Patent ID: 12188238

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the appended schematic drawings. It should be emphasised that improved or different functions may be achieved using combinations of the embodiments.

All embodiments may be used separately or in combinations. Angles, dimensions, rounded parts, spaces between surfaces, etc. are only examples and may be adjusted within the basic principles of the invention.

A known building panel comprising mechanical locking systems is illustrated inFIG.1.

A mechanical locking system typically comprises a tongue and a tongue groove for vertical locking and a locking element and a locking groove for horizontal locking. It typically has at least four pairs of active cooperating locking surfaces, two pairs for vertical locking and two pairs for horizontal locking. The locking system comprises several other surfaces, which generally are not in contact with each other and can therefore be produced with considerably larger tolerance then the cooperating locking surfaces.

Laminate floorings are usually composed of a core consisting of a 6-9 mm fiberboard, a 0.20 mm thick upper surface layer and a lower balancing layer. The surface layer provides appearance and durability to the floor panels. The core provides stability and the balancing layer keeps the board level when the relative humidity (RH) varies during the year.

FIG.4Aillustrates, according to known art, a typical first mechanical locking system (strip lock), which can be locked with angling (seeFIG.3) and which is widely used on the market, in particular for assembling respective long edges of panels to each other.FIG.4Ashows a vertical cross section of the floor panel is shown of a part of a long side13′ of the floor panel20′, as well as a part of a long side14′ of the floor panel10′. The bodies of the floor panels10′,20′ can be composed of a fiberboard body or core, which supports here, a wear resistant and decorative surface layer on its front side and a balancing layer on its rear side (underside). The locking system has a tongue14h′ and a tongue groove13j′ which locks the panels in a vertical direction V with upper53and lower56tongue surfaces that cooperate with upper43and lower46tongue grooves surfaces. A locking strip13a′ is formed from the body and supports a locking element13b′. Therefore the locking strip13a′ and the locking element13b′ in a way constitute an extension of the lower part of the tongue groove13j′. The locking element13b′ formed on the strip13a′ has an operative locking element surface13m′ which cooperates with an operative locking groove surface14m′ in a locking groove14g′ in the opposite locking groove side of the floor panel10′. By the engagement between the horizontal operative locking surfaces13m′,14m′ a horizontal locking of the floor panels10′,20′ transversely of the joint edge is obtained if the panels are pulled apart.

A known second locking system, shown inFIG.4B, can also be formed with a flexible tongue11i′ (fold lock) typically used at short edges11′,12′ as shown inFIG.4B, which can be displaced during locking. Such a locking system can be locked with a vertical movement as shown inFIG.3where the first edge11′ of panel10′ is assembled to the second edge12′ of panel30′ by means of a vertical motion.

The displaceable tongue11i′ is configured to cooperate with the second tongue groove12j′ for locking in a vertical direction. The displaceable tongue11i′ is a separate part and is made of, e.g., plastic, and inserted in a displacement groove11k′ at the first edge11′ of the first panel10′. The tongue11i′ is pushed into a displacement groove11k′ during a vertical assembling of the first and the second edge of the first and the second panel. The displaceable tongue11i′ springs back and into the second tongue groove12j′ at the second edge12′ of the panel30′ when the panels have reached a locked position.

A third13′ and a fourth edge14′ of the respective panels are provided with the first locking system, which enables assembling to an adjacent panel20′ by an angling movement to obtain a simultaneous assembling of the first11′ and the second12′ edges and the third13′ and the fourth edges14′ as shown inFIG.3.

FIGS.4A-Bshow cross sections of different embodiments of the known locking systems during assembling of a first and a second panel10′,20′.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown inFIGS.5A-5CandFIGS.6through11.

Referring toFIGS.5A-C,6and7, a first mechanical locking system shown inFIG.6is formed with tongue14hand groove13jand configured to be assembled by means of an angling movement. The fourth edge14may comprise a first locking protrusion14ein the shape of a locking tongue, provided with a first lower edge surface14f. An embodiment of the second locking system is shown inFIG.7, wherein the second edge12is provided with a second locking protrusion12ewhich may be a locking tongue12h, provided with a second lower edge surface12f, preferably the first and second lower edge surfaces12f,14fare configured to cooperate with a respective of the first and second upper surfaces11c,13cof a first and a second locking strip13a,11aof adjacent panels, such as the second20panel shown inFIG.6and the third panel30as shown for instance inFIG.7.

