WO2005098163A1

WO2005098163A1 - Panel element

Info

Publication number: WO2005098163A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/002460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Schwitte; Thorsten Weber
Original assignee: Hülsta-Werke Hüls Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2004-04-02
Filing date: 2005-03-09
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Also published as: DE102004028757B4; DE202005004896U1; DE102004028757A1; ATE401475T1; EP1730366A1; DK1730366T3; PL1730366T3; EP1730366B1; ES2308473T3; DE502005004733D1

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel element (2) for laying on floors, walls and ceilings, said element comprising a rectangular base body (3) provided with a first head edge (4), a second head edge (5) opposing the first head edge (4), a first longitudinal edge (6) extending perpendicularly to the first head edge (4), and a second longitudinal edge (7) opposing the first longitudinal edge (6). Both head edges (4, 5) and both longitudinal edges (6, 7) are contoured in such a way that each edge can be connected to an adjacent panel element (2), the first longitudinal edge (6) comprising a groove and the second longitudinal edge (7) comprising a corresponding spring (11). The aim of the invention is to provide a panel element that can be produced in a simple manner with a plurality of different laying variants. To this end, the contours of the head edges (4, 5) are at least essentially identically embodied.

Description

panel member

The invention relates to a panel element for a covering for floor, wall and / or ceiling laying according to the preambles of claims 1 and 2. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for laying a covering, in particular a floor, wall and / or ceiling covering , according to the preamble of claim 15.

Panel elements of the type mentioned are known from practice for a long time. Usually differently designed panel elements are used for different applications. In the usual strip laying, in which the panel elements longitudinal edge are laid on the longitudinal edge, panel elements are used, which have on the one hand a groove and on the other hand a spring at their longitudinal edges. The top edges are usually designed such that there is a latching connection between adjacent top edges. Panel elements of the aforementioned type, however, are not suitable to realize other installation variants that differ from the parallel arrangement of the panel elements.

A popular installation variant is the so-called herringbone laying. From practice it is known to use for the herringbone installation differently designed panel elements. Here, a so-called right and a left panel element is needed. This is not only expensive to manufacture, but also in the laying, in which the respective publisher must pay very close attention to which is the right and the left panel element and how to lay the right and the left panel element. Another disadvantage is that the suitable for herringbone panel elements for other types of laying are in turn unsuitable. In addition, other installation variants, such as the cube or block laying are known in which also special panel elements are required, which in turn can not be used for other types of laying. The object of the present invention is to provide a panel element with which a very wide variety of installation variants can be realized in a simple manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a panel element of the type mentioned essentially in that the contours of the top edges are formed at least substantially identical, being meant with identical "functional identical", ie an identity in terms of functional effects resulting from the contours , must be present. It goes without saying that the top edges can also be completely identical from the contour. For the sake of clarification, it should also be pointed out that "contouring of the top edges" means that they have a shape deviating from the vertical. The invention provides a completely new type of panel element, in which due to the conventional design of the longitudinal edges as tongue and groove connection it is not only possible to lay the panel elements in parallel or in strip form, but also in any other laying variants. Thus, it is possible for the first time by the invention to come to a so-called one-bar variant in herringbone patterns. So it is only a panel element required to realize the Fischgrätvariante.

In order to achieve the above object, the contours of the top edges should each be formed like an undercut for engagement of the spring of the second longitudinal edge in the contour of the top edges. It is understood that the undercut is formed such that the groove contour of the first long edge is added to the two top edges, so there ultimately at least partially as a "negative" finds again. Therefore, the spring of the second longitudinal edge can be inserted both in the groove of the first longitudinal edge and in the contour of the two top edges. Right and left panel elements to realize the herringbone pattern are then not required.

Preferably, the tongue and groove connection is formed on the longitudinal edges such that in an already laid panel element to be laid panel element is inserted via the spring in the groove and then pivoted down. In the embodiment according to the invention, it is preferred that the first and the second longitudinal edges are formed such that a latching connection results between adjacent laid panel elements. In this way, a secure connection between adjacent longitudinal edges results after pivoting.

