HK1231151B - Surface coating and clamp for said coating - Google Patents

Description

Surface covering and clamping element for said covering

describe

The present invention relates to a covering for a surface, whether vertical (walls) or horizontal (ceilings and floors).

More particularly, the present invention relates to an easily removable covering.

A problem with coverings, especially those whose primary function is aesthetic, is their removal, for example to access a servicing pipe or to perform maintenance/repair work on the covering itself. It often happens that the removal operation renders at least a portion of the covering useless, or that tensions develop over time that deform the components of the covering, making it impossible to even remove and reinstall them.

Spanish utility model document ES1029601U discloses a removably installed parquet flooring that can be completely disassembled. The parquet flooring is composed of multiple parquet boards with tongue-and-groove features on their side edges. On the lower surfaces of the parquet boards, the boards have longitudinal grooves with a T-shaped cross-section. These grooves serve as guides for multiple clips, which, when positioned within guides provided on each board, attach to profiles having a generally U-shaped cross-section, with the upper ends curved inward. The clips described in this document are flat clips with a horizontal head and two curved arms. Each arm has a 90° bend and functions to press against a vertical wall of the profile, into which it is inserted. The clips are made of metal and do not hinder horizontal movement of the panel along the axis defined by the profile and the grooves in the panels.

A problem associated with this flooring is that it is unsuitable for use on ceilings and walls. The clips do not exert sufficient holding force, particularly in the vertical direction, which means the slats spontaneously yield. Another problem is that the clips exhibit plastic deformation, requiring all clips to be replaced after removal.

Yet another problem with using this floor is that it is not suitable for placement outdoors because, although it allows for movement of the panels due to thermal expansion or moisture absorption, it has no drainage channels.

Another problem associated with placement indoors is that the floor is used as a covering without leaving paths for air passages between the panels, which air passages may be necessary for ventilation or for heating. Therefore, this floor does not allow heating elements to be installed under the covering.

Document DE 4115900 A1 discloses a covering for ceilings or walls, comprising an embedded guide covered by a panel having a guide perpendicular to the embedded guide. The embedded guide and the panel are connected by a clip with a flat, smooth head, which can slide through the guide of the panel and has two legs that are introduced into the embedded guide. At each end of the leg is a foot, which is intended to come into contact with the wall of the cavity of the embedded guide adjacent to the groove in the embedded guide. The foot thus prevents the panel from falling due to gravity. However, the legs do not come into contact with the wall opposite to the wall adjacent to the groove, and therefore the covering is not suitable for use on floors, and in addition, any dimensional defects of the clip mean that all the weight of the panel is concentrated on one point of the clip, and the panel often falls.

Known coverings suitable for outdoor use exist, in which a divider or channel is created between the panels. The divider is created by positioning clips between adjacent panels. The clips remain fixed to the supporting structure and also to each panel. As shown in documents ES1041505U and ES2393678T3, the edges of the panels can have both flat ends and tongue-and-groove ends. However, positioning the clips to secure the panels prevents them from absorbing any subsequent movement. Furthermore, removing the panels is difficult: the clips dig into the panels and damage them.

One object of the present invention is to disclose a removable covering of the type that allows mobility in horizontal displacement and is suitable for all kinds of surfaces (floors as well as walls and ceilings).

Another object of the present invention is to disclose a covering that allows the panels thereof to move while at the same time permitting separation between the panels to allow water and air to pass through the panels.

The invention is defined by the appended claims.

In particular, the invention discloses a covering comprising a structure formed by a plurality of panels, on the lower surface of which at least one guide is provided, the guide being formed by a groove providing access to a cavity having, in cross section, dimensions greater than the opening corresponding to the groove, the longitudinal profile being perpendicular to said groove in the panel, the profile in turn having a guide for the profile, the guide being formed by a groove providing access to the cavity having, in cross section, dimensions greater than the groove, the clips being simultaneously engaged at the junction area between the guide of the panel and the guide of the profile. Accommodated in cavities both in the guide portion of the panel and in the guide portion of the profile, characterized in that the clip has a thickened head and an elastic body, the thickened head being intended to be introduced into one of the cavities, the elasticity of the elastic body causing the elastic body to adopt a first compressed position in which it can pass laterally through a groove corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head, and the elastic body being accommodated in an expanded position in the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head, wherein the body comprises at least two legs, each leg in turn having a preferably flat shoulder area that is intended to come into contact with the wall of the cavity adjacent to the groove.

