Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2812510B1/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-14 01:18:04
Document Index: 44029415

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 6', 'arts 6', 'arts 6', 'arts 6', 'arts 12', 'arts 8', 'arts 8', 'arts 8', 'art 9', 'art 18', 'arts 6', 'arts 8', 'art 26', 'art 19', 'arts 6']

EP2812510B1 - Floor panel for forming a floor covering, floor covering formed from such floor panels and method for manufacturing such floor panels - Google Patents
Floor panel for forming a floor covering, floor covering formed from such floor panels and method for manufacturing such floor panels Download PDF
EP2812510A2 (en
2014-12-17 Publication of EP2812510A2 publication Critical patent/EP2812510A2/en
2018-03-07 Publication of EP2812510B1 publication Critical patent/EP2812510B1/en
Floor panels realized in this manner are known, amongst others, from US 2002/0189183 and WO 2011/077311 . The coupling parts applied herein are made in one piece with the floor panels and provide for a locking in a first direction located in the plane of the floor panels and perpendicular to the respective edges, as well as in a locking in a second direction, perpendicular to the plane of the panels. From these documents, it is also known that the coupling parts on at least two opposite edges can be realized such that they allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other by means of a downward movement, by which is meant that one floor panel is pressed home or locked at its edge on the edge of another floor panel by means of a downward movement. Such coupling parts are also known by the denomination "push-lock".
From WO 2011/077311 , it is also known to apply "push-lock" coupling parts on only one pair of sides of floor panels of the above-mentioned type and to combine them with coupling parts on the other pair of sides, which can be coupled by means of a turning movement. In this case, this is called a "fold-down" system. Said "fold-down" system is particularly popular for panels substantially consisting of wood or wood-based board materials, primarily because of the increased simplicity of installation which can be obtained by means of such "fold-down" system. In the case of floor panels which substantially are manufactured of synthetic material, and more specifically of supple or soft synthetic material, they leave much to be desired. The supple synthetic material of the panels can lead to an insufficient strength of the coupling. Moreover, floor panels of the above-mentioned type are considerably subjected to expansion and/or shrinkage under the influence of temperature variations. As a result of such expansion and/or shrinkage, the floor panels may show gaps at the height of their adjoining edges, in case of shrinkage, or may be pushed upward, in case of expansion, such that in the first place in case of so-called "push-lock" connections or fold-down systems, the coupling parts can be pressed out of each other. The risk of being pushed upward during such expansion is associated with the restricted bending stiffness of such panels.
To this aim, the invention, relates to a floor panel according to claim 1 for forming a floor covering, wherein this floor panel substantially consists of synthetic material; wherein this floor panel has a decorative upper side; wherein the floor panel, on at least one pair of opposite edges, comprises coupling parts which allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other, wherein these coupling parts effect a locking in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the floor panels as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the respective edge and in the plane of the floor panels, with the characteristic that at least one of said coupling parts comprises a separate element, more particularly a separate locking element, wherein this locking element, in the coupled condition of two of such floor panels, provides for at least a locking at the respective edges in said first direction and/or allows or enables a snapping on of the respective coupling parts of two of such panels by means of a downward coupling movement. Preferably, said coupling parts comprise integrated mechanical locking means, which effect a locking in said second direction, namely a horizontal direction. In that use is made of a separate locking element, the coupling parts of the floor panel can be optimized further. More particularly, by applying a separate locking element, it is possible to work with alternative materials, to wit with materials differing from the basic material of the panel, wherein these materials may show specific characteristics, such as pressure strength and/or elasticity, such that possibly a more beneficial locking of the floor panels can be obtained. In this manner, such separate locking elements can be realized in synthetic material or in metal, such that relatively strong, however, still easily movable locking parts can be realized, which, for example, can take up relatively large forces with a minimum contact surface.
