Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a floor panel comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed. The floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and can be located between two wood-based layers of this floor panel.

<CIT> relates to a building board which comprises a core consisting of glued and compressed together wood chips or wood fibers, and two cover layers covering the core on the upper and lower sides. The core is scattered in multi-layered fashion and the cover layers consist of a scattered wood-plastic composite (WPC) material. The plastic portion of the cover layers is between <NUM> and <NUM> per cent. The apparent density of the building board is greater than <NUM> per cubic meter, and may be between <NUM> and <NUM> per cubic meter.

<CIT> discloses a soundproofing woody flooring. The flooring comprises a top woody board, a sheet of sound insulating, vibration damping or buffering material glued to the top board, a perforated woody board glued to the sheet on the opposite side thereof from the top board, and a bottom buffering material glued to the perforated woody board on the opposite side thereof from the sheet.

<CIT> relates to a woody fiber accumulated and laminated board with an improved nailing properties and nail holding power. These improvements are obtained by binding woody fibers with a binder in order to form a united body with a sufficiently high mean density of <NUM>-<NUM> per cubic meter and a surface layer with a density of <NUM> per cubic meter.

The invention relates to a board as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

The first aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zone concerned, as well as each comprise an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, with the characteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements comprises means which, at the location of the end face, hide from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed at the pertaining edge zone.

Due to these means, the design of the profiled parts no longer has an influence on the exterior of the composed element, and the exterior surface can be finished in an optimum manner. As, when realizing the profiled parts, it is no longer necessary to consider the effect thereof on the exterior, the manufacturer moreover has the possibility of optimizing the profiled part in an unlimited manner in respect to good connection characteristics.

According to a first possibility, said means consist in that at the end face a strip of covering material is provided having next to said edge zone a contour course which differs from the contour course of said profiled part.

In an example, the strip of covering material has a rectilinear contour course next to said edge zone. It is clear that in this manner a classical straight covering strip can be used.

Further, it is preferred that the strip of covering material at the height of said edge zone has a contour course which, in the case that the edge zone is situated at a panel surface, is situated in the plane of this panel surface, and that, in the case that the edge zone is situated at a side edge, extends between the corner edges of this side edge.

The strip of covering material preferably consists of an adhered edge strip, more particularly a laminate strip or an ABS strip (synthetic material strip of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This latter offers the advantage that it is stronger than a laminate strip, thereby having a better damage-resistance.

According to a second possibility, said profiled part shows at least a recessed portion in the first edge zone, and said means consist of a filling material filling at least a part of the recessed portion next to said end face edge. Here, the filling material may consist of a filling compound as well as of an insertion piece.

According to a third possibility, the profiled part at said edge zone is performed up to a distance from said narrow edge only, such that at the end of the edge zone situated near the narrow edge, there remains a panel portion, which as such is not provided with a profile.

In a preferred example of the first aspect, said means are performed such that, in the coupled condition of the panel-shaped elements, both profiled parts, according to a view on the end face, are hidden from view. It is also preferred that the panel-shaped elements there, where they are coupled together, show end faces with a rectangular end contour, more particular, as if the boards would fit against each other with straight sides.

The aforementioned coupling means may be of any kind, however, they are performed such that the panel-shaped elements can be joined together laterally. This latter means that two of such panel-shaped elements can be presented opposite each other with the edge zones provided with profiled parts and, from such position, can be coupled to each other by means of a suitable displacement. This movement may consist of a turning movement and/or a displacement, in which a coupling by means of a snap action is created.

The coupling means preferably comprise a tongue and groove, as well as locking elements, which, in a normal mutual usage position of the panel-shaped elements, counteract the drifting-apart of tongue and groove.

The second aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zone concerned, as well as each comprise an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, with the characteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements is provided with a covering at the end face in the form of a strip of covering material, and that the profiled part extending to the same panel element extends continuously through said strip of covering material. According to this aspect, a less expensive solution is obtained, however, while still maintaining a certain finish at the front ends of the profiled parts.

The third aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zone concerned, as well as each comprise an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts effect that the panel-shaped elements are coupled together in an interlocking manner, with the characteristic that the profiled part of at least one of the panel-shaped elements extends continuously up to said end face such that at this side a contour of the profiled part is visible and that the composed element comprises an additional element, more particularly a front panel, which, at least in one usage position, is situated in front of said contour and substantially covers the latter and thereby hides it from view.

In a practical application, said additional element is a door, for example, a cupboard door, which in closed condition substantially covers that contour.

Here, too, a simple and less expensive solution is offered for hiding the profiled parts from view, at least in the most often occurring usage position.

The fourth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element in the form of a wall portion or a furniture element, with the characteristic that it comprises at least two panel-shaped elements; that at least one and preferably both of the panel-shaped elements consist of a board formed of at least two structural material layers, a first material and a second material layer, respectively; and that the panel-shaped elements are provided with coupling means in the form of profiled parts, which, in the assembled condition, effect that the panel-shaped elements are coupled together in an interlocking manner.

This aspect offers the advantage that by using two structural layers, possibilities are obtained for optimizing the panel-shaped elements. For example, one material layer may be tailored to realizing sturdy coupling means therein, whereas the other material layer may be tailored to imparting the panel-shaped element a larger thickness and strength in an economic manner.

Preferably, the profiled parts are provided in the board material itself, more particularly by means of a machining cutting treatment, in particular a milling treatment.

The use of at least two structural layers is particularly useful for panel-shaped elements which are coupled to each other at an angle, preferably at <NUM> degrees.

In a particular example, the composed element according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that the panel-shaped elements are connected at an angle by coupling means, wherein the coupling means comprise a tongue and groove integrated into the board material, as well as locking means present at the tongue and groove, which locking means counteract the drifting apart of the tongue and groove, wherein these locking means consist of locking elements, which are situated all along the side of the tongue situated closest to the inner side of the respective corner. Consequently, the locking elements are situated at a certain distance from the outer corner, due to which the risk of tearing off of certain parts under heavy load is minimized.

Preferably, such composed element herein shall be made such that the panel-shaped elements form a corner connection which forms a flush corner at the exterior side, thus, is free from protruding portions.

The composed elements according to the fourth aspect preferably utilize a multi-layered board, which further also shows one or more of the following characteristics:.

As will become clear from the detailed description, it is evident that the coupling means and pertaining locking elements preferably are realized at least partially in the first material layer.

The first, second, third and fourth aspect are aspects which can be applied with panel-shaped elements coupled together in the same plane, as well as with panel-shaped elements coupled together at an angle.

The fifth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which consist of a board material and which are connected together at an angle, with the characteristic that the panel-shaped elements are connected by means of coupling means which comprise a tongue and groove substantially made as profiled parts in the board material itself, wherein the tongue has a first side and an opposed second side, and wherein said coupling means further also comprise locking elements preventing, in coupled condition, the drifting apart of the tongue and groove.

In a preferred example of a composed element according to the fifth aspect, said coupling means show one or more of the following characteristics:.

In still another example of the fifth aspect, such composed element further is characterized in that the panel-shaped elements consist of at least two structural material layers, a first material layer and a second material layer, respectively, wherein this composed element further shows any of the following characteristics:.

As the locking elements are realized in the finer material, for example, MDF or HDF, the risk is small that torn-off particles would exert a disadvantageous influence on the locking. Also, narrower tolerances can be applied.

Also with composed panels according to the fifth aspect, it is preferred that the panel-shaped elements at the exterior side of a corner formed by them adjoin each other in a flush manner, such that the corner concerned is free from protruding panel parts.

The sixth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element, which is composed at least partially of a set of panel-shaped elements completely surrounding a space, with the characteristic that the panel-shaped elements are coupled to each other entirely around this space by means of coupling means in the form of profiled parts integrated into the edges of the panels, said profiled parts allowing that all these panel-shaped elements can be joined into each other laterally. Preferably, said space is surrounded by four panel-shaped elements, which successively are laterally joined into each other by means of coupling means in the form of profiled parts integrated into the edges of these elements and thereby form an element with four corners. Further, it is preferred herein that said four panel-shaped elements possess profiled parts, which are composed such that the four panel-shaped elements can be joined together in at least one of the following manners:.

The sixth aspect offers the advantage of a simple assembly.

The seventh aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element, characterized in that it comprises a basic structure which, at least at three successive sides, is provided with a covering formed by panel-shaped elements, with the characteristic that these panel-shaped elements mutually are connected to each other by means of coupling means. Such composed element allows that the covering can easily be provided around the basic structure, due to said coupling means, and as such also is held in its place. In a practical example, the panel-shaped elements consist of board material, and the coupling means are formed at least by profiled parts formed in the board material itself.

The basic structure may consist of any element. It may relate, for example, to a carcass for a piece of kitchen furniture, a refrigerator, for example, a wine storage cupboard, and so on.

The eighth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element, which is composed of a basic structure formed by a refrigerator, which is provided with a covering at a number of sides, with the characteristic that the covering consists of panel-shaped elements consisting of wood-based board provided with a laminate covering. This eighth aspect allows providing for a covering in an inexpensive manner. The wood-based board is, for example, an MDF or HDF board.

The ninth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element in the form of a wall portion or a furniture element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, with the characteristic that they are connected by means of coupling means making use of a locking element, which is made as an insertion piece in an edge in one of the panel-shaped elements. The use of such insertion piece offers the advantage that in respect to locking, bending and the like, other features may be obtained than when the coupling means are performed in the board material of the panel-shaped elements themselves. Consequently, the connection between two panel-shaped elements can be optimized considerably, as in this manner a sturdier locking can be realized, however, without putting an extensive load on the board material itself.

Preferable characteristics of such coupling means using an insertion piece will become evident from the description and the claims.

The tenth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a multi-layered board, with the characteristic that it consists of at least two structural material layers, a first material layer and a second material layer, respectively, which both are made as a wood composite and wherein the material of the first material layer shows a finer structure than the material of the second layer.

