Abstract
A flooring system including floor panels and a connecting system for connecting the floor panels is provided. The flooring system includes a first and a second floor panel, and a connecting device that includes a first and a second connecting element. The first connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first and second floor panel for horizontally connecting the first and second floor panel. The second connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element for vertically connecting the first and the second floor panel. A connecting device for connecting a first and a second floor panel is also provided.
Claims
1. A flooring system comprising floor panels and a connecting system for connecting the floor panels, wherein the flooring system comprises: a first floor panel and a second floor panel, and a connecting device comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first floor panel and the second floor panel for horizontally connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel, the first connecting element comprising a first locking element configured to engage with a locking groove provided in an underside of the first floor panel and a second locking element configured to engage with a locking groove provided in an underside of the second floor panel, wherein the second connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element for vertically connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel, the connecting device comprising a male connecting element and a female connecting element, the male connecting element being configured to engage with the female connecting element for providing said vertical connection, wherein an edge portion of the first floor panel or the second floor panel comprises a recess, and wherein an expansion portion of the connecting device is configured to be at least partly provided in the recess of the first or second floor panel when the first and second connecting elements are cooperating and thereby vertically connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel, said expansion portion being further configured to expand during connection of the first and second connecting elements, wherein, when the first and second floor panels are fully engaged to each other with the connecting device, the connecting device is between the first and second floor panels and spaces the first and second floor panels from each other along an entirety of a cross-section through a vertical plane of the flooring system, and wherein the expansion portion is expanded in a connected state of the connecting device.
2. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the recess of the first or second floor panel is provided below an upper lip and above a lower lip provided in the edge portion.
3. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the lower lip extends horizontally beyond the upper lip, or wherein the lower lip has the same horizontal extension as the upper lip.
4. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be spaced from the lower lip of the first or second panel when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
5. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting element is configured to engage with the first or second panel, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
6. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the lower lip comprises an inclined upper surface.
7. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting element is configured to engage with the first and the second panel, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
8. The flooring system according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting element is configured to engage with a lower lip of the first and second panel, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
9. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the female connecting element is provided in the second connecting element and comprises the expansion portion, and wherein an engagement between the male and the female connecting elements causes an expansion of the expansion portion, or wherein the expansion portion is provided as a deformable portion of the connecting device.
10. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the expansion portion is provided in the second connecting element, such as in a lower portion of the second connecting element.
11. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the expansion portion is configured to expand in a transverse direction of the connecting device.
12. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device and the first or second floor panels are configured such that, in a vertically disconnected state of the first or the second panel when the second connecting element is disconnected from the first connecting element, the first or the second floor panel is removable from the connecting device by a vertical displacement of the first or the second floor panel only, without any angling of the panel.
13. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the floor panels are configured to be floating when connected.
14. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion of the first floor panel and the second floor panel comprises a recess, and the expansion portion of the connecting device is configured to be at least partly provided in the recess of the first and second floor panel when the first and second connecting elements are cooperating and thereby vertically connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel.
15. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the recess of the first and the second floor panel are provided below an upper lip and above a lower lip provided in the edge portion.
16. The flooring system according to claim 15, wherein the lower lip comprises an inclined upper surface.
17. The flooring system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device and the first and the second floor panels are configured such that, in a vertically disconnected state of the first or the second panel when the second connecting element is disconnected from the first connecting element, the first and the second floor panel is removable from the connecting device by a vertical displacement of the first and the second floor panel only, without any angling of the panel.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The disclosure will in the following be described in connection to exemplary embodiments and in greater detail with reference to the appended exemplary drawings, wherein:
(2) FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate an embodiment of connected panels in a side view and an embodiment of a connecting device in perspective views.
(3) FIGS. 2a-2j illustrate cross-sectional side views of embodiments of connected panels as well as methods of connecting the panels.
(4) FIGS. 3a-3h illustrate embodiments of connecting devices and connected panels in perspective views and cross-sectional side views.
(5) FIGS. 4a-4f illustrate in cross-sectional side views embodiments of integrally formed first and second connecting elements and their connection to panels.
(6) FIGS. 5a-5b illustrate embodiments of connecting devices and connected panels in cross-sectional side views.
(7) FIGS. 6a-6d illustrate embodiments of connecting devices and their connection to panels in cross-sectional side views.
(8) FIGS. 7a-7d illustrate cross-sectional side views of embodiments of connected panels, wherein the second connecting element is made of a curable material.
(9) FIGS. 8a-8d illustrate embodiments of a panel in bottom views and perspective views.
(10) FIGS. 9a-9e illustrate embodiments of flooring systems comprising square and rectangular panels in bottom views and a top view.
(11) FIG. 10a illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiments of connected panels.
(12) FIGS. 10b-10e illustrate embodiments of two perpendicularly arranged connecting devices in top perspective views and embodiments of connected panels in side views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(13) Next, embodiments of a flooring system comprising a first floor panel 100, a second floor panel 200, and a connecting system for connecting the floor panels will be described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 4a-4f, 5a-5b, 6a-6d, and 7a-7d. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 2a, the panels are provided on a support structure 500, such as a subfloor, which is often suppressed for clarity.
(14) FIG. 1a is a side view of an edge region of connected panels 100, 200. Each panel comprises a support member 110, 210 and a surface member 120, 220 bonded to the support member. Optionally, an intermediate member 130, 230 may be provided between the support member and the surface member. The intermediate member may be provided as an intermediate layer, such as a glass-fibre layer. In one example, the surface member is a ceramic layer and the support member is a fibre cement panel. In one example, the surface member is a ceramic layer and the support member is an SPC panel. Clearly, however, other combinations are part of this disclosure.
(15) An edge portion 160, 270 of each panel comprises a recess 140, 240. The recess is provided between an upper lip 141, 241 and a lower lip 142, 242 provided in the edge portion. The recess may be provided entirely in the support member as may be seen e.g., in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2j, 3e-3f, 4c-4d, 5a-5b, 6a-6d, 7a-7b and 7d. Moreover, each recess may comprise a lower 140a, 240a, an upper 140b, 240b and an inner 140c, 240c wall. Each lower lip may comprise an upper surface 143, 243 which may be inclined as shown in FIG. 1a.
(16) An underside 102, 202 of each panel comprises a locking groove 150, 250. Each locking groove is horizontally spaced inwardly from a side edge 123, 223 of the first and second panel, respectively. Preferably, each locking groove is spaced horizontally inwardly from a horizontally innermost portion of each respective recess 140, 240, such as the inner wall 140c, 240c. Moreover, each locking groove comprises an inner 150a, 250a, an outer 150b, 250b, and an upper 150c, 250c wall.
(17) The connecting system may comprise a connecting device 300 as well as one or more from the group consisting of the recesses 140, 240, the upper lips 141, 241, the lower lips 142, 242, and the locking grooves 150, 250.
(18) In accordance with the embodiment shown in the perspective views in FIGS. 1b-1c, the connecting device 300 comprises a first 310 and a second 320 connecting element, each extending along a longitudinal direction L of the connecting device. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting elements comprise an elastomer, a rubber, a thermoplastic or a thermoset. The first connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first 100 and second 200 panels for connecting them in a horizontal direction H, which is perpendicular to a surface normal N of a top side 122, 222 of each panel and perpendicular to a vertical plane VP arranged between the first and second panels. The horizontal direction H is preferably parallel with a transverse direction T of the connecting device in the connected state of the panels. The vertical plane VP has a surface normal M which is parallel with the horizontal direction H. Moreover, the second connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element for connecting the panels in a vertical direction V, which is parallel with the surface normal N.
