Wall panel or floor panel having locking means which are suitable for multiple profiles

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved multi-purpose tile system and the associated tiles, allowing a simplified coupling in multiple configurations and angles of approach, while ensuring a reliable coupling once secured.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose tile system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, each tile having a top and a bottom, wherein each tile comprises: a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge and an opposite second edge; and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a third edge and an opposite fourth edge; wherein the first edge comprises a first mechanical coupling part comprising a lateral tongue, the lateral tongue being connected to the first edge via a recessed connection section, the connection section being formed by a blocking recess that extends from the bottom of the tile in a direction of the top of the tile, wherein the lateral tongue comprises a distally downward sloping bottom side, and wherein the second edge includes a second mechanical coupling part, configured to cooperate with the first mechanical coupling part of another of such tiles so as to couple two of such tiles together, the second mechanical coupling part comprising a lower lip and an upper lip defining a recess, said recess configured for accommodating the lateral tongue of a second of the tiles so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in a vertical direction, wherein the lower lip extends beyond a distal end of the upper lip and comprises a blocking lip at its distal end, wherein the blocking lip is configured to be accommodated in the blocking recess of the second of the tiles so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in a horizontal direction, and wherein the lower lip is configured to elastically bend downwards upon coupling two of such tiles so as to be able to push the lateral tongue, with the blocking lip against the distally downward sloping bottom side of the lateral tongue, into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip when returning fully or partially to its relaxed state; wherein a spring point is defined at a transition between the second edge and the lower lip, and the lower lip comprises a distally upwardly sloping bottom side allowing the lower lip to elastically bend downwards from the spring point during coupling of two of such multi-purpose tiles, thereby enlarging the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip for insertion of the lateral tongue.

2. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the distally downward sloping bottom side of the lateral tongue forms an angle (a) with a plane parallel to the tile of at least 5 degrees.

3. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein an upper side of the blocking lip comprises a guiding surface sloping downwards towards the recess formed by the upper lip and the lower lip, this guiding surface being configured to cooperate with the distally downward sloping bottom side of the tongue so as to guide the lateral tongue, upon coupling two of such tiles together, into the recess formed by the upper lip and the lower lip.

4. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanical coupling part and the second mechanical coupling part are configured so as to allow coupling two of such tiles by a scissoring movement of one tile with respect to the other tile along the respective edges.

5. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 4, wherein the lower lip pushes the lateral tongue into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip when the tile reaches a horizontal orientation during said scissoring movement.

6. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanical coupling part and the second mechanical coupling part are configured to allow two of such tiles to be coupled using a scissoring movement of one tile with respect to the other tile, as well as using a turning movement of one tile with respect to the other tile.

7. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the lateral tongue transitions into the recessed connection section via a downward side flank, positioned proximally from the distally downward sloping bottom side of the lateral tongue, and wherein the blocking lip comprises an inside flank, which is configured to cooperate with the downward side flank of the lateral tongue to lock two of such tiles together in the horizontal direction.

8. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein an upper side of the lateral tongue comprises a first locking surface, and wherein a lower side of the upper lip includes a second locking surface, which is configured to cooperate with the first locking surface of the lateral tongue to lock two of such tiles together in the vertical direction.

9. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein an upper side of the lateral tongue comprises a guiding surface sloping downward towards the distal end of the tongue, and wherein a lower side of the upper lip includes a guiding surface sloping upwards towards the distal end of the upper lip, which is configured to cooperate with the guiding surface at the upper side of the tongue so that, upon coupling two of such tiles, the lateral tongue is guided into the recess formed by the upper lip and the lower lip.

10. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 9, wherein the respective guiding surfaces at the upper side of the lateral tongue and the lower side of the upper lip are configured to cooperate when the lower lip pushes the lateral tongue into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip.

11. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the lateral tongue and the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip are configured so that, when two of such tiles are coupled together, the lateral tongue is clamped into the recess.

12. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the lower lip is configured to bend back only partially when two of such tiles are coupled so that the lateral tongue is clamped into the recess.

13. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the recessed connection section has a thickness lower than half of the thickness of the tile.

14. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the distally downward sloping bottom side of the tongue slopes downward over at least 50% of a maximum width of the lateral tongue.

15. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein slopes of top and bottom surfaces of the lower lip are substantially equal to a slope of a bottom surface of the lateral tongue.

16. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the upper lip comprises a beveled or chamfered distal top end, wherein when the first and second coupling parts of the tiles are coupled, said beveled or chamfered distal top end forming a gully with the chamfered or beveled top of the lateral tongue.

17. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the lateral tongue comprises a downward extending tooth at the distal end thereof, said tooth defining an additional point at an apex of the tooth, wherein the tooth is defined by two lateral flanks which have a greater slope than a slope of the bottom of the lateral tongue, and wherein the recess of the second coupling comprises an additional recess at a proximal end thereof, near the second edge, said additional recess being defined by two lateral flanks which have a greater slope than a slope of the bottom of the recess, and wherein said additional recess is configured for accommodating the tooth and the additional point when the first and second coupling of the tiles are coupled.

18. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 17, wherein the spring point is provided at the additional recess.

19. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the lower lip comprises an extra protrusion at the bottom part near the second edge, which extra protrusion forms an extension of the bottom of the tile parallel thereto over part of a length of the lower lip, wherein said part is horizontally distanced from a proximal flank of the blocking lip by a predetermined minimal length.

20. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 19, wherein said extra protrusion forms a right angle with respect to the bottom of the tile, towards the bottom of the lower lip.

21. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanical coupling part and/or the second mechanical coupling part are made in one piece with the respective multi-purpose tile.

22. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose tiles have a thickness of a maximum of 5 millimeters.

23. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 1, wherein the third edge has a third mechanical coupling part which has substantially the same shape as the first mechanical coupling part, and wherein the fourth edge has a fourth mechanical coupling part which has substantially the same shape as the second mechanical coupling part.

24. A multi-purpose tile system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, each tile having a top and a bottom, wherein each tile comprises: a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge and an opposite second edge; and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a third edge and an opposite fourth edge; wherein the first edge comprises a first mechanical coupling part comprising a lateral tongue, the lateral tongue being connected to the first edge via a recessed connection section, the connection section being formed by a blocking recess that extends from the bottom of the tile in the direction of the top of the tile, wherein the second edge comprises a second mechanical coupling part, configured to cooperate with the first mechanical coupling part of another of such tiles so as to couple two of such tiles together, the second mechanical coupling part comprising a lower lip and an upper lip defining a recess, said recess configured for accommodating the lateral tongue of a second of the tiles, so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in a vertical direction, wherein the lower lip extends beyond a distal end of the upper lip, the lower lip comprising a blocking lip at the distal end thereof, wherein the blocking lip is configured for being accommodated in the blocking recess of a second of the tiles, so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in a horizontal direction, wherein the first mechanical coupling part and the second mechanical coupling part are configured so as to allow coupling two of such tiles together by a scissoring movement of one tile with respect to the other tile along the respective edges, wherein the lower lip is configured to elastically bend downwards upon coupling two of such tiles by means of said scissoring movement, so as to be able to push the lateral tongue into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip when returning fully or partially to its relaxed state; wherein a spring point is defined at a transition between the second edge and the lower lip, and the lower lip comprises a distally upwardly sloping bottom side allowing the lower lip to elastically bend downwards from the spring point during coupling of two of such multi-purpose tiles, thereby enlarging the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip for insertion of the lateral tongue.

25. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 24, wherein the lateral tongue is moved at least in the horizontal direction when pushed by the lower lip into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip.

26. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 24, wherein the lateral tongue comprises a further lower lip and a further upper lip defining a further recess, wherein the further lower lip extends beyond the distal end of the further upper lip, the further lower lip comprising a further blocking lip at the distal end thereof, wherein the further upper lip comprises a facial surface protrusion protruding distally at the bottom of the further upper lip, wherein, when two of such tiles are coupled, the head flank protrusion is positioned at least partly beneath the upper lip, such that the two tiles are locked together in a vertical direction, and wherein the further lower lip is configured to elastically bend upwards upon coupling of the two tiles so as to be able to push the facial surface protrusion against the upper lip when the further lower lip returns fully or partially to its relaxed state.

27. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 24, further comprising one or more additional tiles which each comprise: a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge and an opposite second edge; and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a third edge and an opposing fourth edge; wherein the first edge of the additional tiles is either a first edge according to the first edge of the tiles or according to the second edge of the tiles; wherein the second edge of the additional tiles includes a third mechanical coupling part, configured to cooperate with either of the first or second mechanical coupling part of another of such tiles so as to couple two of such tiles together, the third mechanical coupling part comprising a third locking means being connected to the first edge via a recessed connection section, the connection section being formed by a first blocking recess that extends from the bottom of the tile in the direction of the top of the tile, wherein the third locking means comprises at its distal end a head side at the upper part and a tooth at the lower part, wherein a head flank recess extends into the distal end of the third locking means and separates the head side and the tooth, wherein the tooth protrudes further than the head side, and comprises a distally downward sloping bottom side; wherein the third locking means comprises a second blocking recess that extends from the bottom of the tile in the direction of the top of the tile at a more distal position than the first blocking recess, and wherein an intermediate profile between the first and second blocking recess slants downwardly in a distal direction, and wherein the second blocking recess is positioned between the intermediate profile and the tooth; wherein when the third mechanical coupling part is coupled with the first mechanical coupling part of another such tile, the tooth is configured to be accommodated in the further recess and the facial surface protrusion to be accommodated in the head flank recess so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in the vertical direction, and wherein the further blocking lip is configured to be accommodated in the second blocking recess, so that two of such tiles, when coupled, are locked together in the horizontal direction, and wherein the further lower lip is configured to elastically bend downwards upon coupling two of such tiles, so as to be able to push the third mechanical coupling part, with the further blocking lip against the distally downward sloping bottom side of the tooth, into the further recess defined by the further upper lip and the further lower lip when returning fully or partially to its relaxed state; and wherein when the third mechanical coupling part is coupled with the second mechanical coupling part of a second of the tiles, the head side and the upper lip are configured to interface, and the tooth is configured to be accommodated in the recess against the bottom side of the upper lip, so that the two tiles, when coupled, are locked together in the vertical direction, and wherein the blocking lip of the second mechanical coupling part is configured for being accommodated in the first blocking recess of the third mechanical coupling part, so that the two tiles, when coupled, are locked together in the horizontal direction, and wherein the lower lip of the second mechanical coupling part is configured to elastically bend downwards upon coupling the two tiles, so as to be able to push the third mechanical coupling part, and in particular the tooth, with the blocking lip of the second mechanical coupling part against the distally downward sloping bottom side of the tooth, into the recess defined by the upper lip and the lower lip of the second mechanical coupling part when returning fully or partially to its relaxed state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be illustrated using non-exhaustive examples shown in the following figures. It shows:

(2) FIG. 1: Schematic perspective representation of the top of a tile where two sides are provided with a first coupling profile and two sides are provided with a second coupling profile according to a design as shown in FIG. 6 according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2: Perspective view of the bottom of a tile where two sides are provided with a first coupling profile and two sides are provided with a second coupling profile according to a design as shown in FIG. 6 according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3a: Schematic side-view representation of a tile with a first coupling profile on a first tile and a second coupling profile on another tile in an unconnected position according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 3b: Side-view schematic representation of a tile with a first coupling profile on a first tile and a second coupling profile on another tile in a coupled position according to the invention;

(6) FIG. 4: Schematic side-view representation of a tile with a first coupling profile in detail on a first tile according to the invention;

(7) FIG. 5: Schematic side-view representation of a tile with a second coupling profile in detail on a second tile according to the invention;

(8) FIG. 6: Schematic side-view representation of a tile with a first coupling profile on a first tile and a second coupling profile on another tile of an additional embodiment according to the invention;

(9) FIG. 7: Schematic perspective representation of a tile with a first coupling profile and a second coupling profile on another tile in a coupled position according to the invention;

(10) FIG. 8: Schematic perspective representation of a tile with a first coupling profile and a second coupling profile on another tile where the first coupling profile moves vertically in the direction of the second coupling profile according to the invention;

(11) FIG. 9: Schematic perspective representation of a tile with a first coupling profile and a second coupling profile on another tile where the first coupling profile exerts a vertical pressure on the second coupling profile according to the invention;

(12) FIG. 10: Schematic perspective representation of the first coupling profile of a tile intervening horizontally in a second coupling profile on another tile according to the invention;

(13) FIG. 11: Schematic perspective representation of the first coupling profile of a tile that intervenes in a second coupling profile on another tile according to the invention via a tilting movement;

(14) FIG. 12: Schematic side-view representation in detail of a tile with a first coupling profile according to an additional embodiment in which the first coupling profile can be connected to a second and third coupling profile;

(15) FIG. 13: Schematic side-view representation in detail of a tile with a second coupling profile according to an additional embodiment in which the second coupling profile can be connected to a first and/or third coupling profile;

(16) FIG. 14: Schematic side-view representation in detail of a tile with a third coupling profile according to an additional embodiment in which the third coupling profile can be connected to a first and/or second coupling profile;

(17) FIG. 15: Schematic representation in a detailed side view according to an additional embodiment of two connected tiles, one of which is provided with a first coupling profile and a second tile with a second coupling profile;

(18) FIG. 16: Schematic representation in detail, from a side view, according to an additional embodiment of two connected tiles, where one tile is provided with a third coupling profile and a second tile is equipped with a second coupling profile; and

(19) FIG. 17: Schematic representation in detail, from a side view, according to an additional embodiment of two connected tiles, where one tile is provided with a first coupling profile and a second tile is equipped with a third coupling profile.

