DECORATIVE WALL PANEL

Abstract

A decorative panel comprises a decorative top layer, a core and a balancing layer. The decorative panel is rectangular; and comprises a first pair of opposite edges. The edges of the first pair of edges comprises coupling parts provided with locking parts. The decorative surface of the decorative panel comprises at least one slotand preferably a plurality of slotsextending through the decorative top layer into the core.

Claims

1. A decorative panel, wherein the decorative panel comprises a decorative top layer, a core and a balancing layer, wherein the decorative top layer is laminated onto the core and wherein the balancing layer is provided at the bottom of the core; wherein the decorative panel is rectangular, square or oblong; wherein the decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges; wherein the decorative panel comprises at a first edge of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the male coupling part and the female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue and the female coupling part comprises a groove, which tongue and groove, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the groove is bordered by a front lip and a rear lip; wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part; wherein the locking parts, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; wherein the decorative surface of the panel comprises at least one slotand preferably a plurality of slotsextending through the decorative top layer into the core; preferably wherein the at least one slotand preferably the plurality of slotshas over its full length a constant depth.

2. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer is a plurality of slots, wherein at least part ofand preferably all ofthe slots of the plurality of slots have the same width; or in that a first part of the slots of the plurality of slots has a different width than a second part of the plurality of slots.

3. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core is a plurality of slots, wherein the distance between consecutive slots is constant.

4. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the at least one slot is a plurality of slots, wherein the plurality of slots have the same depth.

5. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the decorative panel comprises at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel, wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel extends through the balancing layer; preferably wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is provided parallel to the first pair of opposite edges; preferably wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is a plurality of slots provided at the bottom of the decorative panel, more preferably equidistant to each other.

6. The decorative panel as in claim 5, wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is provided over the full length of the decorative panel.

7. The decorative panel as in claim 5, wherein the sum of the depth of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core and the depth of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is less than the thickness of the decorative panel; and preferably less than 70% of the thickness of the decorative panel; and more preferably less than 60% of the thickness of the decorative panel; and more preferably less than 50% of the thickness of the decorative panel.

8. The decorative panel as in claim 5, wherein no plane perpendicular to the decorative panel and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges cuts through a slot of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core and through a slot of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel.

9. The decorative panel as in claim 5, wherein the depth of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core is larger than the depth of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel; preferably wherein the difference in depth is at least 15%and preferably at least 20%of the total thickness of the decorative panel.

10. The decorative panel as in claim 5, wherein the decorative panel comprises a number N1 of slots extending through the decorative top layer into the core, and in that the decorative panel comprises a number N2 of slots at the bottom of the decorative panel; wherein N1 equals N2.

11. The decorative panel, preferably a decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the decorative panel comprises a decorative top layer, a core and a balancing layer, wherein the decorative top layer is laminated onto the core and the balancing layer is provided at the bottom of the core of the decorative panel; wherein the decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges; wherein the decorative panel comprises at a first edge of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that a first such decorative panel and a second such decorative panel, by means of the male coupling part of the first such decorative panel and the female coupling part of the second such decorative panel, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue and the female coupling part comprises a groove, which tongue and groove, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the groove is bordered by a front lip and a rear lip; and wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part; wherein the locking parts, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; wherein the decorative panel is configured such that in coupled condition a panel groove is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges, between the distal end of the front lip of the second such decorative panel and the panel edge comprising the tongue of the first such decorative panel.

12. The decorative panel as in claim 11, wherein the panel groove has at least the same depth as the thickness of the front lip measured at the distal end of the front lip.

13. The decorative panel as in claim 11, wherein the depth of the panel groove is at most 0.5 mmand preferably at most 0.2 mmless than the distance from the surface of the decorative panel of the most distal contact point in coupled condition of the front lip to the tongue of the coupled decorative panel.

14. The decorative panel as in claim 11, wherein the panel groove has the same width as the at least one slotand preferably of a plurality of slots and more preferably of all slots of the at least one slotextending through the decorative top layer into the core.

15. The decorative panel as in claim 11, wherein the panel groove has the same depth as the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core.

16. The decorative panel as in claim 11, wherein the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core is a plurality of slots and in that the combination of the panel groove and the plurality of slots extending through the decorative top layer provide in coupled condition of a plurality of decorative panels a visual image of equally spaced grooves at the decorative surface of the decorative panel.

17. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the decorative panel comprises a second pair of opposite edges, wherein the second pair of edges comprises a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein the decorative panel comprises at a third edge of the second pair of opposite edges a second male coupling part and at a fourth edge of the second pair of opposite edges a second female coupling part, wherein the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; wherein the second male coupling part comprises a second tongue and the second female coupling part comprises a second groove, which second tongue and second groove, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the second groove is bordered by a second front lip and a second rear lip; and wherein the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part each comprise a locking part; wherein the locking parts, of the second male coupling part and of the second female coupling part, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; wherein the decorative panel is configured such that in coupled condition a second panel groove is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edge between the second front lip and the panel edge comprising the second tongue.

18. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the core is pigmented, preferably wherein the core is pigmented black.

19. The decorative panel as in claim 1, wherein the decorative panel has a length of at least 2400 mm.

20. A set of decorative panels comprising a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel, wherein the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel each comprises a decorative top layer, a core and optionally a balancing layer, wherein the decorative top layer is laminated onto the core; wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel is rectangular, square or oblong; wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges; wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel comprises at a first edge of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such panels, by means of their male coupling part and their female coupling, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue and the female coupling part comprises a groove, which tongue and groove, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled decorative panels; wherein the groove is bordered by a front lip and a rear lip; and wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part; wherein the locking parts, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; wherein the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel are configured such that in coupled condition of the first decorative panel with its tongue in the groove of the second decorative panel, a panel groove is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges, between the distal end of the front lip of the second decorative panel and the panel edge of the first decorative panel comprising the tongue; and in that the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel are configured such that in coupled condition of the second decorative panel with its tongue in the groove of the first decorative panel, a closing plane of the second decorative panel contactspreferably with tensiona closing plane of the first decorative panel; wherein the closing plane of the first decorative panel is provided at the proximal end of the front lip of the first decorative panel; and the closing plane of the second decorative panel is provided by a plane of the panel edge of the second decorative panel comprising the tongue, wherein the closing plane is located between the tongue and the decorative surface at the panel edge of the second decorative panel comprising the tongue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0124] With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character, several preferred embodiments are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0125] FIG. 1 shows a wall covering according to aspects of the invention;

[0126] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a decorative panel according to aspects of the invention;

[0127] FIG. 3 shows the coupling along a first pair of opposite edges of decorative panels according to the invention;

[0128] FIG. 4 shows a detail of FIG. 3;

[0129] FIG. 5 shows the coupling along a second pair of opposite edges of decorative panels according to aspects of the invention;

[0130] FIG. 6 shows a wall covering comprising decorative panels according to the invention;

[0131] FIG. 7 shows a wall covering comprising a set of decorative panels according to the third aspect of the invention;

[0132] FIG. 8 shows a cross section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; and

[0133] FIG. 9 shows a cross section along IX-IX of FIG. 7.

[0134] Same reference numerals in the different figures have the same meaning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0135] FIG. 1 shows a wall covering 10 according to the invention. The wall covering 10 comprises a plurality of decorative panels 12 according to the invention. The decorative panels are rectangular and oblong.

[0136] FIG. 2 shows a cross section along II-II of FIG. 1 of a decorative panel 12 according to aspects of the invention. The decorative panel 12 comprises a decorative top layer 13, a core 14 and a balancing layer 15. The decorative top layer 13 is laminated onto the core 14 and the balancing layer 15 is provided at the bottom of the core of the decorative panel.

[0137] In the example shown, the decorative top layer 13 comprises a resin impregnated printed sheet of paper 16 and a wear layer 17. The core 14 is a medium density wood fiberboard (MDF), e.g. of 10 mm thickness. Other types of boars are also possible, e.g. other types of wood-based boards or even mineral based boards. The medium density wood fiberboard has been pigmented black.

[0138] The resin impregnated printed sheet of paper can be printed with a wood motif. Combined with a texture in the decorative top layer 13, the visual aspect of the decorative panel can simulate a wood dcor.

[0139] The resin of the impregnated printed sheet of paper 16 of the decorative panels of the example is a melamine resin. This melamine resin has been used to laminate the resin impregnated printed sheet of paper 16 to the core 14. Other types of resin than melamine resins can be used in the invention.