Unlike the prior art, the clip does not expand laterally to secure the clip after passing through the groove, but instead provides a shoulder structure that acts as a stop to prevent the clip from being removed. The force resisting removal is passive and in a direction parallel to the removal movement. This force is more effective than the previously known elastic force generated in the cover, which is almost perpendicular to the removal movement.

Preferably, one or each of the legs further contacts a wall opposite the wall adjacent to the cavity, so that the clip (preferably its legs) is elastically compressed in the cavity into a second compressed position different from the first compressed position. This increases the resistance to be overcome in order to remove the clip. Movement by eccentric forces, i.e. forces combined with the extraction torque, may also act as an obstacle.

Preferably, each of the legs is formed by a shoulder region which continues into an appendage, the free end of which is directed towards the central axis of the clip. This feature proves to be particularly advantageous since it causes the clip to expand outwards from its normal position within the cavity, further preventing it from accidentally moving.

More preferably, the free appendage is curved.Also preferably, the head of the clip is a flat area which has a projection in its free area so as to make it come into contact with the wall opposite the groove of the cavity into which the head is introduced.

Preferably, the clip is made of a synthetic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material. Other materials, or other materials whose functions can be optimized (such as graphite), are also suitable for this application.

The invention also comprises a clip for a covering of the type according to the invention, characterized in that it has a thickened head and an elastic body, the elasticity of which causes the elastic body to have a first compressed position, characterized in that the body comprises at least two legs, each leg in turn having a shoulder area, which is preferably flat and substantially perpendicular to the legs.

Preferably, the shoulder region continues into an appendage, the free end of which points towards the central axis of the clip.

More preferably, the free appendage is curved.

The invention also discloses a type of clip that allows for improving the fixing of the panels of the covering of the invention, making it possible to use the covering as a ceiling or wall covering of larger panels.

Preferably, the clip comprises a thickened head intended to be introduced into one of the cavities, and an elastic body whose elasticity allows it to pass transversely through the groove. Preferably, the elasticity of the elastic body is such that it adopts a first compressed position in which it can pass transversely through the groove corresponding to the guide that does not house the head, and in an expanded position is housed in the cavity corresponding to the guide that does not house the head.

Preferably, said body of the clip comprises at least two legs, each leg in turn having a preferably flat shoulder area intended to come into contact with the wall of the cavity next to the groove.

Unlike the prior art, the clip does not expand laterally to secure the clip after passing through the groove, but instead provides a shoulder structure that acts as a stop to prevent the clip from being removed. The force resisting removal is passive and in a direction parallel to the removal movement. This force is more effective than the previously known elastic force generated in the cover, which is almost perpendicular to the removal movement.

Preferably, each of the legs further contacts a wall opposite the wall adjacent to the cavity, so that the clip is resiliently compressed within the cavity into a second compressed position different from the first compressed position. This increases the resistance to be overcome in order to remove the clip. Movement by eccentric forces, i.e., forces combined with the extraction torque, may also act as an obstacle.

Preferably, each of the legs is formed by a shoulder region which continues into an appendage, the free end of which points towards the central axis of the clip. This feature proves to be particularly advantageous since it causes the clip to expand further outwards from its normal position in the cavity and, moreover, prevents its accidental removal.

More preferably, the free appendage is curved.Also preferably, the head of the clip is a planar area having separate projections in its free area for contact with the wall opposite the groove introduced into the cavity of the head.

Preferably, the clip will be made of a synthetic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material. Other materials, or other materials whose function can be optimized (such as graphite), are also suitable for this application.

Even more preferably, the head of the clip is a flat area having a projection in its free area in order to come into contact with the wall opposite the groove in the cavity introduced into the head.

In particular, the present invention also discloses a covering comprising a structure and a longitudinal profile, the structure being formed by a plurality of panels, at least one guide being provided on the lower surface of the plurality of panels, the at least one guide being formed by a groove providing an entrance to a cavity, the cavity having a dimension larger than the opening corresponding to the groove in cross section, the longitudinal profile being perpendicular to the groove on the panel, the profile in turn having a guide for the profile, the guide being formed by a groove providing an entrance to a cavity, the cavity having a dimension larger than the groove in cross section, at the intersection area between the guide of the panel and the guide of the profile, a clip is simultaneously accommodated in the cavity in both the guide of the panel and the guide of the profile, and is characterized in that the panel has at least one separated protrusion on at least one of the edges, the at least one separated protrusion not extending along the entirety of the edge, and the at least one separated protrusion separating the panel from the adjacent panel.