PARTS

(20) Tile 1 Bottom of the tile 2 Top surface of the tile 3 First coupling profile 4 Second coupling profile 5 First edge 6 Second edge 7 Third edge 8 Fourth edge 9 Recess (second locking means) 10 First locking means 11 Second locking means 12 Lateral tongue 13 Upper lip 14 Blocking recess (first locking means) 15 Lower lip 16 Upward flank 17 Spring point 18 Blocking lip 19 Downward side flank (short) 20 Downward side flank (long) 21 Top of the lateral tongue 22 Top of the blocking recess 23 Top surface of the lower lip 24 Bottom Surface of the upper lip 25 Bottom side of lateral tongue 26 Bevel of the lateral tongue 27 Chamfer of the upper lip 28 Bottom part of the lower lip 29 Head side of the first coupling 30 Head side of the second coupling 31 Niche 32 Core (of the tile) 33 Top of the blocking lip 34 Chamfer of the blocking lip 35 Inside flank of the blocking lip of the second coupling profile 36 Chamfer of the upward flank 37 Chamfer of the lateral tongue 38 Protrusion 39 Additional recess 40 Additional point 41 Bevel of the upper lip 42 Third Coupling profile 43 Third locking means 44 Further lower lip of the first coupling profile 45 Further recess (first locking means) 46 Spring Point (first locking means) 47 Blocking lip (first locking means 48 First blocking recess (third locking means) 49 Head side of the third coupling profile 50 Tooth (third locking means) 51 Second blocking recess (third locking means) 52 Recess in the head flank of the third coupling means 53 Upper surface of the tooth 54 Top surface of the tooth 55 Lower surface of the tooth 56 Second flank of the second blocking recess 57 First flank of the first blocking recess of the third locking means 58 Second flank of the first blocking recess of the third locking means 59 Upper side of the first blocking recess of the third locking means 60 Top of the blocking lip 61 Intermediate profile 62 Bevel of the third locking means 63 First flank of the second blocking recess 64 Inside flank of the blocking lip of the first locking means 65 Head flank of the lower lip of the second coupling profile 66 Lower surface of the intermediate profile 67 Further upper lip of the first coupling profile 68 Upward flank (first coupling profile) 69 Facial surface of the upper lip of the first coupling profile 70 Upper side of the second blocking recess of the third locking means 71

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(21) The following detailed description, supported by the figures, relates to coupling mechanisms specifically designed to connect different components in a mechanical assembly. The description will outline two primary types of couplings. The first type of coupling is depicted in FIGS. 1-11, illustrating a basic variant of the coupling mechanism. Additionally, a second type of coupling, providing supplemental functionality, is shown in FIGS. 12-17. These two variants demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of the system.

(22) The basis of the techniques is the same for both versions, where the insertion of one coupling profile can be done via both a tilting movement and a dropdown movement.

(23) It should be noted that the protection sought for this invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated in the figures. Variations and modifications of the couplings may be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the accompanying claims. The embodiments described herein serve as examples to demonstrate the invention's principles and applications, as well as other configurations and adaptations envisioned within the framework of this patent.

(24) According to a first embodiment, the coupling between the tiles to be connected comprises a combination of the first and second coupling profiles.

(25) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective representation of the top of tile 1 where two sides are provided with a first coupling profile 4 and two sides are provided with a second coupling profile 5, according to a design as shown in FIG. 6 according to the invention.

(26) The illustration shows tile 1 equipped with two first coupling profiles 4, respectively positioned on second edge 7 and fourth edge 9 and thus adjacent, and two second coupling profiles 5, placed on the first edge 6 and third edge 8 respectively and thus also adjacent.

(27) The shape of tile 1 is shown here as rectangular, but it can also be square, parallelogram, or even trapezoidal. The first coupling profile 4 and second coupling profile 5 are explained in more detail in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

(28) The top of tile 1 is preferably composed of a suitable top layer, as described in the summary.

(29) FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective representation of the bottom of tile 1 where two sides are provided with a first coupling profile 4 and two sides are provided with a second coupling profile 5 according to a design as shown in FIG. 6 according to the invention. The configuration is identical to that described in FIG. 1.