(19) The first connecting element 310 comprises a first 311 and a second 312 locking element that are provided at end portions of a respective first 313 and second 314 arm portion which are provided in a bottom portion 315 of the first connecting element. The first 311 and second 312 locking elements extend vertically from the arm portions 313, 314 and are configured to engage with the locking grooves 150 and 250, respectively.
(20) Moreover, the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements comprise a male 317 and a female 321 connecting element, respectively, each extending along the longitudinal direction L of the connecting device, preferably along its entire length. The male connecting element 317 comprises a tip element 331 which is provided at an end portion of an elongated portion 332 in the form of a projection 316. The projection is provided on the first connecting element between the first 311 and second 312 locking elements and extends vertically from the bottom portion 315. The female connecting element comprises a cavity 330 and a first 322 and a second 323 protrusion that are separated by the cavity. The protrusions may be flexible.
(21) The male connecting element 317 is configured to engage with the female connecting element 321, e.g., by snapping, for connecting the first and second connecting elements and for providing the vertical connection of the panels. The tip element 331 may be provided in, e.g., pressed into, the cavity 330 for obtaining the connected state of the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements.
(22) An outer part 103, 203 of each panel provided outside of each locking groove 150, 250 has a smaller thickness than a thickness in an inner part 104, 204 provided inwardly of the locking groove 150, 250. Thereby, a portion of a bottom portion 315 of the first connecting element may be accommodated under the panels. Preferably, an upper surface of each of the arm portions 313, 314 is parallel with the underside 102, 202 of the respective outer part 103, 203. Each outer part 103, 203 may be an undercut. The locking grooves 150, 250 and/or an underside 103a, 203a of the outer parts 103, 203 may prevent a downward vertical displacement of the panels 100, 200 with respect to the first connecting element 310.
(23) The embodiments of the connecting devices 300 in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 4a-4f, and 5a-5b are symmetrical, or essentially symmetrical, around a vertical centre line VCL as seen from a cross-sectional side view of the connecting device.
(24) An upper portion 328 of the second connecting element is configured to engage with each surface member of the first and second panels in the connected state.
(25) As shown in the perspective views in FIGS. 1b-1c, the tip element 331 may comprise a lug element 318 and the cavity 330 may comprise a flange element 325. In the present non-limiting embodiment, the lug element comprises two lugs and the flange element comprises two flanges. The lug element engages with the flange element in the connected state of the first and second connecting elements. The lug element 318 is provided at an outer portion of the tip element 331 and the flange element 325 is provided at an inner portion of each protrusion 322, 323.
(26) A transversal width of the upper portion 328 of the second connecting element may increase towards a top surface 328b of the second connecting element. The upper portion 328 may comprise a bevel portion 328a. The bevel portion 328a may comprise a first 328c and a second 328d bevel. The first 328c and second 328d bevels may join the top surface 328b and optionally may join a first 328e and a second 328f side wall of the upper portion 328, respectively. The first 328c and second 328f side walls may be opposite to each other. The bevels 328c-d may be inclined or rounded, e.g., curved outwards. The bevels 328c-d may engage with a respective top portion 105, 205 of the panels in the connected state. Thereby, a vertical displacement of the second connecting element towards the first connecting element may be prevented in the connected state of the panels. Also, an improved seal may be provided.
(27) As illustrated in the embodiment in FIGS. 1a-1c, the female connecting element 321 may comprise at least one sliding surface 322a, 323a, such as an inner sliding surface provided on each of the protrusions 322, 323. Each sliding surface may be inclined or curved. Each sliding surface may be configured to engage with the male connecting element 317 during connection, such as with a corresponding top portion surface 317a of the male connecting element. The top portion surface 317a may have a shape corresponding to the sliding surfaces 322a, 323a and may be inclined or curved, as shown e.g., in the embodiment in FIG. 2b.
(28) FIGS. 2a-2j illustrate in cross-sectional side views embodiments of connected panels as well as how to horizontally and vertically connect panels by means of the connecting device.
(29) In FIG. 2a, two panels 100, 200 are provided on a support structure 500, such as a subfloor, and are horizontally connected to each other by the first connecting element 310. The locking elements 311, 312 have been provided in the locking grooves 150, 250 by means of a vertical, and optionally angling, displacement of the panels relative to the first connecting element. Preferably, the panels are displaced with a vertical displacement only. FIGS. 2b-2c illustrate how the second connecting element 320 is inserted between the top portions 105, 205 of the panels and becomes connected to the first connecting element, such as by means of a snapping engagement. Thereby, a vertical connection of the panels is obtained as shown in FIGS. 2d-2e.
(30) FIG. 2d shows an embodiment in which the second connecting element 320 engages with the lower lips 142, 242 of the first and second panels. FIG. 2e shows an embodiment in which the second connecting element 320 is spaced from the lower lips 142, 242 by a space S.
(31) FIG. 2e also illustrates that in a reference frame of the first connecting element 310, and optionally also of the second connecting element 320, the first and second panels may be vertically displaceable relative to each other, between a first Q1 and a second Q2 vertical position, while maintaining the vertical connection of the panels. The vertically relative displacement may be implemented by at least one of a deformation or a compression of the connecting device 300, and/or the space S. The distance Q2-Q1 preferably is smaller than a height D of each locking element 311, 312 measured from a top surface 311a, 312a of the locking element to a surface 315a of the bottom portion 315, which preferably engages with a respective underside 103a, 203a of the outer parts 103, 203 in the connected state.
(32) In the embodiments in FIGS. 1a and 2d-2j, the second connecting element 320, such as a lower portion 329 thereof, is spaced from each of the first and second panels, such as the support members 110, 210. In particular, the lower portion 329 may be spaced from the walls 140b-c and 240b-c, and optionally also the walls 140a, 240a.
(33) In the embodiments in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2d, 3a-3b, 3e-3f, 5a, 6a-6d, 7a-7b and 7d, each lower lip 142, 242 extends horizontally beyond the respective upper lip 141, 241. However, it is also part of this disclosure that the lower lip may have the same horizontal extension as the upper lip as shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 2e and 4c-d or that the upper lip may extend horizontally beyond the lower lip shown as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 2f. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2g-2h and FIG. 5b, there may be upper lips 141, 241 only, and no lower lips. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3a-3b and 7c, there may be lower lips 142, 242 only, and no upper lips. In any of the embodiments, each top portion 105, 205, such as the surface member 110, 210, may comprise a chamfer portion 306 comprising a first 106 and a second 206 chamfer. As shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 1a and 2b-2j, the second connecting element may comprise a bevel portion 328a comprising a first 328c and a second 328d bevel. In FIGS. 1a, 2b-2g and 2j, the bevels 328c-d may engage with a chamfer 106, 206 or rounded portion of the top portions. In FIGS. 2h-2i, the bevels 328c-d engages with a respective chamfer 106, 206.