The first mechanical locking system may comprise a first tongue groove13jat one of a third edge13or fourth14edge, for example the third edge13, and a first locking tongue14hat the other of the third or fourth edge, for example the fourth edge14. The first locking tongue14hand the first tongue groove13jare configured to cooperate for locking of the third and the fourth edge13,14in a vertical V direction. The first mechanical locking system may typically further comprise a first locking strip13aat the third edge13, provided with a vertically protruding first locking element13b, a first locking groove14gat a fourth edge14. The first locking element13bis configured to cooperate with the first locking groove14gfor locking of the third13and the fourth edge14in a horizontal direction, in particular away from each other and perpendicular said third and fourth edge.

The second mechanical locking system is preferably formed at one of a first11or second12short edge, such as a first edge, of similar, preferably essentially identical panels10,20,30,40,50. The second mechanical locking system may be configured for locking the first edge11of the a first panel10to the second edge of an adjacent panel30, in a plane, and in a vertical and/or in horizontal directions perpendicular said first and second edge towards and away from each other. An embodiment of the second mechanical locking system enables assembling of the first and the second panels by a vertical motion of the second edge of the adjacent panel30relative the first edge11of the first panel10. Such vertical motion is shown for instance inFIGS.10and11. The first and second mechanical locking systems are preferably formed by mechanical cutting, such as milling, drilling and/or sawing, of the edges of the panels and the second mechanical locking system may be provided with a displaceable tongue11i, preferably of plastic. The displaceable tongue may be bendable and provided with protruding bendable parts, such as the displaceable tongues disclosed in WO2006/043893 and WO2007/015669. The displaceable tongue may also be configured to be locked by a movement along the first and the second edge, such as the displaceable tongues disclosed in WO2009/116926 and WO200/8004960.

Referring toFIG.7. Embodiments of a second locking system may comprise a second locking tongue, which may be provided in the shape of a displaceable tongue11iarranged in a displacement groove11kfor example at the first edge11of the first panel10. The displaceable tongue11iis configured to cooperate with a first tongue groove12jformed at the other of the first11or second edge12, for locking of the first and the second edge11,12in a vertical V direction.

A further embodiment of the second locking system in shape of a one-piece solution combinable with the first locking system is shown inFIGS.10and11.

As derivable fromFIG.6, an upper edge portion of one of a third or fourth edge13,14, which may be opposite parallel edges, such as the third edge13, may comprise a planar surface portion, which may be provided in the shape of a first lower lip portion139configured to cooperate, including not limited to, to receive or mate with a complementary planar surface portion, which may be provided in the shape of a first upper lip portion149, of an upper edge portion of the other of the third or fourth edge of an adjacent panel.

As derivable fromFIG.7, an upper edge portion of one of a first or second edge11,12, which may be opposite parallel edges, such as the first edge11, may comprise a planar surface portion, which may be in the shape of a second lower lip portion119configured to cooperate, including not limited to, to receive or mate with a complementary planar surface portion, which may be provided in the shape of a second upper lip portion129, of an upper edge portion of the other of the first or second edge of an adjacent panel.

An outermost portion of first upper lip portion149may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of first locking tongue14h, as shown inFIG.6.

An outermost portion of first lower lip portion139may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of first locking strip13a, as shown inFIG.6.

An outermost portion of first lower lip portion139may be disposed outboard of innermost portion of first tongue groove13j, as shown inFIG.6.

An upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, preferably a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface. A datum surface may be a surface that contacts the adjacent panel, in locked position, and serves as a basis or guide to alignment of the panels to each other.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, preferably a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the first lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.

An upper edge portion of the second edge12, preferably a short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said second upper lip portion129may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second upper lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded or beveled. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.

An upper edge portion of the first edge11, preferably a short edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards. Said bend followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein said second lower lip portion119may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The vertically extending edge portion and the second lower lip portion may be perpendicular to each other, while the corner connecting the two portions may be rounded. Optionally, the horizontal planar surface may additionally form a datum surface.

Outermost portion of second lower lip portion119may be disposed inboard of an outermost portion of second locking strip11a, as shown inFIG.7.

The second lower lip portion119may have an extension inboard of an innermost portion of the second tongue groove11j, as shown inFIG.11.

The second upper lip portion129may have an extension outboard of an outermost portion of the second locking tongue12h, as shown inFIG.11.

An outermost portion of second lower lip portion119may be disposed inboard of outermost portion of second locking tongue11i, as shown inFIG.7.

An outermost portion of second lower lip portion119may be disposed at least partially inboard of an opening of the second displacement groove11k, as shown inFIG.7.

Inboard may be synonymous with inwards of, in a direction towards the centre of the panel. Outboard may be synonymous with outwards of, in a direction away from the centre of the panel.