It is clear that by a "wood composite", a composition is meant which is at least formed of components on the basis of wood and a binding agent connecting these components to each other. These components consist, for example, of wood particles and/or wood fibers and/or wood flour, also called sawdust. The fact that reference is made to "components" in the plural form, means that this relates to an amount of component particles and thus does not mean that different kinds, such as fibers on the one hand and particles on the other hand, must be present in the same layer, although this is not excluded.

By a "finer" structure, in particular a structure is meant, which, in a cross-section of the first material layer, offers a finer surface than the surface obtained with a cross-section of the second material layer.

Such "finer" structure may consist, for example, in that finer wood components are applied in the first material layer and/or that a better filling is used in the first material layer, such that a less porous structure is obtained, and/or in that a higher density is applied in the first material layer.

It is clear that such board can be realized in a relatively cheap manner, as it is substantially made on the basis of wood, however, at the same time has important usage possibilities, as each material layer can be optimized in function of the application.

This multi-layered board preferably has a structure fulfilling one or more of the following possibilities:.

It is clear that by "structural" layers, layers have to be understood which, viewed in cross-section, each form an essential component part of the thickness of the composed board. Layers, which thus, for example, are performed exclusively as a skin, such as, for example, a thin layer of finer particles at the surface of the board in order to obtain a smoother surface, can not be considered a structural layer. Preferably, the first and second material layer show thicknesses each being at least <NUM>% and still better at least <NUM>% of the total thickness of the composed board.

It is clear that the difference intended by "finer structure" relates to a difference obtained by a production method applied explicitly for this purpose, more particularly by applying mutually different materials, mutually different material blends, or materials in different ratios, whereas a density distribution which is purely the result of, for example, pressing and consolidating a material mass in a press, where, as is known, a larger compression takes place at the surface than in the center, is not considered a "difference" as intended by the disclosure.

It is noted that a board which comprises at least two structural layers, which thus each have a considerable thickness in respect to the total thickness, and wherein the first material layer is formed by a pressed wood composite, whereas the second material layer comprises a pressed composite material of a lesser weight, as such also is advantageous, irrespective whether the first material does have or does not have a finer structure than the second material layer. The eleventh aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a board, which is characterized in that it comprises at least two structural material layers, wherein the first material layer thereof is formed by a pressed wood composite, whereas the second material layer comprises a pressed composite material of a lesser weight, more particularly of the light-weight type. Preferably, the first material layer consists substantially, and still better exclusively, of wood composite, thus of wood components, such as wood particles and/or fibers, which are pressed and are consolidated by means of a binding agent, by which this first material layer, for example, is comparable to or consists of particle board or MDF/HDF board. The composite material of the second material layer preferably is a composite, thus, material particles with binding agent, formed on the basis of one or more materials chosen from the series of:.

It is clear that still other materials can be blended into the composites.

The foamed synthetic material can be foamed during the production of the board, as well as already foamed beforehand and can be taken up between the wood components, for example, in the form of foamed particles, for example, granules, prior to pressing the whole to form a board.

According to the eleventh aspect, not according to the invention, the first material layer and second material layer preferably form a part of a unitary pressed structure, although it is not excluded to start for each of the two material layers from a separately manufactured board, wherein the respective boards then are attached to each other.

It is clear that also according to the eleventh aspect, by "structural layers", layers have to be understood which, viewed in cross-section, each form an essential component part of the thickness of the composed board. Layers, which thus, for example, are performed exclusively as a skin, such as, for example, a thin layer of finer particles at the surface of the board in order to obtain a smoother surface, can not be considered a structural layer. Preferably, the first and second material layer show thicknesses each being at least <NUM>% and still better at least <NUM>% of the total thickness of the composed board.

It is clear that the boards of the tenth as well as of the eleventh aspect, apart from the mentioned two structural material layers, may comprise still other structural material layers. According to a particular example, the boards will be performed as sandwich panels, with at least three structural material layers, wherein then preferably two adjacent material layers of the aforementioned three material layers are formed by said first and second material layer.

Boards with only two structural material layers, however, show the advantage that they are easier to realize. Also, each material layer then may have a relatively large thickness in relation to the total thickness, which is useful when coupling parts have to be realized in one of the material layers.

Of course, the boards of the tenth and eleventh aspect may be provided with a finish on one or both flat sides, for example, treated with melamine and/or printed and/or lacquered.

It is noted that, when the boards of the tenth or eleventh aspect are performed as a unitary pressed structure, the transition between the first material layer and the second material layer may be gradual. The middle of the transition then shall be considered the borderline.

Further, it is preferred that said multi-layered board according to the tenth or eleventh aspect is characterized in that it is made as a panel-shaped element, which, at least at two edges, is provided with coupling means for coupling several of such panel-shaped elements to each other in an interlocking manner, whether or not by the intermediary of provided in between profiled connecting pieces, wherein these coupling means show one or more of the following features:.

According to the disclosure, all features summarized herein above can be combined at wish, inasmuch as such combinations are not contradictory.

An independent twelfth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which mutually are at an angle, as well as at least one connecting piece, which can cooperate with both panel-shaped elements, with the characteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements comprises an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zone concerned; that the connecting piece comprises at least one profiled part extending in the longitudinal direction thereof; and that said profiled parts allow laterally joining the panel-shaped element and the connecting piece into each other in an interlocking manner and in this way coupling them to each other.

Such composed element has the advantage that it is easy to assemble and that the use of small components, such as screws, connecting pins, clamping systems and the like can be excluded for forming the corner connection. Also, it is easy to manufacture. The connecting piece can be realized from different materials, at manufacturer's choice, whereby for this purpose another material may be chosen than for the panel-shaped elements.

The panel-shaped elements consist, for example, of laminated wood composite boards, such as laminated particle board or wood fiberboard, or multi-layered boards, such as already described herein above. Also, otherwise-coated wood composite boards are taken into account.

The connecting pieces preferably are made as profiled laths. They may be formed, for example, by extrusion or by providing the necessary profiles in straight laths by means of a machining treatment, such as a milling process.

A number of practical examples of materials from which the connecting pieces can be realized, are MDF, HDF, solid wood, aluminum or synthetic material, more particularly Nylon, PET, PP, PVC and the like. Of course, the profiled parts may be provided with a covering, for example, by means of a print and/or one or more lacquer layers and/or by encasing. In the case of encasing, any film can be used, for example, paper, PP, PVC, PET, veneer and the like.

The connecting pieces may have different lengths. Their final length may correspond to the depth of a piece of furniture or the like applying it, or differ therefrom. For example, it is not excluded to apply short connecting pieces, whereby then, for example, at least two thereof will have to be applied at a distance from each other along a respective edge of a piece of furniture. In such case, these connecting pieces may have a length of several centimeters or even have a length of one centimeter or less.

Preferably, the profiled part at the panel-shaped elements is made in one piece therewith.

The profiled parts preferably are configured such that the panel-shaped elements and the connecting pieces can be joined into each other at least by means of a snap movement. Still better, they are configured such that, at the location of one and the same connection, they can be joined into each other by turning as well as by snapping, at the assembler's choice.

The profiled parts preferably apply a tongue and groove connection, wherein the tongue and groove are provided with locking parts or locking elements, which prevent the drifting apart. The tongue preferably is situated at the distal end of the panel-shaped element, whereas the groove is provided in the connecting piece. Preferably, the tongue is split for the purpose of the snap action. Herein, it is advantageous that the slot present in the tongue to this aim extends up to a depth which, in mounted condition, is deeper than up to the plane where the panel-shaped elements adjoins the connecting piece.

The composed element of the twelfth aspect preferably is a furniture element. This may relate to a furniture element of any kind. A practical field of application is in modular hanging or standing cupboards. Another application is in kitchen cupboards, for example, for composing basic kitchen modules, which then are further finished by the kitchen installers, for example, by providing thereon front walls, countertops and the like.

In a corner construction, preferably both panel-shaped elements adjoining thereto are coupled to the connecting piece in such manner by means of profiled parts. It is noted that the tongue and groove in a single-fold corner connection preferably are always situated closer to the inner corner than to the outer corner.

Also, connecting pieces can be applied, which allow a T-connection, a cross connection or a connection in the same plane, such that a plurality of furniture modules can be formed next to each other and one upon the other.

Preferably, the connecting pieces are mounted along the corner edges, where side walls have to be coupled with upper walls, lower walls, respectively, of a module. More particularly, it is preferred that the component parts of such module all around between side walls, upper wall and lower wall are coupled in such manner, thus, by means of the connecting pieces.

A thirteenth aspect, not according to the invention, relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two modules situated next to each other, with side walls, upper walls and lower walls, which are formed by panel-shaped elements, characterized in that the side wall where the modules adjoin each other, is formed by a single common panel-shaped element; that there is a first connecting construction between this common panel-shaped element and the upper walls of the modules; that there is a second connecting construction between this common panel-shaped element and the lower walls of the modules; and that at the location of at least one of said connecting constructions, one of the panel-shaped elements, via a profiled part formed at this panel-shaped element, is coupled directly or indirectly to the other panel-shaped elements.

By the technique of the thirteenth aspect, the respective modules can be assembled in a fast manner. A separate height adjustment and connection between separate side walls is no longer necessary. Moreover, space is saved, in consideration of the fact that between the modules, only a single common panel-shaped element is required.

In a preferred example, all panel-shaped elements which come together in said connecting constructions are coupled to each other by means of profiled parts provided in the elements, whether or not by means of intermediate pieces.

For the coupling means and/or connecting pieces used therewith, preferably use is made of examples as described in the preceding aspects.

The eleventh aspect is particularly advantageous when building kitchen cupboards, in particular in modules offered as a basis to kitchen builders, which latter then build complete kitchen cupboards from these modules, by providing them, for example, with front panels, countertops, possible additional lateral coverings and a variety of accessories.

