FR3162772A1 - REVERSIBLE COATING PANEL AND ITS INSTALLATION METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The interlocking panel is designed to be reversibly fixed to a mounting wall (P) or to the floor. It comprises a first coupling means (C1) and a second coupling means (C2) adapted to each other to allow lateral interlocking of the panel, with reversibility of the panel by longitudinal rotation (around the axis A). A first edge (10c) of the panel has a first flange (102-1), the outer face (102b) of which forms, on one side, the extreme part of the facing face (10a), and a second opposite edge (10c) has a second flange (102-2), the outer face (102b) of which forms, on the other side of the panel, the extreme part of the other facing face (10b). A portion of the first wing (102-1) projects laterally on its first side relative to the first coupling means (C1), and a portion of the second wing (102-2) projects laterally on its second side relative to the second coupling means (C2). Fig. 14

Description

REVERSIBLE COATING PANEL AND ITS INSTALLATION METHOD

The present invention relates to the field of interior decoration and the installation of cladding panels on a surface, such as a wall or ceiling, or on a floor. In this field, it relates to a new reversible cladding panel and its method of installation and fixing to a wall or floor.

Previous art

To date, we know of different types of decorative panels that can be laid coplanarly and side by side to form a floor covering or a wall or ceiling covering.

In particular, in the field of floor coverings, various types of decorative panels are currently available that have the unique characteristic of being reversible. Each reversible floor covering panel has two opposing decorative faces (also commonly referred to as facing faces), which can be identical or different, and which generally feature a single-layer or multi-layer decorative surface coating.

A first type of reversible floor covering panel, called interlocking, i.e. interlocking edge to edge with another panel without the use of an additional coupling piece, is described for example in international patent application WO2016/010414. The panel has an assembly tongue and an interlocking groove of complementary shape, which are centered and symmetrical with respect to a median plane of the panel, and which allow the panel to be interlocked with a similar neighboring panel, in a lateral interlocking direction parallel to the median plane of the panels, and offering the possibility of orienting either of the two facing faces indifferently outwards, which is therefore the facing face visible once the panel is laid on the floor.

A second type of reversible flooring panel is also described in US patent application 2010/0083603. In certain embodiments (notably FIG. 15 has FIG. 21 ), the reversible panels are of the interlocking type and have, on each side of the panel, hybrid male-female coupling means, which are complementary and reversed and allow for edge-to-edge, reversible and contiguous interlocking of the panels in an interlocking direction, which is not lateral, but which is perpendicular to the median plane of the panels.

In another embodiment variant (Fig.26 to Fig.28), the reversible panels are not of the interlocking type, but the side-by-side assembly of two reversible panels is an assembly usually designated "false tongue", that is to say an assembly made by means of an additional coupling piece which is inserted into grooves made in the edges opposite the two panels.

The floor covering panels described in these two publications WO2016/010414 and US 2010/0083603 are suitable for installation on the floor without being fixed to it (floating installation), and they are not suitable for installation and fixing, by means of non-through fixings, to a support surface, such as a wall or ceiling.

We also know of various interlocking cladding panel solutions, which are suitable for being fixed, in a non-reversible manner, to a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

International patent application WO02/052113 discloses, for example, different variants of interlocking panels, which are adapted to be fixed in a non-reversible manner to a wall, by means of through fixings, of the fixing screw type, which pass through the edge of one of the panels.

This international patent application WO02/052113, as well as international patent application WO2007/115747, They disclose different variations of interlocking panels, which are designed to be permanently fixed to a wall using rigid, non-penetrating, hook-shaped fixing brackets. These fixing brackets, usually made of metal, are partially insertable, for example laterally, into one of the panel's edges and have a base that can be used to fix them to the wall.

The use of through-fasteners is restrictive. Because these are tongue-and-groove panels, the through-fasteners must be oriented almost perpendicular to the panel face, so that the fastener head interferes as little as possible with the panel interlocking process. This imposes a constraint on the panel edge design, which must be designed to provide access to the through-fastener in a direction perpendicular to the rear mounting face of the panel. In practice, this necessitates extending the panel edge laterally to provide sufficient lateral surface area for the through-fastener. Furthermore, through-fasteners are not suitable for robustly fixing panels directly to a mounting surface such as a wall, and in practice, the panels must be installed on wooden battens that have been pre-fixed to the wall.

The use of rigid, non-through fixing brackets, which can be partially inserted into the edge of the panel, is more convenient because it avoids the aforementioned stress inherent in through fixings and saves material by eliminating the need to extend the panel edge. Furthermore, they advantageously prevent damage to the panel, which can be removably fixed if necessary, and even disassembled and reused if needed.

Patent application WO2015/025104 also discloses a technical solution in which the panels are interlocked edge-to-edge and fixed to the wall by means of a flexible fixing tab. The solution described in this publication does not allow for panel reversibility.

We also know, for example in French patent application FR 2 671 823, of a solution for wall cladding panels that can be fixed to a wall, with a space between the panels, by means of a fixing rail that is fitted into the back face of the panel and has a central tongue forming a joint between the two front faces of the panels. This solution does not allow the panel to be reversed.

US patent application US 2022/0090388 discloses two reversible flooring panels, each with two grooves in its edge, that can be joined side-by-side, without a butt joint, with a gap between the panels, by means of a coupling piece with a false tongue function, which is inserted into grooves in the opposite edges of the two panels. The flooring panels described in this publication are not of the interlocking type and are not suitable for fixing to the floor or a wall.

US patent application US 2004/0144056 discloses extruded plastic decking boards designed to be reversibly joined edge-to-edge using a coupling piece (false tongue) inserted into grooves in the edges of the boards. These extruded plastic boards are reversible and can be laid on a supporting structure, such as wooden joists, by being joined edge-to-edge, reversibly, and without a butt joint, with a gap between the boards (Figs. 3 and 4). Each extruded plastic board can also be fastened to this supporting structure using a through-fastener, such as self-tapping screws, that pass diagonally through the board and the coupling piece (false tongue) between the boards. The flooring panels described in this publication are not of the interlocking type and are not suitable for being fixed to a laying wall by means of non-through fixing(s).

Presentation of the invention

A first objective of the invention is to provide a "snap-together" cladding panel, i.e., one that can be snapped edge-to-edge on both sides with another similar panel next door without the use of an additional coupling piece, which snap-together panel can be reversibly fixed to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling, or to the floor, by snapping edge-to-edge and reversibly with a similar panel next door and using one or more through fixing(s), and preferably by snapping edge-to-edge in a contiguous manner with this other similar panel next door.

A second objective of the invention is to provide a "snap-together" cladding panel, i.e., one that can be snapped edge-to-edge on both sides with another similar panel next door without the use of an additional coupling piece, which snap-together panel can be reversibly fixed to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling, or to the floor, by snapping edge-to-edge and reversibly with a similar panel next door and using one or more non-through fixing(s) and/or using one or more through fixings.

The invention thus relates to a snap-fit and reversible cladding panel which makes it possible to achieve at least the first objective mentioned above.

The invention thus relates to a reversible, interlocking cladding panel, adapted for reversible fixing to a wall or floor by means of through-fastener(s), and having the following technical characteristics. The reversible, interlocking cladding panel comprises a first facing face, a second facing face, a first edge extending along one side of the panel in a longitudinal direction, and a second edge extending along the opposite side of the panel in the longitudinal direction (X); the first edge comprises a first non-detachable coupling means and the second edge comprises a second non-detachable coupling means; the first and second coupling means are adapted to each other to allow lateral interlocking of the panel, with reversibility of the panel by longitudinal rotation; the first edge comprises a first flange, the outer face of which forms the extreme part of the first facing face on the first side of the panel; the second edge has a second wing, the outer face of which forms on the second side of the panel the extreme part of the second facing on the second side of the panel; a part of the first wing is projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means and a part of the second wing is projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means.

The protruding part of the first wing and the protruding part of the second wing allow the panel to be fixed, in particular nailed, screwed, or stapled, by means of through-fasteners which are passed through said protruding part.