In this context, at least one latching projection is provided on one longitudinal edge and a corresponding latching opening is provided on the other longitudinal edge. For manufacturing reasons, it is advantageous that at least one latching projection on the longitudinal edge and a corresponding Rastöffiαung are provided on the other longitudinal edge.

In terms of design, a shorter thigh and a longer lower leg are provided on the groove-side longitudinal side. The lower leg ultimately stands over the upper end edge of the longitudinal edge. To realize the locking connection between longitudinal edges of adjacent laid panel elements, the detent opening is provided on the upper side of the lower leg and the Rastvorsprang on the underside of the spring.

In order to realize a connection between the spring-side longitudinal edge and the top edge, the top edge has a thigh. At least one engagement is provided between the thigh and the spring. Concretely, in this Zus-immenshang on the underside of the thigh, an engagement projection for engaging in an engagement opening at the top of the spring is provided to achieve a fixation in the horizontal direction. It is understood that in principle it is also possible to provide the engagement projection on the spring and the engagement opening on the thigh. Furthermore, a further engagement between the thigh and the longitudinal edge may be provided for fixing in the vertical direction.

In order to provide a connection between the groove-side longitudinal edge and the top edge, a step is provided at the top edge following the undercut, wherein between the lower leg and the step at least one engagement for fixing in the vertical and / or horizontal direction is realized. Specifically, at the bottom of the step is an engaging projection for engaging in a Eingriffsöffhung at the top provided the lower leg. As mentioned above, the arrangement can also be chosen the other way round.

The engagement, both between the top edge and the spring-side longitudinal edge and between the top edge and the groove-side longitudinal edge, can each be designed as a latching connection or in the form of corresponding ramps. It makes sense that all locking connections, so not only between the top edge and the longitudinal edges, but also the locking connection between the longitudinal edges are formed such that the top side end edges of adjacent panel elements are pressed against each other, so that a substantially play- and gap-free plant results. The same applies to the use of bevels.

Due to the aforementioned contour formation of the head sides, it is not possible per se to connect two contiguous top edges directly with each other. However, a connection is possible in that between adjoining top edges, a connecting element is arranged, which engages in at least one engagement projection, ie the thigh and / or at the stage. The engagement projection then has corresponding engagement openings which are provided on the spring or on the lower leg.

In the laying method according to the invention in which the panel elements are at least partially laid at right angles to one another, it is provided according to the invention that those panel elements for laying are used for the covering, the top edges of which are contoured identically at least substantially. As already stated, the invention offers the advantage that for laying variants that differ from the pure Parallelverlegimg the panel elements, ie in particular at the herringbone, cube or block laying, only one type of panel element is required, which is both the production also the relocation much easier. Due to the above-described design of the panel elements adjacent panel elements are pivoted in the region of the longitudinal edges. It can then be provided in the region of the adjacent longitudinal edges a latching connection. In addition, the panel elements can also be latched in the region of adjacent longitudinal edges and end edges and thus connected to one another. to be bound. In principle, however, it is also possible that no direct connection of the adjacent panel elements is provided between adjacent head and longitudinal edges.

Moreover, it is possible in the embodiment according to the invention that the panel elements can be installed in four mutually perpendicular directions. This, too, ultimately results from the special configuration of the panel element according to the invention.

Hereinafter Ausführangsbeispiele of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing. Showing:

1 shows a plan view of a plurality of laid in herringbone pattern panel elements according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view of a first embodiment of the invention taken along section A-A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view of the first embodiment of the invention taken along section B-B of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view of the first embodiment of the invention taken along section C-C of Fig. 1;

5 shows a view of a second embodiment of the invention along the section B-B of FIG. 1,

6 is a view of the second embodiment of the invention along the section C-C of Fig. 1,

7 is a view of a third embodiment of the invention along the section A-A of FIG. 1,

8 is a view of the third embodiment of the invention along the section BB of Fig. 1, 9 is a view of the third embodiment of the invention along the section CC of FIG. 1,

10 is a view of a fourth embodiment of the invention along the section A-A of FIG. 1,