According to the invention, the board, over the majority of its thickness, comprises a pressed wood composite, which is at least composed of wood components and a binding agent, with the characteristic that in the wood composite, by means of its composition, a reinforcing layer of a local thickness is formed. By a "local thickness", it is meant that the reinforcing layer shows a thickness which is smaller than the total thickness of the board and thus, viewed in a cross-section, is present only locally.

It is noted that the reinforcing layer is formed in the wood composite, which means that the reinforcing layer is in one piece integrated into the board and that this does not relate to a separate layer applied by gluing or the like between other board-shaped layers formed in advance.

Such board according to such embodiment has the advantages that, on the one hand, it can be realized in an economic manner, and, on the other hand, it offers advantageous features in a large number of applications.

Due to the fact that it is started from a pressed wood composite and the most important basic material thus is wood, the costs, however, remain relatively low. In that the reinforcing layer moreover only is formed over a certain thickness, also the amount and cost of the materials required to this aim are kept low.

It is clear that such board can be advantageously applied, for example, when manufacturing furniture panels. The furniture panels manufactured thereof then show, amongst others, an increased bending resistance, due to which, when being applied, for example, as a shelf, they will sag less fast and/or can carry heavier loads.

In a particular embodiment, the board is applied in the manufacture of panels which are provided with coupling means formed of the board material, which coupling means comprise locking parts or locking elements, and these coupling means are realized at least partially in the reinforcing layer. This offers the advantage that the coupling means obtained are stronger than with a panel realized from a similar board, however, without such reinforcing layer being present. As a result thereof, for example, sturdier couplings can be realized, wherein the coupling parts may be loaded heavier without a break and/or tear-off thereof occurring. On the other hand, according to the invention, it is also possible to realize a less expensive board, for example, with a lower density and thus relatively with less wood composite, wherein due to the reinforcing layer, coupling means still can be realized therein, which have a normal or even better strength. A practical application thereof, for example, consists in manufacturing panels in MDF, wherein at least in a certain thickness thereof a reinforcing layer is integrated, such that at that location, an increased strength is created in the board, and such MDF board then can be used in many applications as a replacement for a HDF board, which as such is more expensive.

Consequently, the invention is particularly useful with floor panels, furniture panels and ceiling panels, which are provided with coupling means at their edges, which coupling means allow coupling such panels to each other in an interlocking manner, whether directly or indirectly.

It is clear that generally, the location of the reinforcing layer can be chosen in function of the application for which the board is used. Also, it is clear that possibly also two or more reinforcing layers can be provided in the board.

Preferably, the reinforcing layer substantially extends over the entire board, preferably relatively uniform. This offers the advantage that, irrespective where a panel is formed from a board, for example, is sawed therefrom, it is always possible to form reinforced coupling means at the edge.

The board according to the invention preferably relates to a board of the type obtained by pressing a mat-shaped layer of wood composite, whether or not in combination with other materials, as is usual in the traditional manufacture of particle board and MDF/HDF boards.

The wood composite which is applied in the board according to the invention, preferably consists of wood fibers with a binding agent. More particularly, it is preferred that the wood composite is performed as a MDF or HDF board, in which then the reinforcing layer is integrated.

However, it is not excluded to apply other wood composites for this purpose, such as particles and the like, such that in such case, the board according to the invention consists of a particle board with a reinforcing layer integrated therein. The reinforcing layer may be performed in different ways.

The reinforcing layer may be formed, for example, by locally applying wood components, which, at least in one certain direction, offer a higher strength than the remaining wood components. An example thereof is a particle board in which a wood fiber layer has been incorporated. The wood fiber layer, which then is comparable, for example, to MDF or HDF, shows a higher tensile strength in the plane of the board than in the portion of the board which is composed of particles. In such application, it is preferred that the wood fiber layer is situated at one side of the board only or rather is situated in the middle, thus, at a distance from both sides, such in view of forming coupling means in this reinforcing layer.

Particular binding agents, which are used according to the invention in the layer to be reinforced, are elastomers. More particularly, it is preferred that polyurethane is applied, in a non-foamed form, and still in particular thermoplastic polyurethane. The reinforcing layer may be provided adjacent to a surface of the board, thus, of the raw board, as well as within the board, thus, at a distance from the two flat sides of the board. For example, when it is intended to realize a board with an increased impact resistance at the surface, it is clear that the reinforcing layer preferably is realized at that surface. For example, when the intention is to be able to form sturdier coupling means in the edges of the board, then the reinforcing layer preferably is present over that portion of the thickness of the board, where this contributes to a reinforcement in the coupling means in the best way.

It is clear that the invention also relates to panels which are formed from a board according to the invention, more particularly panels with coupling means, which are at least partially performed in the reinforcing layer. Here, this may relate to furniture panels, wall or ceiling panels, as well as floor panels.

It is noted that the use of an elastomer as a binding agent also offers good characteristics in respect to noise dampening, in particular in respect to impact noises, such as footfall sound when walking on floor panels, however, also in respect to penetrating noises. In connection herewith, the claimed invention, according to a fifteenth aspect of the disclosure, relates to a board, which, for the majority of its thickness, is composed of a pressed wood composite, consisting of wood components bonded by a binding agent, characterized in that it is provided, over a local thickness, with a layer of elastomer, more particularly polyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and more particularly thermoplastic polyurethane. The layer comprises wood components and the elastomer and/or the polyurethane and/or the product on the basis of polyurethane acting as binding agent, wherein said wood components of said layer are impregnated with the elastomer and/or the polyurethane and/or the product on the basis of polyurethane. By applying this material only over a minor thickness, in other words, not the entire thickness, costs remain low. Efficiency, however, remains good, as the product is present in the entire board as a layer, even if this is only over a portion of the thickness thereof.

It is clear that this then is a layer which forms part of the pressed board itself. The elastomer, and more particularly the polyurethane, thus is situated between the wood components and/or the wood components are impregnated therewith. For this purpose, the elastomer, more particularly the polyurethane or the product on the basis of polyurethane, may be added to the wood components either in combination with the usual binding agent of the wood composite, or as a replacement thereof, at the location where the layer concerned has to be formed.

The wood components can consist of particles and/or wood fibers, and such board can be realized, for example, in a similar manner as wood particle boards or wood fiberboards, such as MDF and HDF, wherein then it is started from two wood composites, on the one hand, a wood component which is at least glued with the elastomer, more particularly the polyurethane or the product on the basis of polyurethane, whether or not combined with other binding agent, and, on the other hand, a wood component which is glued with a binding agent which does not comprise said elastomer, more particularly the polyurethane or the product on the basis of polyurethane, or does comprise it to a considerably lesser extent. Starting from these wood composites, then a mat consisting of different layers can be formed by strewing the treated wood components, such that after pressing this mat a board according to the invention is obtained.

Not according to the invention, other possibilities for providing the elastomer and/or the thermoplastic in the board itself in the form of a layer, more particularly the polyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and still more particularly thermoplastic polyurethane, are not excluded to achieve a board according to the fifteenth aspect. For example, a possibility may consist in that the layer is formed by impregnating the upper side of an already formed particle board or wood fiberboard with the respective materials.

The elastomer, more particularly polyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and in particular thermoplastic polyurethane, best is situated in the proximity of a surface of the board and more particularly preferably is adjacent to this surface. Consequently, such boards are considered particularly useful as a basic board for realizing floor panels from them, more particularly floor panels having a thin top layer on top of the basic layer of which they consist. As in such applications the respective layer then is directly beneath or at a very small distance beneath the top layer, a clearly observable dampening effect against footfall sound is obtained, which presumably is due to the fact that said layer forms a more or less elastic underlay for the mostly hard top layer.

The above-mentioned effect is particularly useful with floor panels which are formed of such board and are provided with a laminate layer, in particular DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate). Herein, the top layer is hard and thin. Due to the hardness, usually an undesired footfall sound is produced when it is walked upon. Due to the fact that the top layer, however, is thin and said dampening layer is situated directly or almost directly underneath, a good dampening effect is obtained. Also in floor panels with other top layers, there is an improvement, such as in floor panels having a top layer of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) or a top layer consisting of one or more prints and/or one or more layers of lacquer, such as primers, decorative paint layers, transparent top layers and the like.

In particular with a directly printed board, whether or not by the intermediary of primers, and whether or not provided with a transparent protective layer, however, with the exclusion of classical laminate layers consisting of one or more paper sheets soaked in resin, the invention will show its usefulness, as the produced footfall sound as such then will be low and moreover is dampened well.

The layer of elastomer and/or polyurethane, more particularly polyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and in particular thermoplastic polyurethane, is situated with its upper side preferably not farther than <NUM> and still better not more than <NUM> millimeter below the surface of the floor panel to be walked on.

Thus, it is also clear that the invention relates to floor panels showing the above-mentioned characteristics.

A sixteenth aspect, not according to the invention relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, which mutually are at an angle and are coupled by means of a connection, wherein one of the two forms a back part, whereas the other forms a part extending perpendicularly in respect to the back part, with the characteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements, for forming said connection, comprises a zone, more particularly an edge zone, at which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective zone, wherein this profiled part allows that said panel-shaped elements can be joined into each other directly or indirectly in an interlocking manner and in this way can be coupled to each other. The profiled part, as well as the portion in which it has to engage, which usually also will consist of a profiled part, herein preferably are configured such that the respective panel-shaped elements can be directly or indirectly joined laterally into each other in an interlocking manner. By "laterally" is meant that the panel-shaped elements, from a position in which the respective profiled parts are situated parallel opposite to each other, can be joined into each other, more particularly by means of a turning and/or snap movement, either directly into each other, or by the intermediary of a connecting piece. A composed element according to the sixteenth aspect offers the advantage that it is very easy to assemble and that due to the locking connection with the back part, a particularly stable construction is obtained.