(34) In the embodiment in FIG. 2h, the bevel portion 328a is integrally formed with the second connecting element. In the embodiment in FIG. 2i, the bevel portion 328a may be separately formed from the second connecting element and may be attached to an attaching portion 328g of the second connecting element. Alternatively, the second connecting element in the embodiment in FIG. 2i may comprise a first part 320a comprising a first material and a second part 320b comprising a second material which is joined to the first part.
(35) The embodiment in FIG. 2j illustrates a first and a second panel comprising a holding portion 144, 244 for holding the second connecting element 320 in position, such as in a horizontal and/or a vertical position. The second connecting element may be held in position with respect to the first and/or the second floor panel. For example, the second connecting element may be held in a pretensioned position. The holding portion may be an upwardly extending prominence portion provided on each of the lower lips 142, 242. FIG. 2d illustrates an embodiment wherein the holding portion 144, 244 is formed as a portion of each of the lower lips 142, 242, such as the upper surfaces 140a, 240a. The upper surface of the lower lips may be inclined.
(36) The embodiments in FIGS. 3a-3b and 5b illustrate that the lower lips 142, 242 or upper lips 141, 241 may be formed by arranging each surface member 120, 220 horizontally offset with respect to the respective support member 110, 120. In FIGS. 3a-3b the surface member is provided inwardly of the support member. Thereby, the support member may extend beyond the surface member. In FIG. 5b the support member is provided inwardly of the surface member. Thereby, the surface member may extend beyond the support member. In any of these embodiments, a side edge 123, 223 of the panels may have a simple form, such as being planar, for example being provided vertically.
(37) In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2j, 3e-3f, 6a-6d, and 7a-7d, the upwardly extending projection 316 may be provided below the surface member in the connected state. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3a-3b and 4c-4d, the upwardly extending projection 316 may be provided above the support member in the connected state.
(38) As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1a-1c, and illustrated during connection in, e.g., the embodiments in FIGS. 2b-2e, the second connecting element 320 may comprise an expansion portion 326, 327 which is configured to be at least partly provided in the recesses 140, 240 in the vertically connected state. The expansion portion is configured to expand outwards in the transverse direction T of the connecting device during connection of the first and second connecting elements. In the embodiment in FIG. 1c, the female connecting element 321 comprises the expansion portion 326, 327. The female connecting element may assume a disconnected position and a connected position in a connected and a disconnected state of the connecting device, respectively. In the connected position, the expansion portion may be expanded. The first 322 and/or the second 323 protrusions may be more horizontally separated along the direction H, preferably being parallel with the transverse direction T, than in the disconnected position. For example, in the disconnected state, a transverse width W1 of the elongated portion 332, such as below the tip element 331, may be larger than a transverse width W2 between the innermost portions 322b, 323b of the protrusions. Thereby, in the connected state, the protrusions 322, 323 do not return to their initial positions.
(39) Optionally, a portion of the expansion portions 326, 327 may engage with a respective upper wall 140b, 240b of the recess in the vertically connected state.
(40) FIGS. 3c and 3e schematically illustrate perspective views and a side view of a coextruded second connecting element 320 comprising a first part 320a comprising a first material and a second part 320b comprising a second material. The first and second parts may be provided in the upper 328 and lower 329 portions of the second connecting element, respectively. Otherwise, embodiments of the first and second connecting elements may be the same as those described above and in the remaining disclosure.
(41) FIG. 3d schematically illustrates in a side view a second connecting element 320 comprising a first part 320a comprising a first material and a second part 320b comprising a second material. Preferably, the first 320a and second 320b parts are coextruded, but other forms of joining them, such as by heating, welding or by an adhesive, are also part of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3d, the first part may comprise a head portion 32a which is received in a slot portion 32b of the second part.
(42) The second material may be stiffer than the first material. The thereby stiffer head portion 32a may provide an improved connection to the first connecting element 310. At the same time, the less stiff second part 320b may compensate for dimensional tolerances between the panels 100, 200. Additionally, the stiffer head portion 32a may provide an improved confirmation that the first and second connecting elements are correctly connected to each other, for example by making a clicking sound.
(43) Alternatively, or additionally, the second material may be less stretchable than the first material along the longitudinal direction of the second connecting element. By means of the thereby less stretchable head portion 32a, a more precise positioning of the second connecting element with respect to the first connecting element 310 may be provided. As a consequence, undesired spaces between the panels arising during installation and/or arising from environmental variations, such as temperature fluctuations or varying material properties over time, e.g., shrinkage or expansion of the material, etc. may be avoided.
(44) FIG. 3h is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a first 310 and a second 320 connecting element similar to the one in FIG. 3d, whereby reference is made thereto. However, in FIG. 3h the second connecting element 320 comprises an expansion portion 326, 327. Embodiments of features and characteristics of the expansion portion are described elsewhere in this disclosure, e.g., in relation to FIGS. 1a-1c and 2b-e, whereby reference is made thereto.
(45) Other features of the first and second connecting elements in FIGS. 3d and 3h may be the same as those described above and in the remaining disclosure, such as in relation to FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3c and 3e-3g.
(46) In any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, such as in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2j, 3a-3b, 4c-4d, 5a-5b, 6a-6d and 7b-7d, and as embodied in cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 3e-3g, a supporting material 400, such as a compressible material or a foam, may be provided between the first connecting element and the support structure 500, such as a subfloor, preferably under the entire first 100 and second 200 panels. The support structure 500 in FIGS. 3e-3f is essentially planar while the support structure 500 in FIG. 3g is non-planar. In both cases, the supporting material 400 may provide a substantially planar surface to place the panels on.
(47) In FIG. 3e, a backside surface 319 of the first connecting element is provided flush with the underside 102, 202 of the first and/or the second panel. A vertical extension of each locking element 311, 312 may essentially correspond to a vertical extension of the corresponding locking groove 150, 250. Moreover, in FIGS. 3f-3g, the backside surface 319 is provided below the underside 102, 202 of the first and/or the second floor panel. The vertical extension of each locking element 311, 312 may be larger than the vertical extension of the corresponding locking groove 150, 250. The vertical extension of a locking element may correspond to the distance y2 in FIG. 10e as described below. The vertical extension of a locking groove may be a vertical distance y0 from the underside 102, 202 of the first and/or the second panel to the upper wall 150c, 250c, see FIG. 10e.
(48) Generally, in all embodiments disclosed herein, the bottom portion 315 may comprise at least one base portion 319a, 319b, 319c. Each base portion may elevate or level the panels with respect to the support structure 500.
(49) In the embodiments in FIG. 3f and in FIGS. 3d, 3g, 3h, the bottom portion 315 comprises a single base portion 319a and three base portions 319a, 319b and 319c, respectively. The base portion 319a may be arranged under the projection 316 and the base portions 319b-c may be arranged under the locking elements 311, 312.
(50) As illustrated by the broken lines in FIGS. 3f-3g, the base portions 319a-c may be separately formed from the first connecting element 310. Each base portion may be attached to the first connecting element, preferably to the bottom portion 315. For example, the base portions 319a-c may comprise a supporting material 400, which may be foam, felt paper, or a compressible material etc., as disclosed above.
(51) FIGS. 4a-4b illustrate in cross-sectional side views an embodiment of a connecting device 300 wherein the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements are integrally formed. Embodiments of the first 311 and second 312 locking elements are largely analogous to any of those in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2j and 3a-3h, whereby reference is made to the above.