By "separate locking element", a locking element is intended which is produced separately and is provided in the panel either at the factory or by the user or installer. Herein, the separate locking element can be provided loosely in a recess or the like provided on the floor panel for this purpose, or can be fixedly attached to the floor panel, for example, by mechanically locking the locking element in an adapted recess, or by fixing it by gluing in a recess provided for this purpose, or by attaching it to the panel in any other manner. Preferably, the separate locking element is provided at the factory, preferably by means of machinery. However, it is not excluded that, without leaving the scope of the present invention, the separate locking element shall be provided by the user or installer.
According to the invention, by the "separate locking element" in the first place an element has to be understood which is present in the floor panel rather locally, more particularly in the edge of the floor panel, wherein this preferably exclusively provides for a vertical locking, contrary to locking elements as known from WO 2007/141605 , wherein such locking element forms an essential component of the edge and provides for the locking in horizontal as well as in vertical direction. Thus, said separate locking element preferably relates to an element, more particularly a strip, which is located on one of the lateral sides of the edge profiles.
It is noted that the use of a separate locking element, which is provided rather locally in the edge of a floor panel, is already known, amongst others, from the patent documents WO 2009/066153 and US 7,454,875 for locking relatively thick and/or rigid floor panels, more particularly laminate floor panels.
Up to date, it was not obvious to apply such separate locking elements for relatively thin floor panels, for example, for floor panels of 5 mm or thinner, and certainly not for the herein below also described supple floor panels, more particularly so-called LVT floor panels. On the one hand, one started from the point that, as synthetic material as such is supple, always the elasticity- of the basic material of the panels can be applied for forming locking parts thereof which elastically engage behind each other. In the case of push-lock coupling parts or fold-down systems, however, a balance had to be sought, wherein the coupling parts are sufficiently elastic for pressing the respective locking parts home until they are behind each other, and these coupling parts, as well as the floor panel itself of which they are formed, still are sufficiently rigid for obtaining a sturdy coupling and a sufficiently pressure-resistant floor covering. In many cases, the obtained balance has proven insufficient. On the other hand, it was started from the point that a stable integration of a separate element in a thin panel, which moreover consists of a movable or supple material, to wit compressible synthetic material, was impossible. Surprisingly, the inventor has found that the integration of such separate locking elements is possible indeed and that surprisingly good results can be obtained therewith, in particularly for push-lock coupling parts and/or fold-down systems.
A possibility with floor panels which substantially consist of supple or soft synthetic material, is the possibly restricted dimensional stability thereof. When a plurality of such floor panels are in coupled condition, due to temperature variations important loads or deformations of the floor panels may be created, and more particularly in the proximity of the coupling parts of these floor panels. This may lead to problems with a floor covering which is composed of such panels, and in particular when this herein relates to a so-called floating floor covering, wherein the panels are coupled to adjacent panels at their edges-only and thus are not connected to the underlying surface by means of a possible glue connection or other connection. More specifically, these problems relate, amongst others, to the creation of gaps at the height of the edges of the floor panels; the pushing upward of the floor panels, more particularly at the height of the edges of the floor panels; the disconnection or, in other words, the interruption of the coupling of the floor panels; and the like. From the state of the art, for example, from US 2011/296780 or US 2012/135203 , it is known to increase the dimensional stability of such floor panels to a certain extent by applying one or more layers of glass fiber embedded in the soft synthetic material. However, such layer of glass fiber does not contribute to the strength of the mutual coupling between the panels themselves.
The present invention further shows its advantages in particular when applied for floor panels of the type which generally is indicated by the English term "Resilient floor panels". To this type of floor panels, amongst others, a vinyl panel is pertaining, more particularly a so-called vinyl tile, and in particular a panel of the so-called LVT type ("Luxury Vinyl Tile") or VCT type ("Vinyl Composite Tile", also called "Vinyl Composition Tile"). Herein, this mostly relates to panels of so-called soft PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride), which usually is made of PVC in which plasticizers or the like are incorporated. Preferably, at least 12 percent of weight of plasticizer is applied in the PVC mixture; possible fillers, such as chalk, not taken into account.