By an "interlocking" connection, it has to be understood that as soon as the panel-shaped elements are in a coupled condition and in the normal mutual position, they are prevented to come apart from each other. Such connection preferably is performed as a tongue and groove coupling, at which additional locking elements are present, for example, as already described above in connection with the other aspects.

Particularly practical constructions are obtained with examples of the sixteenth aspect, wherein said longitudinal direction extends in the height and such connection thus is active between the back part and one or more upright-standing side walls and/or upright-standing intermediary walls. Preferably, at least the two connections between the back part and the usual two side walls are performed in accordance with the sixteenth aspect. In the case that one or more upright-standing intermediary walls are applied, it is also preferred that one or more thereof, and still better all of them, also are coupled to the back part by means of connections by means of the sixteenth aspect.

An additional advantage with composed elements, wherein said connection extends in height, is that, when such element is higher than a person, the coupling means at the end faces are not visible and thus it is not necessary to apply particular means in order to hide the profiled parts from view at their upwardly directed ends. Herein, possible shelves or the like preferably are put on between the side walls and/or intermediate walls by classical support means, such that the end faces of the side panels and/or partitions, which are directed forward, simply can be made straight. In other words, there are no continuous profiled parts in the end faces, which would have to be camouflaged one way or another.

Although the sixteenth aspect is particularly advantageous with upright-directed connections, it may also be applied with horizontal connections between a back part and a panel-shaped element, such as between a back part, on the one hand, and a shelf, a bottom plank or a top plank, on the other hand.

According to a preferred example of the sixteenth aspect, both respective panel-shaped elements are provided with profiled parts, which then engage directly into each other. This offers the advantage that no separate connecting pieces are necessary and the cost of the construction remains limited.

However, this does not exclude that according to a variant, use can be made of one or more connecting pieces situated as an intermediate piece between the panel-shaped elements, for example, profiled laths, which are made in accordance with the twelfth aspect.

It is noted that the aforementioned panel-shaped element, which is made as a back part, can be composed of a plurality of segments, which each as such also can be coupled to each other, whether directly or indirectly, by means of profiled parts. In an indirect coupling, preferably one or more lath-shaped connecting pieces are applied, which respectively also may perform a connection with an intermediate wall, preferably also by means of profiled parts, at the connecting pieces and at an edge of the intermediate wall, respectively.

A particularly practical example of a piece of furniture which is performed according to the sixteenth aspect, consists in that between the side walls and the back part, there are corner connections with profiled parts which are performed directly in the respective panel-shaped elements, whereas for the connections between the back part and the intermediate walls, use is made of connecting pieces.

It is clear that examples according to the sixteenth aspect are particularly suitable for pieces of furniture in the form of a rack with shelves. It is clear that in this application as well as in other applications the term furniture or piece of furniture has to be broadly interpreted and that in this manner, this may relate, amongst others, to pieces of furniture in the form of standing cupboards, hanging cupboards and the like, as well as pieces of furniture in the form of a large assembly, for example, wall cabinets, dressings, large racks, for example, for shops, and the like.

Further characteristics of the invention follow from the following detailed description and the attached claims.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character, several preferred embodiments are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

<FIG> represent a composed element <NUM>, as well as the component parts thereof, which is made at least in accordance with the aforementioned first aspect.

Herein, the composed element <NUM> comprises two panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which each have an edge zone <NUM>-<NUM> in which coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> are present in the form of a profiled part <NUM>-<NUM> respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zone <NUM>-<NUM> concerned, as well as each comprise at least one end face <NUM>-<NUM> extending transversely in respect to the respective edge zone <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein said coupling means <NUM>-<NUM>, and more particularly the profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM>, allow that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> can be coupled together in an interlocking manner. In accordance with the first aspect, at least one of the panel-shaped elements, and in this example both panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, comprises means <NUM> which hide from view at least a portion of the profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM> at the location of the end face <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

The coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> are of such kind that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, as in <FIG>, can be presented opposite to each other and can be joined laterally into each other, as will be explained in the following.

As represented in the example, the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> preferably comprise a tongue <NUM> and a groove <NUM>, as well as locking elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which, in a normal mutual usage position of the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, counteract the drifting apart of tongue and groove, as can be seen in <FIG>, which shows the coupled condition.

A particular characteristic of the composed elements of <FIG> consists in that the groove <NUM> is bordered by lips <NUM>-<NUM>, one lip <NUM> of which protrudes outwardly of the actual edge <NUM> of the panel-shaped element <NUM> concerned. Further, a recess <NUM> is provided at the panel-shaped element <NUM>, which recess, in the coupled condition, offers room for the protruding portion of the lip <NUM> and, as is evident from <FIG>, allows a free turning movement of this protruding portion.

In the example of the figures, the aforementioned means <NUM> consist in that at the end faces <NUM>-<NUM> a strip of covering material, <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, is provided, which next to said edge zones shows a contour course <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, which differs from the contour course <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, of said profiled parts, which contour courses all are represented in <FIG>. As represented herein, the contour courses <NUM> and <NUM> are rectilinear, as a consequence of which a simple finishing is possible.

Further, the strips of covering material <NUM>-<NUM> have a contour course at the height of said edge zones which extends between the corner edges <NUM>-<NUM> of each respective side edge, such that the covering material does not protrude at its corners, which reduces the risk of being damaged, for example, by breaking off.

In the represented example, the extremities of the strip-shaped covering material <NUM>-<NUM> have a rectangular end contour, more particular, as if the panel-shaped elements fit against each other with straight sides, which thus are formed by said straight contour courses <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as by the contour lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, which are determined by the corner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the panel-shaped elements, where the large surfaces thereof are ending.

The protruding parts <NUM>-<NUM> of the profiled parts at the respective edge zones are performed up to a distance A from said end face only, or, in other words, are removed up to a distance A.

The strip of covering material may consist of any suitable material. In a practical example, preferably use shall be made of an adhered edge strip, more particularly a laminate strip or an ABS strip (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which are generally known for use as adhered edge strips. A laminate strip offers the advantage that it is easy to make in the same color and/or with the same pattern as the laminate with which possibly the large surfaces of the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> are covered. An ABS strip, however, offers the advantage that it is sturdier and will not be damaged as easily.

Such adherable edge strip can be applied in a known manner, which usually is performed by rolling such strip, by the intermediary of glue, against the end face to be covered and cutting it off automatically at the end, for example, with a severing cutter. It is noted that such severing cutter <NUM> simultaneously also may serve for removing the protruding parts <NUM>-<NUM>, as aforementioned, up to a distance A from the end face concerned, as a result of which no separate treatment is required to this aim. This treatment is represented schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>.

It is noted that cutting off by means of such severing cutter <NUM> possibly can also be realized at a very slight angle, for example, of <NUM> degrees, such that this severing cutter, at the location where it penetrates deeper into the panel, is directed somewhat away from the panel. By this, it is avoided that the severing cutter <NUM>, as a result of possible tolerance deviations, would cut into the flat side of the panel-shaped element concerned.

Preferably, the panel-shaped elements possess a covering at one or both sides. Such covering may be of any kind and, for example, may be performed in the form of a laminate, for example, of the HPL type or the DPL type. Also, other coverings come into consideration, such as, for example, a foil, a lacquer layer, which as such may or may not be composed of multiple layers. In the example of <FIG>, thin laminate coverings <NUM>-<NUM> are represented.

It is noted that in the case of laminate coverings, in the manufacture of the panel-shaped elements preferably from the beginning one starts from a larger board which already is laminated on one or both sides, from which then the smaller panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> are realized.

Depending on the design of the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM>, the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> can be joined together in one or more well-determined ways and possibly also taken apart again. In the example of <FIG>, the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> allow joining the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> together as desired, with a turning movement as well as with a translation and snap movement. The turning movement W is represented in <FIG>, whereas the translation movement T is illustrated in <FIG>. In this latter, the lip <NUM> briefly bends out in order to provide for a snap-effect.

Generally, it is noted that the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> can be performed such, more particularly, have an overlapping design on certain locations, that the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> are permanently drawn towards each other in the mounted condition, which term also is called "pretension" and as such is known from the sector of floor panels and is described, for example, in the document <CIT>.

<FIG> represent a composed element wherein the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> in connected condition are situated in the same plane. However, it is clear that the disclosure is not restricted to such composed elements, but is also applicable to composed elements wherein the panel-shaped elements are connected at an angle, as will become clear from the further-described examples.

It is clear that the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> also can be provided at two or more sides of a panel-shaped element. When, for example, panel-shaped elements are applied having complementary coupling means at two opposite edges, for example, the above-described coupling means <NUM> and <NUM>, it is clear that successively a plurality of these elements can be coupled to each other. An example of such coupled panel-shaped elements <NUM> is represented in <FIG>, wherein these, together with two end elements <NUM>, form a tabletop <NUM>. The end elements <NUM> exclusively have coupling means at the longitudinal edges with which they border the elements <NUM>. At the end faces the elements <NUM>-<NUM> in accordance with the disclosure are provided with a strip of covering material <NUM>. Also the outwardly-directed longitudinal edges <NUM> are provided with such covering material. The represented table offers the advantage that the tabletop is easy to handle and transport in parts. Also, such tabletop can easily be enlarged or shortened by applying more or less elements <NUM>. Hereby, the disclosure is particularly suitable for composing tables of a large format, such as long party tables or sports tables, for example, for playing ping-pong. Such tables thus also offer the advantage that they are easy to store when not in use. It is clear that suitable support structures <NUM> and legs <NUM> are provided.

<FIG> represents a variant of the disclosure, wherein said means <NUM> consist in that the protruding parts <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein solely the panel-shaped element <NUM> with the protruding part <NUM> is represented here, are shortened over a distance, whereas the recessed portions <NUM> associated with the profiled parts are filled up at the height of the end face, in this case, <NUM>, by means of a filling material <NUM>, as a result of which the respective panel-shaped elements, in this case, the represented element <NUM>, each obtain a rectilinear corner contour.