Definitions:

• «à emboîter» signifie dans le présent texte que le panneau de revêtement est emboîtable bord à bord sur ses deux côtés avec un autre panneau analogue, sans mise en œuvre d’une pièce de couplage additionnelle.
• Le terme «réversible» ou l’expression «de manière réversible» signifie dans le présent texte que le panneau de revêtement peut être orienté individuellement par rapport à la paroi de pose, afin de choisir, parmi la première face de parement et la deuxième face de parement du panneau de revêtement, celle (première ou deuxième face de parement) devant être orientée vers la paroi de pose, l’autre face de parement (deuxième ou première face de parement) constituant la face visible.
• «aile sécable» doit être interprété comme signifiant qu’une partie de l’aile, qui est désignée «bout d’aile», qui s’étend latéralement depuis le bord distal de l’aile sur au moins une partie de la largeur de l’aile et qui s’étend longitudinalement sur tout ou partie de la longueur de l’aile, et de préférence sur toute la longueur de l’aile, peut être séparée du panneau par tout moyen.
• Le terme «analogue», signifie dans le présent texte que le panneau dit «analogue» a un premier bord qui est identique au premier bord du panneau de revêtement de l’invention, et a un deuxième bord, qui est identique au deuxième bord du panneau de revêtement de l’invention.
• Les termes «fixation non traversante» désignent toute fixation qui peut être insérée en partie dans le premier bord et/ou dans le deuxième bord du panneau de revêtement, sans passer à travers le panneau et dont au moins une partie située en dehors et sur le côté du panneau, est destinée à être fixée à la paroi de pose ou au sol par tout moyen.
• Les termes «fixation traversante» désignent toute fixation qui traverse le premier bord ou le deuxième bord du panneau de revêtement pour fixer ce panneau de revêtement à la paroi de pose ou au sol.
• Le «plan médian» est le plan (fictif) à mi-épaisseur du panneau.
• Les termes «longitudinal(e) »,«longitudinalement», et «longueur» font chacun référence à la direction longitudinale dans laquelle le premier bord et le deuxième bord du panneau s’étendent.
• Les termes «latéralement», «latéral(e)», «largeur» «transversal(e) », «transversalement», font chacun référence à la direction, qui est parallèle au plan médian du panneau et qui est perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale du premier bord et du deuxième bord du panneau.

In this text, the terms and expressions listed below shall be understood and interpreted in accordance with the following definitions:

• " Interlocking " means in this text that the cladding panel can be interlocked edge to edge on both sides with another similar panel, without the use of an additional coupling piece.
• The term " reversible " or the expression " reversibly " means in this text that the cladding panel can be individually oriented with respect to the installation wall, in order to choose, from the first facing face and the second facing face of the cladding panel, the one (first or second facing face) to be oriented towards the installation wall, the other facing face (second or first facing face) constituting the visible face.
• " separable wing " should be interpreted as meaning that a part of the wing, which is designated " wingtip ", extending laterally from the distal edge of the wing over at least part of the wing's width and extending longitudinally over all or part of the wing's length, and preferably over the entire wing's length, can be separated from the panel by any means.
• The term " analogous " means in this text that the panel called " analogous " has a first edge which is identical to the first edge of the cladding panel of the invention, and has a second edge, which is identical to the second edge of the cladding panel of the invention.
• The term " non-through fixing " means any fixing which can be partially inserted into the first edge and/or the second edge of the cladding panel, without passing through the panel and of which at least a part located outside and on the side of the panel is intended to be fixed to the installation wall or the floor by any means.
• The term " through fixing " refers to any fixing that passes through the first or second edge of the cladding panel to fix that cladding panel to the installation wall or floor.
• The " median plane " is the (fictitious) plane at mid-thickness of the panel.
• The terms "longitudinal"," longitudinally ", and " length " each refer to the longitudinal direction in which the first and second edges of the panel extend.
• The terms " laterally ", " lateral ", " width ", " transverse ", " transversely ", each refer to the direction that is parallel to the median plane of the panel and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second edges of the panel.

Within the scope of the invention, the material(s) constituting the panel are irrelevant to the invention. The reversible cladding panel may, for example, be made of solid wood, laminate or melamine, or of plastic, in particular PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or composite materials.

The reversible cladding panel is preferably solid, but it can also be hollow, and in particular of the honeycomb type.

The manufacturing process for the reversible cladding panel is irrelevant to the invention, as the cladding panel can be manufactured by machining and/or extrusion and/or molding. However, manufacturing a cladding panel by machining a solid sheet is preferable.

• La partie de la première aile en saillie latéralement sur le premier côté par rapport au premier moyen de couplage permet une fixation du panneau au moyen de fixation(s) traversante(s) passée(s) à travers ladite partie en saillie, et plus particulièrement présente une surface suffisamment importante pour une fixation du panneau au moyen de fixation(s) traversante(s) passée(s) à travers ladite partie en saillie et la partie de la deuxième aile (en saillie latéralement sur le deuxième côté par rapport au deuxième moyen de couplage permet une fixation du panneau au moyen de fixation(s) traversante(s) passée(s) à travers ladite partie en saillie, et plus particulièrement présente une surface suffisamment importante pour une fixation du panneau au moyen de fixation(s) traversante(s) passée(s) à travers ladite partie en saillie.
• La première aile comporte dans la face intérieure de sa partie en saillie au moins un premier décrochement qui s’étend dans la direction longitudinale (X) et/ou la deuxième aile) comporte dans la face intérieure de sa partie en saillie au moins un deuxième décrochement qui s’étend dans la direction longitudinale (X).
• Ledit premier décrochement permet de loger au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, la partie saillante, et notamment la tête, d’une fixation traversante passée à travers ladite partie en saillie et/ou ledit deuxième décrochement permet de loger au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, la partie saillante, et notamment la tête, d’une fixation traversante passée à travers ladite partie en saillie.
• La première aile comporte au moins une première rainure longitudinale, de préférence une rainure de prédécoupe, réalisée dans la face intérieure de la partie en saillie de la première aile et/ou la deuxième aile comporte au moins une deuxième rainure longitudinale, de préférence une rainure de prédécoupe, réalisée dans la face intérieure de la partie en saillie de la première aile.
• Ladite première rainure longitudinale est dimensionnée de manière à pouvoir loger au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, la partie saillante, et notamment la tête, d’une fixation traversante passée à travers ladite partie en saillie et/ou dans lequel ladite deuxième rainure longitudinale est dimensionnée de manière à pourvoir loger au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, la partie saillante, et notamment la tête d’une fixation traversante passée à travers ladite partie en saillie.
• Le premier moyen de couplage est de type mâle-femelle et comporte une première partie de couplage femelle et une première partie de couplage mâle ; le deuxième moyen de couplage est de type mâle-femelle et comporte une deuxième partie de couplage femelle et une deuxième partie de couplage mâle.
• Le premier moyen de couplage et le deuxième moyen de couplage sont inversés l’un par rapport à l’autre par rapport au plan médian du panneau.
• La première partie de couplage mâle est en saillie latéralement par rapport à la première partie de couplage femelle et la deuxième partie de couplage mâle est en saillie latéralement par rapport à la deuxième partie de couplage femelle.
• La partie de la première aile en saillie latéralement sur le premier côté est en saillie latéralement par rapport à ladite première partie de couplage mâle du premier moyen de couplage et la partie de la deuxième aile en saillie latéralement sur le deuxième côté est en saillie latéralement par rapport à ladite deuxième partie de couplage mâle du deuxième moyen de couplage.
• La première partie femelle du premier moyen de couplage est délimitée au moins par au moins une partie de la face intérieure de la première aile et dans la deuxième partie femelle (R2) du deuxième moyen de couplage est délimitée au moins par au moins une partie de la face intérieure de la deuxième aile.
• La première partie de couplage mâle du premier moyen de couplage comprend ou est constituée par une première languette d’assemblage et la deuxième partie de couplage mâle du deuxième moyen de couplage comprend ou est constituée par une deuxième languette d’assemblage.
• La première partie de couplage femelle du premier moyen de couplage comprend ou est constituée par une première rainure d’emboîtement et la deuxième partie de couplage femelle du deuxième moyen de couplage comprend ou est constituée par une deuxième rainure d’emboîtement.
• La première partie femelle du premier moyen de couplage (C1) et la deuxième partie femelle du deuxième moyen de couplage sont symétriques l’une de l’autre par rapport à un axe de symétrie longitudinal du panneau et la première partie mâle du premier moyen de couplage et la deuxième partie mâle du deuxième moyen de couplage sont symétriques l’une de l’autre par rapport à un axe de symétrie longitudinal du panneau.
• La première aile est sécable de manière à pouvoir retirer du panneau un premier bout d’aile lorsque la première face de parement est choisie pour être orientée vers la paroi de pose ou vers le sol, et la deuxième aile est sécable de manière à pouvoir retirer du panneau un deuxième bout d’aile lorsque la deuxième face de parement est choisie pour être orientée vers la paroi de pose ou vers le sol.
• La partie de la première aile en saillie latéralement sur le premier côté par rapport au premier moyen de couplage comprend ou constitue ledit premier bout d’aile qui est séparable du panneau, et la partie de la deuxième aile en saillie latéralement sur le deuxième côté par rapport au deuxième moyen de couplage comprend ou constitue ledit deuxième bout d’aile (qui est séparable du panneau, et le premier bout d’aile et le deuxième bout d’aile sont chacun séparables du panneau en étant coupés et/ou cassés et/ou arrachés et/ou déchirés.
• La première aile et la deuxième aile sont identiques.
• Les rainures d’emboîtement ont la même profondeur.
• Les languettes d’assemblage ont la même largeur.
• Les deux faces de parement sont différentes.
• Chaque face de parement comporte un revêtement de surface, qui est de préférence différent pour chaque face de parement.
• Le panneau est massif.