According to a preferred embodiment, it relates to a panel, more particularly a floor panel, wherein the coupling parts, at least at one pair of opposite sides, allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one floor panel in respect to the other. More particularly, seen in cross-section, by means of a downward translation movement. This type of coupling sometimes is also indicated as a coupling of the "push" or "fold-down" type. The present invention shows its advantages in particular with panels which, at least at one pair of opposite sides, preferably on the short sides in the case of a rectangular panel, comprise coupling parts which, as aforementioned, can be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement. Such coupling can increase the easiness of installation. It is noted that herein coupling parts are intended which as such can be automatically entirely coupled by means of a downward movement, as well as coupling parts which, apart from the downward movement, still require an additional operation for completing the coupling. Such additional operation may include, for example, the coupling of a subsequent floor panel or a floor panel in an adjacent row. In this last case, this is called "side push", as by means of the floor panel in the adjacent row, a lateral pressure force is exerted on a separate locking element, by which this locking element arrives in a position in which it effects the locking in said first direction. Such side-push systems are known as such for rigid panels, for example, from WO 2008/004960 .
According to a first and most preferred possibility, the floor panel, or at least the substrate of the floor panel, is composed of a plurality of layers of material, preferably layers of thermoplastic material, more particularly soft thermoplastic material. Possibly, the different layers of thermoplastic material of the substrate mutually can include one or more glass fiber layers, such as a glass fiber cloth or glass fiber nonwoven. According to the most preferred embodiment, the substrate consists of two soft PVC layers, which mutually include a glass fiber layer, preferably a glass fiber fleece or so-called "non-woven". Preferably, these layers of the substrate further also comprise fillers, such as an amount of chalk. Preferably, the panels have a density situated between 1250 and 2250 kilograms per cubic meter.
As aforementioned, the floor panel of the invention, besides the synthetic material, can also comprise a filler, preferably chalk or a chalk-like materia!. Applying a filler primarily has the purpose of reducing the necessary amount of synthetic material and/or making the panel heavier. In some cases, a heavier panel has the advantage that the panel is more stable and/or remains better at its location during placement and/or after installation.
Preferably, the panel of the invention relates to a rectangular floor pane!, either oblong or square; wherein said pair of opposite edges forms a first pair of edges, whereas the remaining two opposite edges form a second pair of edges; wherein on the second pair of edges of the floor panel, coupling parts are provided, of the type allowing to couple two of such floor panels to each other along the respective edges by means of a turning movement, wherein these coupling parts provide for a vertical and a horizontal locking and preferably are made in one piece with the floor panel. Preferably, the coupling parts on the second pair of edges substantially are made in the form of a tongue and a groove. Preferably, the floor panels, more particularly the coupling parts, are configured such that the panels, on the first pair of edges, can be automatically engaged in each other as the result of a turning downward along the second pair of edges, more particularly in such a manner that a plurality of panels can be systematically installed according to the so-called "fold-down" principle.
The present invention is limited to floor panels having a thickness of 3 millimeters through 5 millimeters.
said coupling parts of the respective pair of edges are substantially realized in the form of a tongue and a groove; and said coupling parts comprise integrated mechanical locking means which effect a locking in said second direction, to wit a horizontal direction;
The panel or floor panel of the invention comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably formed of fibers, more particularly reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers. The use of such reinforcing layer, and in particular a reinforcing layer with fibers, enhances the dimensional stability of the floor panels. This is of particular importance with floor panels for loose installation, because, by applying fibers, the expansion and/or shrinkage of the panel under the influence of temperature variations can be reduced considerably. Hereby, the risk that the coupled floor panels will separate from each other as a result of expansion and/or shrinkage, can be minimized further. It is noted that said reinforcing fibers can be present in a variety of forms, such as also in the form of, for example, a cloth, a nonwoven or a net, more particularly, for example, a glass fiber cloth or a glass fiber non-woven. Preferably, viewed in cross-section of the panel, said fibers are applied in one or more horizontal layers. At least one of said layers is located at the height of said separate locking element. Hereby, the advantage is created that, see from the point of view of connection features, the floor panel is kept dimensionally stable in an optimum manner on the most critical level, namely at the location of the locking element.
