Patent ID: 9376822
Filing Date: 2016-06-28
CPC Classification: E04F,F16B

Claim Text:
1. A locking system for plate-shaped panels which each have two larger side surfaces and edges and which for the connection of similar panels to provide a floor, wall or ceiling covering are provided at least at two mutually opposite edges with mutually complementary profiles, a first hook profile and a second hook profile, each with a hook element which has a hook projection and first undercut adjacent to the hook projection, wherein the hook elements of complementary hook profiles of adjacent panels hook in engaging relationship into a connecting position in a joining movement with at least one component perpendicularly to the larger side surface with respective engagement of its hook projection into the first undercut of the respective other hook element, there is provided a profile lock element which has a first spring portion and a first foot portion and which can be inserted in the first undercut of the first hook profile, the first undercut at least of the first hook profile has a second undercut perpendicular to the larger side surfaces and the lock element with attainment of the connecting position of the two panels automatically engages with its first spring portion in a locking movement from an open position into a third undercut of the hook element of the second hook profile, said third undercut being perpendicular to the larger side surfaces and being in opposite relationship in the connecting position of the two panels to the second undercut of the first hook profile, with positive locking of the two hook profiles perpendicularly to the larger side surfaces into a locking position, wherein the lock element is supported with the first foot portion in the first undercut and the second undercut has a space which is delimited by the lock element in the locking position and the first hook profile and in which or into which the lock element can be elastically deflected with its first spring portion from a rest position into the open position, wherein in the rest position the first foot portion is angled at a first angle greater than 90° to the first spring portion, wherein the lock element has an additional portion adjoining the first foot portion and spaced from the first spring portion, wherein the first foot portion and the additional portion rest completely against respective surfaces of the first hook profile in both the open position and the connecting position of the two panels.