The upper and lower lips may each comprise a datum surface configured for aligning the front surface15of the panel with respective front surfaces15of adjacent panels to become flush with each other when assembled in locking position.

The upper and lower lips may be planar, in particular the lip portions may be planar and may extend in parallel. The lip portions may preferably extend in a plane parallel the front surface15of the panel. However, other configurations are perceivable, such as inclined in relation to the front surface15.

The first upper lip portion149of the panel may be configured to bear and/or rest on the first lower lip portion139when adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement. Thereby, improved sealing function is facilitated when the panel is assembled in locking position to one or more further panels by means of the first locking system.

The second upper lip portion129of the panel may be configured to bear and/or rest on the second lower lip portion119when adjacent panels are assembled in locking engagement. Thereby, improved sealing function is facilitated when the panel is assembled in locking position to one or more further panels by means of the second locking system.

The first and second lower lip portions119,139may form a continuous right-angle with each other. The first and second upper lip portions129,149may form the shape of a continuous right-angle with each other. The continuous right-angles may extend around respective diagonally opposite corners of the panel. The first and second lower and upper lip portions may form the shape of a continuous rectangle. The rectangle may extend along a circumference of the panel as shown inFIG.5A.

The first and second lower lip portions119,139may be configured to be underlying when engaging with a respective upper lip portion129,149. The first and second upper lip portions129,149may be configured to be overlying when engaging with a respective lower lip portion119,139.

Accordingly, at least a portion of the lower lip portions119,139may face in a direction upwards and at least a portion of the upper lip portions129,149may face in a direction downwards.

The first edge11and the third edge13may each comprise a vertically extending surface extending from the front surface15of the panel. The lower lip portions119,139may in combination with the respective vertically extending surface form an inwards recessing shape, such as right-angled surface which recesses inwards.

The second edge12and the fourth edge14may each comprise a vertically extending surface extending from the front surface15of the panel The upper lip portions129,149may in combination with the respective vertically extending surface form an outwards recessing shape, such as a right-angled surface which complements the respective inwards recessing lower lip portions, as shown inFIGS.6-11.

The respective upper and/or lower lip portions may comprise a material which facilitates sealing, including, but not limited to, a polymer, rubber, silicone, adhesives, vax or like.

In a preferred embodiment, the respective first and second lower lip portions119and139are provided on the short first edge11and the long third edge13of the panel10, and the respective first and second upper lip portions129,149are provided on the short second edge12and the long fourth edge14respectively, as shown for instance inFIGS.6,7,10and11.

Accordingly, by courtesy of that the respective first and second upper lip portions129,149may cooperate with, including to bear on, the respective first and second lower lip portions119,139, the configuration may bring about the technical advantage that the weight of the panel urges the respective first and second upper lip portions129,149towards the respective first and second lower lip portions119,139thereby the weight of the panel may contribute to the sealing function and thus improved sealing may be facilitated.

This entails that in some embodiments, the first lower edge surface14fand the first upper surface13cof two adjacent panel may in some embodiments not abut each other when the two adjacent panels are in assembled in locking position. Thus, a gap may extend between at least part of the first lower edge surface14fand the first upper surface13cof two adjacent panels when assembled in locking position.

However, in some embodiments, the first lower edge surface14fand the first upper surface13cof two adjacent panel may abut each other when the two adjacent panels are in assembled in locking position by means of the first locking system.

Referring toFIG.6, the first locking tongue14h, the first tongue groove13jand the first lip portions139,149may be configured to bias the first upper lip portion149towards the first lower lip portion139when a respective third edge13and fourth edge14are assembled in locking position. This configuration may facilitate that the first upper lip portion149is always biased towards the first lower lip portion139when one or more panels are assembled in locking position.

The first locking system may comprise a first locking tongue14hand a first tongue groove13j. The first lower lip portion139is preferably disposed between the first tongue groove13jand the front surface15of the panel. The first upper lip portion149is preferably disposed between the first locking tongue14hand the front surface15of the panel.

Referring toFIG.7, one of the first or second edge11,12, for example the first edge11may in some embodiments comprise a displaceable, preferably flexible tongue11iconfigured to enable assembling of panels by means of vertical folding. The displaceable tongue11imay be configured to cooperate with the second tongue groove12jto thereby bias the second upper lip portion129against the second lower lip portion119, thereby facilitating an improved sealing function.