More specifically, the interlocking and reversible cladding panel may include the following additional and optional features, each additional and optional feature being able to be combined with any of the other technical features of the panel:

• The part of the first wing projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means allows the panel to be fixed by means of through-fastener(s) passed through said projecting part, and more particularly presents a surface large enough for the panel to be fixed by means of through-fastener(s) passed through said projecting part and the part of the second wing (projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means allows the panel to be fixed by means of through-fastener(s) passed through said projecting part, and more particularly presents a surface large enough for the panel to be fixed by means of through-fastener(s) passed through said projecting part.
• The first wing has in the inner face of its projecting part at least one first step which extends in the longitudinal direction (X) and/or the second wing) has in the inner face of its projecting part at least one second step which extends in the longitudinal direction (X).
• The said first recess allows to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the protruding part, and in particular the head, of a through fastener passed through said protruding part and/or the said second recess allows to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the protruding part, and in particular the head, of a through fastener passed through said protruding part.
• The first wing has at least one first longitudinal groove, preferably a pre-cut groove, made in the inner face of the protruding part of the first wing and/or the second wing has at least one second longitudinal groove, preferably a pre-cut groove, made in the inner face of the protruding part of the first wing.
• The said first longitudinal groove is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the protruding part, and in particular the head, of a through fastener passed through said protruding part and/or in which said second longitudinal groove is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the protruding part, and in particular the head of a through fastener passed through said protruding part.
• The first coupling means is of the male-female type and comprises a first female coupling part and a first male coupling part; the second coupling means is of the male-female type and comprises a second female coupling part and a second male coupling part.
• The first coupling means and the second coupling means are reversed relative to each other with respect to the median plane of the panel.
• The first male coupling part protrudes laterally from the first female coupling part and the second male coupling part protrudes laterally from the second female coupling part.
• The part of the first wing projecting laterally on the first side is projecting laterally relative to said first male coupling part of the first coupling means and the part of the second wing projecting laterally on the second side is projecting laterally relative to said second male coupling part of the second coupling means.
• The first female part of the first coupling means is delimited at least by at least a part of the inner face of the first wing and in the second female part (R2) of the second coupling means is delimited at least by at least a part of the inner face of the second wing.
• The first male coupling part of the first coupling means comprises or is constituted by a first assembly tab and the second male coupling part of the second coupling means comprises or is constituted by a second assembly tab.
• The first female coupling part of the first coupling means includes or is constituted by a first interlocking groove and the second female coupling part of the second coupling means includes or is constituted by a second interlocking groove.
• The first female part of the first coupling means (C1) and the second female part of the second coupling means are symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the panel and the first male part of the first coupling means and the second male part of the second coupling means are symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the panel.
• The first wing is breakable so that a first wing piece can be removed from the panel when the first facing face is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall or towards the ground, and the second wing is breakable so that a second wing piece can be removed from the panel when the second facing face is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall or towards the ground.
• The portion of the first wing projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means includes or constitutes said first wingtip which is separable from the panel, and the portion of the second wing projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means includes or constitutes said second wingtip (which is separable from the panel, and the first wingtip and the second wingtip are each separable from the panel by being cut and/or broken and/or ripped off and/or torn.
• The first wing and the second wing are identical.
• The interlocking grooves are the same depth.
• The assembly tabs have the same width.
• The two facing surfaces are different.
• Each facing face has a surface coating, which is preferably different for each facing face.
• The panel is massive.

The invention also relates to a first method of installing and fixing to a wall or to the floor at least a first interlocking and reversible panel referred to above and a second interlocking and reversible panel referred to above, said method comprising at least the following operations: ( 1 ) when the first facing face is oriented towards the wall or towards the floor, at least the first edge of the first panel is fixed to the wall or to the floor, by means of at least one through fixing, which is passed through said protruding part of the first wing of the first panel or when the second facing face is oriented towards the wall or towards the floor, at least the second edge of the first panel is fixed to the wall or to the floor, by means of at least one through fixing, which is passed through said protruding part of the second wing of the first panel; ( 2 ) the second panel is oriented by choosing, from the two facing faces of the second panel, the one that should be oriented towards the wall on which it is to be laid or towards the ground and ( 3 ) the first edge or the second edge of the second panel is laterally fitted together with the first edge or the second edge of the first panel which has been fixed by means of said at least one through fixing.

• Lorsque les parties en saillie des ailes du panneau comportent panneau comportent chacune un décrochement ou une rainure longitudinale, l’opération de fixation(1)est réalisée de telle sorte qu’une partie saillante, notamment la tête, de ladite au moins une fixation traversante est au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, logée dans le décrochement de ladite partie en saillie de la première aile ou de la deuxième aile du premier panneau ou est au moins en partie, et de préférence entièrement, logée dans ladite rainure longitudinale de ladite partie en saillie de la première aile ou de la deuxième aile du premier panneau.
• L’opération(3)d’emboîtement du deuxième panneau avec le premier panneau est réalisée de manière à assembler les deux panneaux bord à bord, en recouvrant avec le deuxième panneau la ou des fixations non traversantes situées en dehors du premier panneau, et de préférence de manière à assembler les deux panneaux bord à bord et de manière jointive.
• On utilise un outil de coupe ou une lame de coupe ou une pince coupante pour retirer le premier bout d’aile ou le deuxième bout d’aile.

More specifically, this process may include the following additional and optional features, each additional and optional feature being able to be combined with any of the other technical features of the process:

• Where the projecting parts of the wings of the panel each have a step or longitudinal groove, the fastening operation (1) is carried out in such a way that a projecting part, in particular the head, of said at least one through-fastener is at least partly, and preferably entirely, housed in the step of said projecting part of the first wing or second wing of the first panel or is at least partly, and preferably entirely, housed in said longitudinal groove of said projecting part of the first wing or second wing of the first panel.
• The operation(3)The interlocking of the second panel with the first panel is carried out in such a way as to assemble the two panels edge to edge, by covering with the second panel the non-through fixing(s) located outside the first panel, and preferably in such a way as to assemble the two panels edge to edge and in a tight fit.
• A cutting tool, cutting blade, or wire cutters are used to remove the first wingtip or the second wingtip.

The invention also relates to a second method for installing and fixing to a mounting wall or the floor, at least one first interlocking and reversible cladding panel as described above and one second interlocking and reversible cladding panel as described above, said method comprising at least the following operations: ( 1 ) the first wing (of the first panel) is shortened by removing a piece of the first wing when the first facing has been chosen to be oriented towards the mounting wall or towards the floor, or the second wing of the first panel is shortened by removing a piece of the second wing when the second facing (10b) has been chosen to be oriented towards the mounting wall (P) or towards the floor; ( 2 ) the first edge or the second edge of the first panel whose wing has been shortened is fixed to the mounting wall or the floor by means of non-through fixing(s), this fixing operation being able to be carried out before or after operation (1) of shortening; ( 3 ) the second panel is oriented by choosing, from the two facing faces (of the second panel), the one that should be oriented towards the wall on which it is laid or towards the ground; ( 4 ) the first edge or the second edge of the second panel is fitted laterally with the first edge or the second edge of the first panel whose wing has been shortened.

More specifically, the operation(4)The interlocking of the second panel with the first panel is carried out in such a way as to assemble the two panels edge to edge, by covering with the second panel a portion of the non-through fixing(s) located outside the first panel, and preferably in such a way as to assemble the two panels edge to edge and in a tight fit.

When the first wing and the second wing are separable, a cutting tool or a cutting blade or a cutting pliers is used to remove a first wingtip or a second wingtip.

The invention also relates to the use of several of the aforementioned panels to create at least part of a wall covering or to create at least part of a floor covering.