With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, herein below, as an example without any limitative character, some preferred embodiments are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein only figure 12 shows an embodiment having all the features of the invention including a reinforcing layer. The other embodiments disclose several features of the invention in order to help to understand the invention. Figu
re 1 represents a panel having several characteristics of the invention;
Figures 2 and 3, at a larger scale, respectively represent a cross-section according to the lines II-II and III-III represented in figure 1;
Figure 4 represents how two floor panels can be coupled together at the edges of figure 3;
Figures 5 to 7 represent how such floor panels can be coupled at the edges represented in figure 2;
Figure 8, at a larger scale, represents the separate locking element which is provided in the pair of edges of figure 2;
Figures 9 and 10 represent in perspective how the long and the short edges of the floor panel of figure 1 can be coupled to similar floor panels, wherein figure 10 at a larger scale shows a view of the area indicated by F10 in figure 9;
Figure 11, for clarity's sake, represents the coupling parts from figure 4 in completely coupled condition;
Figure 12 represents an embodiment of the invention, for a view similar to that of figure 7;
Figure 13, at a larger scale, represents a view of the portion represented by F13 in figure 12;
Figures 14, 15 and 16 represent three other variants having several features of the invention;
Figure 17 represents a variant of the embodiment of figure 4;
Figures 18 and 19 represent another variant of the embodiment of figure 4.
In figures 1 to 7, an embodiment is represented of a panel 1 according to the invention, which is realized as a floor panel.
As is represented more detailed in figures 2 and 3, both pairs of opposite edges 2-3 and 4-5 comprise coupling parts 6-7, 8-9, respectively, which allow that a plurality of such panels 1 mutually can be coupled to each other.
As specifically represented in figures 3 and 4, coupling parts 6-7 on the first pair of edges 2-3 are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other in a locking manner at these edges 2-3 by means of a turning movement W. Herein, the coupling parts 6-7 form a first locking system which effects a locking in the plane of the panels 1 and perpendicular to said edges 2-3, thus, in this case, in the horizontal direction H, as well as a second locking system which effects a locking transverse to the plane of the panels 1, in this case, thus, in the vertical V or the first direction mentioned in the introduction. To this aim, the coupling parts 6-7 are constructed as a tongue 10 and a groove 11 which provide for the vertical locking and comprise locking parts 12-13, which, in the coupled condition, prevent the drifting apart of tongue and groove.
As schematically represented in figures 5 to 7, the coupling parts 8-9 on the second pair of opposite edges 4-5 are configured such that two of such panels 1 can be coupled to each other by means of a downward movement M of one panel in respect to the other. This downward movement M will be explained below in more detail.
As is clearly illustrated in figure 7, the coupling parts 8-9 hereby form a first locking system which effects a locking transverse to the plane of the panels 1, in this case, thus, in the vertical direction V, as well as a second locking system which effects a locking in the plane of the panels 1 and perpendicularly to said edges 4-5, thus, in this case, in the horizontal direction H. Herein, the vertical direction forms the first direction mentioned in the introduction, and the horizontal direction forms the second direction mentioned there.
The first locking system of the edges 4-5 on the short sides is formed by locking parts or locking portions 26-27. According to the invention, the coupling parts 8-9 for this purpose comprise a separate element or separate locking element 28, which, in coupled condition, as represented in figure 7, provides at least for a locking in said first direction or vertical direction V. In the example, the separate locking element 28 is situated in the female coupling part 9, more particularly in the proximity of the proximal extremity 29 of the lower hook-shaped part 18.
As represented in figures 5 to 8, the separate locking element 28 is made as an insert in the form of a strip and is provided in a recess 30 in one of the edges 5. In this case, the separate locking element 28 comprises a pivotable blocking body 31, which, as represented, amongst others, in figure 6, is laterally movable and consequently can cooperate with the locking portion 26 of an adjacent floor panel 1. The blocking body 31 is elastically movable and, towards the end of the downward movement M, arrives in a locking position, as represented in figure 7. In the locking position, the blocking body 31 comes into contact with the locking portion 26 of an adjacent floor panel 1. This contact results in said locking in the first direction V.