The second locking system may comprise a second locking tongue11i,12hand a second tongue groove12j,11j. The second lower lip portion119is preferably disposed between the second tongue groove12j,11jand the front surface15of the panel. The second upper lip portion129is preferably disposed between the second locking tongue11i,12hand the front surface15of the panel.

As derivable for instance fromFIGS.6-11, the provision of a pair of lip portions, such as the first lower and upper lip portions139,149and/or the second lower and upper lip portions119,129, each pair119,129;139,149may respectively form a mechanical labyrinth seal. Thus, this configuration may particularly advantageous for preventing moisture penetration between the edges11,12and/or between edges13,14respectively, such as between the front surface15to the locking tongue11i,12hor14hor tongue groove11j,12j,13jor from the front surface15to the rear surface16.

Referring toFIGS.8and12showing an exemplary embodiment where the panels are assembled as a wall, i.e. the panels are utilized as wall panels. The provision of the lip portions119,129139,149between the locking tongue11i,12h,14hand/or locking groove11j,12j,13jand the front surface15may facilitate that one or more of the pair lip portions i.e.119,129;139,149, may provide mechanical obstacles e.g. for a fluid such as water. Thereby, a fluid such as water which flow along the front surface15in a vertically downwards direction, when acted upon by gravitational force, may be hindered from flowing passed the lip portions, such as the first lower lip portion139in a direction from the front surface15to the rear surface16.

In particular the first lower lip portion139, may provide, e.g. for a fluid such as water, a mechanical obstacle extending in a direction counter the direction of the gravitational force. Thereby, a fluid such as water which flow along the front surface15in a vertically downwards direction, when acted upon by gravitational force, will be hindered from flowing upwards and over the first lower lip portion139.

The first lower lip portion139and the first upper lip portion149may mutually define a datum plane Dp as illustrated inFIG.10.

The second lower lip portion119and the second upper lip portion129may respectively define a datum plane Dp as illustrated inFIG.7.

The first, second, third and fourth lip portions119,129,139,149may be configured to define a datum plane Dp.

The first, second, third and fourth lip portions119,129,139,149may essentially extend in a common plane, which may be the datum plane Dp.

The datum plane Dp may facilitate alignment of the respective front surface15of adjacent panels when assembled in locking position such that the respective front surfaces15of adjacent panels are arranged flush with each other.

The first lower lip portion139may preferably be disposed between first tongue groove13jand the front surface15of the panel. The first upper lip portion149may preferably be disposed between first locking tongue14hand the front surface15of the panel.

As explained above and shown inFIG.7, one of the first or second edges may according to embodiments comprise a second locking tongue11i, such as a displaceable locking tongue configured to linearly translate in a displacement groove11k, and the other of the first and second edges comprises a second tongue groove12jfor receiving said second locking tongue.

The second lower lip portion119may preferably be disposed at a vertical V position between second locking tongue11iand the front surface15of the panel. The second upper lip portion129may preferably be disposed at a vertical V position between second tongue groove12jand the front surface15of the panel.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS.10and11, the second lower lip portion119may be disposed at a vertical V position between a second tongue groove11jof the first edge11and the front surface15of the panel. The second upper lip portion129may be disposed at a vertical V position between a second tongue12hof the second edge12and the front surface15of the panel.

The first lower lip portion139may be contiguous with the second lower lip portion119.

The first upper lip portion149may be contiguous with, preferably continuous with, the second upper lip portion129.

The lip portions119,129,139,149may be contiguous with each other such as to extend continuously along the first, second, third and fourth edges.

Courtesy of the lip portions119,129,139,149being overlaying and underlying respectively in a complementary manner, they may continuously define the datum plane Dp along the first, second, third and fourth edges when a panel is assembled with similar panels in locking position along all edges11,12,13,14. Thereby, improved sealing may be facilitated.

The function of the lip portions may thus be twofold; having the function of aligning the respective front surfaces of the panels and and/or providing the continuous seal along the circumference of the panel together with respective mating lip portions of adjacent panels when assembled in locking position on all four edges of the panel.

The lip portions may be formed contiguous with each other to thereby continuously define the datum plane Dp along the circumference of the panel. It is thereby achieved that when a panel is assembled in locking position with further essentially similar panels along all four edges, there is obtained continuous contact provided by mating or closed lip portions119,129;139,149along essentially the entire, or the entire circumference of the panel. A continuous seal along the circumference of the panel may thus be facilitated.

Referring toFIG.7, preferably, the edges of the panel which comprises a locking strip may comprise a respective lower lip portion i.e. the first edge11and the third edge13.

Referring e.g. toFIGS.6-7and10-11, preferably, the edges of the panel which comprises a locking strip may comprise a respective lower lip portion i.e. the first edge11and the third edge13.