A separate tab that does not extend along the entire edge allows a panel to be separated from another plate without preventing the panel from moving along the axis of the guide, or preventing fluid (air, water) from passing along the separation between the panels.

Preferably, the separate protrusion or protrusions are located on an edge of the guide portion parallel to the panel.

Preferably, the discrete tab or tabs are located on a single edge of the panel.

More preferably, the panel has more than one discrete tab on an edge or edges on which the panel has multiple tabs.

Even more preferably, the separate protrusion will have the shape of a prism.The separate protrusion also includes the shape of a cylinder, such as a cylinder, which is introduced into a recess formed on one edge of the panel.

Preferably, the edge of a panel having a separate tab will have a recess and a tab which cooperate with the edge of a corresponding or opposite adjacent panel so that the separate tab or tabs are not visible from the outside. A preferred way of producing this effect is when the edge has a separate tab or tabs positioned on the edge, a lower recess extending along the entire length of the edge, the separate tab having a length such that it does not protrude from the upper portion of the edge where the recess is absent.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a covering comprising a structure and profiles, the structure being formed by a plurality of panels, the profiles being positioned in a direction transverse to the panels, the covering being provided with connectors formed between each of the panels and one or more of the profiles, characterised in that the connectors make the panels slidable in a transverse direction along one or more of the profiles. Preferably, the panels are slidable in said transverse direction by hand or by applying a force of less than 500 N for each profile connected to the panel, preferably less than 200 N for each profile. Obviously, the ease with which the panels can be moved when connected to the profiles creates a major advantage when access is to be gained to the space beneath the covering. One or more panels or one or more rows of panels can be removed at a convenient location and the remaining panels can be slid towards the free space created in order to provide access to the desired location beneath the panels.

Obviously, the covering of the second aspect preferably has the features of the covering according to claim 1 or a preferred embodiment thereof, although this is not necessarily the case.

Preferably, the connecting elements are formed by separate clips, each of which connects a panel to a profile. The separate clips can be introduced into grooves at the bottom of the panel, wherein the grooves extend in the longitudinal direction of the panel. According to a variant, the clips are made of a single piece of the same material as the panel or are connected to the panel in a fixed manner, for example by screws, nails, adhesive or other connecting means.

Preferably, the separate clip is introduced into a cavity in the profile. Preferably, the separate clip allows introduction into the cavity by a generally downward movement of the clip towards the profile, regardless of whether the separate clip is connected to the panel. Preferably, the cavity has a wall adjacent to the opening in the profile, the wall having a step, and wherein the clip has a hook that engages the wall when introduced into the cavity.

Preferably, the connection member enables the panel to slide in the longitudinal direction of the panel.

For a better understanding, the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the surface covering of the invention are attached by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a covering according to the invention, showing a partial section of the fixed panels.

FIG. 2 is a detailed diagrammatic view showing a partial section of the panel on top of two profiles.

FIG. 3 shows a variation of FIG. 2 , in which the panel has edges having a different shape.

FIG. 4 shows another variation of FIG. 2 .

FIG5 is a perspective view from below showing the guide portion of the panel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clip according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the positioning and function of a clip located simultaneously in a guide of a panel and in a guide of a profile transverse to the panel.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 , wherein another type of profile is used.

9 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, illustrating a method of connecting successive profiles as shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 shows the parts for connecting the profiles in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of the component in FIG. 10 .

12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a covering according to the present invention, showing a partial section of the secured panels.

FIG. 13 is a detailed diagrammatic view of a second example showing a partial section of a panel on top of two profiles.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the cover of the example of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 15 corresponds to a front view of the detail in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second example seen from below, showing a guide portion of the panel.

17 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating the method of positioning the panels of the covering of FIG. 12 .

FIG1 shows a covering comprising a plurality of panels - 1 - placed on an elongated profile - 2 -, the panels and the elongated profile being connectable by means of clips - 3 -.