The filling material <NUM> may consist of a filling compound, which is finished flush with the adjoining sides, or of an insertion piece which is provided in the respective recessed portion <NUM>. When the filling material <NUM>, in respect to its appearance, is attuned to the basic material of the respective panel-shaped elements, then a further covering of the end face <NUM> possibly may be omitted. However, when herein use is made of a strip-shaped covering material, then the filling material forms a support for this stroke, as then at this location, too, gluing may be provided. The use of such filling material <NUM> also offers the advantage that this technique may be applied for lacquered furniture, for example, with lacquered MDF/HDF cupboards.

<FIG> schematically represents a variant, wherein the recessed portion of the profile is enlarged to a larger recess <NUM>, for example, by means of a milling cutter <NUM>, which is moved over the distance A through the material of the panel-shaped element <NUM>. This technique offers the advantage that the recess can be realized with a rectangular cross-section, which enables performing the insertion piece <NUM> in a simple manner as a small rectangular block which can be glued into the recess <NUM>. By means of the milling treatment, also the respective protruding parts, in this case, the protruding part <NUM>, can be removed up to the distance A.

It is clear that the same techniques may be applied for the other panel-shaped element <NUM>.

<FIG> represents a composed element <NUM>, or at least a portion thereof, which is at least composed of two panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM>, which are coupled to each other at an angle, wherein the whole forms an example of said second as well as said third aspect of the disclosure. Herein, the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> are composed in that they are coupled to each other, in this case, turned into each other, by means of profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM> in the form of a tongue <NUM> and a groove <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is situated at an edge zone <NUM> at a lateral end face of the panel-shaped element <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is situated at one of the large surfaces of the panel-shaped element <NUM>, however, in an edge zone <NUM> thereof, by which thus a zone has to be understood which is situated in the proximity of an edge. In the example, this relates to the zone extending in height over the distance E. In accordance with the second aspect of the disclosure, the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> show end faces <NUM>-<NUM> extending perpendicular in respect to the respective edge zones <NUM>-<NUM>; said profiled parts allowing that the panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in an interlocking manner; the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> are provided on the end face with a covering in the form of a strip of covering material <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively; and the profiled parts are performed continuously through the aforementioned strips of covering material <NUM>-<NUM>.

In accordance with the third aspect of the disclosure, in the example of <FIG> also an additional element <NUM> is provided, more particularly a front panel, in this case, a door, for example a cupboard door, which, at least in a usage condition G, which in this case is the closed condition of the door, is situated in front of the contours, here generally indicated by reference <NUM>, of the coupling means and substantially covers them and thereby hides them from view.

It is noted that the above-described panel-shaped elements according to the disclosure can be composed in various manners. According to a first possibility, for such panel-shaped element, a simple board of the same or substantially the same material is applied, for example, a simple MDF board (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF board (High Density Fiberboard), or a classical particle board, possibly with finer wood particles at the exterior surfaces. By a simple board is meant that only one essential structural material layer is applied, which does not exclude that other thin layers, such as coverings, may be present. As an alternative, the panel-shaped elements consist of a multi-layered board and then preferably will be realized in accordance with said fourth aspect of the disclosure.

In <FIG>, a variant is shown by means of the dashed line <NUM>, wherein the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> consist of a board formed of at least two structural material layers, a first material layer <NUM> and a second material layer <NUM>, respectively.

As discussed in the introduction, the multi-layered board, of which the panel-shaped elements consist, may be composed in various ways, amongst which, amongst others, the following important possibilities:.

As represented in <FIG>, the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM>, or at least the locking elements <NUM>-<NUM>, are situated in the first material layer <NUM>.

<FIG> represents a composed element <NUM> according to the disclosure, which is composed of four panel-shaped elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein this relates, for example, to a cupboard, more particularly a suspended cupboard, wherein the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> form side walls, whereas the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> form a top wall and bottom wall, respectively. The panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> substantially consist of a board material with only one structural material layer, preferably MDF or HDF. The panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> are composed of a composed board with two material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, in this case, two board materials glued against each other. In this case, the material layer <NUM> consists of an MDF or HDF board, whereas the material layer <NUM> consists of particle board, wherein both material layers are glued against each other. As can be seen in the enlarged view of <FIG>, the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> preferably are performed exclusively in MDF or HDF, whereas the particle board material exclusively serves for creating a larger thickness at a lower cost.

<FIG> and <FIG> represent a variant, wherein the first material layer <NUM> of the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> is situated against the interior sides of the composed element <NUM>, with the advantage that the coupling means formed therein become situated at a pronounced distance X from the extremities <NUM>, thereby considerably reducing the risk of tearing off in the corners when the piece of furniture is subjected to a heavy load.

<FIG> represents that the end faces of the composed element <NUM> represented in <FIG> also, in accordance with the first aspect of the disclosure, may be provided with a covering formed by a strip-shaped covering material <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, by which the actual profiled parts of the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> are hidden from view. An important aspect consists in that one may work with simple rectangular strips, whereas all four corners <NUM> of each strip in fact are connected to underlying board material and thus are attached thereto. It is clear that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, apart from the covering formed by the strip-shaped covering material <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, can be provided with a covering on other sides, too.

<FIG> represents a variant, wherein the panel-shaped elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> each are composed of two structural material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, in this case, a first structural material layer <NUM> of MDF or HDF board and a second structural material layer <NUM> of particle board. Further, the whole is provided with the necessary laminate coverings <NUM>. On the end faces of the whole, strips of covering material having a simple rectangular shape may be provided, analogous to <FIG>, wherein it is clear that it is intended to apply the laminate coverings <NUM> and the strips of covering material during the manufacture of the panel-shaped elements, thus, prior to joining the panel-shaped elements.

It is noted that the construction represented in <FIG> allows composing the element <NUM> by turning the respective panel-shaped elements into each other at the location of three corners of the composed element <NUM>, whereas exclusively the fourth corner has to be effected by means of a snap-connection. As a consequence, one may proceed as follows. First, the panel-shaped element <NUM> is connected to the panel-shaped element <NUM> by means of a turning movement W1. Then, the panel-shaped element <NUM> is coupled to the panel-shaped element <NUM> by means of a turning movement W2, wherein this element <NUM> at the same time is forced somewhat further up into the position P represented in dashed line, by which sufficient space is created for then coupling the panel-shaped element <NUM> to the panel-shaped element <NUM> by means of a turning movement W3. Finally, the element <NUM> then can be obtained in the completely assembled form by connecting the panel-shaped element <NUM> to the panel-shaped element <NUM> by means of a snap movement S. It is clear that in this manner, the panel-shaped elements easily can be coupled to each other by a user; for example, for composing a cupboard or the like in this manner.

<FIG> represent that essentially only two designs need to be used for the panel-shaped elements to be applied.

For the coupling means, in this case, too, respectively a tongue <NUM> and a groove <NUM>, as well as locking elements <NUM> and <NUM> are used.

As becomes clear from <FIG>, as well as from the enlarged view in <FIG>, in this case coupling means are used showing the following features:.

It is noted that coupling means with one or more of the above-listed characteristics may also be applied with panel-shaped elements which can be coupled to each other in the same plane, as well as with panel-shaped elements which as such are composed differently from the represented structure composed of two layers.

The example of <FIG> also illustrates that, when the panel-shaped elements consist of at least two structural material layers, a first material layer and a second material layer, respectively, then this composed element further may show any of the following characteristics:.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that according to the disclosure the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other in a flush manner at the exterior side of a corner formed thereby, such that the respective outer corner is straight and free from protruding panel portions.

<FIG> also illustrates once again that the coupling means, which are provided in a large flat side of a panel-shaped element, due to the specific construction can be realized at a proper distance from the edge. In other words, the groove in <FIG> is situated at a considerable distance from the upper edge of the panel-shaped element <NUM>. In connection therewith, it is preferred that the distance Z, which is the distance from the exterior side up to the tongue, is more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the thickness TH of the panel-shaped elements.

The disclosure also relates to a multi-layered board as such, with the characteristic that it consists of at least two material layers, a first material layer and a second material layer, respectively, which both are performed as a wood composite and wherein the material of the first material layer shows a finer structure than the material of the second material layer. <FIG> illustrate by means of two examples that various variants are possible.

For example, <FIG> represents a construction where the first material layer <NUM> is formed on the basis of wood fiber material and, for example, consists of MDF board or HDF board, whereas the second layer <NUM> is formed on the basis of wood particles and more particularly consists of particle board, wherein both boards are glued one onto the other. Further, the multi-layered board may be provided with a laminate covering <NUM> on one or both sides. Also, other layers may be provided. For example, one may start from two boards which each are provided with melamine on both sides, an MDF or HDF board and a particle board, respectively, which are glued to each other one upon the other.

<FIG> schematically represents a variant, wherein the first material layer <NUM> and the second material layer <NUM> form part of a unitary pressed structure. Such structure may be realized by forming, in a production process of particle board, not only a mat of particles to be pressed, however, in combination therewith also incorporating a layer of fibers into the mat, preferably at one side of the mat, and then consolidating the whole in a press. The whole may or may not be provided with a laminate covering <NUM>.

<FIG> represent still another composed element <NUM> illustrating a particular aspect of the disclosure. The composed element <NUM>, only a portion of which is represented, herein forms a wall or furniture element and shows the particular characteristic that coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> are applied, which utilize a locking element, in this case <NUM>, which is performed as an insertion piece provided in an edge in one of the panel-shaped elements, in this case, the panel-shaped element <NUM>. More specifically, this insertion piece consists of a strip, which is provided with a movable locking portion <NUM>, which latter can cooperate with a locking element <NUM> formed at the other panel-shaped element <NUM>.