In the examples, the separate locking element consists of a coextruded strip, which, seen in the plane of the figures 5 to 8, comprises zones of synthetic material with different features, wherein the zone of the hinge portion 33 is made of a more flexible material than the zone of the blocking body 31 and the zone of the attachment portion 32.
As indicated in figure 7, the panels have an overall thickness T. The thickness T has a value situated between 3 and 5 mm.
It is noted that said coupling parts, 6-7 as well as 8-9, as represented, with the exception of said separate locking element, preferably are formed in one piece of the material of the actual panel 1, more particularly of the substrate material. As a consequence thereof, the coupling parts as such also substantially consist of soft PVC. It is noted that these portions of the coupling parts 6-7 and 8-9 preferably are formed by means of a machine treatment, more particularly milling treatments. Milling techniques which allow providing locking coupling parts on the edges of panels are known, amongst others, from WO 97/47834 . Thus, by means of choosing appropriate milling cutters and an appropriate adjustment thereof, suitable profiles, for example, as are represented in the figures, can be realized.
In figures 8 and 9 is schematically represented how the panels 1 can be installed. In order to illustrate the method, a number of the panels 1 in their turn are indicated by references 1A, 1B and 1C for extra distinction. The panels 1 are installed row by row and coupled to each other. For obtaining that the panels 1-1A-1B-1C are coupled on the edges 2-3 as well as 4-5, the method comprises at least the following steps:
coupling a second panel 1B to said first panel 1A, such on first edges 2-3, wherein this second panel 1B is intended for forming part of a second row following said first row of panels;
It is clear that usually, between the installation of the first panel 1A and the coupling thereto of the second panel 1B, first also all further panels of the row in which the first panel 1A is situated, are installed. Coupling the second panel 1B to the first panel 1A of course is also performed by connecting the panel 1B, at its edge 2, by means of a turning movement W, as represented in figure 4, to the edge 3 of the first panel 1A and possible other panels of the row of the panel 1A.
When connecting the panel 1C to the panel 1A, also a turning movement W, as in figure 4, is applied. Herein, on the short edges 4-5 a downward movement M is performed, by which the coupling parts 8 and 9 are joined together.
By this downward movement M, in a very broad sense any form of movement is intended wherein, in a cross-section as seen in figures 5 to 7, the one panel is put down from a higher position in respect to the other. This movement M does not necessarily have to be a straight-lined movement, and during this movement temporarily deformations may occur in the panels and more particularly in the hook-shaped portions 18 and 19.
Theoretically, a downward movement M, which, seen in cross-section, is straight-lined or approximately straight-lined, can be applied for connecting a panel 1C with a panel 1B, which means that the right-hand panel in figure 6, seen in cross-section, simply is pressed straight down into the position of figure 7.
In figure 11, for clarity's sake the edges 2-3 are represented again in a completely coupled condition.
In figure 12, an embodiment of the invention is represented, wherein a reinforcing layer 40 is incorporated into the panel 1.
According to the invention, the whole is configured such that the reinforcing layer 40 defines a plane, which, in the coupled condition of two of such panels, extends through the separate locking element 28 or at least through a portion thereof. Moreover, it is also preferred that this plane intersects at least with the recess 30 in which the locking element 28 is provided, or intersects with a recess 41 in which the locking part 26 is present, and still better intersects with both of these recesses 30 and 41. Hereby, an even balance is obtained in respect to possible inner material forces, as a result of which the risk of possible undesired material deformations in the edge regions of the panels is minimized.
It is noted that on all panels of the invention, as far as they comprise a top layer 35 provided on a substrate, a balancing backing layer 42 can be present on the underside, too. This backing layer is explicitly represented in figure 12 only, by way of example. It is also noted that the top layer 35 and the backing layer 42 in figure 12 are represented only schematically and that these layers in reality, in relation to the thickness of the substrate, mostly have a smaller thickness than is represented in the figure.
Figure 13 illustrates in greater detail how, for example, a top layer 35 of a panel according to the invention can be constructed. In this example, the top layer 3 consists of a film 43, for example, a PVC film, which is provided with a decorative print 44, and of a provided thereon transparent wear layer or film 45, as well as preferably also a transparent lacquer layer 46.