(30) FIG. 3a shows a schematic side-view representation of a tile 1 with a first coupling profile 4 on a first tile 1 and a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 in a decoupled position. FIGS. 4 and 5 give a more detailed explanation of the two couplings, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

(31) FIG. 3b shows a schematic side-view representation of tile 1 with a first coupling profile 4 on a first tile 1 and a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 in a coupled position. FIGS. 4 and 5 give a more detailed explanation of the two couplings as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

(32) FIG. 4 shows a schematic side-view representation where the first coupling profile 4 is provided on tile 1, and the top surface of tile 3 of tile 1 and the bottom of tile 2 of tile 1 are parallel. Between these is a, preferably waterproof, core 33. The first coupling profile 4 comprises a lateral tongue 13 formed mainly by the top of the lateral tongue 22, a head side 30 of the first coupling profile 4, a bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13, and the blocking recess 15. The angle between the horizontal plane and the plane of the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 is preferably between 10 and 45, but preferably not less than 10 and at least 5.

(33) In the preferred versions shown in FIGS. 1-11, the transition between the top surface 3 of tile 1 and the top 22 of the lateral tongue 13 is provided with a bevel 27 of the lateral tongue 13 at an angle of 45. The transition between the top 22 of the lateral tongue 13 and the head side 30 of the first coupling profile 4 is provided with a chamfer 38 on the lateral tongue 13 at an angle of 45. The blocking recess 15 is formed by the short downward flank 20, and the top of the blocking recess 23 of the blocking recess 15, preferably rectangular in shape. The bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 is at an angle of 11 in this version though it may vary depending on the thickness of the tile 1, the material composition, and the desired interaction between the couplings.

(34) FIG. 5 shows a schematic side-view representation where the second coupling profile 5 is provided on tile 1 and where the top surface of tile 3 of tile 1 and the bottom 2 of tile 1 are parallel. Between these is a preferably waterproof core 33. The second coupling profile 5 comprises two main parts, the first is an upper lip 14, primarily formed by the bottom surface 25 of the upper lip 14, a bevel 42 of the upper lip 14, and the chamfer 28 of the upper lip 14. A second central part comprises a lower lip 16, formed by the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16, the upward flank 17, and the blocking lip 19.

(35) The angle between the horizontal plane extending the surface of the bottom 2 of the tile 1 and the bottom part 29 of lower lip 16 is preferably between 10 and 45, but preferably not less than 10 and at least 5.

(36) In the preferred versions, as shown in FIGS. 1-11, the transition between the bottom surface 25 of the upper lip 14 and the upward flank 17 is provided with a chamfer 37 on the upward flank 17. The upward flank 17 connects the upper lip 14 and the lower lip 16. It is preferably positioned vertically and has the same shape as the head side 30 of the lateral tongue 13.

(37) The top surface 24 of the lower lip 16 preferably has the same angle as the bottom side or 26 of the lateral tongue 13 and is preferably flat in shape.

(38) In this version, the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16 is parallel to the bottom surface 29 of the lower lip 24 and thus has the same angle as the top surface of the lower lip 24 and, therefore, also the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13. The blocking lip 19 is formed by the head side 66 of the second coupling profile 5, the top 34 of the blocking lip 19, the chamfer 35 of the blocking lip 19, and the inside flank 36 of the blocking lip 19. In this version, the inside flank 36 of the blocking lip 19 has an angle of 45. The spring point 18 is positioned at the intersection of the upward flank 17 with the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16.

(39) FIG. 6 shows a schematic side-view representation of a tile 1 with a first coupling profile 4 on a first tile 1 and a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 of an additional embodiment where the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 is provided with an extra point 41 and the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16 with an additional recess 40. This version has the advantage that when used as a drop lock coupling, the additional point 41 contributes to the lateral tongue 13 hooking more efficiently behind the blocking lip 19 of the lower lip 16.

(40) Additionally, an additional protrusion 39 is provided on the lower part of the bottom part 29 of the lower lip 16, which reduces the air space under the lower lip 16 compared to the version shown in FIG. 3. This protrusion 39 functions as a click point to increase the back-pressure generated by the blocking lip 19.

(41) FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective representation of tile 1 with a first coupling profile 4 and a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 in a coupled position where the lateral tongue 13 of the first coupling profile 4 fits into the recess 10 of the second coupling profile 5. The edges seal the shape nicely to ensure the watertightness of the coupling.

(42) The head side 30 of the first coupling profile 4 preferably touches almost the entire surface of the upward flank 17, and the chamfer of the blocking lip 35 is positioned at the level of the short downward flank 20. As a result, the coupling is locked horizontally, which can be considered as the first locking means 11. The bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 touches the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16, while the top 22 of the lateral tongue 13 is positioned against the bottom surface 25 of the upper lip 14. Consequently, the coupling is locked in the vertical direction and acts as second locking means 12.