11 is a view of the fourth Ausführimgsform the invention along the section B-B of Fig. 1,

12 is a view of the fourth embodiment of the invention along the section C-C of Fig. 1,

13 is a view of a fifth embodiment of the invention along the section A-A of FIG. 1,

14 is a view of the fifth embodiment of the invention along the section B-B of FIG. 1,

15 is a view of the fifth embodiment of the invention along the section C-C of Fig. 1,

16 is a view of a sixth embodiment of the invention taken along section A-A of FIG. 1. FIG

17 is a view of the sixth embodiment of the invention taken along section B-B of FIG. 1

18 is a view of the sixth embodiment of the invention along the section C-C of Fig. 1,

19 is a view of a seventh embodiment of the invention along the section A-A of FIG. 1,

20 is a view of the seventh embodiment of the invention along the section BB of Fig. 1, 21 is a view of the seventh embodiment of the invention along the section CC of FIG. 1,

22 is a view of an eighth embodiment of the invention along section A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a view of the eighth embodiment of the invention taken along section B-B of FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 24 is a view of the eighth embodiment of the invention taken along section C-C of FIG. 1; FIG.

25 is a view of a ninth embodiment of the invention along the section A-A of FIG. 1,

26 is a view of the ninth embodiment of the invention along the section B-B of FIG. 1,

27 is a view of the ninth embodiment of the invention along the section C-C of FIG. 1,

Fig. 28 is a plan view of a herringbone pattern laid in space;

29 is a plan view of a herringbone pattern laid in space with another laying variant,

30 is a plan view of a laid in space herringbone pattern with a further installation variant,

Fig. 31 is a plan view of a herringbone pattern otherwise laid out in a room;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a cube or block pattern laid in space; FIG. Fig. 33 is a plan view of a cube or block pattern laid diagonally in space;

Fig. 34 is a plan view of an in-space, combined grid cube pattern;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of an in-space, combined cubic stripe pattern with wider stripes; FIG.

Fig. 36 is a plan view of an in-space cube striped pattern with thinner stripes; and

Fig. 37 is a plan view of a laid in space longitudinal and horizontal strip pattern.

In each of the figures, linings 1 are shown, which are each formed from a plurality of panel elements 2. The coverings 1 may be floor, wall and / or ceiling coverings. Each of the panel elements 2 has a rectangular basic body 3, which in the present case has the shape of an elongated rectangle whose short sides are smaller by a multiple than its long sides. In principle, it is also possible to form the main body 3 square. The Grandköiper 3 and thus the panel element 2 has four edges, with adjacent edges are at right angles to each other, while opposing edges parallel to each other.

Provided are a first head edge 4 and a second head edge 5. Furthermore, a first long edge 6 and a second longitudinal edge 7 are provided. It is important that all edges 4, 5, 6, 7 are contoured, ie have a shape deviating from a pure vertical section. The contouring makes it possible to provide an immediate or at least indirect connection to an adjacent panel element 2 at each edge, namely between adjacent longitudinal edges, between longitudinal edges and top edges and between top edges with one another. This is not possible with blunt adjacent edges with vertical cut. The two Longitudinal edges 6, 7 are formed here as a tongue and groove connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the first longitudinal edge 6 is formed like a groove or has a corresponding groove, while the second longitudinal edge 7 has a corresponding spring.

It is now provided that the contours of the two top edges 4, 5 are formed at least substantially identical. In the illustrated embodiments, the contours of the top edges 4, 5 are formed like an undercut, so have an undercut 8, which is formed in the manner of a step. In each case, the undercut 8 of the relevant contour is formed such that the groove contour of the first longitudinal edge 6 is received at both top edges 4, 5 and transmitted to this. This will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