In figure 14, a variant is represented, wherein the separate locking element 28 is mounted in the upper hook-shaped part 19. The turnable blocking body 31 then is directed upward with its free extremity.
Figure 15 represents another variant, wherein the locking elements 21 and 24 are configured such that two of such panels can be joined together at the respective edges by means of a downward movement M as well as a shifting and snap-on movement S. To this aim, the locking element 21 is realized relatively low and is also provided with a ramp surface 47. Possibly, also a joining by means of a turning movement W1 is possible.
Although preferably use is made of separate locking elements of the type comprising a turnable blocking body 31, it is not excluded to apply other forms of separate locking elements. For example, as schematically illustrated in figure 16, use can be made of a locking element 28 in the form of a displaceable, more particularly slidable tongue 48.
According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a separate locking element of metal is applied, preferably in the form of a metal strip and/or tongue. The advantage of using metal is that even with a very thin strip a sturdy connection can be realized as well as sufficient elastic force can be generated via the strip. The metal embodiment is particularly useful in combination with a tongue as illustrated in figure 16, as then, viewed in the height, a very thin and flat tongue which, for example, is bent in a banana shape, can be applied, for example, a tongue which in height extends over only 1 mm or less.
Finally, it is also noted that coupling parts 6-7 of any shape can be applied on the first pair of edges 2-3. As an example, figure 17 represents a variant with a more angled shape of the tongue and groove. Figures 18 and 19 represent still another variant, with a slimmer tongue, underneath which, in coupled condition, an interspace is extending.
The present invention is in no way restricted to the herein above-mentioned embodiments; on the contrary, such floor panels, floor coverings and methods for manufacturing them can be realized according to various variants, without leaving the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
Floor panel for forming a floor covering, wherein this floor panel (1) substantially consists of synthetic material; wherein this floor panel (1) has a decorative upper side (36); wherein the floor panel (1), on at least one pair of opposite edges (4-5), comprises coupling parts (8-9) which allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other, wherein these coupling parts (4-5) effect a locking in a first direction (V) perpendicular to the plane of the floor panels (1) as well as in a second direction (H) perpendicular to the respective edge (4-5) and in the plane of the floor panels (1); the floor panel having a thickness (T1) of 3 millimeters through 5 millimeters, the floor panel comprising one or more reinforcing layers, characterized in that at least one of said coupling parts (9) comprises a separate locking element (28), which, in coupled condition, provides for at least a locking in said first direction (V) and in that at least one of said reinforcing layers is located at the height of said separate locking element.
Floor panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor panel (1) is of the supple type.
Floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the floor panel (1) is a vinyl panel, more particularly a so-called vinyl tile, and in particular a panel of the so-called LVT type ("Luxury Vinyl Tile") or VCT type ("Vinyl Composite Tile", also called "Vinyl Composition Tile").
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor panel (1) substantially is composed of a substrate (34) and a top layer (35), wherein the top layer (35) comprises at least a decorative layer, preferably in the form of a print, as well as at least a translucent or transparent wear layer.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor panel (1), or at least the substrate (34) of the floor panel (1), is substantially composed of a thermoplastic material, preferably a soft thermoplastic material.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor panel (1), or at least the substrate (34) of the floor panel (1), is substantially composed of polyvinyl chloride, more particularly soft polyvinyl chloride.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor panel (1) comprises at least one reinforcing layer which is formed of fibers, more particularly reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (8-9) are of the type which allows coupling two of such floor panels to each other by means of a downward movement (M) of one floor panel (1) in respect to the other.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separate locking element (28) is made as an insert, preferably in the form of a strip, wherein this insert is present in a recess (30), provided to this aim, in one of the aforementioned edges of the floor panel (1), and wherein this separate locking element comprises at least a portion (31) which is laterally movable and in this manner can work in conjunction with a locking portion (32) on an adjacent similar floor panel.
Floor panel according to claim 9, characterized in that said laterally movable portion (31) is elastically movable, such that this portion, during coupling of two of such floor panels (1), is moved sideways, against an elastic force, in order to then come back into a locking position.