[0140] The wear layer 17 of the decorative panel 12 of the example is provided by a resin impregnated sheet of alpha-cellulose paper. The resin with which this alpha-cellulose sheet of paper is impregnated is a melamine resin.

[0141] The balancing layer 15 of the decorative panel 12 of the example shown comprises a resin impregnated sheet of paper. This resin is a melamine resin. The resin impregnated sheet of paper of the balancing layer 15 is adhered to the bottom of the core 14 by means of this melamine resin.

[0142] The decorative panel 12 comprises a first pair of opposite edges 20, 21. At the first edge 20 of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part is provided. At the second edge 21 of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part is provided.

[0143] The male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the male coupling part and the female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels.

[0144] The male coupling part comprises a tongue 23. The female coupling part comprises a groove 24 bordered by a front lip 25 and a rear lip 26.

[0145] The tongue 23 and the groove 14 form in the coupled condition a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled decorative panels.

[0146] The male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part. The locking part 27 of the male coupling part is provided by a recess at the rear side of the tongue 23 and the locking part 28 of the female coupling part is provided by a protrusion on the front side of the rear lip 26. The locking parts 27, 28, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges 20, 21.

[0147] The rear lip 26 comprises at its rear side a recess 29 extending in proximal direction from the distal end of the rear lip 26. The recess 29 is elongated in the direction parallel with the surface of the decorative panel. The recess 29 extends in proximal direction to beyond the locking part 28 of the rear lip 26.

[0148] The decorative surface of the panel comprises a plurality of slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14. As the slots extend into the core 14, the core 14 is exposed at the front of the decorative panel 12. As already indicated, the medium density wood fiberboard core of the decorative panel of the example has been pigmented black, which results in a nice visual aspect of the panel groove (see further for the panel groove in this example of decorative panels according to the invention) and of the slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer into the core.

[0149] In the example shown, the slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 (slots 30 which are also shown in the decorative panels 12 in the wall covering 10 of FIG. 1) into the core 14 are provided over the full length of the decorative panels, are provided equidistant from each other and run parallel with the first pair of opposite edges 20, 21. The slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 have over their full length a constant depth. All slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 have the same depth.

[0150] The slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 of the decorative panel 12 of the decorative panels of the example all have the same width. However, it is also possible to provide decorative panels with slots extending through the decorative top layer of different width.

[0151] The decorative panel 12 comprises a plurality of slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel 12. The slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel extend through the balancing layer 15. The slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel are provided parallel with the first pair of opposite edges 20 21. The slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel are equidistant from each other, provided over the full length of the panel, and all have the same depth, and the same depth over their full length.

[0152] In the example shown, the number N1 of slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 of the decorative panel 12 is equal to the number N2 of slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel 12.

[0153] The decorative panel 12 has thickness T 10.2 mm. The slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 have depth T1, which is in the example equal to 3 mm. The slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel 12 have depth T2, which is in the example equal to 1 mm.

[0154] The slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 have width W1, which is in the example equal to 3 mm. The slots 32 at the bottom of the decorative panel 12 have width W2, which is in the example also equal to 3 mm.

[0155] The shortest distance D1 between on the one hand a plane A1 perpendicular to the decorative panel 12 and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges 20, 21 and through a slot 30 extending trough the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14; and on the other hand a plane A2 perpendicular to the decorative panel 12 and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges 20, 21 and through a slot 32 of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel 12 equals in the decorative panel 12 shown 2 mm.

[0156] FIG. 3 shows a cross section along III-III of FIG. 1 of the coupling along the first pair of opposite edges 20, 21 of decorative panels 12 according to the invention. The reference numerals have the same meaning as in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 also shows that the decorative panels are secured by means of bolts 40 through the rear lip 26 to the wall 41.

[0157] FIG. 3 shows that the decorative panel 12 of the example is configured such that in coupled condition at the first pair of opposite edges 20, 21 of the decorative panel 12, a panel groove 34 is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges 20, 21, between the distal end 36 of the front lip 25 of the decorative panel 12 and the coupled panel edge comprising the tongue 23.

[0158] The panel groove 34 has depth T3, in the example shows the depth T3 equals the depth T1 of the slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13.