The panel10may comprise a surface layer15aprovided at the front surface15and preferably a backing layer16aprovided at the rear surface16. Typically, the surface layer comprises a decorative layer configured to be visible when the panels are assembled to a flooring. Such decorative layer is well known in the art and may be provided in different forms, including but not limited to printed paper, powder, printed powder or veneer, such as wood veneer. The surface layer, which may also provide a protective layer, typically comprising a binder resin, such as a thermosetting resin, which facilitates bonding, i.e., adhesion between, i.a., the decorative layer and the core of the panel. The binder may also facilitate bonding of one or more additives such as surface hardening particles and/or pigments in order to provide the surface layer with various properties. The binder may comprise for example Melamine Formaldehyde. The binder may penetrate into the core of the panel during manufacture of the panel, typically the binder is provided in powder form whereby it becomes liquid in response to exposure to heat. The binder may therefore penetrate into the core of the building panel. The core may for example comprise one of MDF, HDF, wood, stone, ceramics, PVC, plastics, other materials are contemplatable.

The binder may have a depth of penetration into the core of the panel, in the thickness direction Z, from the front surface15of the panel and into the core. This feature provides for improved sealing between the respective upper and lower lip portions.

The depth of penetration may be at least into the first lower and upper lip portions139,149. This provides for a more water-tight first locking system.

The depth of penetration may be at least into the second lower and upper lip portions119,129. This provides for a more water-tight second locking system.

Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be particularly suitable for use in wet spaces, such as bath rooms, kitchens or like.

Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as floor panels, as illustrated for instance inFIGS.6-7,10-11and13.

Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as wall panels, as illustrated for instance inFIGS.8-9and12.

It should be appreciated that the provision and configuration of the upper and lower lip portions119,129,139,149, as described herein, in particular configured to continuously along all the edges of a panel, is not limited to use in combination with a particular locking system, but may rather be implemented in combination with virtually any mechanical locking system and in building panels of any material. The above described locking system serving merely as exemplary embodiments of possible implementation forms.

Referring toFIGS.12-13, a panel, such as the first panel10may be assembled to an adjacent second panel20along its long fourth edge14by means of the first locking system, e.g. by an angling motion, thereby creating a long-side to long-side joint. The panel10may be further assembled with one of its short edges11to an adjacent third panel30by means of the second locking system, e.g., by vertical folding, thereby creating a short-side to short-side joint, and further assembled with its long third edge13to a further fourth panel40by means of the first locking system, e.g. by an angling motion, thereby creating a further long-side to long-side joint. The two further panels20,40being arranged on opposite sides of the short-side joint. The resulting configuration of panels is a typical floor lay when assembling e.g. a floating floor as shown inFIG.13or a wall, as shown inFIG.12. As derivable, the configuration comprises two T-joints. Each T-joint comprising a long-side to long-side joint (between a third edge13and a fourth edge14) and a short-side to short-side joint (between a first edge11and a second edge12). Thus, the set of similar or essentially identical panels can be assembled in locking position to comprise a first T-joint T1and a second T-joint T2, as shown for instance inFIG.13.

In order to improve the sealing between assembled lay of panels comprising a panel assembled in locking position on all four sides i.e. all four edges, such as a floor lay (seeFIG.13), it would be desirable to improve the water protection of both T-joints.

Thanks to the building panel having the features set forth herein, and in the appended claims, it may be facilitated that the sealing of both T-joints T1and T2is improved.

FIGS.14A-14B,15A-15B,16A-16B,17A-17B,18A-18B and19A-19Billustrate different embodiments of pockets which may be combined with any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. The pockets may be configured to receive a sealant, such as a fluid or vax. The provision of one or more pockets may facilitate improved sealing of the joint between adjacent panels when configured in assembled position. The vax pockets may cooperate to control the flow of sealant through the joint when adjacent panels are assembled, such as from the pocket in a direction through the joint towards the front surface15and/or back surface16.

InFIGS.14A-14B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered, right-angle bend as shown inFIGS.14A-14B. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket111is provided in the third edge13between the vertically extending edge portion182and the planar surface. The pocket111extends downwards in a vertical direction towards the back surface16. The pocket111extends below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket111opens upwards in a direction towards the front surface15.

InFIGS.15A-15B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered, right-angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket112is provided in the third edge13between the vertically extending edge portion182and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket112extends sideways in a horizontal direction towards the centre of the panel20comprising the third edge13. The pocket112preferably does not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket112opens sideways in a direction away from the third edge13.