(43) In this preferred version, the niche 32 is formed in the coupled state by combining bevel 27 of the lateral tongue 13 and bevel 42 on the upper lip 14.

(44) FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the interaction between the first coupling profile 4 and the second coupling profile 5 as a drop lock coupling. FIG. 11 shows the interaction between the first coupling profile 4 and the second coupling profile 5 as click coupling.

(45) FIG. 8: is a schematic perspective representation of a tile 1 with a first coupling profile 4 and a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 where the second coupling profile 5 moves vertically towards the first coupling profile 4. In a possible situation where the tile 1 is clicked via the lateral tongue 13 on the fourth edge 9 into the recess 10 of the second coupling profile 5 on the third edge 8 of an adjacent tile 1, the lateral tongue 13 on the second edge 7 makes a scissoring movement relative to the second coupling profile 5 on the first edge 6 of an adjacent tile 1. When the scissoring movement continues, the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 will exert pressure on the top 34 of the blocking lip 19, causing the blocking lip 19 to exert pressure on the lower lip 16. As a result, the lower lip 16 will be pushed down and essentially will fill the free space under the lower lip 16. The lower lip 16 will mainly move around the spring point 18 and create a springy effect, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In this movement, under pressure from the blocking lip 19 on the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13, pressure is exerted from the inside flank of the head side 30 of the first coupling profile 4 of the lateral tongue 13 to the head side 31 of the upper lip 14 of the second coupling profile 5.

(46) Once the lateral tongue 13 reaches a horizontal position, the lateral tongue 13 is pushed into the recess 10 of the second coupling profile 5 under the pressure from the blocking lip 19 on the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13. The chamfer 38 on the lateral tongue 13 makes contact with the chamfer of the upper lip 28 of the upper lip 14 so the lateral tongue 13 can no longer be moved upwards and is secured into the recess 10, as shown in FIG. 10. Once the lateral tongue 13 fills the space of the recess 10, the blocking lip 19 returns to its original position, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

(47) FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective representation where the second coupling profile 5 of tile 1 engages with a second coupling profile 5 on another tile 1 via a tilting movement. In this case, the lower lip 16 barely deforms, and the operation can be considered similar to a traditional coupling where a lip is inserted at a certain angle into a recess 10 in the click joint.

(48) According to a second embodiment, the coupling between the tile 1 to be connected comprises a combination of a first, second, and third coupling profile.

(49) A first coupling profile 4, according to the second embodiment, is shown in FIG. 12, where the general structure of the coupling profile is essentially the same as the coupling profile shown in FIG. 4. However, this version has an extra further recess 46 in the lateral tongue 13, forming a further upper lip 68 and a further lower lip 45 in the first coupling profile. The further upper lip 68 comprises an upward flank 69 with the upper part chamfered. This bevel 27 of the lateral tongue 13 connects the top surface 3 of the tile 1 and the upward flank 69. The bevel 27 of the lateral tongue 13 and the bevel 42 of the adjacent tile 1 form a niche 32. The bottom of the upward flank 69 transitions via the chamfer 38 on the lateral tongue 13 to the facial surface 70.

(50) The further recess 46 is formed by the bottom surface 25 of the further upper lip 68, the top surface 24 of the further lower lip 45, and the inside flank 65 of the blocking lip 48. Optionally, the angle between the upward flank 17 and the top surface 24 of the further lower lip 45 can be beveled or rounded. In FIG. 12, the bottom surface 25 of the further upper lip 68 and the top surface 24 of the further lower lip 45 are drawn horizontally and flatly, while the upward flank 17 is drawn vertically and flat. However, this configuration is not required for the coupling to function correctly. To facilitate the production of the further recess 46, it may be preferable to slope the bottom surface 25 of the further upper lip 68 slightly toward the core 33 of tile 1.

(51) The bevel 27 of the lateral tongue 13 can also have a rounded shape if this is easier to produce. The condition is that it can smoothly receive the tooth 51 of the third coupling profile 43 smoothly. The further lower lip 45 of the first coupling profile 4 features a blocking lip 19, composed of an inside flank 65, a head side 30, and a top 61. In the execution of the blocking lip 48, as shown in FIG. 12, the head side 30 is equipped with two chamfered corners on the top and bottom, respectively. This facilitates the insertion of the lateral tongue 13 into the recess 10 of the second locking means 12 and also ensures that recess 10 is better filled when the lateral tongue 13 is positioned in recess 10. The bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 of the further lower lip 45 is at least partially chamfered and angled at a.