[0159] In the example shown, the decorative panel 12 is configured such that the width W3 of the panel groove 34 is the same as the width W1 of the slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14.

[0160] In the example shown, the combination of the panel groove 34 and the plurality of slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 provide in coupled condition of a plurality of decorative panels 12 a visual image of equally spaced grooves all of the same width at the decorative surface of the decorative panel.

[0161] FIG. 4 shows a detail F4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the distance T4 from the surface of the decorative panel 12 to the most distal contact point of the front lip 25 and the tongue 23 of the coupled decorative panel. The distance T4 is in the example less than 0.2 mm more than the depth T3 of the panel groove 34;

[0162] FIG. 5 shows a cross section along V-V of FIG. 1 of the coupling along the second pair of opposite edges 50, 51 of decorative panels according to aspects of the invention.

[0163] The second pair of edges comprises a third edge 50 and a fourth edge 51. The decorative panel comprises at the third edge 50 of the second pair of opposite edges a second male coupling part; and at a fourth edge 51 of the second pair of opposite edges a second female coupling part. The second male coupling part and the second female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels. The second male coupling part comprises a second tongue 53 and the second female coupling part comprises a second groove 54. The second tongue 53 and second groove 54, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels. The second groove 54 is bordered by a second front lip 55 and a second rear lip 56.

[0164] The second male coupling part and the second female coupling part each comprise a locking part 57, 58. The locking part 57 of the second male coupling part is provided by a recess at the rear side of the second tongue 53. The locking part 58 of the second female coupling part is provided by a protrusion at the front side of the second rear lip 56. In the coupled condition, the locking parts 57, 58, of the second male coupling part and of the second female coupling part realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.

[0165] The second rear lip 56 comprises at its rear side a recess 59 extending in proximal direction from the distal end of the second rear lip 56. The recess 59 is elongated in the direction parallel with the surface of the decorative panel 12. The recess 59 extends in proximal direction to beyond the locking part 58 of the second rear lip 56.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 5, in coupled condition of the decorative panels at their second pair of opposite edges 50, 51, a second panel groove 60 is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled decorative panels between the second front lip 55 and the panel edge of the coupled panel comprising the second tongue 53.

[0167] In the example shown, the second panel groove 60 is arranged in the same way as the panel groove 34.

[0168] The second panel groove 60 has width W4. In the example shown, the width W4 of the second panel groove 60 is the same as the width W3 of the panel groove 34.

[0169] The second panel groove 60 has depth T5, which is in the example the same as the depth T3 of the panel groove 34.

[0170] In the example shown, the depth T5 of the second panel groove 60 is about 0.1 mm smaller than the distance T6 from the surface of the decorative panel of the most distal contact point in coupled condition of the second front lip 55 with the second tongue 53 of the coupled decorative panels.

[0171] Although FIG. 1 shows decorative panels 12 according to the invention that have coupling parts at the edges of both pairs of opposite edges, it is possible that the decorative panels according to the invention only comprise coupling parts at one pair of opposite edges.

[0172] It is possible that the decorative panel according to the invention installed in a wall covering is wall high, meaning that the decorative panel extends from the floor to the ceiling of the room in which it is installed. For this purpose, the decorative panel can be produced in a length of at least 2400 mm and be cut to the required length for a wall high wall covering.

[0173] FIG. 6 shows an example of a wall covering comprising decorative panels 12 according to the first aspect as well as according to the second aspect of the invention. The decorative panels 12 comprise a plurality of slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer 13 into the core 14 of the decorative panels. The slots 30 have a curved course over the surface of the decorative panels 12. At the coupled edges between the decorative panels, a panel groove 34 is provided. The panel groove 34 has in the example shown the same width as the slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer of the decorative panels. The cross section of the coupling between the decorative panels is similar to the one shown in FIG. 3. The combination of the slots 30 and the panel groove 34 provide a nice decorative aspect to the wall covering.

[0174] Although FIG. 6 shows decorative panels in which each of the decorative panels have the same configuration and course of slots 30 extending through the decorative top layer into the core, this is not necessarily the case. The course of the slots 30 of the decorative panels in the wall covering can vary. This way, a large variety of decorative visuals can be made.