Description of the figures

• FIG. 1LaFIG. 1est une vue isométrique d’une première variante de réalisation d’un panneau de revêtement à emboîter et réversible.
• FIG. 2LaFIG. 2montre la fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une première configuration d’emboîtement.
• FIG. 3LaFIG. 3montre la fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une deuxième configuration d’emboîtement.
• FIG. 4LaFIG. 4est un agrandissement montrant l’opération de fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1, après retrait de l’un des bouts d’aile.
• FIG. 5 FIG. 6Les figures 5 et 6 sont des agrandissements montrant l’opération d’emboîtement latéral d’un deuxième panneau analogue avec le premier panneau.
• FIG. 7LaFIG. 7est un agrandissement montrant la fixation d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une troisième configuration d’emboîtement.
• FIG. 8LaFIG. 8est un agrandissement montrant la fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une quatrième configuration d’emboîtement.
• FIG. 9LaFIG. 9représente un exemple d’outil de coupe.
• FIG. 10LaFIG. 10illustre une opération de coupe de l’une des ailes sécables d’un panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 1.
• FIG. 11LaFIG. 11est une vue isométrique d’une deuxième variante de réalisation d’un panneau de revêtement à emboîter et réversible.
• FIG. 12LaFIG. 12une vue isométrique d’une troisième variante de réalisation d’un panneau de revêtement à emboîter et réversible.
• FIG. 13LaFIG. 13est une vue isométrique d’une quatrième variante de réalisation d’un panneau de revêtement à emboîter et réversible.
• FIG. 14LaFIG. 14est une vue isométrique d’une cinquième variante de réalisation d’un panneau de revêtement à emboîter et réversible conforme à l’invention.
• FIG. 15LaFIG. 15montre la fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 14et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une première configuration d’emboîtement.
• FIG. 16LaFIG. 16est un agrandissement montrant une opération de coupe du panneau de laFIG. 14.
• FIG. 17 FIG. 18Les figures 17 et 18 sont des agrandissements montrant respectivement l’opération de fixation du panneau de laFIG. 14et d’emboîtement latéral d’un deuxième panneau analogue.
• FIG. 19LaFIG. 19montre la fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) non traversantes(s), d’un premier panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 14et l’emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue conformément à une deuxième configuration d’emboîtement.

• FIG. 20LaFIG. 20est un agrandissement montrant l’opération de fixation, au moyen de fixation(s) traversante(s) d’un panneau du type de celui de laFIG. 14.
• FIG. 21LaFIG. 21est un agrandissement montrant un exemple emboîtement d’un deuxième panneau analogue avec le panneau de laFIG. 20.
• FIG. 22 FIG. 23Les figures 22 et 23 sont des vues isométriques montrant d’autres variantes de fixations non traversantes pouvant être utilisées pour fixer un panneau de l’invention.
• FIG. 24LaFIG. 24montre un autre exemple de fixation de deux panneaux conformes à laFIG. 14, qui sont emboîtés et fixés à une paroi de pose ou au sol, et montre un profilé de démarrage et un profilé de finition qui sont emboîtés avec les panneaux.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given by way of non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 There FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first variant of the realization of a snap-fit and reversible cladding panel.
• FIG. 2 There FIG. 2 shows the fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a first fitting configuration.
• FIG. 3 There FIG. 3 shows the fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a second fitting configuration.
• FIG. 4 There FIG. 4 is an enlargement showing the operation of fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 , after removal of one of the wingtips.
• FIG. 5 FIG. 6 Figures 5 and 6 are enlargements showing the lateral interlocking operation of a second analogous panel with the first panel.
• FIG. 7 There FIG. 7 is an enlargement showing the fixing of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a third fitting configuration.
• FIG. 8 There FIG. 8 is an enlargement showing the fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a fourth fitting configuration.
• FIG. 9 There FIG. 9 represents an example of a cutting tool.
• FIG. 10 There FIG. 10 illustrates an operation to cut one of the breakable wings of a panel of the type of that of the FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 11 There FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a second variant of the embodiment of a snap-fit and reversible cladding panel.
• FIG. 12 There FIG. 12 an isometric view of a third variant of the realization of a reversible interlocking cladding panel.
• FIG. 13 There FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment variant of a reversible interlocking cladding panel.
• FIG. 14 There FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a reversible interlocking cladding panel according to the invention.
• FIG. 15 There FIG. 15 shows the fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 14 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a first fitting configuration.
• FIG. 16 There FIG. 16 is an enlargement showing a panel cutting operation of the FIG. 14 .
• FIG. 17 FIG. 18 Figures 17 and 18 are enlargements showing respectively the operation of fixing the panel of the FIG. 14 and the lateral interlocking of a second, similar panel.
• FIG. 19 There FIG. 19 shows the fixing, by means of non-through fixing(s), of a first panel of the type of that of the FIG. 14 and the fitting of a second similar panel according to a second fitting configuration.

• FIG. 20 There FIG. 20 is an enlargement showing the operation of fixing, by means of through fixing(s) of a panel of the type of that of the FIG. 14 .
• FIG. 21 There FIG. 21 is an enlargement showing an example of the interlocking of a second, similar panel with the panel of the FIG. 20 .
• FIG. 22 FIG. 23 Figures 22 and 23 are isometric views showing other variants of non-through fixings that can be used to fix a panel of the invention.
• FIG. 24 There FIG. 24 shows another example of fixing two panels in accordance with the FIG. 14 , which are fitted and fixed to a mounting wall or floor, and shows a starter profile and a finishing profile which are fitted with the panels.

Detailed description

In the attached figures, the X-axis defines the so-called "longitudinal" direction of a panel. The Y-axis, which is perpendicular to the X and Z axes, defines the so-called "lateral" direction of a panel. The Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the X and Y axes, defines the direction of the panel's thickness.

First variant of the embodiment - Figure 1

With reference to the FIG. 1 , the interlocking and reversible cladding panel 1A comprises a plate 10 having two opposite facing faces 10a and 10b, which are located on either side of a median plane M situated at the mid-thickness of the plate 10 and which are oriented parallel to the (X,Y) plane.

Panel 1A has an axis of symmetry A (fictitious axis), which is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

The material(s) constituting the plate 10 are irrelevant to the invention. The plate 10 may, for example, be made of solid wood, laminate or melamine, or of plastic, in particular PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or composite materials.

The dimensions X1 and Y1 of panel 1A and the thickness Z1 of panel 1A are not limiting of the invention.

In this embodiment, and without limiting the invention, the two facing faces 10a and 10b are different, and more specifically, the facing face 10a is grooved and the other facing face 10b is flat. In another embodiment, the two facing faces 10a and 10b may be identical.

Preferably, the facing face 10a has an RS1 surface coating, in particular a decorative and/or wear-resistant surface coating, and the facing face 10b has an RS2 surface coating, in particular a decorative and/or wear-resistant surface coating.

The RS1 and RS2 surface coatings can be identical or different.

The RS1 or RS2 surface coating can be of the single-layer or multi-layer type.

The RS1 or RS2 surface coating can, for example, be a plastic film or be made of paper, melamine, or wood veneer. It can be fixed by any known means, including gluing and/or heat bonding.

The reversible panel 1A has a first edge 10c (also commonly called "edge"), which extends longitudinally in the longitude direction X on a first side of the panel and a second edge 10d (also commonly called "edge"), which extends longitudinally in the longitudinal direction X on a second opposite side of the panel.

The edge 10c of panel 1A defines a first connecting plane J1, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and which in this particular example is preferably oriented perpendicular to the median plane M mentioned above.

This edge 10c forms a first coupling means C1 (or first coupling element) which is non-detachable and of male-female type.

In this particular example, this first coupling means C1 extends lengthwise in the longitudinal direction X of the panel (in other words parallel to the edge 10c), preferably over the entire length X1 of the panel.

This first coupling means C1 is more particularly constituted by a single assembly tongue L1 and by a single interlocking groove R1, which extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction X of the panel, preferably over the entire length X1 of the panel.

The assembly tab L1 protrudes from the first connecting plane J1.

The interlocking groove R1 is delimited by the internal face 102a of a first breakable wing 102-1, by an internal wall 102c in the extension of the face of the tongue L1 oriented towards the facing face 10a and by a bottom wall 102d connecting the internal face 102a of the first breakable wing 102-1 to said internal wall 102c.

The outer face 102b of the first wing 102-1 forms, on the first side of the panel, the extreme part of the first facing face 10a.

Wing 102-1 extends laterally to the first connecting plane J1.

The interlocking groove R1 is oriented laterally and is preferably substantially parallel to the median plane M of the panel.

This lateral R1 interlocking groove has more particularly (but not necessarily) a U-shaped transverse profile [in the (Y,Z) plane].

The other edge 10d defines a second connecting plane J2, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and which in this particular example is preferably oriented perpendicular to the median plane M mentioned above.

This edge 10d forms a second non-detachable male-female type coupling means C2 (or second coupling element).

In this particular example, this second coupling means C2 extends lengthwise in the longitudinal direction X of the panel (in other words parallel to the edge 10d), preferably over the entire length X1 of the panel.

This second coupling means C2 is more particularly constituted by a single assembly tongue L2 and by a single interlocking groove R2, which extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction X of the panel, preferably over the entire length X1 of the panel.

The L2 assembly tab protrudes from the second connection plane J2.

The interlocking groove R2 is delimited by the internal face 102a of a second breakable wing 102-2, by an internal wall 102c in the extension of the face of the tongue L2 oriented towards the facing face 10b and by a bottom wall 102d connecting the internal face 102a of the second breakable wing 102-2 to said internal wall 102c.