(52) FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the integrated connecting device 300 in a disconnected and connected state of the connecting device, respectively. The connecting device may be compressed from the disconnected state to the connected state. The compression may be accomplished by displacing the second connecting element 320 towards the first connecting element 310, for example, by exerting a pressure on the top surface 328b. The connecting device 300 may comprise a deformable portion 337 that may deform under the compression, preferably elastically. The deformable portion 337 may bulge transversely outwards under compression and, in particular, in the connected state. In the present embodiment, the deformable portion 337 comprises walls 336a, 336b of the integrally formed connecting device that may deform under compression, preferably elastically. The walls 336a, 336b may form a joining portion between the first 310 and the second 320 connecting elements. The deformable portion 337 forms an expansion portion 326, 327.
(53) The first 310 and second 320 connecting elements comprise a female 321 and a male 317 connecting element, respectively. The female and the male connecting elements comprise a cavity 330 and a tip element 331, respectively, extending along the longitudinal direction L of the connecting device, preferably along its entire length. The cavity 330 is provided in a projection 316 of the first connecting element 310, e.g., between two outer wall sections 330b-c. The cavity may be provided above the arms 313, 314 and, optionally, above the locking elements 311, 312. Moreover, the tip element 331 is provided at an end portion of an elongated portion 332 of the second connecting element. The elongated portion 332 extends downwards. The tip element may be provided in, e.g., pressed into, the cavity 330 for obtaining a connected state of the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements. At least one of the tip element and the cavity may be flexible and/or compressible for providing the tip element in the cavity.
(54) The cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 4c and 4d illustrate the integrated connecting device 300 in a disconnected and connected state of the panels, respectively. By compressing the connecting device, the horizontally connected panels in FIG. 4c may also become vertically connected. At least a part of the deformable portion 337 or expansion portion 326, 327 may be provided in the recesses 140, 240. A shape of the recesses 140, 240 may at least partly correspond to a shape of the deformable portion 337. In a first example, there may be a space between the second connecting element and the lower lip 142, 242 of the first and/or second panel when the panels are vertically connected. In a second example, the second connecting element may engage with each lower lip 142, 242.
(55) As illustrated in the cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 4e-4f, it is understood that the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements alternatively may comprise a male 317 and a female 321 connecting element, respectively. Embodiments of other features of the connecting device 300 may be similar as those described in relation to FIGS. 4a-4d, whereby reference is made to the above. In addition, it is noted that the tip element 331 is provided at an end portion of an elongated portion 332 which is provided in the projection 316 of the first connecting element 310, e.g., between two outer wall sections 330b-c. The elongated portion 332 extends upwards. The tip element may be provided above the arms 313, 314 and, optionally, above the locking elements 311, 312. Moreover, the cavity 330 is provided in the second connecting element.
(56) The cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 5a-5b show embodiments wherein the first connecting element 310 comprises the female connecting element 321 and the second connecting element 320 comprises the male connecting element 317. The female and the male connecting elements comprise a cavity 330 and a tip element 331, respectively, extending along the longitudinal direction L of the connecting device, preferably along its entire length. Preferably, the cavity is centred between the locking elements 311, 312. The cavity may be provided below an upper surface of the first connecting element which is configured to be provided below, in particular engage with, the outer part 103, 203 of the panels in the connected state of the panels. The outer part 103, 203 may have a smaller thickness than a thickness in an inner part 104, 204 as described above. Moreover, the tip element 331 is provided at an end portion of an elongated portion 332 of the second connecting element. The elongated portion 332 extends downwards. The tip element may be provided in, e.g., pressed into, the cavity for obtaining a connected state of the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements. A portion of the cavity may be shaped as a circle segment as seen in cross-section. At least one of the tip element and the cavity may be flexible and/or compressible for providing the tip element in the cavity.
(57) In other aspects than the male/female connecting elements, embodiments of the first connecting element 310 for providing the horizontal connection of the panels in FIGS. 5a-5b are largely analogous to any of those in e.g., FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, and 4a-41, whereby reference is made thereto.
(58) In FIGS. 5a-5b, the second connecting element further comprises a first 333 and a second 334 tongue that are configured to be at least partly provided in the first 140 and second 240 recess, respectively, in the vertically connected state. The first 333 and second 334 tongues may extend horizontally, such as from a middle portion 324 or the upper portion 328, and may be provided below the top portions 105, 205, such as the surface members 120, 220, in the connected state. Optionally, they may engage with an underside 121, 221 of a respective top portion, such as a surface member. The undersides 121, 221 may be a respective lower surface of the upper lips 141, 241. The first 333 and second 334 tongues may comprise a flexible material so that they may be deformed or compressed, e.g., during connection of the second connecting element to the first connecting element when it is provided between the edge portions 160, 270.
(59) As shown in FIG. 5a, the first 333 and second 334 tongues may extend in a vertical direction downwards in the vertically connected state. Thereby, the tongues may be flexible along the transverse direction T. The tongues, such an outer portion of the tongues, may engage with the recesses 140, 240, for example with the lower lips 142, 242, such as with the upper surface 143, 243, and/or with the upper lips 141, 241, such as with the lower surfaces thereof.
(60) As shown in FIG. 5b, the top portion 105, 205, such as the surface member 120, 220, may comprise a chamfer portion 306 comprising a first 106 and a second 206 chamfer, and the second connecting element may comprise a bevel portion 328a comprising a first 328c and a second 328d bevel in complete analogy with any of the embodiments in FIGS. 2a-2j, in particular FIGS. 2h-2i. Thereby, a part of the top portion, such as the surface member, of each panel may be provided between the bevel portion 328a and the tongues 333, 334.
(61) In any embodiment of this disclosure, the backside surface 319 of the first connecting element 310 may comprise at least one depression 335. For example, there may be two depressions 335 provided symmetrically on either side of the cavity 330 as in FIGS. 5a-5b.
(62) The embodiments in FIGS. 6a-6d show connecting devices 300 that are asymmetrical around a vertical centre line VCL as seen from a cross-sectional side view. FIGS. 6b and 6c are zoomed areas of FIGS. 6a and 6d, respectively.
(63) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, the first 310 and second 320 connecting elements comprise a male 317 and a female 321 connecting element, respectively. The male connecting element comprises a tip element 331 which is provided at an end portion of an elongated portion 332 in the form of a projection 316. The projection is provided on the first connecting element and extends vertically from the bottom portion 315. The female connecting element comprises a cavity 330. An outer portion of the tip element 331 comprises a lug element 318 comprising a single lug on only one side of the projection 316, preferably extending transversely outwards from the projection.
(64) The female connecting element comprises a first protrusion 322 and a second protrusion 323, which is provided below the first protrusion. For example, a lowermost portion of the first protrusion may be provided above a lowermost portion of the second protrusion. The cavity 330 comprises a flange element 325 comprising a single flange. The flange element is provided at an inner portion of the second protrusion. The lug element engages with the flange element in the connected state of the first and second connecting elements.