Floor panel according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said separate locking element (28) shows one or a combination of two or more of the following characteristics:
- that the laterally movable portion substantially consists of a pivotable blocking body (31);
- that the separate locking element is at least composed of an attachment portion on the one hand and a pivotable blocking body (31) on the other hand;
- that the separate locking element is at least composed of an attachment portion on the one hand and a pivotable blocking body (31) on the other hand, wherein the blocking body is connected to the attachment portion (32) by means of a hinge portion (33);
- that the separate locking element substantially consists of a strip of synthetic material;
- that the separate locking element substantially consists of a coextruded strip, which, seen in cross-section, comprises zones of synthetic material with different features, more particularly materials of different flexibility;
- that the separate locking element is at least composed of an attachment portion on the one hand and a pivotable blocking body (31) on the other hand, wherein the blocking body is connected to the attachment portion (32) by means of a hinge portion (33) and wherein the separate locking element substantially consists of a coextruded strip, which, seen in cross-section, comprises zones of synthetic material with different features, more particularly materials of different flexibility, wherein the hinge portion (33) is made of a more flexible material than the blocking portion;
- that the separate locking element (28) is provided in a recess (30), wherein means are provided which retain the locking element (28) in the recess (30), wherein these means preferably are formed by one or more of the following possibilities: a clamping fit of a portion of the locking element in the recess, a glue connection or the like, a mechanical locking between a portion of the locking element and the wall (38) of the recess (30).
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling parts comprise locking parts (18-19) engaging behind each other, in the form of an upward-directed locking part (21), which is provided on a first lip on a first of said two edges, and a downward-directed locking part (24), which is provided on a second lip on the second of said two edges, respectively, wherein these locking parts (18-19), which engage one behind the other, effect a locking in said second or horizontal direction (H).
Floor panel according to claim 12, characterized in that the first lip, seen in cross-section, diminishes in thickness from the middle of the floor panel (1) towards the free extremity of the first lip, substantially in that the upper side of the first lip slopes downward, whether or not stepped.
Floor panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor panel is rectangular, either oblong rectangular or square; wherein said pair of opposite edges (4-5) forms a first pair of edges, whereas the remaining two opposite edges (2-3) form a second pair of edges; wherein on the second pair of edges of the floor panel (1), coupling parts (6-7) are provided of the type which allows coupling two of such floor panels (1) to each other along the respective edges by means of a turning movement (W), wherein these coupling parts provide for a vertical and a horizontal coupling and preferably are made in one piece with the floor panel (1).
Floor panel according to claim 1, characterized in that
- the floor panel substantially is composed, on the one hand, of a core or a substrate (34), wherein this core or this substrate is constructed of material forming the basic material of the floor panel (1), and, on the other hand, of a top layer, in other words, a surface layer, which top layer as such either is or is not composed of a plurality of layers;
- that said coupling parts (8-9) substantially are realized in the form of a tongue and a groove;
- that the basic material of the floor panel (1) from which said core is composed, substantially comprises soft thermoplastic material, wherein this thermoplastic material possibly contains a filler; and
- that said top layer comprises a printed thermoplastic film and a transparent thermoplastic wear layer, wherein said transparent thermoplastic wear layer is thinner than 0.85 millimeters and is free from fillers.
EP13712906.0A 2012-02-07 2013-01-30 Floor panel for forming a floor covering, floor covering formed from such floor panels and method for manufacturing such floor panels Active EP2812510B1 (en)
EP2812510A2 EP2812510A2 (en) 2014-12-17
EP2812510B1 true EP2812510B1 (en) 2018-03-07
EP13712906.0A Active EP2812510B1 (en) 2012-02-07 2013-01-30 Floor panel for forming a floor covering, floor covering formed from such floor panels and method for manufacturing such floor panels
KR (1) KR20140128418A (en)
2013-01-30 KR KR20147025162A patent/KR20140128418A/en active IP Right Grant
ES2632962T3 (en) 2017-09-18 Floor covering and floor element