The outer face 102b of the second wing 102-1 forms, on the second side of the panel, the extreme part of the second facing face 10a.

Wing 102-2 extends laterally to the second connecting plane J2.

The interlocking groove R2 is oriented laterally and is preferably substantially parallel to the median plane M of the panel.

This lateral R2 interlocking groove has more particularly (but not necessarily) a U-shaped transverse profile [in the (Y,Z) plane].

The coupling means C1 and C2 are complementary and adapted to each other so as to allow the panel 1A to be fitted edge to edge with a second similar panel in a lateral fitting direction E ( FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 And FIG. 8 ), with individual reversibility of panel 1A by longitudinal rotation ( FIG. 1 - rotation R) of 180° of the panel around a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, such as the axis of symmetry A of the panel.

By "individual" reversibility, we mean that panel 1A is reversible without having to change the orientation of the analogous panel 1'A with which it is nestable.

The lateral interlocking direction E ( FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 And FIG. 8 ) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X axis) of the interlocking edges 10c and 10d and is preferably parallel to the median plane M of the panel.

More specifically, with reference to theFIG. 1The first coupling means C1 male-female and the second coupling means C2 male-female are reversed relative to each other with respect to the median plane (M) of the panel, the assembly tongue L1 of the first coupling means C1 and the assembly tongue L2 of the second coupling means C2 being located on either side of the median plane M and the interlocking groove R1 of the first coupling means C1 and the interlocking groove R2 of the second coupling means C2 being located on either side of the median plane M.

In particular, the assembly tongue L1 of the first coupling means C1 and the assembly tongue L2 of the second coupling means C2 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry A; the interlocking groove R1 of the first coupling means C1 and the interlocking groove R2 of the second coupling means C2 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry A.

In the particular embodiment of the FIG. 1 The L1 assembly tongue and the R2 interlocking groove on the one hand, and the L2 assembly tongue and the R1 interlocking groove on the other hand, allow an interlocking commonly referred to as a tongue and groove assembly (without locking the assembly).

Alternatively, the hybrid coupling means C1 and C2 can nevertheless be designed to allow interlocking with self-locking of the assembly in the lateral direction, for example by elastic deformation of the assembly tabs and/or the wings 102-1 and 102-2.

With reference to the FIG. 1 , the first wing 102-1 of the panel 1A is breakable so that a first piece of wing 102' can be removed from the panel when the first facing face 10a is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall P or towards the ground.

This first wingtip 102’ extends laterally (lateral direction Y) from the distal edge 102e of the wing 102-1 over a distance d1, which corresponds to the width of the wingtip 102’, and extends longitudinally (direction X) preferably over the entire length X1 of the wing.

The second wing 10-2 is breakable so that a second wing end 102’’ can be removed from the panel when the second facing face 10b is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall P or towards the ground.

This second wingtip 102’e extends laterally (lateral direction Y) from the distal edge 102e of the wing 102-2 over a distance d2, which corresponds to the width of the wingtip 102’, and extends longitudinally (direction X) preferably over the entire length X1 of the wing.

More specifically, but not necessarily, the first wing 102-1 and the second wing 102-1 are identical and symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry A.

In the example of the FIG. 2 The widths d1 and d2 of the wingtips 102' and 102'' are identical. In another variant, the widths d1 and d2 may be different.

More specifically, the first wing 102-1 of panel 1A has a first longitudinal pre-cut groove 103-1, which is located under the surface coating RS1 and is thus hidden by this surface coating RS1. The second wing 102-2 of panel 1A has a second longitudinal pre-cut groove 103-1, which is located under the surface coating RS2 and is thus hidden by this surface coating RS2.

These pre-cut grooves 103-1 and 103-2 extend lengthwise in the longitudinal direction (X) of the panel, and preferably over the entire length of the wings 102-1 and 102-2 of the panel.

These pre-cut grooves 103-1 and 103-2 respectively delimit the wingtip 102’ and the wingtip 102’’ which are each separable from the panel and allow for easy removal of the corresponding wingtip.

Several examples of installation and fixing, to a wall P or to the ground, of a first panel 1A fitted with a second similar panel 1’A will now be described with reference to figures 2 to 10.

E example of implementation - 1 ^{e D} interlocking configuration

On the FIG. 2 For the sake of simplicity, two panels 1A and 1'A have been represented which are fitted edge to edge, it being specified that in practice a wall or floor covering comprises a larger number of panels.

On the FIG. 2 , panel 1'A is a panel analogous to panel 1A and has a first edge 10c identical to the first edge 10c of panel 1A, and a second opposite edge 10d, which is identical to the second edge 10d of panel 1A.

As illustrated on the FIG. 2 The analogous panel 1'A may be identical to panel 1A. However, the analogous panel 1'A may also be different from panel 1A. For example, an analogous panel 1'A may have a transverse dimension Y1 different from that of panel 1A and/or a longitudinal dimension X1 different from that of panel 1A and/or facing faces 10a and 10b that are different from the facing faces 10a and 10b of panel 1A.

To obtain the fixing and interlocking configuration of panels 1A and 1'A of the FIG. 2 The procedure is as follows.

We begin by shortening wing 102-1 of this panel, by removing the aforementioned wing end 102’ (Fig. 4).

Thus, with reference to theFIG. 4, the distal edge 102f the part of wing 102-1 which remains attached to panel 1A is positioned set back relative to connecting plane J1.

The shortening of wing 102-1 can generally be achieved by cutting and/or breaking and/or tearing and/or ripping off by any means the wing end 102’.

When the shortening of wing 102-1 is carried out at least by cutting wing 102-1, this cut can be carried out by any means and for example by using any type of cutting blade or knife and for example a cutter blade or by using cutting pliers.

Preferably, this longitudinal cut can also be made using a suitable cutting tool 3, such as that of the FIG. 9 .

This cutting tool 3 comprises a shoe 30 which can be manipulated by hand and in which is formed a U-shaped guide groove 31, delimited by two opposing guide walls 31a and 31b and by a bottom wall 31c connecting the two guide walls 31a and 31b. The width LC (distance between the two guide walls 31a and 31b) of the guide groove 31 is adapted to the thickness of the wing 102-1, so that the wing 102-1 can be fitted ( FIG. 10 ) in the guide groove 31.

The cutting tool 3 has a cutting blade 32, which can be made of plastic or metal.

With reference to the FIG. 10 , the longitudinal cut of the wing 102-1 is made by longitudinally fitting this wing into the guide groove 31 of the cutting tool 3 such that the distal edge 102e of the wing is against the bottom wall 31c of the cutting tool 3 and allows translational guidance of the cutting tool 3 in the longitudinal cutting direction D and such that the cutting edge of the cutting blade 32 is introduced into the pre-cut groove 103-1 by cutting the surface coating RS1.

The longitudinal cut of this wing 102-1 of the panel is carried out along the entire length of the wing 102-1 by sliding the shoe 30 of the cutting tool 3 in the longitudinal direction D, so as to make a longitudinal cut at least of the surface coating RS1 along the pre-cut groove 103-1. During its sliding, the shoe 30 is guided by said wing 102-1 of the panel.

In this particular variant ( FIG. 10 ), the cutting tool 3 can also be used advantageously to separate the wing 102-1 from the rest of the panel, by rotating (Arrow F) the cutting tool 3 relative to the panel so as to move the wing tip 102' away from the panel and separate it from the panel by breaking and/or tearing it away from the panel.

In another variant, particularly when wing 102-1 is devoid of pre-cut groove 103-1, this longitudinal cut can also be made in the wing to a depth corresponding to the entire thickness of this wing 102-1, so as to completely separate the wing end 102’ of this wing from the rest of the panel without additional handling.

In another variant, particularly when the wing 102-1 is devoid of a pre-cut groove 103-1, this longitudinal cut can be made so as to make in the wing 102-1 a longitudinal pre-cut, over a depth which is less than the thickness of this wing, but which is sufficient to be able to completely separate the wing end 102’ from the rest of the panel by breaking it along said longitudinal cut, for example by bending and/or tearing and/or ripping it.

In another variant, wire cutters can also be used. In this case, it is also possible to simply remove, for each non-through fastener 2A, only a part of the wingtip 102’, which extends longitudinally (X axis) over part of the length (i.e. dimension of the wing in the longitudinal direction of the X axis) of the wing, so as to provide an appropriate space for each fastener 2A, without having to shorten the wing over its entire length (direction X).

Once the wingtip 102' is removed from the panel, the first panel 1A is positioned relative to a mounting surface P, such as a wall or ceiling, or relative to the ground, choosing the facing face that should be oriented towards the mounting surface or towards the ground, the other facing face being the face of the panel intended to be visible. On the FIG. 2 , the facing face 10a of panel 1A is the one that has been chosen to be oriented towards the wall on which it is installed or towards the ground.

