WO2011042878A2

WO2011042878A2 - Panel, covering composed of such panels, method for installing panels and method for manufacturing panels

Info

Publication number: WO2011042878A2
Application number: PCT/IB2010/054540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Cappelle
Original assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: BE1018949A3; WO2011042878A3

Abstract

Panel for forming a covering (2), more particularly a floor covering, wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square, with the characteristic that it is provided, at least at two opposite edges, with coupling parts (13-14), which are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1A) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1A) substantially is turned in the plane of the other panel (1 B). Further, the invention relates to a method wherein the panels are mutually coupled to each other by means of such turning movement, as well as to a technique for manufacturing panels which comprise locking parts which do not extend parallel to the actual edge of the panel.

Description

Panel, covering composed of such panels, method for installing panels and method for manufacturing panels.

This invention relates to a panel, a covering composed of panels, a method for installing panels and a method for manufacturing panels.

In the first place, the invention is intended in particular for being applied with panels in the form of floor panels and thus coverings in the form of floor coverings, in particular floor panels of the type allowing that such floor panels can be installed, so to say, floatingly. More particularly, it is intended for being applied with board-shaped floor panels selected from the group of: panels having a printed decor at the surface, more particularly laminate panels, and still more particularly DPL panels (Direct Pressed Laminate) or directly printed panels; veneer parquet; composed parquet, also called "engineered wood"; solid parquet; board-shaped, preferably wood-based, panels with a top layer of another material fixed thereon; vinyl panels or tiles, more particularly so-called LVT (Luxurious Vinyl Tile). However, applications in other materials are not excluded. More particularly, the invention is also intended for being applied with panels for other applications, such as ceiling panels, wall panels, as well as panels which, for any purpose whatsoever, have to be joined together in one and the same plane.

In the case of floor panels, it is known that these can be provided with mechanical coupling parts at their edges, by which they, during the installation thereof, mutually can be coupled to each other, wherein a vertical as well as a horizontal locking is provided. A typical example thereof is known from WO 97/47834. Since the commercial success of panels which are provided with coupling parts such as described in WO 97/47834, a large number of variants of coupling parts for interconnecting floor panels have been developed and described in patent applications.

In function of the embodiment of such coupling parts, panels can be coupled to each other in various manners. So, there are coupling parts which allow interconnecting such panels by means of a turning movement, wherein the one panel, from a position in which it is turned out of the plane of the other panel, is coupled to the other panel by being turned downward in the same plane. Also, coupling parts are known which allow coupling two panels together by means of a snap connection by pushing them towards each other in the same plane. Also, there are coupling parts which allow interconnecting the panels by means of both techniques. Examples thereof are known, amongst other, from WO 97/47834 and WO 94/26999.

It is also known to use coupling parts which allow that one panel can be coupled to another panel by means of a downward movement, for example, such as described in EP 1.159.497.

Further, it is also known, for example, in the case of rectangular panels, to provide coupling parts at all sides of these panels, which coupling parts, in coupled condition, provide for a locking which prevents that the panels can get out of each other. Therein, in function of the applied coupling parts, various methods are possible for installing such panels, more particularly, for connecting them to each other, in order to form a covering, for example, a floor covering. For example, a turning/turning technique is known, wherein the panels at both pairs of sides are connected to each other by means of a turning movement, as described, amongst others, in US 4.426.820 and WO 94/26999. According to another known technique, the panels are connected by means of a turning/snapping technique, in other words, connected at a first edge by turning them into each other, and connected at a second edge by pushing the panels towards each other, which technique is also known, amongst others, from said WO 94/26999. Still another technique consists in connecting a new panel to be installed to the already installed panels exclusively by means of a downward movement, at two sides standing perpendicular to each other, for example, such as known from EP 1.159.497. Also, there are techniques wherein at one side the connection is realized by a turning movement, whereas at a side standing perpendicular thereto, during the turning down of the panel, a locking is obtained by means of the downward movement. An example thereof is known from EP 1.276.941.

According to a special technique, which is known from BE 2002/0682 and WO 01/27410, also coupling parts may be applied allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by a mutual shifting over a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of the respective edges of the panels and wherein said edges are provided with integrated means, more particularly with guide-forming parts, which bring the floor panels, during said shifting, as a result of this shifting, from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition.

In the last-mentioned technique, the shifting is performed by shifting a panel to be connected with its longitudinal direction parallel to the already installed panels towards a preceding row. A disadvantage therein is that this shifting is rather difficult to realize, in particular in the case of relatively long panels. Tests have shown that herein, with the least form of carelessly interconnecting, torsion forces may be caused in the coupling parts, which may lead to damage, such as the breaking-off of locking parts. The present invention aims at panels which, at least at two of their edges, can be connected to each other by means of a mutual movement, substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, and which are improved in respect to the known embodiments and, more particularly, allow smoothly interconnecting panels at these edges, and/or allow interconnecting them with a minimum damage risk. It also relates to a new method for installing panels, more particularly, for forming a covering with such panels, which offers the advantage that panels can be connected to each other in a smooth manner. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such panels, which allows that the coupling parts can be realized in an optimum manner at the edges.