[0175] FIG. 7 shows a wall covering comprising a set of decorative panels according to the third aspect of the invention. FIG. 8 shows a cross section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 shows a cross section along IX-IX of FIG. 7. The reference numerals have the same meaning as in the other figures.

[0176] The set of decorative panelsand thus the wall coveringcomprises first decorative panels 71 and second decorative panels 72.

[0177] The first decorative panels 71 and the second decorative panels 72 comprises a decorative top layer 13, a core 14 and a balancing layer 15. The core 14 can e.g. be a wood fiber board. The decorative top layer 13 is laminated onto the core 14. The decorative top layer 13 can comprise a melamine impregnated printed sheet of paper. The balancing layer 15 is provided at the bottom of the core 14 of the first decorative panel 71 and at the bottom of the core 14 of the second decorative panel 72. The balancing layer 15 can be provided by a resin impregnated sheet of paper laminated to the core 14 of the panels.

[0178] The first decorative panels 71 and the second decorative panels 72 are rectangular and oblong. The first decorative panels 71 and the second decorative panels 72 have the same size, however, this is not necessary for the invention.

[0179] The first decorative panels 71 as well as the second decorative panels 72 comprise a first pair of opposite edges 20, 21. Each of the first decorative panels 71 and the second decorative panels 72 comprises at a first edge 20 of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge 21 of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part. The male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such panels, by means of their male coupling part and their female coupling, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels.

[0180] The male coupling part comprises a tongue 23 and the female coupling part comprises a groove 24. The tongue 23 and groove 24, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled decorative panels. The groove 24 is bordered by a front lip 25 and a rear lip 26. The male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part 27, 28. The locking parts 27, 28 realizein the coupled conditiona mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges 20, 21.

[0181] As shown is FIG. 8, which shows a cross section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7, the first decorative panels 71 and the second decorative panels 72 are configured such that in coupled condition of a first decorative panel 71 with its tongue 23 in the groove 24 of a second decorative panel 72, a panel groove 34 is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges 20, 21, between the distal end 36 of the front lip 25 of the second decorative panel 72 and the panel edge 20 of the first decorative panel 71 comprising the tongue 23.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 9, which shows a cross section along IX-IX of FIG. 7, the first decorative panel 71 and the second decorative panel 72 are configured such that in coupled condition of the second decorative panel 72 with its tongue 23 in the groove 24 of the first decorative panel 71, a closing plane 74 of the second decorative panel contactspreferably with tensiona closing plane 75 of the first decorative panel. The closing plane 75 of the first decorative e panel 71 is provided at the proximal end of the front lip of the first decorative panel.

[0183] The closing plane 74 of the second decorative panel 72 is provided by a plane of the panel edge 20 of the second decorative panel 72 comprising the tongue. This closing plane 74 is located between the tongue 23 and the decorative surface at the panel edge of the second decorative panel 72 comprising the tongue and is perpendicular to the decorative surface of the second decorative panel 72.

[0184] The first decorative panels 71 as well as the second decorative panels 72 are provided with slots 30 extending through their respective decorative top layer 13 into their respective core 14.

[0185] The first decorative panels 71 as well as the second decorative panels 72 are provided with slots 32 at their bottom. The slots 32 at the bottom of the first decorative panels 71 and at the bottom of the second decorative panels 72 extend through the balancing layer 15.

[0186] The combination of the slots 30 extending through their decorative top layer and the panel grooves 34 provide a decorative aspect to the wall covering.

[0187] The presence of the panel grooves 34 allows absorption of the expansion and contraction of the decorative panels of the wall covering when the humidity changes of the room in which the wall covering is installed. This can be of particular interest for wall coverings covering large walls, especially walls being very wide.

[0188] It is also possible that the first decorative panels and the second decorative panels are not provided with slots extending through the decorative top layer and are not provided with slots at the bottom of the decorative panels.

[0189] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described as examples and represented in the figures, on the contrary the invention can be realized in various forms and dimensions, without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0190] The invention also relates to the following list of numbered items.