More specifically, this insertion piece is formed of a strip which, viewed in cross-section, is made of materials, preferably synthetic material, with different material characteristics. This offers the advantage that different characteristics may be imparted to the component parts thereof, depending on their function. More particularly, certain parts may be made suppler than others.

In the example, the strip, apart from the already mentioned locking portion <NUM>, also is composed of an attachment portion <NUM>, and a hinge portion <NUM> situated in between them. The locking portion <NUM> and the attachment portion <NUM> are made of a harder and more rigid synthetic material than the hinge portion <NUM>, at the one hand, for having the locking portion <NUM> in coupled condition offer a good locking, and providing the attachment portion in a stable manner into a recess <NUM> provided for this purpose, and, on the other hand, for having the locking portion move in a supple manner by means of the hinge portion <NUM>. It is noted that this hinge portion <NUM> does not only possess the function of an hinge, however, also functions as an elastic matter pushing the locking portion <NUM>, in rest position, with its free extremity outward, up into the condition of <FIG>.

In the most preferred example, the insertion piece will be made from a strip formed by means of coextrusion.

The panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled simply by, starting from the position in <FIG>, pressing them into each other with their tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM>, wherein the locking portion <NUM> then first is turned to the side in order to then be moved outward again and take place behind the locking element <NUM>, wherein then the locked condition of <FIG> is obtained.

It is noted that possibly a recess <NUM> may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the profile concerned, which recess may be helpful during the possible uncoupling of the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM>. Such recess allows pushing, in coupled condition, a small pin into it, which is sufficiently thick for pushing the locking portion <NUM> elastically inward, which undoes the locking. If the front side of the composed element <NUM> is provided with a finish, for example, by means of an adhered edge strip, care may be taken that the recess <NUM> is accessible exclusively along the back side of the composed element <NUM>, for example, the back side of a cupboard, such that during normal use the recess is not visible.

Such coupling with an insertion piece is particularly suitable for being applied in corner connections for furniture, on the one hand, because a stable connection can be realized therewith, and, on the other hand, because during joining, the tongue simply can be pressed into the groove without exerting torsion forces or the like.

It is noted that such composed element <NUM> may possess still other components than the respective panel-shaped elements alone. Amongst these, there may also be components which reinforce the construction formed by the panel-shaped elements, and more particularly bring it into a rigid condition. In the case of, for example, a four-cornered construction, such as a small cupboard or the like, for example, as depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, to this aim a rectangular back may be provided between the panel-shaped elements. This back simply may consist of a board which is provided between the panel-shaped elements, for example, during the joining thereof, and which takes place in a groove extending completely along the circumference.

It is evident that other components consist, for example, of shelves, intermediate posts, doors and the like, at least in the case of cupboards.

From the board according to the eleventh aspect of the disclosure, no specific example is represented in the figures, as the construction thereof is sufficiently clear from the examples described in the introduction. However, <FIG> may be an example thereof, if the material layers <NUM> and <NUM> respectively were made of materials as is described in respect to the eleventh aspect.

<FIG>, in cross-section and for three conditions, represent a corner construction of still another composed element according to the disclosure, which, amongst others, meets the fifth aspect of the disclosure. The coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> and more particularly the tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> and the locking elements <NUM> and <NUM> are made in one piece in the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, in the form of profiled parts <NUM> and <NUM> formed thereon by means of milling treatments.

The tongue <NUM> is situated at the outer end of the panel-shaped element <NUM>, whereas the groove <NUM> is situated in the side wall of the panel-shaped element <NUM>. Such arrangement and configuration offers sturdy coupling means when the panel-shaped elements consist of board material which is formed of a composite pressed to boards.

This example illustrates that the groove <NUM> can extend deeper than up to the plane where the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> adjoin each other, which is beneficial for the elasticity in the tongue.

The panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> preferably consist of MDF or HDF.

<FIG> and <FIG> represent a number of composed elements, more particularly furniture elements, which apply corner constructions as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an arrangement wherein the horizontal panel-shaped elements <NUM> are provided between the vertical panel-shaped elements <NUM>, whereas <FIG> represents a variant, wherein the horizontal panel-shaped elements <NUM> are provided on top, at the bottom, respectively, against the vertical panel-shaped elements <NUM>. Depending on the application, the one or the other solution may be chosen. For example, the example of <FIG> is suitable for hanging cupboards, where it is desired that the horizontal panel-shaped elements <NUM> at the side edges are not visible. The example of <FIG> in its turn then is more suitable for standing cupboards, wherein the couplings with heavy loads from the top downward only can be pressed tighter into each other and the risk of tearing-off of coupling parts is excluded.

<FIG> illustrates that at the same edge zone of a panel-shaped element <NUM> a plurality of grooves <NUM> may be present, which allow a coupling in T-connection or crosswise connection of several panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> relate to a composed element <NUM>, in this case, a piece of furniture, which is realized in accordance with the twelfth aspect of the disclosure. This composed element <NUM> does comprise panel-shaped elements <NUM>, which mutually are at an angle, as well as connecting pieces <NUM>, which respectively cooperate with the two adjacent panel-shaped elements. At least one of the panel-shaped elements <NUM>, and in this case even each of the panel-shaped elements <NUM>, comprises edge zones <NUM> at which coupling means <NUM> are present in the form of a profiled part <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, whereas the connecting pieces <NUM> comprise at least one, and in this case respectively two, profiled parts <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, in such a manner that the profiled parts <NUM> and <NUM> allow that the panel-shaped elements <NUM> and the connecting pieces <NUM> can be joined laterally into each other in an interlocking manner and in this manner the panel-shaped elements <NUM> can be coupled to each other by the intermediary of the connecting pieces <NUM>.

The profiled parts <NUM> and <NUM> preferably are performed in the form of a tongue <NUM> and a groove <NUM>. Preferably, a tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> are applied which show one or more of the characteristics which are described in the introduction or in respect to the other examples. In particular the use of a split tongue <NUM>, as described by means of <FIG>, is useful. Also, preferably profiled parts are applied which allow at least that the panel-shaped elements <NUM> can be provided in the connecting pieces by means of snap action, and still better can be realized such that they can be joined into each other by snapping as well as turning.

<FIG> clearly shows that the connecting pieces <NUM> can be made as laths.

Other possible characteristics of such composed element <NUM> making use of one or more connecting pieces <NUM>, are described in the introduction and are not repeated here.

<FIG> illustrates how such composed element can be provided with a back part <NUM>. For this purpose, such back part <NUM> can be provided in seats <NUM>, more particularly grooves, in the panel-shaped elements <NUM>. Possibly, also seats <NUM> can be provided in the connecting pieces <NUM>. After assembly, the back part <NUM> automatically stays at its place. Moreover, in this manner it imparts stability to the whole. It is clear that applying a back part in this manner is also possible with all composed elements of the other aspects of the disclosure.

Also, connecting pieces can be applied which allow a further connection in the same plane, a T-connection or a crosswise connection, such that a plurality of furniture modules next to and on top of each other can be formed. Examples of such connecting pieces are represented in <FIG> and <FIG> and indicated with 81A, 81B und 81C, respectively.

It is clear that the component parts of a composed element of the twelfth aspect of the disclosure also may be provided at the end faces with means, more particularly coverings, which hide the respective profiled parts from view, such in analogy to the first aspect of the disclosure. <FIG> represents an example of such covering <NUM> at the outer end of a connecting piece <NUM>.

Analogous to the third aspect of the disclosure, the cooperating profiled parts of a panel-shaped element <NUM> and a connecting piece <NUM> also can be covered by a front panel, for example, by a door in closed condition.

<FIG> represents a variant, wherein the connecting piece <NUM> is rounded at the outer corner.

<FIG> schematically represents an example of the thirteenth aspect of the disclosure. This relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two modules <NUM> situated next to each other, with side walls, upper walls and bottom walls, which are formed by panel-shaped elements, in this case <NUM> and 80D, characterized in that the side wall where the modules adjoin each other, is formed by a single common panel-shaped element, here 80D; that there is a first connecting construction <NUM> between this common panel-shaped element 80D and the upper walls of the modules <NUM>; that there is a second connecting construction between this common panel-shaped element 80D and the bottom walls of the modules <NUM>; and that at the location of at least one of said connecting constructions, one of the panel-shaped elements, via a profiled part formed at this panel-shaped element, is coupled directly or indirectly to the other panel-shaped elements. In consideration of the fact that in the example of <FIG>, connecting pieces 81B are applied for the connecting constructions <NUM> and <NUM>, as is known from <FIG>, it is clear that all panel-shaped elements <NUM>-80D adjoining thereto do possess profiled parts <NUM> performed therewith in one piece, as described by means of <FIG>.

<FIG> also schematically represents how this can be applied in a piece of kitchen furniture, wherein the necessary legs <NUM> can be provided under such modules and a countertop <NUM> can be attached thereto, as well as not represented front parts and other accessories can be attached thereto.

It is noted that the composition of the composed element of <FIG> also meets the thirteenth aspect of the disclosure.

<FIG> represent panel-shaped elements, which are made of boards <NUM>, whereas <FIG> represent portions of boards <NUM>, which each are made in accordance with the invention and for this purpose are provided with a reinforcing layer <NUM> integrated into the board <NUM>.

In <FIG>, this relates to panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> for a piece of furniture or the like, whereas in <FIG> a panel-shaped element is represented in the form of a floor panel <NUM>. In both cases, the reinforcing layer <NUM> is provided over a local thickness, thus, not the total thickness of the board <NUM>, however, at the location of the coupling means, in this case at least such that the locking elements or locking parts <NUM>-<NUM> are situated in this layer <NUM> and thus are reinforced. Of course, variants are possible, depending where the manufacturer considers reinforcement necessary. In floor panels which are provided with a top layer <NUM>, it also happens that due to continuous strain, tears may occur next to the edges, directly beneath this top layer <NUM>, in particular with laminate. In such case, it may then be desirable to work with a local reinforcing layer 92A, which is situated directly or almost directly under the top layer <NUM>.

