Patent ID: 7861481

Claim:
A connecting element ( 24 ) for a segmented floor covering ( 20 ), the connecting element comprising a first part element ( 26 ) and a second part element ( 28 ), each having connecting openings ( 34 ) by which means the part elements are connected to one another by a connecting means ( 36 ) such that substantially adjacent planar end portions of the connecting elements ( 26 , 28 ) overlap one another, and which in the assembled state form a connecting channel ( 38 ) in which a connector ( 40 ) is disposed, which connector also has a connecting opening ( 34 ) for the connecting means ( 36 ), wherein the connector ( 40 ) projects laterally from the connecting element ( 24 ) in such a manner that it is inserted into a connecting channel ( 38 ) of a neighboring connecting element ( 24 ) and a connecting means ( 36 ) can likewise extends there through a second connecting opening ( 34 ) so that two connecting means ( 24 ) located adjacent to one another are connected to one another by the connector ( 40 ), wherein the connecting means ( 36 ) has dimensions such that it does not protrude over a useful area ( 21 ) of the floor covering ( 20 ).