With reference to the FIG. 2 , when panel 1A is a starting panel whose edge 10d is not already fitted with another neighbouring panel, the edge 10d of this panel 1A is pre-fixed to the installation wall or to the floor by any means, preferably as illustrated using specific non-through fixings 2B, which are spaced and distributed along the edge 10d of the panel.

When panel 1A is not a starting panel, the edge 10d is in this case already fixed to the installation wall P or to the ground by being fitted edge to edge with a similar neighboring panel (not shown in the figures).

Once the edge 10d of panel 1A is fixed to the mounting wall or the ground, the following operations are carried out.

With reference to the FIG. 4 , the edge 10c of the panel 1A is fixed to the wall of installation P or to the ground, by means of several non-through fixings 2A, which are spaced and distributed along the edge 10d of the panel.

In this particular example, each fastener 2A is a rigid, thin-walled attachment, for example, made of metal. It comprises a base 20a connected, by a transverse connecting wall 20c, to a portion 20b forming a retaining tab. The retaining tab 20b and the connecting wall 20c form a hook.

In another variant, the base 20a of the fastener 2A may also include a through-hole for a through-fastener such as a screw or nail. In this case, the edge of this through-hole is preferably chamfered to accommodate the head of the screw or nail, so that the head does not protrude.

As illustrated on the FIG. 2 , the fixing of the second edge 10c of the panel 1A to the installation wall P or to the ground, by means of each non-through fixing 2A, is carried out by inserting the retaining tab 20b of the fixing 2A into the groove R1 of the panel 1A, in contact with the inner face 102a of the wing 102-1, the transverse connecting wall 20c being positioned near the edge 102e of the wing 102-1.

Next, the base 20a of the fixing 2A, which is offset outside the groove R1, is fixed to the wall P or to the floor, for example by stapling it.

The fixing piece 2A differs from the aforementioned starting fixing 2B only in that the height of its wall 20c is less than that of the fixing 2B.

Once the edge 10c of panel 1A is fixed to the mounting wall P or to the ground using the fixings 2A, the second similar panel 1'A is assembled with the first panel 1A ( FIG. 5 And FIG. 6 ).

To assemble panels 1A and 1’A, the visible face of analogous panel 1’A is selected, and the other face is oriented towards the wall or floor. In the specific case of Figures 5 and 6, the face oriented towards the wall or floor is the second face 10b.

Afterwards, ( FIG. 6 ) the assembly tongue L1 of the second panel 1'A is fitted into the interlocking groove R1 of the first panel 1A and the assembly tongue L1 of the first panel 1A into the interlocking groove R1 of the second panel 1A, by moving the second panel 1'A in translation parallel to the installation wall P and in the interlocking direction E.

Preferably, with reference to the FIG. 2 , this interlocking is achieved by bringing the distal edge 102e of the wing 102-1 of the second panel 1A to a stop, and along its entire length, against the edge of the first panel 1A, the connecting plane J1 of the first panel 1A thus coinciding with the connecting plane J1 of the second panel 1'A (close interlocking).

With reference to the FIG. 2 and to the FIG. 6 The shortening of wing 102-1 of the first wing panel 1A (removal of wingtip 102') advantageously allows for a space 102-3 between the two panels 1A and 1'A, sufficient at least for the transverse connecting wall 20c of the fastener 2A and in the particular case of the FIG. 2 also for part of the base 20a of the fixing 2A.

Shortening the 102-1 wing of the first panel 1A (removing the wing tip 102') also allows the distal edge 102e of the 102-1 wing of the second panel 1A to be brought abutt, along its entire length, against the edge of the first panel 1A. This enables a butt-to-edge, flush joint (without gaps between the panels) in the J1 connection planes of panels 1A and 1'A. Consequently, the risk of soiling and sealing problems between the two panels is eliminated, and the joint between the two panels does not require the installation of inter-panel seals. Furthermore, the joint between the two panels is aesthetically pleasing.

With reference to the FIG. 2 In this interlocking configuration, the assembly tabs L1 and L2 are not inserted all the way to the bottom wall of the interlocking grooves R1 and R2. Alternatively, the coupling means C1 and C2 of panels 1A and 1'A can be designed to obtain an interlocking depth different from that of the FIG. 2 , and in particular a greater depth of insertion.

Once the second panel 1’A is fitted with panel 1A, the second edge 10d of this panel 1’A is fixed to the installation wall P, by means of several fixings 2A, which are spaced and distributed along the edge 10d of panel 1’A, and by proceeding in the same way as previously described for the first panel 1A, the wing 102-2 of panel 1’A being oriented towards the installation wall P or towards the ground, and so on…

Other configurations s interlocking and fastening - FIG. 3 - FIG. 7 - FIG. 8

In the interlocking and fixing configuration of the FIG. 3 , the two panels 1A and 1'A were reversed relative to panels 1A and 1'A of the FIG. 2 , each panel 1A and 1'A having undergone a rotation of 180° around its axis of symmetry A. In this configuration, it is the wingtip 102'' that has been removed from the wing 102-2 of the first panel 1A and the second coupling means C2 of panel 1A is fitted with the second coupling means C2 of the second panel 1'A. The two panels 1A and 1'A are joined in their connection planes J2.

In the interlocking and fixing configuration of the FIG. 7 , only the first panel 1A was reversed compared to the first panel 1A of the FIG. 2 , having undergone a 180° rotation around its axis of symmetry A. In this configuration, it is the wingtip 102'' that has been removed from the wing 102-2 of the first panel 1A and the second coupling means C2 of the first panel 1A is fitted with the first coupling means C1 of the second panel 1'A. The two panels 1A and 1'A are joined, the connecting plane J2 of the first panel 1A being coincident with the connecting plane J1 of the second panel 1'A.

In the interlocking and fixing configuration of the FIG. 8 , only the second panel 1'A was reversed compared to the second panel 1'A of the FIG. 2 , having undergone a 180° rotation around its axis of symmetry A. In this configuration, it is the wingtip 102' that has been removed from the wing 102-1 of the first panel 1A and the first coupling means C1 of the first panel 1A is fitted with the second coupling means C2 of the second panel 1'A. The two panels 1A and 1'A are joined, the connecting plane J1 of the first panel 1A being coincident with the connecting plane J2 of the second panel 1'A.

In the interlocking configurations shown in Figures 7 and 8, the insertion depths of the tongues L1 and L2 in the interlocking grooves R1 and R2 are identical. In another embodiment, these insertion depths may differ, particularly when the interlocking grooves R1 and R2 have different depths and/or when the assembly tongues L1 and L2 have different widths.

In another embodiment, panels 1A and 1’A are not necessarily fixed directly to the installation wall P or to the floor, but can be fixed indirectly to the installation wall by being placed and fixed on spaced battens previously fixed to the installation wall or to the floor.

2nd embodiment variant – Figure 10

We have represented on the FIG. 10 another variant of the production of a reversible interlocking cladding panel 1B.

Panel 1B of the FIG. 10 differs from panel 1A of the FIG. 1 , in that the pre-cut grooves 103-1 and 103-2 of panel 1A have been replaced by pre-cut grooves 104-1 and 104-2, which extend in the longitudinal direction X, preferably over the entire length X1 of panel 1. These longitudinal pre-cut grooves 104-1 and 104-2 are made in the inner face 102a respectively of the first wing 102-1 and the second wing 102-2.

Like the pre-cut grooves 103-1 and 103-2 of panel 1A, they allow the wingtips 102’ and 102’’ to be delimited respectively and facilitate the separation of these wingtips from the rest of the panel.

3rd embodiment variant – Figure 12

We have represented on the FIG. 12 another variant of the production of a 1C interlocking and reversible cladding panel.

Panel 1C of the FIG. 12 differs from the previously described 1A panel in that the pre-cut grooves 103-1 and 103-2 of the 1A panel have been replaced respectively by longitudinal notches 105-1 and 105-2 which extend in the longitudinal direction (X).

The step 105-2 is made, at the entrance of the slotting groove R1, in the inner face 102a of the wing 102-1 and allows to delimit the wing end 102’ of lesser thickness e1 (e1<e).

The step 105-2 is made at the entrance of the slotting groove R2 in the inner face 102a of the wing 102-2 and allows to delimit the wing end 102’’ of lesser thickness e1 (e1<e).

4th embodiment variant – Figure 13

We have represented on the FIG. 13 , another variant of the production of a 1D reversible interlocking cladding panel.