[0191] 1.Decorative panel, wherein the decorative panel (1012) comprises a decorative top layer (13), a core (14) and a balancing layer (15), wherein the decorative top layer is laminated onto the core and wherein the balancing layer is provided at the bottom of the core; [0192] wherein the decorative panel is rectangular, square or oblong; [0193] wherein the decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges (20, 21); [0194] wherein the decorative panel comprises at a first edge (20) of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge (21) of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the male coupling part and the female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; [0195] wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue (23) and the female coupling part comprises a groove (24), which tongue and groove, in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the groove is bordered by a front lip (25) and a rear lip (26); wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part (27, 28); wherein the locking parts (27, 28), in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; [0196] characterized in that the decorative surface of the panel comprises at least one slot (30)and preferably a plurality of slotsextending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core (14); preferably wherein the at least one slot (30)and preferably the plurality of slotshas over its full length a constant depth (T1).

[0197] 2.Decorative panel as in item 1, characterized in that the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) is a plurality of slots, wherein at least part ofand preferably all ofthe slots of the plurality of slots have the same width (W1); or in that a first part of the slots of the plurality of slots has a different width than a second part of the plurality of slots.

[0198] 3.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core (14) is a plurality of slots, wherein the distance between consecutive slots is constant.

[0199] 4.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the at least one slot (30) is a plurality of slots, wherein the plurality of slots have the same depth (T1).

[0200] 5.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative panel (1012) comprises at least one slot (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel, wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel extends through the balancing layer (15); preferably wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is provided parallel to the first pair of opposite edges (20, 21); preferably wherein the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is a plurality of slots provided at the bottom of the decorative panel, more preferably equidistant to each other.

[0201] 6.Decorative panel as in item 5, characterized in that the at least one slot (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel is provided over the full length of the decorative panel.

[0202] 7.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-6, characterized in that the sum of the depth (T1) of the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core (14) and the depth (T2) of the at least one slot (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel is less than the thickness (T) of the decorative panel; and preferably less than 70% of the thickness of the decorative panel; and more preferably less than 60% of the thickness of the decorative panel; and more preferably less than 50% of the thickness of the decorative panel.

[0203] 8.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-7, characterized in that no slot (30) of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core extends into a slot (32) of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel.

[0204] 9.Decorative panel as in as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-8, characterized in that no plane perpendicular to the decorative panel and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges (20, 21) cuts through a slot (30) of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer into the core and through a slot (32) of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel.

[0205] 10.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-9, characterized in that the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) and the at least one slot (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel (12) are parallel with the first pair of opposite edges (20, 21); and that the shortest distance (D1) between on the one hand a plane (A1) perpendicular to the decorative panel and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges and through a slot (30) of the at least one slot extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core; and on the other hand a plane (A2) perpendicular to the decorative panel and parallel with the first pair of opposite edges (20, 21) and through a slot (32) of the at least one slot at the bottom of the decorative panel is at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 1.5 mm; and preferably less than 3 mm.

[0206] 11.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-10, characterized in that the depth (T1) of the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core is larger than the depth (T2) of the at least one slot (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel; preferably wherein the difference in depth is at least 15%and preferably at least 20%of the total thickness (T) of the decorative panel.

[0207] 12.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 5-11, characterized in that the decorative panel (12) comprises a number N1 of slots (30) extending through the decorative top layer into the core, and in that the decorative panel (12) comprises a number N2 of slots (32) at the bottom of the decorative panel; wherein N1 equals N2.

[0208] 13.Decorative panel, preferably a decorative panel (12) as in any of the preceding items, wherein the decorative panel (12) comprises a decorative top layer (13), a core (14) and a balancing layer (15), wherein the decorative top layer (13) is laminated onto the core (14) and the balancing layer (15) is provided at the bottom of the core (14) of the decorative panel (12); [0209] wherein the decorative panel is rectangular, square or oblong; [0210] wherein the decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges (20, 21); [0211] wherein the decorative panel comprises at a first edge (20) of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge (21) of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that a first such decorative panel and a second such decorative panel, by means of the male coupling part of the first such decorative panel and the female coupling part of the second such decorative panel, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; [0212] wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue (23) and the female coupling part comprises a groove (24), which tongue (23) and groove (24), in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the groove (24) is bordered by a front lip (25) and a rear lip (26); and wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part (27, 28); wherein the locking parts (27, 28), in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges (20, 21); [0213] characterized in that the decorative panel (12) is configured such that in coupled condition a panel groove (34) is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges (20, 21), between the distal end (36) of the front lip (25) of the second such decorative panel and the panel edge (20) comprising the tongue of the first such decorative panel.