The clip is located both on the guide -11- and on the inside of the guide -21- of the profile -2-, the guide 11 being located on the non-visible side of the panel -1-.

In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 7, panels 1 have edges that touch each other. The shape of the edges can vary. For example, the edges can be flat. Similarly, each panel has two guides 11, each located on one side and extending longitudinally along the panel. The edges of panel 1 can also have protrusions and recesses that fit together to form a tongue and groove. Where there are protrusions and recesses that fit together, each panel can have a single guide 11. Of course, larger panels can have a greater number of guides. As shown in Figure 5, guide 11 is formed by a cavity 112, which is accessed via a groove 111 having smaller dimensions than the cavity. In the example shown, cavity 112 in panel 1 is rectangular, giving guide 11 a generally T-shaped cross-section.

The guide 21 of the profile 2 extends longitudinally along the profile 2, being positioned perpendicular to the guide 11 of the panel 1. Similarly, the guide 21 is formed by a cavity 212 having a greater dimension in cross section than the groove 211 through which it enters.

At the intersection or meeting point between the guides 11 of panel 1 and the guides 21 of profile 2, there are clips inserted into the cavities 112, 212 corresponding to the intersecting guides 11, 21. These clips secure panel 1 to the structure it covers. This arrangement offers the advantage that the covering is fixed to the structure without being fixed at immovable points, allowing the panel to move in the direction defined by the guides 11, 21. This movement can be caused by expansion or contraction of the panel due to heating or cooling, or due to temperature differences between various parts of the covering. Or, in the case of materials that absorb moisture (such as plastics together with wood or derivatives or various types of wood), it can be caused by changes in ambient humidity.

As can be seen in FIG6 , an example of a clip 3 according to the invention is shown, formed by a flat, square head 31 from which two protrusions, in the form of ribs 311 and 311′, protrude. The function of these two protrusions is to ensure contact with the wall of the cavity 112 in the guide 11 of the panel 1, opposite the groove 111 providing access to the cavity. The purpose of this contact is to cooperate by compressing the elastic element of the clip along an axis perpendicular to both the longitudinal axes of the guide 11 of the panel 1 and the guide 21 of the profile 2, which are thus perpendicular to one another. However, the use of ribs has the advantage that, once installed, the friction between the clip 3 and the panel 1 is not unduly increased, which is desirable both for the installation operation and for any subsequent movement absorbed by the covering.

The heads of the clips can be rectangular, with one of their sides being smaller in size than the groove -111- providing the entrance to the cavity -112- in the guide of the panel, and this allows the clip to be introduced at any point on the guide -11- which, as already mentioned, extends along the entire panel -1-.

Once in the appropriate position, the clip can be rotated on itself so as to fix the guide by intervening with the dimensions of the guide -11-. For this purpose, use is made of the fact that the head -31- of the clip -3- has a rectangular shape, i.e. one side of the head -31- of the guide has a dimension that is smaller than the width of the guide -11-, while the other side has an equal or slightly larger dimension, so that the clip can be rotated in the guide -11- and adjusted by tightening.

Once positioned and fixed in place, the clip can be introduced into the guide - 21 - of the profile by a vertical movement.

When this movement occurs, the portion of the clip first deforms and then expands inward again, generating an inward expansion force that prevents the panel from moving vertically (e.g., due to footsteps, etc.), but simultaneously allows the panel to move along the groove in the guide. When a sufficiently large extraction force is generated in the vertical direction, the clip then allows the panel to be removed. Other methods of introducing the clip are also possible.

Two legs 32, 32' emerge from the head 31 of the clip 3. In the example shown, these legs are flat and parallel to each other, forming the resilient portion of the clip 3. Each leg 32, 32' has an initial straight portion, followed by a shoulder region 321 defined by two curved portions 323, 322, and finally an appendage 325 terminating in a free end. The appendage 325 shown has a curved shape, with its free end pointing toward the center of the clip. The ends of the two legs 32, 32' can have their free ends facing each other, but with a small separation. In the example shown, the free end of one of the legs 32, whose free ends face each other, is located above or below the free end of the opposing leg 32'.

The clip -3- is made of a flexible material, preferably a thermoplastic material, which allows the legs -32-, -32'- to deform elastically. Other materials are also possible.

The legs -32-, -32'- adjacent to the head -31- are positioned at a distance from each other such that the legs 32, 32' can penetrate the grooves in the guide into which the legs 32, 32' are inserted, preferably without deformation of the legs.