(65) In FIGS. 6a-6b, the recess 140 of the first panel is offset from, preferably provided above, the recess 240 of the second panel. The second connecting element, such as a lower portion 329a of the first protrusion 322, may engage with the lower lip 142, such as the lower wall 140a, in the vertically connected state. Moreover, the second connecting element, such as a lower portion 329b of the second protrusion 323, may engage with the lower lip 242, such as the lower wall 240a. Optionally, the second connecting element, such as a flange member 325′ of the first protrusion 322, may engage with the upper lip 141, such as the upper wall 140b. The flange member 325′ may comprise a flange provided at an outer portion of the first protrusion. The projection 316 may engage with any of or both lower lips 142, 242.
(66) In other aspects than the male/female connecting elements, embodiments of the first connecting element 310 for providing the horizontal connection of the panels in FIGS. 6a-6d are largely analogous to any of those in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 4a-4f, and 5a-5b, whereby reference is made thereto.
(67) In the embodiments shown in the cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 6c-6d, the first connecting element 310 comprises a protuberant portion 316a that is configured to be provided in the recess 140 for vertically connecting the first connecting element to the first panel at least in one vertical direction. Preferably, the first connecting element is connected to the first panel also in an opposite vertical direction by means of an engagement between the first arm portion 313 and the underside 103a of the outer part 103. The protuberant portion 316a may extend horizontally from the projection 316 and may engage with the lower 140a and/or upper 140b wall of the recess 140. The first connecting element may also be horizontally connected to the first panel by means of the first locking element 311 being provided in the locking groove 150, and optionally an engagement between the lower lip 142 and the projection 316. The first connecting element may be pre-connected to the first panel when providing the panel on the support structure.
(68) Moreover, the second connecting element 320 comprises at least one protrusion, preferably a single protrusion 323, which is configured to engage with a portion of the projection 316 for vertically connecting the first and second connecting elements and the panels. A flange element 325 comprising a single flange may be provided at an inner portion of the protrusion 323. The projection may comprise a lug element 318, preferably comprising a single lug on only one side of the projection. The lug element may be provided in an indentation 360 of the projection, preferably facing the second panel 200. Alternatively, the lug element may be provided as in FIGS. 6a-6b, extending transversely outwards from the projection. The lug element 318 may engage with the flange element 325 in the connected state of the first and second connecting elements. Optionally, the second connecting element, such as a lower portion 329b of the single protrusion 323, may engage with the lower lip 242, such as the lower wall 240a, in the vertically connected state. Moreover, the second connecting element 320 may comprise a transversely open portion 340 for housing a portion of the projection 316 and/or a portion of the protuberant portion 316a. The transversely open portion 340 may be open in a, preferably horizontal, direction towards the first panel 100 in the connected state.
(69) In any of the embodiments described above in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 4a-4f, 5a-5b and 6a-6d, the second connecting element may be arranged with pretension between the first 100 and second 200 panels. A distance between the top portions 105, 205, such as the surface members, in the connected state may be smaller than a transversal width of an engagement portion of the second connecting element 320, e.g., provided in the upper portion 328, in a disconnected state. The engagement portion may be provided below the bevel portion 328a, when present.
(70) In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1a, 2d-2j, 3b, 3d-3f, 3h and 6a-6b, an innermost portion 330a of the cavity 330 may be separated from the elongated portion 332 in the connected state. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 4b, 4d, 4f and, 5a-5b, the innermost portion 330a of the cavity 330 may engage with the elongated portion 332 in the connected state.
(71) As shown in FIG. 2e, the second connecting element 320 may comprise a hole 301, such as an interior hole. Preferably, the hole 301 is provided in the upper 328 or middle 324 portion and may extend along the entire longitudinal extension L. By means of the hole, material may be saved. Additionally, the hole may provide the increased transversal width of the upper portion 328 towards the top surface 328b as described above. By way of example, the absence of material may cause at least one wall 301a enclosing the hole to collapse transversely inwardly.
(72) FIGS. 7a-7d show embodiments in cross-sectional side views, wherein the second connecting element 320 comprises or is made of a curable material 350. The curable material may be a grouting material or a flexible curable material. The panels 100, 200 in FIGS. 7a-7b and 7d comprise a surface member 120 bonded to a support member 110, while the panels 100, 200 in FIG. 7c are made of a solid material.
(73) FIG. 7a illustrates how the curable material 350 is inserted between the two panels 100, 200 that are provided on a subfloor 500 and that are horizontally connected to each other by the first connecting element 310 in accordance with any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The curable material 350 is inserted into a space 600 defined between the panels and the first connecting element and extending along the longitudinal direction L. The curable material 350 may completely fill the space 600 as shown in FIG. 7b, or may partly fill the space 600 as shown in FIGS. 7c-7d. Preferably, the curable material 350 completely covers the projection 316. The curable material is cured. Thereby, curable material provided between the lower lips 142, 242 and the tip element 331 may provide the vertical connection. Alternatively, or additionally, curable material which bonds portions of the first connecting element 310 and the first 100 and second 200 panels may provide the vertical connection.
(74) FIG. 7d illustrates an embodiment wherein the second connecting element 320 comprises a first curable material 350 and further comprises a second curable material 352. The first material 350 may be used for connecting the panels, and the second material 352 may be decorative. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7c, a decorative strip 700 may be provided between the top portions 105, 205 of the panels. The decorative strip 700 may comprise wings 710 which may extend downwards. Clearly, the decorative strip may extend along the longitudinal direction L.
(75) In some embodiments, the first and second connecting elements are formed as strips or clips as in any of the embodiments in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 4a-4d, 5a-5b, and 6a-6d, and the second connecting element further comprises a curable material 350, e.g., for providing an improved connection and/or reducing squeak. The curable material may be provided on the first and/or second connecting elements, preferably before connection. The curable material may be provided on portions that are configured to engage with each other when connected, such as the lug element 318 and the flange element 325. In one example, the curable material comprises a two-component adhesive. Thereby, a first and a second component may be provided on the first and the second connecting element, respectively.
(76) It is emphasized that any of the embodiments of the first and/or the second connecting element described above in relation to FIGS. 1a-1c, 2a-2j, 3a-3h, 5a-5b, and 6a-6d, or of the first connecting element in relation to 7a-d, may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium. Clearly, and as discussed above, in some embodiments these first and second connecting elements may comprise an elastomer, a rubber, a thermoplastic or a thermoset.
(77) The first and the second panels may have the same format and may have essentially identical connecting geometries along a circumferential edge portion 160, 170, 180, 190 and 260, 270, 280, 290 of the first 100 and second 200 panel, respectively. FIGS. 8a-8b and 8c-8d illustrate embodiments of a first 100 or a second 200 panel that may be used in combination with any of the embodiments of the connecting device and edge regions described in the disclosure. It is understood that the panels 100, 200 in FIGS. 8a-8d may be made of a solid material or may comprise a surface member bonded to a support member.
(78) FIG. 8a is a bottom view of the panel 100, 200 and FIG. 8b is a corner region Cp1 thereof. FIG. 8c is a perspective top view of the panel and FIG. 8b is a corner region Cp1 thereof. The cross-sectional side views A-A and B-B in FIG. 8a may illustrate the first 100 and second 200 panels in FIG. 1a, respectively. Locking grooves 150, 250 and recesses 140, 240 are provided in each edge portion 160, 170, 180, 190 and 260, 270, 280, 290 of the panels. The locking grooves 150, 250 and the recesses 140, 240 each extend to the side edges of each panel. The recesses and locking grooves arranged in two perpendicular edge portions overlap each other in the each of the four corner portions 101 and 201 of the first and second panel, respectively.