As already stated, the two longitudinal edges 6, 7 are formed such that there is a tongue and groove connection. For this purpose, the first longitudinal edge 6 has an incised groove 10, while at the second longitudinal edge 7, a spring 11 is provided. FIG. 2 shows the tongue and groove connection between adjacent panel elements 2 on the longitudinal edges 6, 7. It is understood that the right panel element 2 shown in Fig. 2, which has on its left side the first longitudinal edge 6 with the groove 10, on its right side, not shown, the second longitudinal edge 7 with the spring 11. The tongue and groove connection between the first longitudinal edge 6 and the second longitudinal edge 7 is formed such that a panel element 2 to be laid pivoted with the spring 11 of the second longitudinal edge in the groove 10 of an already laid panel element 2 and at the same time in the groove 10th can be inserted. To facilitate pivoting in, the groove 10 is provided with a bevel 12 to expand the Nutöfftiung. The spring 11 is rounded at its front end 13. Moreover, the spring 11 is slightly inclined in the direction of the upper side 14 of the panel element 2, so that in the inserted state the spring 11 presses against the groove 10 on the upper side.

In addition to the tongue and groove connection is provided on the longitudinal edges 6, 7 but also a locking connection. For this purpose, at the second longitudinal edge 7 a latching projection 15 is provided, while at the first longitudinal edge 6 a corresponding detent opening 16 is located. Specifically, the first longitudinal edge 6 is formed such that the groove 10 is located between a shorter thigh 17 and a longer lower leg 18. The lower leg 18 is thus over the thigh 17 via.

The thigh 17 is bounded on the upper side by the upper side 14 of the panel element 2. In the present case, a bevel 19 provided for optical reasons adjoins the upper side 14, which leads to a corresponding bevel 19 of an adjacent panel element 2 to form a V-shaped notch. The chamfer 19 is not necessarily required. At the bevel 19, or, if this is dispensed with, to the top 14 is followed by a vertically extending end edge 20, which abuts in the installed state to a corresponding end edge 20 of the adjacent panel element 2. At the front edge 20, in turn, the previously mentioned slope 12 connects. The lower leg 18 is extended significantly beyond the front edge 20 addition. The latching opening 16 starts in the present case only after the end edge 20. The latching connection between the latching projection 15 of the latching opening 16 in the present case has a contact point 23 which is on the side facing away from the groove 10 is provided. The latching connection is formed in the result so that the upper-side end edges 20 of the adjacent panel elements 2 are pressed against each other, so that there is a substantially backlash-free investment and thus a gap freedom.

The top edges 4, 5 are, as already stated, identical. By the identity of the top edges 4, 5 it is meant that there is an identity of the contours with respect to their functional areas and sections to be discussed below. Of course, it is possible to perform, for example, an undercut or a Vorsprang on the one head edge longer or shorter than on the other head edge. Identity in the sense of the present invention is given if the functional elements correspond to sections and regions which will be discussed below, and thus to a connection to the second longitudinal edge 7, as shown in FIG. is, and a connection with the first longitudinal edge 6, as shown in Fig. 4, is possible.

Since both top edges 4, 5 are not functional-identical in the above-mentioned sense, but are completely identical, only the top edge 4 will be discussed in more detail below. The following explanations apply correspondingly to the top edge 5.

Between the thigh 9 of the head edge 4 and the spring 11, an engagement is provided here. In the illustrated embodiment, an engagement is vorsprang 25 provided on the underside 24 of the thigh 9, which engages in a Eingriffsöffhung 26 which is provided on the upper side 27 of the spring 11. The engagement between the engaging projection 25 and the Eingriffsöffhung 26 is presently designed as a latching connection. In this case, a contact point 28 is provided. The latching connection is formed overall so that the end edge 20 of the head edge 4 is pressed in the direction of the end edge 20 of the second longitudinal edge 7, so that again results in a gap-free connection.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking connection is formed such that only results in a locking in the horizontal direction by the engagement. In principle, it is also possible to form the engagement such that there is also a locking in the vertical direction. This is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 in the second embodiment. Here, the procedure is designed as a so-called Drackknopfverbindung. From Fig. 5 it follows that the engagement projection 25 has a further region 25a, which is engaged behind by a region 25b at an edge 25c on the engagement opening 26 of the spring-side longitudinal edge 7, so that a locking results in the vertical direction. At the groove-side longitudinal edge 6, the further region 25a engages behind the edge 25c between the bevel 12 and the end edge 20, so that a corresponding locking also results here. Otherwise, the first and second embodiments agree, so that it is possible to dispense with a further description.