(52) This angle between the horizontal plane aligned with the bottom 2 of the tile 1 and the oblique plane of the bottom side 26 of lateral tongue 13 of the further lower lip 45 of the first coupling profile 4 is preferably between 10 and 45, but preferably not less than 10 and at least 5. On the back of the lateral tongue 13 on the side of the core 33 of the tile 1 is the blocking recess 15, which comprises a long downward flank 21, blocking recess 15 and short downward flank 20. The short downward flank 20 is preferably slightly chamfered and sloping, away from the core 33 of tile 1. This configuration facilitates connection to the blocking lip 48 of the second locking means 12, and ensures a better engagement of the first locking means 11 with the second locking means 12.

(53) A second locking means 12 according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 13, where the general structure of the coupling profile is essentially the same as the coupling profile shown in FIG. 5. The second locking means 12 features an upper lip 14 and a lower lip 16 separated by a recess 10. The bevel 42 of the upper lip 14 preferably has the same angle as the bevels on the first locking means 11, and the third locking means 44, giving the niche 32 formed by the coupled tiles 1 a symmetrical shape. The upper lip 14 also has a head side 31 and chamfer 28. The head side 31 contacts the upward flank 69 of the first coupling profile 4 when coupled with the first coupling profile 4 and contacts the head side 50 of the third coupling profile 43 when coupled with the third coupling profile 43.

(54) The angle of the chamfer 28 is preferably the same as the angle of the chamfer 38 on the lateral tongue 13 of the first coupling profile 4. This feature contributes to a watertight connection. The top surface 24 of the lower lip 16 is preferably at least partially chamfered and preferably has the same shape as the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 of the first coupling profile 4, where the angle of the beveled part of the top surface 24 of the lower lip 16 matches the angle of the beveled part of the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 13 of the first coupling profile, resulting in the same angle . The end of the lower lip 16 is also equipped with a blocking lip 19. The blocking lip 19 includes a top 34, an inside flank 36, and a head flank 66.

(55) The inside flank 36 is preferably slightly sloped toward the core 33 of tile 1 and preferably has the same angle as the short downward flank 20 of the first coupling profile 4 and the first flank 58 of the first blocking recess 49 of the third coupling profile 43. The transition between the top 34 and the inside flank 36 can be beveled, but the chamfer should preferably be limited and rounded.

(56) The bottom part 29 of the lower lip 16 is set at a certain angle . The angle between the horizontal plane aligned with the bottom 2 of tile 1 and the bottom part 29 of the lower lip 16 is preferably between 10 and 45, but preferably not less than 10 and at least 5.

(57) A third coupling profile 43, according to the second embodiment, is shown in FIG. 14, where the general structure of the coupling profile functions as a universal coupling due to its structure allowing it to be coupled with both a first and second coupling profile. The basis of the third coupling profile 43 comprises a tooth 51, in combination with a first blocking recess 49 and a second blocking recess 52. The tooth 51 has a top surface 55, a lower surface 56, and an upper surface 54. The top surface 55 is preferably vertical and straight in shape, with both the bottom and top of the top surface 55 preferably beveled or rounded. If these are beveled, the upper bevel has a greater angle than the angle of the bottom surface 25 of the upper lip 14 of the second coupling profile 5 relative to the top surface 3 of tile 1.

(58) The lower chamfer of the lower surface on the top surface 55 preferably has the same angle as the chamfered corner on the bottom of the upward flank 17 on the second coupling profile 5. The lower surface 56 is at least partially equipped with a sloping flank at an angle . The angle between the horizontal plane aligned with the bottom 2 of tile 1 and the bottom part 56 of the lower surface of tooth 51 is preferably between 10 and 45, but preferably not less than 10 and at least 5.

(59) The third coupling profile 43 is equipped with two blocking recesses, of which the first blocking recess 49 is positioned on the side of core 33 of tile 1. This first blocking recess 49 comprises a first flank 58, a second flank 59, and an upper side 60. The second flank 59 is preferably vertically arranged and straight in shape, with this second flank 59 forming the connection between the bottom 2 of the tile 1 and the upper side 60. The first flank 58 is preferably slightly sloping away from the core 33 of tile 1 to form a smooth connection with the inside flank 36 of the second coupling profile 5. The first flank 58 preferably has a surface and angle similar to the inside flank 36 of the blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 5.