[0214] 14.Decorative panel as in item 13, characterized in that the panel groove (34) has at least the same depth (T3) as the thickness of the front lip measured at the distal end of the front lip.

[0215] 15.Decorative panel as in item 13, characterized in that the depth (T3) of the panel groove (34) is at most 0.5 mmand preferably at most 0.2 mmless than the distance (T4) from the surface of the decorative panel of the most distal contact point in coupled condition of the front lip (25) to the tongue (23) of the coupled decorative panel.

[0216] 16.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 13-15 and preferably as in any of the preceding items 5-12, characterized in that the panel groove (34) has the same width as the at least one slot (30)and preferably of a plurality of slots and more preferably of all slots of the at least one slotextending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core.

[0217] 17.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 13-16 and preferably as in any of the preceding items 5-12, characterized in that the panel groove (34) has the same depth as the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core.

[0218] 18.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-4 and as in any of the preceding items 13-17 and preferably as in any of the preceding items 5-12, characterized in that the at least one slot (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) into the core is a plurality of slots and in that the combination of the panel groove (34) and the plurality of slots (30) extending through the decorative top layer (13) provide in coupled condition of a plurality of decorative panels a visual image of equally spaced grooves at the decorative surface of the decorative panel.

[0219] 19.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, wherein the decorative panel (12) comprises a second pair of opposite edges (50, 51), wherein the second pair of edges comprises a third edge (50) and a fourth edge (51), wherein the decorative panel comprises at a third edge (50) of the second pair of opposite edges a second male coupling part and at a fourth edge (51) of the second pair of opposite edges a second female coupling part, wherein the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part are configured such that two of such decorative panels, by means of the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; [0220] wherein the second male coupling part comprises a second tongue (53) and the second female coupling part comprises a second groove (54), which second tongue (53) and second groove (54), in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the decorative panels; wherein the second groove (54) is bordered by a second front lip (55) and a second rear lip (56); and wherein the second male coupling part and the second female coupling part each comprise a locking part (57, 58); wherein the locking parts (57, 58), of the second male coupling part and of the second female coupling part, in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges (50, 51); [0221] characterized in that the decorative panel is configured such that in coupled condition a second panel groove (60) is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edge between the second front lip (55) and the panel edge (50) comprising the second tongue (53).

[0222] 20.Decorative panel as in item 19, characterized in that the second panel groove (60) has substantially the same depth (T5) as the thickness of the second front lip (55) measured at the distal end of the second front lip (55).

[0223] 21.Decorative panel as in item 19 or 20, characterized in that the depth (T5) of the second panel groove (60) is at most 0.5 mmand preferably at most 0.2 mmless than the distance (T6) from the surface of the decorative panel of the most distal contact point in coupled condition of the second front lip (55) to the second tongue (53) of the coupled decorative panels.

[0224] 22.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 19-21 as well as in any of the preceding items 13-18, characterized in that the panel groove (34) and the second panel groove (60) have the same width and/or the same depth.

[0225] 23.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative top layer (13) comprises a resin impregnated-preferably printed-sheet of paper (16), and optionally a wear layer (17).

[0226] 24.Decorative panel as in item 23, characterized in that the resin impregnated-preferably printed-sheet of paper (16) is adhered to the core (14) by the resin of the resin impregnated sheet of paper.

[0227] 25.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 23-24, characterized in that the resin of the resin impregnated sheet of paper (16) is selected from a melamine resin, a urea formaldehyde resin, an acrylate resin, a polyurethane resin, or combinations thereof.

[0228] 26.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-22, characterized in that the decorative top layer (13) comprises a dcor printed on the core and a wear layer, preferably wherein the wear layer comprises a lacquer layer, more preferably wherein the lacquer layer is selected from an acrylate lacquer, a polyurethane lacquer, a polyester lacquer, or combinations thereof.

[0229] 27.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative panel comprises a wear layer, wherein the wear layer comprises or consists of a resin impregnated sheet of papere.g. a resin impregnated alpha-cellulose paperor a lacquer layer.