Following the undercut 8, a step 29 is provided at the top edge 4. To connect the first longitudinal edge 6 with the top edge 4 is - In ¬

between the lower leg 18 and the step 29 also provided an engagement. For this purpose, located on the underside 30 of the step 29, an engagement projection 31 for engagement in an engagement opening 32 which is provided on the upper side 21 of the lower leg 18. The engagement opening 32 is still behind the detent opening 16 with respect to the groove 10. The shape corresponding to the detent opening 16 and the engagement opening 32. Further correspond to the form of the engagement projection 31 and the locking projection 15 so that ultimately results in an identical latching connection, as has already been described in connection with the latching projection 15 and the latching opening 16. Accordingly, the locking engagement performed between the engagement projection 31 and the engagement opening 32 again acts such that the end edges 20 of the first longitudinal edge 6 and the top edge 4 abut each other gap.

From a comparison of Figs. 3 and 4 shows that two adjacent panel elements 2, which abut each other only at their top edges 4, 5, are not directly connected to each other. Since adjacent panel elements 2 but not only at the top edges 4, 5 are connected to each other, but also at the longitudinal edges, could basically be dispensed with a connection to the top edges. In principle, however, it is also possible to provide a separate connecting element, which can extend over the entire length of the respective head edge 4, 5, in order to achieve a connection. If the end edges 20 of two adjacent panel elements 2 abut against one another at the top edges 4, 5, a cavity extending in the top edge direction results due to the undercut 8 and the step 29. In this cavity, a non-illustrated connection element can be inserted, which rests on the floor and on its upper side has latching or engagement openings corresponding to the Eingriffsöffhung 26 and / or the engagement opening 32. It can therefore be provided between two and four engagement openings. In this engagement openings then engage the engagement projections 25 and / or 31 a.

FIGS. 7 to 27 show further embodiments of the invention. As already described in connection with FIGS. 2 to 4 on the details of the panel element 2 according to the invention in the region of its top edges 4, 5 and the longitudinal edges 6, 7 has been received, will be discussed below only the differences.

The third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in that only one latch opening 16 is provided on the lower leg 18 of the first longitudinal edge 6. In this engages the locking projection 15 of the second longitudinal edge 7, wherein a contact point 23 results. Since only one latching opening 16 is provided, the lower leg 18 can be made correspondingly shorter. Also, the groove 10 and the spring 11 are made shorter than in the previously described embodiment. The spring 11 has the shape of a hook at the end.

Furthermore, in each case one step is provided between the abutting end edges 20 in the lower region, so that a narrow slit 20a with parallel running edges results. This results in that the end edges 20 have a smaller extension in the vertical direction. The plant of the panel elements 2 on the end edges 20 thus takes place over a lower height, resulting in a more precise investment.

From Fig. 8 it follows that the undercut 8 is adapted to the leg 9 of the respective head edge to the hook shape of the spring 11. In this case, both the end of the spring 11 and the engagement projecting 25 facing each other bevels 11a, 25a, which abut each other. The bevels 11a, 25a ultimately cause the end edges 20 are pressed against each other. Moreover, the end edges 20 each have the same length, which is shortened compared to the Ausführungsfoπn 2 to 4. At the end edges 20, the slot 20a connects at the bottom.

From Fig. 9 it follows that the engagement projection 31 engages the leg 9 in the latching opening 16. This results in a Kontaktpunkt 23 corresponding contact point 23 a, so that the locking ultimately presses the end edges 20 against each other.

The fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 substantially corresponds to the third embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 9. One difference is that the latching projection 15 and the latching opening 16 are not formed rounded, so that ultimately no point-shaped contact results in the latching, but that the latching projection 15 a slope 15a and the latching opening a corresponding slope 16a are provided. This results in a flat system. Moreover, the detent opening 16 is formed a total of greater than the locking projection 15, so that there is a remaining slot 16b. Another difference is that no narrow slot 20a with parallel edges is provided. Instead, adjoining the abutting end edges 20 to a V-shaped notch 20b, which widens greatly on both sides. In addition, the spring 11 is flattened at its upper end following the slope 11a, thus has a flattening 1 lb, the upper side of the groove 10 is flat.