In the example shown in Figure 7, to install clip 3 in guide section 21 of the profile, clip 3 must elastically deform. Force is applied to shoulder region 321, forcing the curved extensions 323, 322 of each leg 32, 32' together. This allows the leg to penetrate recess 211. Once legs 32, 32' are in cavity 212, they are free to expand perpendicularly to the direction of insertion, and shoulder 321 returns to its initial position. Simultaneously, the free ends of the legs come into contact with the wall of cavity 212 opposite recess 211. These free ends deform and transmit forces in both directions, indicated by the double arrow F, which maintain contact between shoulders 321 and the wall 215 adjacent to recess 211. Thus, in this position, clip 3 assumes a second deformation state, different from the one introduced during insertion. Similarly, clip 3 is secured by the dimensional interference between the shoulder and the wall of the guide in a plane perpendicular to the clip's insertion direction. In an additional embodiment, the clip is shaped so that, through deformation within the cavity, it exerts a force perpendicular to the contact surface of the shoulder with the cavity wall, which further secures the clip's position. However, panel 1 is permitted to move in the direction defined by the guide of profile 2 and the guide of panel 1.

FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 7 , in which a different profile - 2 - is used.

In FIG. 8 , components that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same numerals in the drawing and, therefore, will not be described in detail.

As can be seen, Figure 8 illustrates the use of a different profile 2. In this example, cavity 212 can be seen to have a recess 216 in its wall opposite groove 211. This cavity can accommodate the appendage 325 of the leg of clip 3. This facilitates proper assembly.

This profile may vary from the profile shown in the drawings and may be a profile that can be used for different types of clips.

This accompanying drawing also shows how to adjust one of the legs in this example so that it contacts the wall opposite to the wall of the adjacent groove. As in the example in Figure 7, this means that the clip can be compressed in the second compressed position.

Figures 9 to 11 show a possible embodiment of the connection between consecutive profiles -2-, -2'- by a part -1000- having two cavities -1002, -1003-, which are accessible from either end and separated by a partition -1005-.

As can be seen, the component - 1000 - is introduced into the intermediate space - 23 -.

Part -1000- also has a peripheral flange -1001- in its middle area, which serves as a stop in line with the profiles -2-, -2'- and is beneficial for the correct positioning of the connection.

12 to 17 show a covering consisting of a plurality of panels - 1 - placed on an elongated profile - 2 -, the panels and the elongated profile being connectable by means of clips - 3 -.

In FIG. 12 to FIG. 17 , components that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The clip is located both on the guide -11-, which is located on the surface not visible on the panel -1-, and on the inside of the guide -21- for the profile -2-.

Each panel 1 has two guides 11, each positioned on one side extending longitudinally along the panel. The edge of panel 1, parallel to guides 11, has projections 41 and 44 and recesses 43 and 42 that mate with the edges of the adjacent panels they face. These recesses and projections extend longitudinally along the entire edge. The set of recesses and projections in the illustrated example corresponds to a tongue-and-groove arrangement, although in this case, a tongue-and-groove arrangement is not actually formed due to the spacing between the panels. Other configurations of recesses and projections other than tongue-and-groove are also possible. In this case, it is particularly preferred for the panel to have at least two symmetrically arranged parallel guides 11. This ensures an equally strong connection on both edges parallel to guides 11. This is important in some situations, as the edges are neither fixed nor limited in their movement by full surface contact with the edges of the adjacent panels. Of course, larger panels can have a greater number of guides.

The separate protrusions 49 are located in the lower recesses 43 of the panel. These separate protrusions are discontinuous and do not extend along the entire edge. In this case, the separate protrusions are cylindrical portions that are introduced into a dedicated housing located in the lower recess 43. The separate protrusions 49 have a length that is equal to or preferably slightly less than the depth of the recess 43. In this way, the separate protrusions 49 do not protrude from the periphery of the panel and, in particular, do not protrude beyond the upper protrusions 41 corresponding to the portion of the edge that does not have the recess 43. This means that the separate protrusions cannot be seen from the outside of the covering. The corresponding edge of the adjacent panel has a matching recess 42 and a matching protrusion 44 that fit together with the protrusion 41 and recess 43 of the adjacent panel. Specifically, the recesses and projections (41, 43) of one panel correspond to the opposing recesses and projections (44, 42) of the other panel. This way, the edges of the panels do not touch, and air or water can pass through. This effect would not be possible if the separate projection (49) extended along the entire edge. Of course, other configurations are possible. For example, taking FIG. 14 as a starting point, the separate projections could be made shorter, making projection (44) (and/or recess (42)) more noticeable.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the guide portions - 11 - and - 21 - have a structure similar to the guide portions - 11 - and - 21 - of the example shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 .