[0230] 28.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the balancing layer (15) comprises a resin impregnated sheet of paper, preferably wherein the resin impregnated sheet of paper of the balancing layer is adhered to the bottom of the core by the resin with which the resin impregnated sheet of paper of the balancing layer is impregnated; and/or preferably wherein the resin of the resin impregnated sheet of paper of the balancing layer is selected from a melamine resin, a urea formaldehyde resin, an acrylate resin, a polyurethane resin, or combinations thereof.

[0231] 29.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-28, characterized in that the balancing layer (15) comprises or consists of a lacquer layer, preferably selected from an acrylate lacquer layer, a polyurethane lacquer layer, a polyester lacquer layer, or combinations thereof.

[0232] 30.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the core (14) comprises or is selected from: [0233] a wood-based board, e.g. a wood fiber board, a wood chip board, a plywood board or an oriented strand board (OSB); or [0234] a mineral based board, e.g. a cement fiber board, a magnesium oxide based board or a gypsum board.

[0235] 31.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the locking part (27) of the male coupling part is provided on the rear side of the tongue (23) and the locking part (28) of the female coupling part is provided on the front side of the rear lip (26).

[0236] 32.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the core (14) is pigmented, preferably wherein the core is pigmented black.

[0237] 33.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative panel has a length of at least 2400 mm.

[0238] 34.Decorative panel as in any of the preceding items, characterized in that the decorative panel is less than 12.5 mm thick, and preferably less than 10.5 mm thick.

[0239] 35.Set of decorative panels comprising a first decorative panel (71) and a second decorative panel (72), [0240] wherein the first decorative panel (71) and the second decorative panel (72) each comprises a decorative top layer (13), a core (14) and optionally a balancing layer (15), wherein the decorative top layer (13) is laminated onto the core (14); [0241] wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel is rectangular, square or oblong; [0242] wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges (20, 21); [0243] wherein each of the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel comprises at a first edge (20) of the first pair of opposite edges a male coupling part and at a second edge (21) of the first pair of opposite edges a female coupling part, wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part are configured such that two such panels, by means of their male coupling part and their female coupling, can be coupled to each other in a plane, thereby realizing a coupled condition between the decorative panels; [0244] wherein the male coupling part comprises a tongue (23) and the female coupling part comprises a groove (24), which tongue (23) and groove (24), in the coupled condition, form a tongue and groove connection, which realizes a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled decorative panels; wherein the groove (24) is bordered by a front lip (25) and a rear lip (26); and wherein the male coupling part and the female coupling part each comprise a locking part (27, 28); wherein the locking parts (27, 28), in the coupled condition, realize a mechanical locking between the decorative panels in the direction in the plane of the decorative panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges (20, 21); [0245] characterized in that the first decorative panel and the second decorative panel are configured such that in coupled condition of the first decorative panel (71) with its tongue (23) in the groove (24) of the second decorative panel (72), a panel groove (34) is provided at the decorative panel surface of the coupled edges (20, 21), between the distal end (36) of the front lip (25) of the second decorative panel (72) and the panel edge (20) of the first decorative panel (71) comprising the tongue; [0246] and in that the first decorative panel (71) and the second decorative panel (72) are configured such that in coupled condition of the second decorative panel (72) with its tongue (23) in the groove (24) of the first decorative panel (71), a closing plane (74) of the second decorative panel (72) contactspreferably with tensiona closing plane (75) of the first decorative panel (71); [0247] wherein the closing plane (75) of the first decorative panel (71) is provided at the proximal end of the front lip of the first decorative panel; and the closing plane (74) of the second decorative panel (72) is provided by a plane of the panel edge (20) of the second decorative panel (72) comprising the tongue, wherein the closing plane (74) is located between the tongue (23) and the decorative surface at the panel edge of the second decorative panel comprising the tongue.

[0248] 36.Set of decorative panels as in item 35, characterized in that the first decorative panel (71) is a decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 13-34.

[0249] 37.Set of decorative panels as in any of the items 35-36, characterized in that the second decorative panel (72) is a decorative panel as in any of the preceding items 1-12 and/or that the second decorative panel comprises one or more features as specified in items 19-34.

[0250] 38.Wall covering, wherein the wall covering (10) comprises two decorative panels (12) as in any of the preceding items, wherein the first decorative panel of the two decorative panels is coupled with its male coupling part to the female coupling part of the second decorative panel of the two decorative panels.