(79) An advantage of an embodiment of the present inventive concept is that the connecting system may be used for any type of panel patterns, as long as the panels jointly form a continuous floor surface together with the connecting devices, in particular with their top surfaces 328b. In particular, different sizes, formats and arrangements of the panels may be used. Moreover, the panels may be connected to each other in any order. FIGS. 9a-9c illustrate in bottom views embodiments of flooring systems comprising square and rectangular panels that are provided on a support structure and that are interconnected coplanarly. Top sides 122, 222 of the panels may have the dimensions 200-1500 mm times 100-1000 mm, such as 300×600 mm or 1000×200 mm in the case of rectangular panels, or 300×300 mm or 600×600 mm in the case of square panels.
(80) Embodiments of pairs of connected panels along any of the two perpendicular horizontal directions X and Y in these figures may be implemented by any embodiment in this disclosure along the horizontal direction H. The panels in FIGS. 9a and 9c are interconnected in the directions X and Y such that all panels are displaceable as a single unit. The panels in FIG. 9b comprise two subsets of panels 810, 820 which each are displaceable as a single unit. The subsets 810, 820 are displaceable relative each other in a single horizontal direction Y. Optionally, the subsets 810, 820 may be connected to each other in the direction Y, e.g., by connecting them to other panels, such as similar subsets.
(81) FIGS. 9a-9c show connecting devices 300 that extend along edge portions of at least two pairs of panels in the connected state. FIG. 9b also shows connecting devices 300 that extend along edge portions of a single pair of panels. The flooring systems in FIGS. 9a-9b comprise square panels 100, 200 that are arranged in a linear or diamond pattern. The flooring system FIG. 9c comprises rectangular panels that are arranged in a herringbone pattern. In FIGS. 9a and 9c, the connecting devices 300, such as the first 310 and/or second 320 connecting elements, may have the same, or essentially the same, longitudinal length. The longitudinal length may be approximately two panel lengths as measured along two perpendicular panel edges. In FIG. 9b, the connecting devices, such as the first and/or second connecting elements, may have different longitudinal lengths.
(82) In FIGS. 9a-9c, some connecting devices extend along edge portions 160, 270 of a first pair of panels, such as the first 100 and second 200 panels, as well as along edge portions 162, 272 of a second pair of panels, such as a third 800 and a fourth 900 panel. The third 800 and fourth 900 panels may be connected to each other in a similar manner as in any of the embodiments in this disclosure describing the connection of the first and second panels. Clearly, other pairs of panels, such as 100 and 800, 200 and 900, and 200 and 800, may be connected to each other in a similar manner.
(83) FIGS. 9d and 9e illustrate in a bottom view and a top view, respectively, an embodiment of a flooring system wherein the connecting device 300 comprises a single second connecting element 320 and at least two, in particular a plurality, of first connecting elements 310. Thereby, material may be saved. The longitudinal extension of the second connecting element is larger than a longitudinal extension of the first connecting element. Each first connecting element extends along a portion of the edge portions of the first and second panels and the second connecting element extends along a larger edge portion, such as an entire edge portion, of the panels.
(84) In the connected state, the second connecting element 320 in FIGS. 9d-9e may comprise intermediate portions 370 located between pairs of, or being adjacent to, first connecting elements 310 along the longitudinal direction L. There may be an intermediate portion 370 at one or both ends of the second connecting element. FIG. 10a is a side view of an embodiment illustrating an intermediate portion 370 where there locally is no first connecting element connected to the second connecting element.
(85) The connecting device 300 may comprise an expansion portion 326, 327 that is configured to expand outwards in the transverse direction T in accordance with any embodiment described in this disclosure. The expansion portion may be located along the longitudinal direction L where both first and second connecting elements are provided. The expansion portion 326, 327 may be configured to at least partly expand the intermediate portions 370 of the second connecting element 320 in the transverse direction T. An intermediate portion may be adjacent to one expansion portion 326, 327 (e.g., at an end of the second connecting element) or two expansion portions 326, 327 (e.g., away from the ends of the second connecting element). Thereby, also each intermediate portion may comprise an intermediate expansion portion 372, 374. Since the intermediate expansion portion may be adjacent to one or two expansion portions, the intermediate expansion portion may also expand. As shown in FIG. 10a, each intermediate expansion portion may be at least partly provided in a respective recess 140, 240 in the vertically connected state analogous to the expansion portion as described above. Thereby, an increased vertical connection of the panels may be provided.
(86) In some embodiments, at least one first connecting element 310 may be used in a first stage as a temporary horizontal connection of the panels in a flooring system. Optionally, the first connecting elements may also level the panels relative to each other. A final connection of the panels may be provided in a second stage where at least one second connecting element 320 cooperates with the first connecting elements. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting elements are formed as strips or clips. In another embodiment, the second connecting element is made of a curable material as described above.
(87) FIGS. 10b-10d illustrate in top perspective views embodiments of a corner portion 101 of a first panel 100, wherein two connecting devices 300 are arranged perpendicularly to each other and are arranged along an edge portion 160 and a perpendicular edge portion 180, respectively. Such a corner portion 101 is indicated in each of FIGS. 9a-9c, It is understood that a second panel 200 and a third panel 800 may be connected to the first panel 100 along the edge portions 160, 180.
(88) FIG. 10b shows first connecting elements 310 that are arranged perpendicularly to each other along the edge portions 160, 180. The first connecting element 310 arranged along the edge portion 160 extends beyond the corner portion 101 along the X direction, and the first connecting element 310 arranged along the edge portion 180 is arranged inside the corner portion 101 along the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 10c, a second connecting element 320 arranged along the edge portion 180 may be connected to the first connecting element 310 provided along the edge portion 180 and may extend beyond it along the longitudinal direction L of the connecting device 300. Finally, FIG. 10d illustrates how a second connecting element 320 arranged along the edge portion 160 may be connected to the first connecting element 310 provided along the edge portion 160. In particular, the first connecting elements provided along the edge portions 160, 180 may meet, optionally make contact with each other, in the corner portion 101. It is understood that FIG. 10d is schematic and that the second connecting element 320 along the edge portion 160 may extend beyond an end 32c of the second connecting element 320 along the edge portion 180, such as illustrated in FIGS. 9a-9c.
(89) The embodiment FIG. 10e illustrates how the second connecting element 320 of a first connecting device 300 may be provided above the first connecting element 310 of a second connecting device 300 as shown in FIGS. 10c-10d. A vertical distance y1 from an underside of the first connecting element 310 to the lowermost surface of the second connecting element 320 may be essentially equal or larger than a vertical distance y2 from the underside of the first connecting element to the uppermost surface of any or both of the locking elements 311, 312. Alternatively, or additionally, a vertical distance y3 from a top side 122, 222 of the first and/or the second panel to the upper wall 150c, 250c of the respective locking groove may be essentially equal or larger than a vertical distance y4 from the top side 122, 222 to the lowermost surface of the second connecting element. It is clear that the relations between the distances (y1, y2) and/or (y3, y4) may hold for the second connecting element 320 of a first connecting device 300 and the first connecting element 310 of a second connecting device 300 as described above.