With regard to the angular or beveled locking opening 16 and the engagement projection 31 is provided with a corresponding slope 31a. Incidentally, the engaging projection 31 is greatly extended at its end. Due to the extension 31b, the engagement protrusion 31 forms in the region of the undercut 8 a kind of slot for the spring 11. On the side opposite the slope 31a, the engagement projection 31 has a further slope 31c against which the spring 11 abuts. Due to the slot-like design of the undercut 8 in this area ultimately results in a secure connection between the longitudinal edge 7 and the top edge 4. Moreover, the end edge 20 is reduced at the top edge 4 by a groove 20c. The groove 20c has only a small extension in the vertical direction but ultimately causes the front edge 20 at this point in the vertical direction has a smaller extent than the front edge 20 on the opposite side. This also leads to a more precise investment. Furthermore, the engaging projection 26 is provided with an engaging opening 26 behindgg- fender range 25a, wherein in this area a flat contact over corresponding slopes 25d is provided.

The fifth embodiment shown in Figs. 13 to 15 differs from the fourth embodiment in that the recess 20b is not formed in a V-shape but relatively wide in the manner of a rectangle. The upper limits of the notch 20d are approximately horizontal. Instead of the slope 25d is thus a step 25e provided on the spring-side longitudinal edge 7. At the groove-side longitudinal edge 6 is instead of the slope 12 also has a step 12a. At the step 25e is then, as is apparent from Fig. 14, the further region 25a with its top, which is formed correspondingly flat, .An. In the same way, the connection between the top edge 4 and the groove-side longitudinal edge 6 takes place between the further region 25a and the step 12a, as is apparent from FIG. 15.

16 to 18, the sixth Ausführangsform is shown, which is very easily contoured. From Fig. 16 it follows that the spring 11 has an elongated shape. At the bottom of the spring 11 is the latching projection 15 which engages in the latching opening 16. The adjacent end edges 20 abut each other. At the groove-side longitudinal edge 6, the slope 12 connects to the front edge 20. At the spring-side longitudinal edge 7, the engagement opening 26a is provided following the end edge 20.

From Fig. 17 it follows that the leg 9 is flat on the underside. The spring 11 abuts with its upper side on the underside of the leg 9. A lock in the horizontal direction is not provided. From Fig. 17 it follows further that adjoins the leg 9, an engagement portion 25a, which is provided on the upper side with a corresponding slope 25f. This slope 25f corresponds to the slope 25d of the engagement opening 26a. Due to the engagement portion 25a, which engages in the Eingriffsöffhung 26a, there is a blockage in the vertical direction. Incidentally, this is also apparent from FIG. 18, where the engagement region 25a engages under the thigh 17 and bears against the slope 12 with its bevel 25f.

In the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, a tongue and groove connection with latching connection is again provided on the two longitudinal edges 6, 7. From Fig. 19 shows that above the spring 11 is formed as an at least partially horizontally extending groove engaging opening 26a, in which the correspondingly formed engaging portion 25a spring-like engagement (Fig. 20). Moreover, an engagement opening 26 is provided on the upper side on the spring 11, in which a corresponding engagement projection 25 engages. The engagement projection 25 is ultimately part of the vision 9 and the engagement region 25a. By the embodiment shown in Fig. 20 results in a fixation in the horizontal and vertical directions.

From Fig. 21 it follows that the engagement portion 25a engages under the thigh 17, while the engagement projection 31 engages in the latching opening 16 on the lower leg 18. In the region of the thigh 17, instead of the bevel 12, a step-like design in adaptation to the stepped shape of the engagement region 25a is provided.

The eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 corresponds functionally to the seven embodiment. Differences are only in the formation of the engagement portion 25a, which has only a slope with corresponding counter-slope, while in the embodiment described above, a double stage is provided with horizontal surfaces.