The 1D panel of the FIG. 13 differs from the previously described panel 1A only in that the wings 102-1 and 102-2 of panel 1D are devoid of pre-cut grooves, but have marks 106-1 and 106-2 respectively, which are made on at least one of the edges 10e of the wings, which is transverse to edges 10c and 10d. These marks 106-1, 106-2 allow the wingtip 102' and wingtip 102'' to be visually identified.

Each 106-1 and 106-2 registration mark may be a registration line or equivalent made on the panel. Each 106-1 and 106-2 registration mark may also be a different coloration of the wingtip 102' and 102'' on the 10th edge of the panel, allowing the wingtip 102' to be distinguished. Each 106-1 and 106-2 registration mark may also be a shallow notch, deep enough to allow its visibility.

Each locating mark 106-1 and 106-2 can also be made on or in the inner face 102a of the wings 102-1 and 102-2.

5th embodiment variant – Figures 14 to 21

We have represented on the FIG. 14 another variant of the making of a reversible interlocking cladding panel 1E, which has the advantage of being able to be fixed to a wall P or to the floor by means of non-through fixings such as for example the fixings 2A previously described and which can also be fixed to a wall P or to the floor by means of through fixings, such as nails, screws or staples.

With reference to the FIG. 14 Panel 1E differs from the previously described panels in that its breakable wing 102-1 and its breakable wing 102-2 are wider and extend beyond the distal edge of the L1 and L2 assembly tabs, respectively. The wings 102-1 and 102-2 therefore partially protrude laterally on the sides of the panel relative to the L1 and L2 assembly tabs.

The projecting part of wing 102-1 includes the first wingtip 102’ separable from the panel and the projecting part of wing 102-2 includes the first wingtip 102’’ separable from the panel.

More specifically, and preferably in the particular example of the FIG. 14 , the projecting part of wing 102-1 constitutes the first wing end 102' separable from the panel and the projecting part of wing 102-2 constitutes the first wing end 102'' separable from the panel.

These protruding 102' and 102'' wingtips allow the panel to be attached, if necessary, using through-fasteners, for example ( FIG. 19 ) by nailing, screwing or stapling the wingtip 102' or 102'', when it is not removed from the wing.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the inner face 102a of each wing 102-1 and 102-2 has a step 105-1, 105-2 which extends in the longitudinal direction (X), so that the thickness e1 of the wingtip 102’, 102’’ is less than the thickness of the rest of the wing.

These 105-1 and 105-2 breaks have several uses.

They allow guidance of a cutting blade 4 during the longitudinal cutting operation ( FIG. 16 They allow space for the head of through-bolts ( FIG. 19 ) when the panel is fixed using through fixings.

On the FIG. 14 , the distal edge of the L1 (L2) assembly tab is in a longitudinal plane P1 and the 105-1 (105-2) notch is aligned with the distal edge of the wing 102-1 (102-2) in this plane P1

Alternatively, the 105-1 (105-2) step can be made in the wing 102-1 (102-2) at a lateral position in the wing located beyond this plane P1.

Alternatively, the 105-1 (105-2) step can be replaced by longitudinal pre-cut grooves in the 102-1 (102-2) wing, similar in particular to the 103-1 and 103-2 pre-cut grooves previously described for panel 1A. Each longitudinal pre-cut groove can be made in the 102-1 (102-2) wing at different lateral positions, namely by being positioned back from the end of the assembly tongue L1 (L2), i.e. back from plane P1, or by being aligned with the distal edge of the assembly tongue L1 (L2) in plane P1, or by being positioned beyond the distal edge of the assembly tongue L1 (L2), i.e. beyond plane P1.

We have represented on the FIG. 15 , an example of the interlocking configuration of panel 1E with an analogous panel 1'E.

Naturally, just as with the previously described panels 1A and 1'A, panels 1E and 1'E are each reversible by longitudinal rotation of the panel around a longitudinal axis of the panel, such that their axis of symmetry A, and panels 1E and 1'E can be nested in the four nesting configurations described for panels 1A and 1'A, only one of these configurations being illustrated on the FIG. 15 .

There FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal cutting operation on one of the two breakable wings of panel 1E, in this case wing 102-1 of panel 1E, which is performed to cut and remove the wing tip, in this case wing tip 102'. Unlike the cutting operation of the FIG. 10 This longitudinal cutting operation is carried out using a cutter blade 4, of the utility knife type, and can be performed before panel 1E is positioned against the mounting wall or against the floor, or after panel 1E has been positioned against the mounting wall P or against the floor, as illustrated in the FIG. 15 .

There FIG. 17 shows the operation of fixing panel 1E using non-through fixing(s) 2A and the FIG. 18 shows the operation of interlocking panel 1'E with panel 1E, to obtain the interlocking configuration of the FIG. 15 Figures 17 and 18 are comparable respectively to figures 4 and 6 described previously.

There FIG. 19 shows the two panels 1E and 1'E fitted together in the same fitting configuration as the FIG. 15 the difference is that through fixings 5 are used to fix panel 1E.

With reference to the FIG. 20 , instead of using non-through 2A fixings ( FIG. 17 ), the wing 102 1 (or 102-2) of the panel 1E is fixed without having removed the wing end 102' (or 102'') and by fixing it, on cleats T fixed to the installation wall P or to the ground (in figures 20 and 21 only one cleat T is shown), by means of through fixings 5 passed through the protruding part of the wing 102-1 (or 102-2), that is to say in this particular variant through the wing end 102' (or 102'') which is separable from the panel and which has a surface sufficient for each through fixing 5.

This wing 102-1 (or 102-2) can for example be nailed, screwed or stapled, the through-fastening 5 being in particular a nail, a screw or a staple.

Advantageously, the head 5a of the through-fasteners 5 (i.e., the protruding part of these through-fasteners 5) is at least partially housed, and preferably as illustrated in the FIG. 21 is entirely housed in the 105-1 (105-2) recess of the 102-1 (102-2) wing so as not to hinder or obstruct the interlocking ( FIG. 21 ) of the tongue L2 (or L1) of the second panel 1'E in the interlocking groove R1 (or R2) of the first panel 1E. For this purpose, the depth of each recess 105-1 and 105-2 will thus be adapted to the height of this protruding part 5a of the through fixings 5.

Alternatively, the inner face 102a of each wing 102-1, 102-2 may have a longitudinal groove in the projecting part of the wing 102-1, 102-2, and each wing 102-1, 102-2 may or may not have a notch 105-1, 105-2. Like the notch 105-1 or 105-2, this longitudinal groove may be used to partially, and preferably entirely, house the projecting part 5a of the through fasteners 5 so as not to hinder or obstruct the interlocking ( FIG. 21 ) of the tongue L2 (or L1) of the second panel 1'E in the interlocking groove R1 (or R2) of the first panel 1E. For this purpose, the depth and width of each longitudinal groove will be adapted to the dimensions of this protruding part 5a of the through fixings 5. This longitudinal groove can also, but not necessarily, be used as a pre-cut groove.

In the context of the invention, the first wing 102-1 and the second wing 102-2 of a panel of the invention may not have any notch 105-1, 105-2, nor any longitudinal groove 103-1, 103-2, 104-1, 104-2; for example, the thickness of wing 102-1 and the thickness of wing 102-2 may be constant. In the context of the invention, the first wing 102-1 and the second wing 102-2 of a panel of the invention may not have any marking 106-1, 106-2, nor more generally any means of visual identification allowing the width d1 or d2 of the wing tip 102’ or 102’’ to be distinguished. In this case, it is the panel installer who chooses and judiciously measures the width d1 or d2 of the wingtip 102’ or 102’’ which must be separated from the panel or this width d1 or d2 of the wingtip 102’ or 102’’ can be adjusted using a cutting tool adapted to the panel, such as the cutting tool 3 previously described.

Panel 1E can also be fixed with non-through fixings, and panel 1’E can be fixed with through fixings, or conversely, panel 1E can also be fixed with through fixings and panel 1’E can be fixed with non-through fixings. Thus, mixed-use 1E and 1’E panels (i.e., capable of being hung on a wall with through or non-through fixings) can be fixed to a wall or floor to create a covering in which all 1E panels are fixed with non-through fixings, or in which all panels are fixed with through fixings, or in which some panels are fixed with non-through fixings and other panels are fixed with through fixings.

Other examples of non-through fixings

For the implementation of the invention, other non-through fastening structures may be considered, the invention not being limited to the implementation of the particular fastening 2A of the accompanying figures. In particular, and without being exhaustive or limiting, non-through fastenings 2C of the type of that of the FIG. 22 whose base 20a is thicker or non-through 2D fixings, of the type of that of the FIG. 23 .

Non-through fixings are not necessarily fixed by nailing, screwing, or stapling to the wall or floor. For example, as with 2D fixing of the FIG. 23 , non-through fixings can be mounted, preferably in a sliding manner, in transverse fixing rails R which have been fixed to the installation wall P or to the floor by being aligned parallel to the lateral direction Y.