(90) In any of the embodiments above, the connecting device 300 and the panels 100, 200 preferably are configured such that, in a vertically disconnected state of the first or the second panel, the first and/or the second panel is removable from the connecting device, by a vertical displacement of the panel. FIG. 10e illustrates an embodiment wherein each panel is removable from the connecting device by a vertical displacement of the panel only, without any angling. In this embodiment, when the second connecting element 320 is removed, an outermost portion of each side edge 123, 223 may be horizontally spaced or essentially aligned with the projection 316, such as a respective outermost portion of the projection. For example, a horizontal distance x1 between the projection, such as the tip element 311, and the side edge 123, such as the upper 141 or lower 142 lip, may be essentially zero or larger than zero. Similarly, a horizontal distance between the projection, such as the tip element, and the side edge 223, such as the upper 241 or lower 242 lip, may be essentially zero or larger than zero. It other embodiments, there may also be an angular displacement of the first or the second panel.
(91) As shown in e.g., FIG. 10e, there may be a gap G1 between the inner wall 150a of the locking groove 150 and an outer wall 311b of the first locking element 311 and/or a gap G2 between the inner wall 250a of the locking groove 250 and an outer wall 312b of the second locking element 312. Thereby, the locking groove 150, 250 may be more easily provided in engagement and/or disengagement with the locking element 311, 312. Alternatively, or additionally, there may be a gap G3 between the side edge 123, such as the lower lip 142, and the projection 316 and/or a gap G4 between the side edge 223, such as the lower lip 242, and the projection 316. By connecting the second connecting element to the first connecting element, the panels 100, 200 may be displaced outwards, for example by an engagement between the second connecting element and the top portions 105, 205, such that the outer wall 150b comes into contact with an inner wall 311c of the first locking element and/or such that the outer wall 250b comes into contact with an inner wall 312c of the second locking element. Thereby, a final horizontal locking may be provided. It is understood that any, each or some of the gaps G1, G2, G3 and G4 are equally possible in any other embodiment of the present disclosure.
(92) The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims and an embodiment section provided below. For instance, the expansion portion 326, 327 may be provided in a coextruded connecting device as that in FIGS. 3c and 3e comprising a first and a second material, optionally having different characteristics. Also, at least one base portion 319a-c may be provided on any first connecting element 310 in this disclosure. Moreover, throughout the disclosure, each panel in a flooring system may comprise a surface member 120 bonded to a support member 110, or it may be made of a solid material. Also, the embodiments described above are equally applicable to embodiments of the connecting device 300 per se in accordance with the second aspect as well as to embodiments of the aspects provided below in the embodiment section.
Embodiments
(93) Further embodiments of the first and second aspects of the inventive concept are provided below. Reference is made to the above for a detailed description of embodiments of these aspects.
(94) Item 1. A flooring system comprising floor panels (100, 200) and a connecting system for connecting the floor panels, wherein the flooring system comprises: a first floor panel (100) and a second floor panel (200), and a connecting device (300) comprising a first connecting element (310) and a second connecting element (320), wherein the first connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first floor panel and the second floor panel for horizontally connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel, and wherein the second connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element for vertically connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel.
(95) Item 2. The flooring system according to item 1, wherein the first connecting element comprises a first locking element (311) configured to engage with a locking groove (150) provided in an underside of the first floor panel and a second locking element (312) configured to engage with a locking groove (250) provided in an underside of the second floor panel.
(96) Item 3. The flooring system according to item 2, wherein the locking groove provided in the first floor panel and/or the locking groove provided in the second floor panel is horizontally spaced inwardly from an edge portion (160, 270), such as a side edge (123, 223), of the first floor panel and the second floor panel, respectively.
(97) Item 4. The flooring system according to any of items 1-3, wherein a backside surface (319) of the first connecting element is configured to be provided below or flush with an underside (102, 202) of the first and/or the second floor panel when the first and second floor panels are horizontally connected.
(98) Item 5. The flooring system according to any of items 1-4, wherein each floor panel comprises a support member (110, 210) and a surface member (120, 220) which is bonded to the support member.
(99) Item 6. The flooring system according to item 5, wherein the surface member comprises ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, artificial stone, marble, glass, or a mineral material.
(100) Item 7. The flooring system according to item 5 or 6, wherein the support member comprises a thermoplastic, such as vinyl or PVC, and, optionally, a filler, such as at least one selected from the group of fibres, for example wood fibres or cellulose fibres, stone material, for example stone powder, and mineral material, or wherein the support member comprises a thermoset, and, optionally, a filler, such as fibres, e.g., wood fibres or cellulose fibres.
(101) Item 8. The flooring system according to any of items 5-7, wherein an intermediate member (130, 230) is provided between the support member and the surface member.
(102) Item 9. The flooring system according to any of items 1-4, wherein each floor panel is made of a solid material, such as a ceramic material or a wood material.
(103) Item 10. The flooring system according to any of items 1-9, wherein an edge portion (160, 270) of the first floor panel and/or the second floor panel comprises a recess (140, 240).
(104) Item 11. The flooring system according to item 10, wherein the recess of the first and/or second floor panel is provided below an upper lip (141, 241) and/or above a lower lip (142, 242) provided in the edge portion, the lower lip preferably comprising an inclined upper surface (143, 243).
(105) Item 12. The flooring system according to item 11, wherein: the lower lip extends horizontally beyond the upper lip, the upper lip extends horizontally beyond the lower lip, or the lower lip has the same horizontal extension as the upper lip.
(106) Item 13. The flooring system according to item 11 or 12, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be spaced from the lower lip of the first and/or second panel when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
(107) Item 14. The flooring system according to item 11 or 12, wherein the second connecting element is configured to engage with the first and/or second panel, such as with a lower lip of the first and/or second panel, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
(108) Item 15. The flooring system according to any of items 10-14, wherein an expansion portion (326, 327) of the connecting device is configured to be at least partly provided in the recess of the first and/or second floor panel when the first and second connecting elements are cooperating.
(109) Item 16. The flooring system according to item 15, wherein said expansion portion is further configured to expand during connection of the first and second connecting elements, such as when the second connecting element is displaced towards the first connecting element.
(110) Item 17. The flooring system according to any of items 1-16, wherein the first floor panel and/or the second floor panel comprises a holding portion (144, 244) for holding the second connecting element in position.
(111) Item 18. The flooring system according to any of items 1-17, wherein each of the first and second floor panels comprises a first pair of opposing edge portions (160, 170; 260, 270) and a second pair of opposing edge portions (180, 190; 280, 290).
(112) Item 19. The flooring system according to any of items 1-18, wherein a connecting geometry is essentially identical along a circumferential edge portion (160, 170, 180, 190; 260, 270, 280, 290) of each of the first floor panel and second floor panel.
(113) Item 20. The flooring system according to item 19, wherein the connecting geometry of the first floor panel is essentially identical to the connecting geometry of the second floor panel.
(114) Item 21. The flooring system according to any of items 1-20, wherein in a connected state of the first and second floor panels, the first and the second floor panels are configured to be vertically displaceable relative to each other, between a first vertical position and a second vertical position, while maintaining the vertical connection.
(115) Item 22. The flooring system according to any of items 1-21, wherein the floor panels are configured to be floating when connected.