As can be seen in FIG. 17 , the clip shown - 3 - is also similar to the clip illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 and will therefore not be explained in detail.

The clip -3- can be located in the guide of the panel and the panel can then be mounted by press-fitting the clip into the guide of the profile, wherein the legs of the clip are deformed by the vertical movement shown in FIG. 17 .

Other methods of introduction are also possible.

The embodiment shown in the drawings is also included in the description of the second aspect of the invention disclosed in the introduction.

The invention is applicable to both horizontal surfaces (ceilings, floors) and vertical surfaces (walls).

The invention is suitable for panels made of all types of materials.

Although the embodiment shown preferably places the head of the clip in the guide of the panel in a specific application, an opposite embodiment is also possible in which the head of the clip is introduced into the guide of the profile. For this, the panel would have to have a greater thickness so that there is space to receive the legs of the clip.

Those skilled in the art will note the numerous advantages and features that flow from the present invention.

The embedment of the clips in the grooves presents the batten and the laths allowing the batten to move the covering in two horizontal directions perpendicular to each other, which allows all tension to be released by the composite, wood or other material to be absorbed in both dimensions.

The present invention makes it possible to remove the slats and subsequently install any slat at any location during installation using the same existing components, slats and clips.

Since the present invention does not require gaps between the slats for disassembly, the present invention is compatible with concealed coupling systems.

The invention allows the clip to be introduced into the slats quickly and easily and to be clamped into the batten (saving time since no screws are required).

Because the components of the present invention are not completely immovably fixed together (the components simply fit snugly together), they absorb movement due to the natural expansion of composite materials, wood, or any other material in both dimensional directions.

After removing a row of panels or soffit boards, the remaining slats or panels can be slid through the grooves in the profile without having to be removed, and the removed slat or slats can be replaced in the remaining gap at any point on the removed surface. This system provides access to devices hidden under the floor or behind the wall or ceiling covering the device, making it easy to repair any damage. Any slat or panel containing lighting components or any other mechanism can be repositioned at any point on the ceiling, wall or floor by exchanging it with another slat or soffit board, without the presence of a connection that allows for large decorative uses.

The components that make up the device can be disassembled, refurbished in a workshop and subsequently reinstalled in their place, thus avoiding the laborious task of cleaning them "in situ" and at the same time restoring their original quality thanks to the ease of refurbishment in a workshop or factory. The impact on the environment (which would be associated with refurbishment in homes where there are no devices for washing and filtering waste products) is also avoided.

While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, these should not be considered limiting of the invention, which is to be defined by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims (34)