Also, the ninth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 functionally corresponds to the previously described embodiment, wherein the engagement portion 25a is designed only as a relatively short nose. Another difference is that, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4, on the groove side lower leg 18 two Rastöff openings 16, 32 are provided, wherein in the locking opening 16 of the locking projection 15 engages the spring 11, while in the engagement opening 32 of the engagement projection 31 engages the head edge 4.

In all embodiments, the panel element 2 may basically consist of laminate, a multi-layer structure or solid wood. The thickness of the panel element may be between 4 and 25 mm. It is not shown that the contoured edge region may consist of a different material than the base body 3. Thus, the contoured edge region, for example, made of plastic or metal, which is particularly useful when very thin and or very soft materials are used for the Grandkörper 3. The contoured edge region can then be glued, for example, with the Grandkörper 3 or connected in any other way. The inventive design of the panel element 2 not only allows the usual strip laying of the panel elements 2, not shown, whereby also at the top edges 4, 5 via the connecting elements, not shown, a sufficient connection between adjacent panel elements 2 can be made. In Fig. 28 a laid in a room flooring 1 is shown in herringbone. The key advantage of this type of laying is that a so-called single-rod laying is possible, so not, as usual in the prior art, a right rod and a left rod are required.

Incidentally, in connection with herringbone laying, it is advisable to provide preassembled end pieces 33, which have the shape of a right angle. These end pieces 33 have a predetermined size and can be shortened if necessary. Another advantage in connection with the present invention results in the rest just in the herringbone laying in that a laying in four assembly directions Ml, M2, M3 and M4 is possible. The publisher can thus lay in one, several or all directions. In that regard, reference is made to FIG. Although a pivoting of the panel elements 2 in the manner described above is only possible if the panel element 2 has already been laid with the first grooved longitudinal edge, however, the contouring according to the invention with correspondingly rounded transitions to the relevant one also permits insertion in the horizontal direction, when the groove side is pushed onto the already installed spring side in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 29 shows another variant of herringbone laying. The difference from the embodiment according to FIG. 28 is that in each case two panel elements 2 are arranged parallel next to one another.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 30, a laying variant herringbone is likewise provided. In this case, different panel elements 2 are used. The different panel elements 2 are located in different rows. FIG. 31 likewise shows a herringbone installation, but a diagonal arrangement in space and thus at an angle of 45 ° to the arrangement according to FIG. 5.

In Fig. 32, the cube or block laying variant of the covering 1 with the panel elements 2 is shown. Also for laying this variant, the panel element 1 according to the invention is readily suitable.

In the embodiment of the covering 1 shown in FIG. 33, the cube variant is likewise provided, but in diagonal laying, ie offset by 45 ° relative to the arrangement according to FIG. 7.

FIG. 34 shows a lining 1 which has cube elements which are arranged in grid openings, wherein the grid 34 is formed by panel elements which in any case correspond to the panel elements 2 from the contour but are colored on the top side in relation to the panel elements 2 are discontinued. In the case of the lattice shape, it is the case that partial panel elements 2 abut each other on the edge edge side. In this case, the connecting elements described above are then provided.

In the variant illustrated in FIG. 35, cubic segments are provided in rows. The individual rows are interrupted by strips with longitudinal panel elements 2. In the present case, each of the strips is composed of three rows of panel elements 2. In this embodiment, again connecting elements for the head edge side connection of adjacent panel elements 2 are provided.

The embodiment according to FIG. 36 corresponds to FIG. 35, wherein the strip with the longitudinally running panels has only one row of panel elements 2.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 37 is similar to that in Fig. 35, wherein instead of the cube segments a plurality of rows are provided, in which the panel elements 2 strip-shaped longitudinal edge are arranged on the longitudinal edge. As a result, the inventive method for laying a covering 1, wherein panel elements 2 are at least partially laid at right angles to each other, characterized in that panel elements 2 are used, which at their respective first and second head edge 4, 5 from its contour at least are formed substantially identical. Such a configuration offers the advantage that a wide variety of laying patterns and ultimately also different sizes of panel elements can be used. The laying is very easy, since adjacent panel elements 2 are pivoted in at their longitudinal edges and usually latched. At the transition between the edge of the head and the longitudinal edge, latching can take place but does not have to take place. If a locking is realized, a so-called Drackknopf- connection should be provided.