Starter profiles and finishing profiles

We have represented on the FIG. 24 , two interlocking cladding panels 1E and 1'E fixed to a wall or floor using non-through fixings 2C.

On this FIG. 24 , the first panel 1E being a starting panel, a specific starting profile 6 is used which is fitted with the first panel 1E. This starting profile 6 is fixed to the installation wall or to the floor by means of non-through fixings 2C.

On this FIG. 24 , the second panel 1'E being the last panel to be assembled, the installation of the panels is completed by fitting a specific finishing profile 7 with the second panel 1'E. This finishing profile 7 does not need to be fixed to the installation wall P or to the floor.

.

Claims (20)

Interlocking and reversible cladding panel (1E) comprising a first facing face (10a), a second facing face (10b), a first edge (10c) extending along a first side of the panel in a longitudinal direction (X), and a second edge (10d) extending along a second opposite side of the panel in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the first edge (10c) comprises a first non-detachable coupling means (C1) and the second edge (10d) comprises a second non-detachable coupling means (C2), wherein the first coupling means (C1) and the second coupling means (C2) are adapted to each other so as to allow lateral interlocking of the panel, with reversibility of the panel by longitudinal rotation of the panel , wherein the first edge (10c) comprises a first flange (102-1), the outer face (102b) of which forms the extreme part of the first facing face (10a) on the first side of the panel, in which the second edge (10d) has a second wing (102-2), the outer face (102b) of which forms on the second side of the panel the extreme part of the second facing face (10b) on the second side of the panel, in which a part of the first wing (102-1) is projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means (C1) and a part of the second wing (102-2) is projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means (C2). Panel according to claim 1, wherein the part of the first wing (102-1) projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means (C1) allows the panel to be fixed by means of through fastener(s) (5) passed through said projecting part, and more particularly has a surface sufficiently large for the panel to be fixed by means of through fastener(s) (5) passed through said projecting part and wherein the part of the second wing (102-2) projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means (C2) allows the panel to be fixed by means of through fastener(s) (5) passed through said projecting part, and more particularly has a surface sufficiently large for the panel to be fixed by means of through fastener(s) (5) passed through said projecting part. Panel according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first wing (102-1) has in the inner face (102a) of its projecting part at least one first step (105-1) which extends in the longitudinal direction (X) and/or wherein the second wing (102-2) has in the inner face (102a) of its projecting part at least one second step (105-2) which extends in the longitudinal direction (X). Panel according to claim 3, wherein said first recess (105-1) allows to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the projecting part (5a), and in particular the head, of a through fastener (5) passed through said projecting part and/or wherein said second recess (105-1) allows to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the projecting part (5a), and in particular the head, of a through fastener (5) passed through said projecting part. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first wing (102-1) has at least one first longitudinal groove, preferably a pre-cut groove, made in the inner face (102a) of the projecting part of the first wing (102-1) and/or wherein the second wing (102-2) has at least one second longitudinal groove, preferably a pre-cut groove, made in the inner face (102a) of the projecting part of the first wing (102-1). Panel according to claim 5, in which said first longitudinal groove is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the projecting part (5a), and in particular the head, of a through fastener (5) passed through said projecting part and/or in which said second longitudinal groove is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate at least in part, and preferably entirely, the projecting part (5a), and in particular the head of a through fastener (5) passed through said projecting part. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first coupling means (C1) is of the male-female type and comprises a first female coupling part (R1) and a first male coupling part (L1), wherein the second coupling means (C2) is of the male-female type and comprises a second female coupling part (R2) and a second male coupling part (L2). Panel according to claim 7, in the first coupling means (C1) and the second coupling means (C2) are reversed relative to each other with respect to the median plane (M) of the panel. Panel according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first male coupling part (L1) is projecting laterally from the first female coupling part (R1) and the second male coupling part (L2) is projecting laterally from the second female coupling part (R2). Panel according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the part of the first wing (102-1) projecting laterally on the first side is projecting laterally relative to said first male coupling part (L1) of the first coupling means (C1) and wherein the part of the second wing (102-2) projecting laterally on the second side is projecting laterally relative to said second male coupling part (L2) of the second coupling means (C2). Panel according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first female part (R1) of the first coupling means (C1) is delimited at least by at least a part of the inner face (102a) of the first wing (102-1) and wherein the second female part (R2) of the second coupling means (C2) is delimited at least by at least a part of the inner face (102a) of the second wing (102-2). Panel according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the first male coupling part (L1) of the first coupling means comprises or is constituted by a first assembly tab and the second male coupling part (L2) of the second coupling means comprises or is constituted by a second assembly tab. Panel according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first female coupling part (R1) of the first coupling means comprises or is constituted by a first interlocking groove and the second female coupling part (R2) of the second coupling means comprises or is constituted by a second interlocking groove. Panel according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first female part (R1) of the first coupling means (C1) and the second female part (R2) of the second coupling means (C2) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A) of the panel and wherein the first male part (L1) of the first coupling means (C1) and the second male part (L2) of the second coupling means (C2) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry (A) of the panel. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first wing (102-1) is breakable so as to be able to remove from the panel a first end of wing (102’) when the first facing face (10a) is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall (P) or towards the ground, and wherein the second wing (102-2) is breakable so as to be able to remove from the panel a second end of wing (102’’) when the second facing face (10b) is chosen to be oriented towards the installation wall (P) or towards the ground. Panel according to claim 15, wherein the portion of the first wing (102-1) projecting laterally on the first side relative to the first coupling means (C1) comprises or constitutes said first wingtip (102’) which is separable from the panel, and wherein the portion of the second wing (102-2) projecting laterally on the second side relative to the second coupling means (C2) comprises or constitutes said second wingtip (102’’) which is separable from the panel, and preferably wherein the first wingtip (102’) and the second wingtip (102’’) are each separable from the panel by being cut and/or broken and/or ripped off and/or torn. A method for installing and fixing to a mounting wall (P) or to the ground, at least one first interlocking and reversible panel (1E) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a second interlocking and reversible panel (1'E) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, said method comprising at least the following steps: ( 1 ) when the first facing face (10a) is oriented towards the mounting wall (P) or towards the ground, at least the first edge (10c) of the first panel (1E) is fixed to the mounting wall (P) or to the ground, by means of at least one through-fastener (5), which is passed through said protruding portion of the first wing (102-1) of the first panel (1E); or when the second facing face (10b) is oriented towards the mounting wall (P) or towards the ground, at least the second edge (10c) of the first panel (1E) is fixed to the wall (1) the installation wall (P) or the ground, by means of at least one through-fastener (5), which has passed through said projecting part of the second wing (102-2) of the first panel (1E); ( 2 ) the second panel (1E) is oriented by selecting, from the two facing faces (10a, 10b) of the second panel, the one which is to be oriented towards the installation wall (P) or towards the ground and ( 3 ) the first edge (10c) or the second edge (10d) of the second panel is laterally fitted with the first edge (10c) or the second edge (10d) of the first panel which has been fixed by means of said at least one through-fastener (5). A method according to claim 17, wherein at least the first panel (1E) is according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and wherein the fastening operation (1) is carried out in such a way that a projecting part (5a), in particular the head, of said at least one through-fastener (5) is at least partly, and preferably entirely, housed in the recess (105-1 or 105-2) of said projecting part of the first wing (102-1) or the second wing (102-2) of the first panel (1E) or is at least partly, and preferably entirely, housed in said longitudinal groove of said projecting part of the first wing (102-1) or the second wing (102-2) of the first panel (1E). Method of installing and fixing to a mounting wall (P) or to the floor, at least of a first interlocking and reversible cladding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and of a second interlocking and reversible cladding panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, said method comprising at least the following operations: ( 1 ) the first wing (102-1) of the first panel is shortened, by removing a wing end (102') from the first wing (102-1) when the first facing face (10a) has been chosen to be oriented towards the mounting wall (P) or towards the floor or the second wing (102-2) of the first panel is shortened, by removing a wing end (102'') from the second wing (102-2) when the second facing face (10b) has been chosen to be oriented towards the mounting wall (P) or towards the floor; ( 2 ) the first edge (10c) or the second edge (10d) of the first panel whose wing has been shortened is fixed to the installation wall (P) or to the ground, this fixing operation being able to be carried out before or after the shortening operation (1); ( 3 ) the second panel is oriented by choosing, from the two facing faces (10a, 10b) of the second panel, the one which must be oriented towards the installation wall (P) or towards the ground; ( 4 ) the first edge (10c) or the second edge (10d) of the second panel is laterally fitted with the first edge (10c) or the second edge (10d) of the first panel whose wing has been shortened. Use of several panels according to any one of claims 1 to 16 to produce at least part of a wall covering or to produce at least part of a floor covering.