling part 6, 7 and/or a groove 6A.
  • the means 16 for interacting comprises a perpendicular element 16A or an upstanding element, which is positioned as to divide the connection member 11 into said panel-side part 12 and said wall-side part 13, and which is configured to interact, with the profiled edge of the wall or ceiling panel 1, in particular with the mechanical coupling part 6 and/or the groove 6A.
  • connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a compressible and/or expandable material portion 28.
  • Said compressible and/or expandable material portion 28 is shaped as a non-continuous material zone, in particular as two legs, more in particular deformable legs 18 and at least an angling point 19 or hinge positioned on the outside edge of the connection region 9.
  • the embodiment shown may allow two-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11, however while restricting movement in said first direction LI perpendicular to the plane of the connection member 11.
  • connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a folded material portion 29.
  • the folded material portion 29 may be deformed by compression and/or expansion according to a one-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11, and perpendicular to the folds of the material portion 29.
  • the foldable portion 29 comprises apexes 36 positioned in planes substantially parallel to the main plane of the connection member 11.
  • Figures 19 and 20 show a particular embodiment, wherein said connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of a bendable material portion 30. More in particular, in Figure 19, said bendable material portion 30 is shaped as a deformable leg 18. In Figure 20, said bendable material portion 30 is shaped as a portion which is shaped thinner than an adjacent region of the connection member 11 such that it may be more bendable.
  • the embodiment of Figure 19 may allow two-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11.
  • the embodiment of Figure 20 may allow one-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11, and in the length direction L of the connection member 11.
  • Figure 21 shows a particular embodiment, wherein said connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted inside a frame 20 forming the outer edges of the wall-side part 13, at least by means of a compressible and/or expandable material portion 28.
  • the compressible and/or expandable material portion 28 is shaped as a non-continuous material zone, in particular as a plurality of deformable legs 18.
  • the deformable legs 18 are grouped as pairs, taking on the shape of a plurality of compressible and/or expandable oval-shaped elements.
  • Said deformable legs 18 connect said frame 20 of the wall-side part 13 with the connection region 9 positioned inside said frame 20.
  • the embodiment shown may allow two-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11, however while restricting movement in said first direction LI perpendicular to the plane of the connection member 11.
  • Figure 22 shows a particular embodiment, wherein the connection region 9 is flexibly and/or movably mounted at least by means of one or more sliding portions.
  • the wall-side part 13 is slidable with regard to the panel-side part 12 according to a one-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11, and in the length direction LI of the connection member 11. It is clear that an embodiment is possible, though not shown here, with a slidable portion allowing two-dimensional movement in the plane of the connection member 11.
  • connection member 11 at least allows a one-dimensional movement of the connection region 9 towards or away from said means 16 for interacting with said profiled edge, namely in said length direction LI of said connection member 11 and/or in a direction L2 perpendicular to the edge 4 where the connection member 11 is engaged with.
  • the movement in a direction L3 in the plane of the wall or ceiling covering and perpendicular to the direction L of said one-dimensional movement may be obtained by the respective profiled edge sliding along said means 16 for interacting.
  • the means 16 for interacting take part in the locking in said second direction L2 in that they are available at the location where the locking parts 6D and 7D provide for said locking.
  • the means 16 for interacting are not available at said location. In these figures it is the direct cooperation of said locking parts 6D and 7D that provides for said locking in said second direction L2.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un panneau de paroi ou de plafond (1), qui comprend une couche de substrat (2) et une couche supérieure (3), ladite couche de substrat (2), sur au moins une paire de bords opposés, étant pourvue de parties de couplage mécanique (6, 7), et une couche de support (8) étant disposée sur la surface de la couche de substrat (2) opposée à la couche supérieure (3), ladite couche de support (8) recouvrant au moins partiellement ladite couche de substrat (2), et ladite couche de support (8) s'étendant au moins partiellement au-delà de l'un desdits bords. L'invention concerne également un ensemble d'un panneau de paroi ou de plafond (1) et d'un élément de connexion, ledit élément de connexion étant conçu pour se connecter auxdites parties de couplage mécanique sur au moins l'un des bords de ladite couche de substrat (2), et pour s'étendre au moins partiellement au-delà de l'un des bords de ladite couche de substrat (2).
PCT/IB2023/055401 2022-06-01 2023-05-26 Panneau de paroi ou de plafond, élément de connexion et ensemble d'un panneau de paroi ou de plafond et d'un élément de connexion WO2023233251A1 (fr)

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US202263347662P 2022-06-01 2022-06-01
US63/347,662 2022-06-01
US202363438114P 2023-01-10 2023-01-10
US63/438,114 2023-01-10
US202363481676P 2023-01-26 2023-01-26
US63/481,676 2023-01-26

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WO2021105798A1 (fr) 2019-11-25 2021-06-03 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau comprenant des parties de couplage
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WO2021059062A1 (fr) 2019-09-23 2021-04-01 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Revêtement de sol ou de mur
WO2021070022A1 (fr) 2019-10-08 2021-04-15 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher destiné à la formation d'un revêtement de sol
WO2021105798A1 (fr) 2019-11-25 2021-06-03 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau comprenant des parties de couplage
WO2021111210A1 (fr) 2019-12-03 2021-06-10 Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl Panneau de plancher pour former un revêtement de sol

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