1. A covering comprising a structure formed of a plurality of panels and a longitudinal profile, wherein at least one guide portion is provided on the lower surface of the plurality of panels, the guide portion being formed by a groove providing an inlet to a cavity, the cavity being larger in cross-section than an opening corresponding to the groove, the longitudinal profile being perpendicular to the groove on the panel, the longitudinal profile further having a guide portion formed by a groove providing an inlet to a cavity, the cavity being larger in cross-section than the groove, in the intersection region between the guide portion of the panel and the guide portion of the longitudinal profile. The clip is simultaneously received in the cavities of both the guide portion of the panel and the guide portion of the longitudinal profile. The clip has a thickened head and an elastic body. The head is intended to be introduced into one of the cavities. The elasticity of the elastic body causes the elastic body to take a first compressed position, in which the elastic body can laterally pass through the groove corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. In an expanded position, the elastic body is received in the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. The elastic body includes at least two legs. Each leg further has a free end and a shoulder region, the shoulder region being intended to contact the wall of an adjacent recess in the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. The free ends of the at least two outriggers face each other and are configured such that, in the first compressed position, one of the free ends is located above or below the free end of the opposite outrigger, and At least one of the clips also contacts a wall opposite to the wall of the adjacent groove in the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head, such that the clip is elastically compressed inside the cavity into a second compression position different from the first compression position, the clip being secured by dimensional intervention between the shoulder region and the wall of the adjacent groove in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the clip. 2. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the legs is formed by a shoulder region extending into an appendage, the free end of the appendage pointing toward the central axis of the clip. 3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the appendage is curved. 4. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the head of the clip is a flat area, the head having a protrusion in its free area to contact the wall of the cavity into which the head is introduced, opposite to the groove. 5. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the panel has at least one separate protrusion on at least one of its edges, the at least one separate protrusion not extending along the entire edge, and the at least one separate protrusion separating the panel from an adjacent panel. 6. The cover according to claim 4, wherein the panel has at least one separate protrusion on at least one of its edges, the at least one separate protrusion not extending along the entire edge, and the at least one separate protrusion separating the panel from an adjacent panel. 7. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the separated protrusion is located on the edge of the guide portion parallel to the panel. 8. The cover according to claim 6, wherein the separated protrusion is located on the edge of the guide portion parallel to the panel. 9. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the separated one or more protrusions are located on a single edge of the panel. 10. The cover according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the separated one or more protrusions are located on a single edge of the panel. 11. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the panel has more than one separate protrusion on one or more edges having the separate protrusion. 12. The cover according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the panel has more than one separate protrusion on one or more edges having the separate protrusion. 13. The cover according to claim 10, wherein the panel has more than one separate protrusion on one or more edges having the separate protrusion. 14. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the separated protrusion has a prism or cylindrical shape. 15. The cover according to any one of claims 6-9, 11 and 13, characterized in that the separated protrusions have a prism or cylindrical shape. 16. The cover according to claim 10, wherein the separated protrusion has a prism or cylindrical shape. 17. The cover according to claim 12, wherein the separated protrusion has a prism or cylindrical shape. 18. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the separated protrusion is introduced into a recess formed on the edge of the panel. 19. The cover according to any one of claims 6-9, 11, 13-14 and 16-17, characterized in that the separated protrusion is introduced into a recess formed on the edge of the panel. 20. The cover according to claim 10, wherein the separated protrusion is introduced into a recess formed on the edge of the panel. 21. The cover according to claim 12, wherein the separated protrusion is introduced into a recess formed on the edge of the panel. 22. The cover according to claim 15, wherein the separated protrusion is introduced into a recess formed on the edge of the panel. 23. The cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 24. The cover according to any one of claims 6-9, 11, 13-14, 16-18 and 20-22, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 25. The cover according to claim 10, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 26. The cover according to claim 12, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 27. The cover according to claim 15, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 28. The cover according to claim 19, characterized in that the edge of the panel having the separated one or more protrusions further has recesses and protrusions that engage with recesses and protrusions of opposite edges of adjacent panels such that the separated one or more protrusions are not visible from the outside. 29. The cover according to any one of claims 23 and 25-28, characterized in that the edge having the separated protrusion has a recess extending longitudinally along the entire edge, the separated protrusion having a length equal to or less than the length of the recess, such that the separated protrusion does not protrude from the recess. 30. The cover according to claim 24, wherein the edge having the separated protrusion has a recess extending longitudinally along the entire edge, the separated protrusion having a length equal to or less than the length of the recess, such that the separated protrusion does not protrude from the recess. 31. A clip for use with a covering according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that, The clip has a thickened head and an elastic body. The head is intended to be introduced into one of the cavities. The elasticity of the elastic body causes it to assume a first compressed position in which it can laterally pass through the groove corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. In an expanded position, the elastic body is accommodated in the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. The elastic body includes at least two legs, each leg having a free end and a shoulder region intended to contact the wall of the adjacent groove of the cavity corresponding to the guide portion that does not accommodate the head. The free ends of the at least two legs face each other and are configured such that in the first compressed position, one of the free ends is located above or below the free end of the opposite leg. The clip is secured by dimensional intervention between the shoulder region and the wall of the adjacent groove in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the clip. 32. The clip according to claim 31, wherein the shoulder region extends into the appendix, and the free end of the appendix points toward the central axis of the clip. 33. The clip according to claim 32, wherein the appendage is curved. 34. The clip according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the head of the clip is a flat area, the head having a protrusion in its free area to contact the wall opposite the groove in the cavity into which the head is introduced.