InFIGS.16A-16B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel. The bend may be a chamfered, right angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket113is provided in the third edge13between the vertically extending edge portion182and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket113extends into the third edge in a direction having an angle relative the vertically extending edge portion182, such as an angle between 15-75 degrees, such as a 45-degree angle. The pocket113may extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket113opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13. The pocket113may have an opening that corresponds to the length (in the side view ofFIG.16B) of a chamfer.

InFIGS.17A-17B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel comprising the fourth edge14. The bend may be a chamfered, right-angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous first bend inwards into the third edge13, such as a 10-20 degree bend. The first bend is followed by a contiguous second bend, such as an acute bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The second bend is followed by a contiguous horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A pocket114is thereby provided in the third edge13between the vertically extending edge portion182and the horizontal planar surface. The pocket114extends into the third edge. The pocket114preferably does not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The pocket114opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13. The pocket114may have an opening that is larger than the length (in the side view ofFIG.17B) of a chamfer.

InFIGS.18A-18B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel comprising the fourth edge14. The bend may be a chamfered, right-angle bend. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous acute bend outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The bend is followed by a contiguous planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. The planar surface may form an angle with a horizontal plane H. A pocket115is thereby provided in the third edge13between the contiguous planar surface and the first upper lip portion149. The pocket115opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13. The pocket115may have an opening that is larger than the length (in the side view ofFIG.18B) of a chamfer.

In19A-19B, an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel. The bend is a chamfered edge between the vertically extending edge portion184and the first upper lip portion149. The chamfered edge providing a first pocket116between the third edge13and the fourth edge14. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149may comprise said horizontal planar surface.

An upper edge portion of the third edge13, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel. The bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139may comprise said horizontal planar surface. A second pocket116′ is provided in the vertically extending edge portion182. Then second pocket116′ extends sideways in a horizontal direction towards the centre of the panel20comprising the third edge13. The second pocket116′ may not extend below the horizontal planar surface. The second pocket116′ opens sideways in a direction away from the third edge13. The second pocket116′ at least partially opens to the first pocket116and is thus at least partially in direct fluid communication with the first pocket116when the third edge13is configured in assembled position with the fourth edge14.

Although the pockets111,112,113,114,115,116,116′ have been explained in relation to the third edge13and fourth edge14of the panel, such as long edges, it should be appreciated that corresponding pockets may be formed between the first edge11and second edge of the panel, such as short edges.

FIG.20Ashows an embodiment wherein the first lower lip portion139is disposed in a first plane H1and the second lower lip portion119being disposed in a second plane H2being displaced from the first plane H1. Preferably the first plane H1is disposed 0.2 to 0.5 mm below the second plane H2, preferably about 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm. Thereby, the second lower lip portion119is disposed above the first lower lip portion139and closer to the front surface15than the first lower lip portion139.

By configuring the second lower lip portion119in a second plane H2being disposed above the plane of the first lower lip portion139, it may be facilitated that a fluid, such as water, may flow from the second lower lip portion119to the first lower lip portion139. The fluid may flow under the action of gravity.

By configuring the second lower lip portion119in a second plane H2being disposed above the plane of the first lower lip portion139, improved resistance to water penetration may be facilitated in a floor comprising a plurality of panels according the embodiment configured in assembled position.

FIG.20Bshows an embodiment wherein the second upper lip portion129and the second lower lip portion119are arranged in a second plane H2when the panels are configured in assembled position, such as when a first edge11is configured in assembled position with a second edge12.

FIG.20Cshows an embodiment wherein the first upper lip portion149and the first lower lip portion139are arranged in a first plane H1when the panels are configured in assembled position, such as when a third edge13is configured in assembled position with a fourth edge14.