(116) Item 23. The flooring system according to any of items 1-22, wherein the connecting device comprises a male connecting element (317) and a female connecting element (321), the male connecting element being configured to engage with the female connecting element for providing said vertical connection.
(117) Item 24. The flooring system according to item 23, wherein the male connecting element is provided in the first connecting element and the female connecting element is provided in the second connecting element.
(118) Item 25. The flooring system according to item 23, wherein the male connecting element is provided in the second connecting element and the female connecting element is provided in the first connecting element.
(119) Item 26. The flooring system according to any of items 1-25, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are separately formed.
(120) Item 27. The flooring system according to any of items 1-25, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are integrally formed.
(121) Item 28. The flooring system according to any of items 1-27, wherein the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element at least partially, preferably completely, is formed of an elastomer, a rubber, a thermoplastic, or a thermoset.
(122) Item 29. The flooring system according to any of items 1-28, wherein the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element is extruded, coextruded, 3D printed or injection moulded.
(123) Item 30. The flooring system according to any of items 1-27, wherein the second connecting element comprises a curable material (350), such as a grouting material, for example a cement-based grouting material, or a flexible curable material, such as an elastomer, or wherein the second connecting element comprises a metal, such as aluminium.
(124) Item 31. The flooring system according to any of items 1-29, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be connected to each other by snapping.
(125) Item 32. The flooring system according to any of items 1-31, wherein the connecting device is symmetrical around a vertical centre line as seen from a cross-sectional side view of the connecting device.
(126) Item 33. The flooring system according to any of items 1-31, wherein the connecting device is asymmetrical around a vertical centre line as seen from a cross-sectional side view of the connecting device.
(127) Item 34. The flooring system according to any of items 1-33, wherein an upper portion (328) of the second connecting element is configured to engage with a top portion (105, 205), such as a surface member (110, 210), of each of the first and second floor panels, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
(128) Item 35. The flooring system according to any of items 1-34, wherein a top portion (105, 205), such as a surface member (110, 210), of each of the first and the second floor panels comprises a chamfer portion (306), and/or wherein the second connecting element comprises a bevel portion (328a).
(129) Item 36. The flooring system according any of items 1-35, wherein the second connecting element is arranged with pretension between the first and second floor panels.
(130) Item 37. The flooring system according to any of items 1-36, wherein the connecting device, preferably each of the first and the second connecting elements, is configured to extend along an entire edge portion of the first and second panels when the first and second panels are horizontally and vertically connected.
(131) Item 38. The flooring system according to any of items 1-36, wherein a longitudinal extension of the second connecting element is larger than a longitudinal extension of the first connecting element.
(132) Item 39. The flooring system according to any of items 1-38, wherein the second connecting element, such as a lower portion (329) of the second connecting element, is configured to be spaced from each of the first and second floor panels, such as each support member of the first and second floor panels, when the first and second panels are vertically connected.
(133) Item 40. The flooring system according to any of items 1-39, wherein the connecting device, preferably the second connecting element, is configured to be operable in a connected state of the first and second floor panels for vertically disconnecting the first and second floor panel.
(134) Item 41. The flooring system according to any of items 1-40, wherein the connecting device and the first and/or second floor panel are configured such that, in a vertically disconnected state of the first or the second panel, such as when the second connecting element is disconnected from the first connecting element, the first and/or the second floor panel is removable from the connecting device, preferably by a vertical displacement of the first and/or the second floor panel.
(135) Item 42. The flooring system according to any of items 1-41, comprising a connecting device (300) according to any of items 43-64.
(136) Item 43. A connecting device (300) for connecting a first floor panel (100) and a second floor panel (200), wherein the connecting device comprises: a first connecting element (310) and a second connecting element (320), wherein the first connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first floor panel and the second floor panel for horizontally connecting the first floor panel to the second floor panel, and wherein the second connecting element is configured to cooperate with the first connecting element for vertically connecting the first floor panel and the second floor panel to the connecting device.
(137) Item 44. The connecting device according to item 43, wherein the first connecting element comprises a first locking element (311) and a second locking element (312).
(138) Item 45. The connecting device according to item 43 or 44, wherein the connecting device comprises an expansion portion (326, 327) configured to be at least partly provided in a recess (140, 240) provided in an edge portion (160, 270) of the first floor panel and/or the second floor panel when the first and second connecting elements are cooperating.
(139) Item 46. The connecting device according to item 45, wherein said expansion portion is further configured to expand during connection of the first and second connecting elements.
(140) Item 47. The connecting device according to item 45 or 46, wherein the expansion portion is provided in the second connecting element, such as in a lower portion (329) of the second connecting element.
(141) Item 48. The connecting device according to any of items 45-47, wherein the expansion portion is configured to expand when the second connecting element engages with the first connecting element.
(142) Item 49. The connecting device according to any of items 45-48, wherein the expansion portion is configured to expand when the second connecting element is displaced, such as towards the first connecting element.
(143) Item 50. The connecting device according to any of items 45-49, wherein the expansion portion is provided as a deformable portion (337), such as deformable walls (336a, 336b), of the connecting device.
(144) Item 51. The connecting device according to any of items 45-50, wherein the expansion portion is configured to expand in a transverse direction of the connecting device.
(145) Item 52. The connecting device according to any of items 45-51, wherein the expansion portion is expanded in a connected state of the connecting device.
(146) Item 53. The connecting device according to any of items 43-52, wherein the connecting device comprises a male connecting element (317) and a female connecting element (321), the male connecting element being configured to engage with the female connecting element for providing said vertical connection.
(147) Item 54. The connecting device according to item 53, wherein the male connecting element comprises an elongated portion (332) and the female connecting element comprises a cavity (330) and, optionally, at least one protrusion (322, 323).
(148) Item 55. The connecting device according to item 53 or 54, wherein the male connecting element is provided in the first connecting element and the female connecting element is provided in the second connecting element.
(149) Item 56. The connecting device according to item 53 or 54, wherein the male connecting element is provided in the second connecting element and the female connecting element is provided in the first connecting element.
(150) Item 57. The connecting device according to item 56, wherein the second connecting element comprises a first (333) and/or a second (334) tongue that are configured to be at least partly provided in a recess (140, 240) provided in an edge portion (160, 270) of the first floor panel and/or the second floor panel in the vertically connected state.
(151) Item 58. The connecting device according to any of items 43-57, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be connected to each other by snapping.
(152) Item 59. The connecting device according to any of items 43-58, wherein the second connecting element comprises a bevel portion (328a).
(153) Item 60. The connecting device according to any of items 43-59, wherein a transversal width of an upper portion (328) of the second connecting element increases towards a top surface (328b) of the second connecting element.
(154) Item 61. The connecting device according to any of items 43-60, wherein a longitudinal extension of the second connecting element is larger than a longitudinal extension of the first connecting element.
(155) Item 62. The connecting device according to any of items 43-61, wherein the second connecting element comprises a hole (301).
(156) Item 63. The connecting device according to any of items 43-62, wherein first connecting device is configured to be connected, such as horizontally and/or vertically connected, to the first panel.
(157) Item 64. The connecting device according to any of items 43-63, wherein a bottom portion (315) of the first connecting element comprises at least one base portion (319a-c).