(60) The second blocking recess 52 is positioned between the tooth 51 and the first blocking recess 49, with the separation between the second blocking recess 52 and the first blocking recess 49 formed by the intermediate profile 62. The intermediate profile 62 is composed up of the second flank 57 of the second blocking recess 52, the first flank 58 of the first blocking recess 49 and the lower surface 67 where the lower surface 67 of the intermediate profile 62 slopes away from the core 33 of tile 1 and where the angle between the horizontal plane that is aligned with the bottom 2 of tile 1 and the lower surface 67 of intermediate profile 62 is preferably between 10 and 45, but more preferably not less than 10 and at least 5.

(61) The second blocking recess 52 is composed of a second flank 57, a first flank 64, and an upper side 71. The upper side 71 preferably connects the second flank 57 and the first flank 64 in a horizontal direction. The second flank 57 is preferably slightly slanted, sloping toward the core 33 of tile 1. The upper surface 54 of tooth 51 is preferably somewhat slanted, sloping in the direction away from the core 33 of tile 1 and at the same angle as the inside flank 65 of the further lower lip 45 of the first coupling profile 4.

(62) The head side 50 is preferably equipped with two beveled surfaces, the upper one being bevel 63, which, in combination with the bevel of the coupled tile 1, forms a niche 32. The angle of bevel 63 of the third locking means 44 is preferably the same as the bevel of the first coupling profile 4 and the second coupling profile 5 on the other tiles 1.

(63) The lower beveled side that opens onto the upper surface 54 of the tooth 51 forms the recess 53 in the head side 50 of the third coupling 43. This recess is preferably point-shaped, but this is optional for proper operation.

(64) As mentioned, the first coupling profile 4 can be coupled with the second coupling profile 5, the third locking means 44 with the second coupling profile 5, and the third locking means 44 with the first coupling profile 4.

(65) FIG. 15 shows a setup in which the first coupling profile 4 is coupled with the second coupling profile 5, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Again, the first coupling profile 4 can be inserted into the second coupling profile 5 via a tilting movement as in FIG. 11, or via a downward scissoring movement as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 where the oblique part of the bottom side 26 of the lateral tongue 23 of the first coupling profile 4 is placed on top 34 of the blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 5 The lower lip 16 will be pushed down and bent around the spring point 18. Once the lateral tongue 13 has reached a horizontal position, it will also be positioned in the recess 10 of the second coupling profile 5 by the vertical force converted into horizontal direction by the force exerted by blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 5 on the oblique plane of the bottom side 26 of lateral tongue 13 of the first coupling profile 4. Once the lateral tongue 13 is positioned, the lower lip 16 springs back to its original position, and the lateral tongue 13 is horizontally secured by the blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 15.

(66) FIG. 16 shows a setup in which the second coupling profile 5 is coupled with the third coupling profile 43, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

(67) Again, the third coupling profile 43 can be inserted into the second coupling profile 5 via a tilting movement as in FIG. 11 or via a downward scissoring movement as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 where the oblique part of the intermediate profile 62 of the third locking means 44 is pressed against the top 34 of the blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 5. The lower lip 16 will be pushed down and bent, primarily around the spring point 18.

(68) When the tooth 51 reaches a horizontal position, it also fits into the recess 10 of the second coupling profile 5 due to the vertical force that is converted into a horizontal direction by the force exerted by blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 5 on the sloped surface of the lower surface 67 of the intermediate profile 62 of the third locking means 44.

(69) Once the tooth 51 is positioned, the lower lip 16 returns to its original position, and the tooth 51 is horizontally secured by the blocking lip 19 of the second coupling profile 15.

(70) FIG. 17 illustrates a setup in which the first coupling profile 4 is coupled with the third coupling profile 43, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

(71) Here the third coupling profile 43 can be inserted into the first coupling profile 4 using either a tilting movement similar to FIG. 11 or via a downward scissoring movement as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 where the oblique part of the intermediate profile 62 of the third locking means 44 is pressed against the top 61 of the blocking lip 48 of the first coupling profile 4.

(72) The further lower lip 45 is pushed down and bent, primarily around the spring point 47.

(73) When tooth 51 reaches a horizontal position, it fits into the further recess 46 of the first coupling profile 4 due to the vertical force converted into the horizontal direction by the force exerted by the top 61 of the blocking lip 48 of the first coupling profile 4 on the sloping surface of the lower surface 67 of the intermediate profile 62 of the third locking means 44.

(74) Once tooth 51 is positioned, the further lower lip 45 returns to its original position, and tooth 51 is horizontally secured by the blocking lip 48 of the first coupling profile 4.