<FIG> represents a board such as applied in <FIG>. Possibly, the board <NUM> can be coated, for example, with laminate coverings <NUM>. <FIG> represents a board wherein the reinforcing layer <NUM> is provided in the center.

Other characteristics of the invention, such as the materials of which the boards and the reinforcing layers may be composed, are described in the introduction and are not repeated here.

<FIG> also form examples of the invention, at least when the materials of the board <NUM> and of the layer <NUM>, which latter then does not necessarily has to be reinforcing, meet the material requirements of the claimed invention.

It is clear that this invention thus shows its advantages in particular with floor panels wherein the layer 92A is situated directly underneath the top layer <NUM>, as also is described in greater detail in the introduction.

<FIG> represent a number of examples of the disclosure, wherein at least the aforementioned sixteenth aspect is applied.

<FIG> shows a composed element <NUM> in the form of a rack, which is composed of a plurality of panel-shaped elements, in this case, a back part <NUM>, side walls <NUM>-<NUM>, a bottom part <NUM>, a top part <NUM> and shelves <NUM>.

As is represented in the cross-section of <FIG>, connections <NUM> are realized between the panel-shaped element functioning as back part <NUM> and the panel-shaped elements functioning as side walls <NUM>-<NUM>, due to which the composed element <NUM> meets the aforementioned sixteenth aspect of the disclosure described in the introduction. The side walls <NUM>-<NUM> extend perpendicularly in respect to the back part <NUM>, and both are provided with zones, in this case, edge zones <NUM>-<NUM> with profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM> allowing a connection.

For the profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which are applied in the sixteenth aspect, preferably use is made of a tongue and groove, too, at which locking elements are present. In all represented examples of the sixteenth aspect, profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM> are represented, which are similar to those of, for example, <FIG>, wherein use is made of a split tongue, which fits into a groove. It is clear that such example of tongue and groove, or certain characteristics thereof, are also advantageous in combination with connections <NUM>, which are made according to the sixteenth aspect. According to particular examples of the sixteenth aspect, such connection <NUM> thus is equipped with a tongue and groove which shows one or more of the characteristics which were described in respect to preceding tongue and groove connections. These characteristics have been sufficiently described heretofore and thus are not specifically repeated here.

It is noted that it is, however, not excluded to apply other forms of tongue and groove in examples according to the sixteenth aspect. Use may also be made of locking elements, which are made as an insertion piece, for example, as represented in <FIG>.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the back part <NUM> is provided between the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> represent a variant, wherein the back part <NUM> extends up to behind the rear edge of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>.

The connections <NUM> preferably are realized such that the side walls <NUM>-<NUM> can be coupled to the back part <NUM> at least by means of a turning movement, as is indicated in both examples by arrows <NUM>. Herein, the connections <NUM> preferably are configured such that they do not allow or at least counteract a further turning than into the position in which the side walls <NUM>-<NUM> are standing perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the back part <NUM>. By then providing the bottom part <NUM> and/or the top part <NUM> and/or the shelves <NUM> between the side walls <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, by means of classical support means <NUM>, which here are represented only schematically, the side walls <NUM>-<NUM> automatically are prevented from turning back inwards.

It is noted that, however, it is not excluded to realize, according to a not-represented variant, also couplings between the side walls <NUM>-<NUM> and one or more of said component parts <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, also in the form of profiled parts fitting into each other.

In top view and in exploded view, <FIG> represents a variant, wherein also an intermediate wall <NUM> is present, which can be coupled to the back part <NUM> by means of profiled parts <NUM> and <NUM> extending in the height. For clarity's sake, the shelves are not depicted.

<FIG> represent a further variant, wherein the panel-shaped element, which functions as a back part <NUM>, is composed from a plurality of segments <NUM>, which are coupled to each other by means of a connecting piece 81A. <FIG> represents a variant hereof. By dividing the back part <NUM> into segments, this can be packaged and transported more easily. Moreover, a modular construction with more or less segments is possible.

<FIG> illustrate further variants with one and more connecting pieces 81B, which moreover provide for a coupling with each time an intermediate wall <NUM>. The advantage of such connecting piece 81B is that the three panel-shaped elements coming together at their edges, thus, two segments <NUM> and an intermediate wall <NUM>, can be coupled to each other in a smooth manner.

It is noted that according to a particular partial aspect, it may be worked with segments <NUM>, which are all the same for one and the same piece of furniture, which makes it easier for the assembler. The examples of <FIG> and <FIG> form examples hereof.

It is not excluded to also apply separate connecting pieces, for example, such as the earlier described connecting pieces <NUM>, at the corners between the back part <NUM> and the side walls <NUM>-<NUM>, however, for simplicity's sake as well as for esthetic purposes, the examples without connecting pieces at the corners are preferred.

It is noted that all examples which are depicted in the <FIG>, substantially also might be realized with coupling means which can be joined into each other exclusively by means of a turning movement, and thus not by a snap movement.

It is clear that the disclosure also relates to panel-shaped elements which are intended for realizing a composed element according to the sixteenth aspect.

Although the sixteenth aspect in the figures exclusively is represented by means of examples in the form of a rack, it is clear that it may also be applicable for other pieces of furniture and the like.

<FIG> represents another particular example of a corner connection, which, amongst others, fulfills the fifth aspect of the disclosure. The particularity of the example of <FIG> consists in that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> adjoin each other at least partially with a miter joint, whereas they still are connected to each other by means of profiled parts <NUM>-<NUM>. By this, it is meant that the connection shows one or more of the following three characteristics, which here all are applicable:.

A particularity of the represented example consists in that the plane <NUM> in which the tongue and groove are situated, is not perpendicular to the diagonal <NUM>, but coincides or approximately coincides with the plane of one of the panel-shaped elements, and, as represented, preferably the plane of the panel-shaped element <NUM>, which is provided with the tongue. This allows that, by exerting a force perpendicularly to the flat side of the panel-shaped element <NUM>, it will automatically be situated in the prolongation of the tongue and groove, and consequently the panel-shaped elements can be joined together in an optimum manner. According to variants, however, it is not excluded to realize the tongue and groove in another direction.

In <FIG>, a particular application of the disclosure is represented, wherein the composed element <NUM> is a drawer. The particularity herein is that at least two, and in this case even a plurality, of the component parts, more particularly the upright-standing walls, are performed as panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which according to the disclosure are interconnected at an angle by means of coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> in the form of a tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM>, wherein the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> also comprise locking elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which in coupled condition prevent moving the tongue and groove out of each other, i.e. at least prevent simply taking them apart.

More particularly, the drawer of the represented example is composed of two panel-shaped elements <NUM> forming the back wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM>, respectively, and two panel-shaped elements <NUM> forming the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the drawer. Further, the drawer comprises a bottom <NUM>, which, as represented in <FIG>, preferably simply is provided in a groove <NUM> in the respective panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the represented example, the drawer also is provided with a separate front panel <NUM>, which is attached to the front wall <NUM>, for example, by means of screws <NUM>.

It is clear that the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> in this case consist of profiled parts extending in vertical direction. The general configuration preferably is as depicted in <FIG>. More particularly, the tongues <NUM> are located at the distal extremities of the back wall <NUM> and front wall <NUM>, whereas the grooves <NUM> are situated at the inwardly directed surfaces of the side walls <NUM>-<NUM>. In this manner, the advantage is obtained that, when using the drawer and when pulling it out, the force exerted therein then has a direction which is perpendicular to the coupling direction of the tongue and groove, and the force exerted when pulling out a drawer never results in a force forcing the coupling means out of each other.

For assembling the represented drawer, preferably a procedure is followed as described hereafter.

First, a side wall, for example, <NUM>, is taken and the back wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> are attached thereto by respectively providing them, by means of a turning movement, with the pertaining tongue <NUM> in the respective groove <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. Subsequently, the bottom <NUM>, from the side where the side wall <NUM> still has to be provided, can be slid into the grooves <NUM> of the back wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM>, such until the bottom also comes to sit with an edge in the groove <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. Then, the side wall <NUM> is fixed on the still free distal extremities of the back wall <NUM> and front wall <NUM> by bringing the respective tongues and grooves into each other by means of a snap effect. This can be performed, for example, by placing the drawer upright, with the side wall <NUM> at the bottom, and tapping in this position the side wall <NUM> down onto the then upwardly directed tongues <NUM> of the back wall <NUM> and front wall <NUM>.

It is noted that the bottom <NUM> preferably has such dimensions that, when it is sitting at one edge <NUM> entirely in the groove <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>, it will reach, at the opposite edge <NUM>, to beyond the distal extremities of the tongues <NUM> which are present there. This excess length is indicated in <FIG> by the distance F. This results in the effect that, when the side wall <NUM> is provided on the extremities of the back wall <NUM> and front wall <NUM>, this side wall <NUM> first must be positioned with the groove <NUM> provided therein over the protruding portion of the bottom <NUM> and only then the snap couplings can be performed, with the advantage that, before the whole is tapped into each other, the bottom <NUM> is sitting with certainty in the groove <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. Without this provision, it might happen that the bottom is not sitting properly in front of the respective groove <NUM> and the bottom then is damaged, when subsequently the side wall <NUM> is pressed, tapped, respectively, for fixing it on the distal extremities of the back wall <NUM> and the front wall <NUM>. It is noted that in <FIG> in dashed line exclusively the perimeter of the bottom <NUM> is represented and, thus, not the grooves <NUM>.