Items

ITEM 1. A set of similar or essentially identical building panels, such as a floor panels or wall panels, comprisinga first mechanical locking system at respective parallel and opposite third and fourth edges13,14, such as long edges, configured to cooperate for locking between two adjacent building panels10,20, preferably by means of a folding motion, anda second locking system at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges11,12, such as short edges, configured to cooperate for locking of two adjacent building panels10,30,wherein an upper edge portion of one of the long edges of the panel, such as a third edge or fourth edge13,14, preferably the third edge13, comprises a first lower lip portion139configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion149of an upper edge portion of the other of the third and fourth edge of an adjacent panel20when said third and fourth edges are assembled in locking position.ITEM 2. The set according to item 1, wherein the first locking system is configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking between two adjacent building panels10,20, preferably by means of a folding motion.ITEM 3. The set according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second locking system is configured to cooperate for horizontal and/or vertical locking of two adjacent building panels10,30, preferably by means of a vertical motion, such as vertical folding.ITEM 4. The set according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein an upper edge portion of one of the short edges of the panel, such as the first or the second edge, comprises a second lower lip portion119configured to cooperate which a second upper lip portion129of an upper edge portion of the other of the first and second edge of an adjacent panel30when said first and second edges are assembled in locking position.ITEM 5. The set according to the preceding item 4, wherein the lip portions119,129,139,149each of comprises a planar horizontal surface.ITEM 6. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 5, wherein the first lower lip portion139is continuous with the second lower lip portion119, preferably the first upper lip portion149is continuous with the second upper lip portion129.ITEM 7. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 6, wherein said lip portions119,129,139,149continuously define a datum plane Dp, preferably along the first, second, third and fourth edges when a panel is assembled with similar panels in locking position along all edges11,12,13,14.ITEM 8. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 7, wherein said lip portions119,129,139,149are contiguous with each other such as to extend continuously along the first, second, third and fourth edges.ITEM 9. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 8, wherein the first upper lip portion149is configured to bear on the first lower lip portion139when adjacent panels are assembled in locking position by means of the first locking system.ITEM 10. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 9, wherein the second upper lip portion129is configured to bear on the second lower lip portion119when adjacent panels are assembled in locking position by means of the second locking system.ITEM 11. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 10, wherein the first and locking systems each comprises a locking tongue11i,12h,14hand a tongue groove11j,12j,13j, wherein said lip portions119,129,139,149are disposed between a respective of said locking tongue or tongue groove and the front surface15of the panel.ITEM 12. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 11, wherein an upper edge portion of the second edge12and/or fourth edge14, comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous bend inwards towards a centre of the panel, preferably said bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface.ITEM 13. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 12, wherein an upper edge portion of the first edge11and/or third edge13comprises a vertically extending edge portion extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous bend outwards away from the centre of the panel, preferably said bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface.ITEM 14. The set according to any one of the preceding items 12 or 13, wherein said bend comprises a right-angle bend.ITEM 15. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 14, wherein the first lower lip portion139is continuous with the second lower lip portion119.ITEM 16. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 15, wherein the first upper lip portion149is continuous with the second upper lip portion129.ITEM 17. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 16, wherein the second lower lip portion119is contiguous the first upper lip portion149.ITEM 18. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 17, wherein the second upper lip portion129is contiguous with the first lower lip portion139.ITEM 19. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 18, wherein said first and second upper and lower lip portions119,129,139,149defines a datum plane Dp for aligning the front surface15of the building panel with the front surface (15) of an adjacent building panel.ITEM 20. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 19, wherein one of the first or second edges comprises a second locking tongue11i, such as a displaceable locking tongue configured to linearly translate in a displacement groove11k, and the other of the first and second edges comprises a second tongue groove12jfor receiving said second locking tongue, wherein the lip portions (119,129,139,149are disposed between first tongue groove the front surface15of the panel.ITEM 21. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 20, wherein said lip portions119,129,139,149are contiguous with each other, preferably continuously extending along the first, second, third and fourth edges and/or continuously define the datum plane Dp along the first, second, third and fourth edges when a panel is assembled with similar panels in locking position along all edges11,12,13,14.ITEM 22. The set according to any one of the preceding items 4 to 21, wherein the first, second, third and fourth lip portions essentially extend in a common plane.ITEM 23. The set according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 22, wherein the panel comprises a surface layer15a, said surface layer comprising a binder, such as a thermosetting resin.ITEM 24. The set according to the preceding item, wherein said binder18has a penetration depth into a core17of the panel in a direction transverse the front surface15.ITEM 25. The set according to the preceding item, wherein said penetration depth extends to and including at least part of the lip portions.ITEM 26. The set according to any one of the preceding claims 23 to 25, wherein the surface layer15ais a protective surface layer and/or a decorative surface layer.ITEM 27. The set according to any one of the preceding items 23 to 26, wherein the surface layer15acomprises one or more of a veneer, pigments, cellulose fiber.ITEM 28. The set according