Claims

Claims:

1. panel element (2) for floor, wall and / or ceiling installation, with a rectangular base body (3), wherein the base body (3) has a first head edge (4), one of the first head edge (4) opposite the second head edge (5 ), a first longitudinal edge (6) extending perpendicularly to the first head edge (4) and a second longitudinal edge (7) opposite the first longitudinal edge (6), wherein both top edges (4, 5) and both longitudinal edges (6, 7) are contoured in order to allow connection to an adjacent panel element (2) at each edge, and wherein the first longitudinal edge (6) has a groove and the second longitudinal edge (7) has a corresponding spring (11), characterized in that the Contours of the top edges (4, 5) are formed at least substantially identical.

2. Panel element (2) for laying floor, wall and / or ceiling, with a rectangular base body (3), wherein the base body (3) has a first head edge (4), one of the first head edge (4) opposite the second head edge (5 ), a first longitudinal edge (6) extending perpendicularly to the first head edge (4) and a second longitudinal edge (7) opposite the first longitudinal edge (6), wherein both top edges (4, 5) and both longitudinal edges (6, 7) are contoured to allow at each edge a connection with an adjacent panel element (2), and wherein the first longitudinal edge (6) has a groove and the second longitudinal edge (7) has a corresponding spring (11), in particular according to spoke 1, characterized - net, that the contours of the top edges (4, 5) each have an undercut (8) to allow engagement of the spring (11) of the second longitudinal edge (7).

3. Panel element according to spoke 1 or 2, characterized in that the tongue and groove connection to the longitudinal edges (6, 7) is designed such that a panel element (2) in an already laid panel element (2) can be pivoted.

4. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second longitudinal edges (6, 7) have such a configuration. det are that results in a latching connection between adjacent laid panel elements (2).

5. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one longitudinal edge (7) at least one latching projection (15) and on the other longitudinal edge (6) a corresponding latching opening (16) are provided.

6. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shorter thigh (17) and longer lower leg (18) are provided on the groove-side longitudinal edge (6).

7. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching opening (16) on the upper side (21) of the lower leg (18) and the latching projection (15) on the underside (22) of the spring (11) is provided ,

8. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the top edge (4, 5) a thigh (9) is provided and that between the thigh (9) and the spring-side longitudinal edge (7) at least one engagement for fixing in the horizontal and / or vertical direction is provided.

9. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the underside (24) of the thigh (9) an engagement projection (25) for engagement in an engagement opening (26) on the upper side (27) of the spring (11) is provided.

10. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the top edge (4, 5) following the undercut

(8) a step (29) is provided and that between the lower leg (18) and the step (29) is provided an engagement.

11. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the underside (30) of the step (29) has an engagement projection (31) for engaging in an engagement opening (32) on the upper side (21) of the lower leg (18) is provided.

12. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement is designed as a latching connection.

13. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching connection of adjacent panel elements (2) is formed such that the upper side end edges (20) of adjacent Paneelele- elements (2) are pressed against each other, so that there is a substantially gap-free system results.

14. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for connecting adjacent top edges (4, 5) a connection element is provided, and that, preferably, between the top edge (4, 5) and the connecting element is provided an engagement.

15. A method for laying a covering, in particular a floor, wall and / or ceiling covering, with a plurality of panel elements, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent panel elements are at least partially laid at right angles to each other, characterized in that such panel elements are used for laying, which are each contoured at least substantially identically at their mutually opposite top edges.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the panel elements are laid in herringbone, block and / or cube pattern.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that when laying adjacent panel elements are pivoted in the region of adjacent longitudinal edges.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding Verfahrensansprüche, characterized in that when laying adjacent panel elements are locked in the region of the longitudinal edge / top edge or abut each other without direct connection.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding Verfahrensansprüche, characterized in that the panel elements are laid in four mutually perpendicular directions.