As an alternative for the screws <NUM>, use may also be made of coupling means <NUM>, with which the front panel <NUM> is fixed on the remainder of the drawer by snapping it on. These coupling means <NUM> are schematically represented as an alternative in <FIG>. For these coupling means <NUM>, use may also be made of mating profiled parts, for example, at the distal foremost extremities of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> and in the back wall of the front panel <NUM>.

Finally, <FIG> also shows that the edges of the panel-shaped elements, in particular the upper edges, can be taped with straight strips of covering material, such as laminate strips <NUM> or the like, such that in accordance with the first aspect of the disclosure, the profiled parts of the coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> are hidden from view.

It is noted that a drawer, as described above, also forms an application of the sixteenth aspect of the disclosure, as the back wall <NUM> then also forms a back part as required by this sixteenth aspect. However, this does not exclude that the disclosure also relates to drawers in which no coupling, such as aforementioned, with the back wall is applied, but yet couplings according to the disclosure are applied at other places in the drawer.

<FIG>, at a larger scale, represents the portion indicated by F70 in <FIG>. According to the disclosure, the coupling represented in this figure preferably fulfills a number of particular features. These features, which hereafter are summarized with reference to <FIG>, the majority of which already has been mentioned above or has been represented in the figures, each have to be considered a separate aspect of the disclosure, however, applied in a corner connection. Thus, these aspects of the disclosure do not have to be mutually combined. However, all random combinations of two or more features are possible. Also, these aspects of the disclosure are not restricted to the represented application of the drawer, but can be used in any application of a corner connection between panel-shaped elements. Thus, the disclosure as such also relates to a composed element <NUM>, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which are connected to each other at an angle, characterized in that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> are connected by means of coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> comprising a tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM>, which latter are substantially made as profiled parts, preferably in the board material itself, wherein said coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> further also comprise locking elements <NUM>-<NUM>, which, in coupled condition, prevent the moving apart of tongue and groove, wherein the composed element and more particularly one of the coupling means show one or more of the following features:.

It is noted that the mentioned dimensions, as represented in the figures, preferably are determined by the basic board, which may or may not be composed, thus, without considering the thickness of a possibly present covering which is present on the basic board, such as the aforementioned laminate coverings <NUM>-<NUM>, or the covering generally indicated with reference <NUM> in <FIG>. According to a variant, these thicknesses indeed may be included into the dimensions. This latter preferably will be done when the coverings are thicker than <NUM>, as this covering then, so to speak, will serve as a structural component.

It is clear that the above listing substantially relates to coupling means <NUM>-<NUM> of the type which allows joining the respective composing panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> laterally into each other. By "laterally", as already discussed, it is meant that they can be presented with tongue and groove along each other and then can be interconnected by means of a mutual turning movement or translation and snap movement, or a movement in which turning and shifting are combined. This does not exclude that, in certain applications, apart therefrom they also allow connecting the respective panel-shaped elements in another not-lateral manner. By a not-lateral manner is understood, for example, that the profiled parts are slid into each other in longitudinal direction, analogous to a classic dovetail connection.

Further, it is clear that most of these characteristics also may be applied in examples wherein at least one of the coupling means is part of a separate connecting piece, for example, a connecting piece <NUM>, as already described above, which in its turn then is connected to another portion of the composed element, preferably another panel-shaped element.

It is clear that all above-described coupling means preferably are performed such that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> match into each other with a pretension, which provides for that the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM> in coupled condition are drawn towards each other. In the example of <FIG>, this may be realized, for example, by providing for that the contours of the locking elements <NUM> and <NUM> somewhat overlap each other, such that the elastically bendable part <NUM> in the final coupled condition remains elastically bent. An elastic part <NUM> which is made in this manner is represented in <FIG> in dashed line as a variant. Herein, the bent-out elastic part is formed such that the force caused by the bending-out generates, via the locking elements <NUM>-<NUM>, generates a force component pulling the panel-shaped element <NUM> with the tongue permanently into the groove of the panel-shaped element <NUM>.

According to another particular aspect of the disclosure, the tongue and/or groove are at least partially reinforced. In <FIG>, this is already represented by means of a layered structure. According to a variant, a local reinforcement may be provided, too. <FIG> represents an example thereof, with the particularity that the bendable portion <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is impregnated with a reinforcing agent <NUM>, as well as the material portion between the groove <NUM> and the end face, or thus the extremity <NUM>, of the panel-shaped element <NUM> in which the groove is provided, as well as the zone of and around the locking element <NUM>. It is clear that such reinforcement may occur at only one of these locations, as well as at possible other locations. All these reinforcements have the purpose of avoiding that the respective portions would tear or split off when the corner connection is subjected to excessive forces. Such reinforcement also can contribute to an increase of the elasticity in the portion <NUM>.

Such reinforcement may be realized, for example, by means of an impregnation with a reinforcing agent, such as polyurethane, before or after the milling of the actual profiles.

It is clear that for economical reasons, the tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> preferably are manufactured in one piece from the board material of the panel-shaped elements <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, by means of the necessary milling treatments. However, this does not exclude that certain portions of the tongue and/or groove and/or of the edge zone in which they are situated, are realized of another material. A possibility thereof is represented in <FIG>, wherein in the respective edge zone an insertion piece <NUM> is integrated, which consists of another material than the panel-shaped element <NUM> and of which the tongue <NUM> is formed. Such insertion piece <NUM> consists, for example, of synthetic material, such as PVC and the like, whereas the actual board material, for example, is wood-based and consists, for example, of particle board or HDF or MDF. Other possibilities are not excluded. For example, the insertion piece may consist of MDF or HDF, whereas the board material consists of particle board.

Such insertion piece <NUM> can be formed beforehand and be mounted at the edge of the panel-shaped element, however, it may also be realized, as schematically represented in <FIG>, by laying on a material mass <NUM> along the respective edge, for example, by extrusion, and forming, after it has solidified, the respective coupling means, in this case the tongue <NUM>, there from, for example, by means of a milling treatment. Therein, the material mass <NUM> can be held at the panel-shaped element by an adhesive effect and/or due to the fact that it gets stuck behind the edges of a groove <NUM>.

According to still another important example of the disclosure, qualitatively differing board materials are applied for the panel-shaped elements, which comprise the groove, on the one hand, and the tongue, on the other hand. The panel-shaped element which comprises the least critical coupling part, which mostly is the groove, then can be made from a board material of lower quality, which makes it possible to employ a less expensive material for this purpose. In practice, this means, for example, that the panel-shaped element with the groove is made, for example, from particle board, whereas the panel-shaped element comprising the tongue is made of MDF or HDF.

Unexpectedly, the inventor also has found that both the tongue and the groove can be made in one piece of particle board, even in the case of a classic particle board. Herein, it might be expected that, when both are manufactured of particle board, a brittle coupling might be created, wherein chips might come loose from the tongue and interfere with good coupling. Contrary thereto, the inventor has found that in corner connections still good results were obtained. Herein, a split tongue is extra advantageous, because both portions then are more movable when loosened portions get between the surfaces of tongue and groove, and/or because the slot forms a space in which loosened particles can be collected without having an interfering function.

In particular with examples in particle board, it may be useful to apply a reinforcing agent, for example, such as represented in <FIG>.

According to another particular characteristic, a composed element according to the disclosure comprises one or more panels, wherein such panel as such comprises, at two opposite edge zones, a coupling means, as aforementioned, in the form of a tongue, and preferably further comprises no coupling means in the form of a groove. Also, it is preferred that other panels then comprise only coupling means in the form of a groove. By not applying tongue and groove at the same panel-shaped element, the panel-shaped elements can be optimized better and realized more simply. For example, then, as aforementioned, a panel-shaped element exclusively having grooves can be made of particle board, and, due to the absence of tongues at this element, there is no necessity of switching to a more expensive material, such as MDF or HDF.

It is clear that the examples represented in the figures always apply one or more of the aspects mentioned in the introduction, without each time explicitly referring thereto in the description of these figures.

It is also clear that all aforementioned profiled parts can be realized by means of any suitable technique. For the panel-shaped elements, this preferably takes place by means of milling treatments, for example, with milling cutters which are arranged at different angles. This is also possible with the connecting pieces, however, these may also be extruded and possibly additionally finished by means of machining treatments.

Although the disclosure, in respect to the aforementioned coupling techniques, is intended in particular for being applied when manufacturing furniture panels, it is clear that it can also be employed in other fields of application, such as wall panels, box-shaped elements, such as packaging and storage boxes, and so on.

It is noted that said corner connections are suitable in particular for realizing connections at <NUM> degrees, however, it is not excluded to apply them also for connections at angles differing from <NUM> degrees.

It is clear that the invention is not restricted to embodiments with panel-shaped elements, which are provided with a laminate covering, and may also be applied with any other panel-shaped elements, such as, for example, panels covered with veneer, multi-layered panels, panels made as so-called "engineered wood", panels provided with any covering, and so on.

Another general characteristic consists in that, when a composed element according to the disclosure comprises four panel-shaped panels all around, which respectively can be joined into each other by means of coupling means according to the disclosure, wherein thus four connections are realized in the corners, then at least one of the connections allows joining by means of a snap connection. More particularly, it is preferred that at least two of the other connections allow joining by turning. In the most preferred example, at least two connections situated at the same panel-shaped element can be performed at least by turning, whereas the two opposite connections can be realized at least by a translation and snap movement.

Claim 1:
Board, which, for the majority of its thickness, is composed of a pressed wood composite, consisting of wood components which are bonded by a binding agent, characterized in that, over a local thickness which is smaller than the total thickness of the board and thus, viewed in a cross-section, is present only locally, the board is provided with a layer of elastomer, more particularly polyurethane and/or a product on the basis of polyurethane; wherein said layer comprises wood components and the elastomer, more particularly the polyurethane and/or the product on the basis of polyurethane acting as binding agent, wherein said wood components of said layer are impregnated with the elastomer, more particularly the polyurethane and/or the product on the basis of polyurethane.