to any one of the preceding items 23 to 27, wherein the binder comprises a thermosetting, such as melamine formaldehyde.ITEM 29. The set according to any one of the preceding claims 24 to 28, wherein said core17comprises one or more of MDF, HDF, wood, stone, ceramics, PVC, plastics.ITEM 30. The set according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 29, wherein the first lower lip portion139is disposed in a first plane H1and the second lower lip portion119is disposed in a second plane H2being displaced from the first plane H1.ITEM 31. The set according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 30, wherein the first plane H1is disposed 0.2 to 0.5 mm below the second plane H2, preferably about 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm.ITEM 32. The set according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 33, wherein an upper edge portion of the second12and/or fourth edge14, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a first bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel, preferably the bend comprises a chamfered edge between the vertically extending edge portion184and the first upper lip portion149,139, wherein the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, preferably the first upper lip portion149,129comprises said horizontal planar surface, andwherein an upper edge portion of the third edge13and/or first edge11, such a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a second bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel, wherein the second bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, preferably the first lower lip portion139,119comprises said horizontal planar surface, and wherein a pocket111,112,113is provided in the third edge13and/or first edge11between the vertically extending edge portion182and the planar surface.ITEM 33. The set according to ITEM 32, wherein the pocket111extends downwards in a vertical direction towards the back surface16, preferably the pocket111extends below the horizontal planar surface; the pocket111opens upwards in a direction towards the front surface15.ITEM 34. The set according to ITEM 32, wherein the pocket112is extending sideways in a horizontal direction towards the centre of the panel20comprising the third edge13and/or first edge11, preferably the second pocket112does not extend below the horizontal planar surface; the pocket112opens sideways in a direction away from the third edge13and/or first edge11.ITEM 35. The set according to ITEM 32, wherein the pocket113extends into the third edge in a direction having an angle relative the vertically extending edge portion182, such as angle between 15-75 degrees, such as a 45-degree angle; the pocket113extends below the horizontal planar surface; the pocket113opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13and/or first edge11.ITEM 36. The set according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 31, wherein an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14and/or second edge12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel; the bend is preferably a chamfered, right-angle edge between the vertically extending edge portion184and the first upper lip portion149,129; the chamfered edge forming a first pocket116between the third edge13and the fourth edge14and/or first edge11and second edge12; the first bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149,129comprise said horizontal planar surface, andwherein an upper edge portion of the third edge13and/or first edge11, such a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a second bend, preferably a right-angle bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel; the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139,119comprising said horizontal planar surface; a second pocket116′ is provided in the vertically extending edge portion182; the second pocket116′ extends sideways in a horizontal direction towards the centre of the panel20comprising the third edge13and/or first edge11; preferably the second pocket116′ does not extend below the horizontal planar surface, preferably the second pocket116′ opens sideways in a direction away from the third edge13and/or first edge11, preferably the second pocket116′ at least partially opens to the first pocket116and is at least partially in direct fluid communication with the first pocket116′ when the third edge13is configured in assembled position with the fourth edge14and/or the first edge11is configured in assembled position with the second edge12.ITEM 37. The set according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 31, wherein an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14and/or second edge12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel comprising the fourth edge14and/or second edge12; preferably the bend is a chamfered, right-angle bend; the first bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149,129comprises said horizontal planar surface, andwherein an upper edge portion of the third edge13and/or first edge11, such a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous first bend inwards into the third edge13and/or first edge11, such as a 10-20 degree bend; the first bend is followed by a contiguous second bend, such as an acute bend, outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel; the second bend is followed by a contiguous horizontal planar surface, the first lower lip portion139,119comprises said horizontal planar surface, whereby a pocket114is thereby provided in the third edge13and/or first edge11between the vertically extending edge portion182and the horizontal planar surface; the pocket114extends into the third edge13and/or first edge11; the pocket114preferably do not extend below the horizontal planar surface; the pocket114opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13and/or first edge11.ITEM 38. The set according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 31, wherein an upper edge portion of the fourth edge14and/or second edge12, such as a long edge, comprises a vertically extending edge portion184extending from the front surface15followed by a bend, preferably a right-angle bend, inwards towards the centre of the panel comprising the fourth edge14and/or second edge12; preferably the bend is a chamfered, right-angle bend; the bend is followed by a horizontal planar surface, wherein the first upper lip portion149,129comprises said horizontal planar surface, andwherein an upper edge portion of the third edge13and/or first edge11, such a long edge, may comprise a vertically extending edge portion182extending from the front surface15followed by a contiguous acute bend outwards in a direction from the centre of the panel; the bend is followed by a contiguous planar surface; the first lower lip portion139,119comprises said horizontal planar surface, wherein the contiguous planar surface forms an angle with a front surface15, whereby a pocket115is provided in the third edge13and/or first edge11between the planar surface and the first upper lip portion149,129; the pocket115opens at least partially sideways in a direction away from the third edge13and/or first edge11.