Patent ID: 8307607

Claim:
Panel covering assembly comprising at least two adjacent panels ( 11 , 12 ) having opposite ends where enlarged-head extensions ( 13 ) are positioned, and at least one connecting element connecting said two adjacent panels ( 11 , 12 ), each connecting element comprising a flange ( 19 ) having a first end and a second end, said first end having a presser ( 19 ′) that is arranged and configured symmetrically with respect to said flange ( 19 ), wherein said enlarged-head extensions ( 13 ) at said opposite ends of said adjacent panels ( 11 , 12 ) are inserted and kept respectively in upper first and second longitudinal channels ( 20 a , 20 a ′), said flange ( 19 ) further comprising an enlarged base ( 28 ) at said second end, said upper first and second longitudinal channels ( 20 a , 20 a ′) being open in an area adjacent to said presser ( 19 ′) and delimited by said flange ( 19 ) and by first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′) that are opposite to said flange ( 19 ) and by first and second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′) that connect said first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′) with said flange ( 19 ), said enlarged base ( 28 ) having first and second projections ( 29 , 29 ′), which extend from a first end of said enlarged base ( 28 ) towards said first and second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′) said upper first and second longitudinal channels ( 20 b , 20 b ′) being delimited by said flange ( 19 ), said first or second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′), said enlarged base ( 28 ) and said first or second projections ( 29 , 29 ′); said first and second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′) extending in a direction orthogonal to said flange ( 19 ) and being substantially orthogonal to said first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′) and parallel to said flange ( 19 ); said enlarged base ( 28 ) being arranged substantially orthogonal to said flange ( 19 ); said first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′) being provided with snap-holding means ( 24 , 24 ′), said enlarged-head extensions ( 13 ) being inserted into said upper first and second longitudinal channels ( 20 a , 20 a ′), said snap-holding means ( 24 , 24 ′) operating on contact at an upper part with said enlarged-head extensions ( 13 ) and being positioned on the upper end of said first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′); wherein said first and second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′) are extended orthogonally at least over a section equivalent to the distance between said flange ( 19 ) and said first and second projections ( 29 , 29 ′); said first and second projections ( 29 , 29 ′) being substantially orthogonal to said enlarged base ( 28 ) and parallel to said flange ( 19 ); said first and second projections ( 29 , 29 ′) being substantially flush (F 1 ) with said first said second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′), and said first and second lateral walls ( 22 , 22 ′) being extended vertically from said first and second base walls ( 25 , 25 ′) up to said snap-holding means ( 24 , 24 ′).