To this aim, the invention, according to a first aspect, relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein this panel comprises a first pair of opposite edges, which define a first edge and a second edge at the panel;

- wherein this panel comprises a second pair of opposite edges, which define a third and a fourth edge at the panel, which extend transverse to the first and the second edge;

- wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point at the panel; - wherein the panel, at least at the third and fourth edge, is provided with coupling parts allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction;

with the characteristic that the coupling parts at the third edge and the fourth edge are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement of the one panel in respect to the other, wherein the one panel is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel, more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering, and in such a manner that it moves with its third edge along the fourth edge of the other panel, wherein this turning movement can be performed at least from in a well-defined turned position of the one panel in respect to the other up to an end position, wherein the first edges of both panels are situated in each other's prolongation or are situated substantially parallel and hardly out of each other. Preferably, the aforementioned locking parts herein are made as parts which engage one behind the other and which, by means of said turning movement, can be laterally engaged one behind the other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling parts at the third edge and the fourth edge are configured such that said turning movement can be performed while the panel, which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge of the other panel.

Still according to a preferred characteristic, the coupling parts are configured such that the aforementioned turning movement can be performed while the panel to be turned is situated with its first corner point in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel, preferably not farther than 5 cm from this prolongation, and still better not farther than 2 cm of this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point in said prolongation.

Practically seen, said locking parts are made as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of the aforementioned turning movement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein this second condition is the condition wherein both panels are situated with their first edges in each other's prolongation, and wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled together more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point at the panel;

- wherein the panel, at least at the third and fourth edge, is provided with coupling parts allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction;

- wherein the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges allow a mutual displacement of the panels over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, wherein said locking parts function as guide-forming parts which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or more closely than in the first condition,

with the characteristic that the coupling parts are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of at least a turning movement of the one panel in respect to the other, wherein the one panel is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel, more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering, such by means of a turning movement which is performed substantially around the first corner point of the panel to be coupled, wherein this first corner point is situated in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the preceding panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the coupling parts, more particularly the guide-forming parts, at the third edge and the fourth edge are configured such that the aforementioned turning movement can be performed while the panel, which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge of the other panel.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the coupling parts, more particularly the guide-forming parts, are configured such that said turning movement can be performed while the panel to be turned is situated with its first corner point in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel, preferably not farther away from this prolongation than 5 cm, and still better not farther away from this prolongation than 2 cm, and still better with the first corner point in the aforementioned prolongation. According to a third aspect of the invention, it relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges allow a mutual displacement of the panels over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, wherein said locking parts function as guide-forming parts which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition;

with the characteristic that said coupling parts at the third edge and fourth edge are configured such that a new panel to be installed can be engaged with the pertaining locking part of the third edge, via a movement perpendicular to the plane of the panel, behind the locking part of the fourth edge of a preceding panel, more particularly can be provided freely there behind, and such in a position wherein the new panel with its third edge, at least for half of its length, overlaps the length of the fourth edge of the preceding panel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the panel is characterized in that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge, more particularly the locking parts, at the third and fourth edge are configured such that a new panel to be installed, from said position, by means of a turning movement substantially in the same plane as the preceding panel, further can be coupled to this preceding panel.

According to another preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge, more particularly the aforementioned locking parts, at the third edge and the fourth edge are configured such that said turning movement can be performed while the panel, which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge of the other panel.

According to another preferred characteristic of the third aspect, the panel is characterized in that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge, more particularly the aforementioned locking parts, are configured such that said turning movement can be performed while the panel to be turned is situated with its first corner point in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel, preferably at no more than 5 cm from this prolongation, and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point in said prolongation.

According to a fourth independent aspect, the invention relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

with the characteristic that the second locking system at the third and fourth edge is actively present only over a portion of the length of these edges, as it is absent from the fourth, respectively the third edge, over a distance starting from the second, respectively the third corner point, in other words, is not active, for example, because one or both of the locking parts are absent.

According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect, such panel is characterized in that said coupling parts are realized in the form of a tongue and groove, wherein the tongue is provided at the third edge, whereas the groove is situated at the fourth edge, wherein the groove is bordered by an upper lip and a lower lip, of which the lower lip extends up to beyond the upper lip, wherein one of the aforementioned locking parts is situated at said lower lip, wherein this locking part extends only over a portion of the length of the edge concerned. It is clear that the fourth aspect must be seen in particular in combination with panels allowing that such panel, as aforementioned, can be coupled to another panel via a turning movement in the plane of this other panel. According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the panel, at least at the third and fourth edge, is provided with coupling parts allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts, which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction;

- wherein the coupling parts at the second pair of opposite edges allow a mutual displacement of the panels over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, wherein said locking parts function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition;

with the characteristic that said coupling parts are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement of the one panel in respect to the other, wherein the one panel is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel, more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering, and that at least one of the locking parts at the third or fourth edge of the panel laterally gives out in the course of the edge. In a preferred embodiment of a panel according to the fifth aspect, such panel is characterized in that said coupling parts are realized in the form of a tongue and groove, wherein the tongue is provided at the third edge, whereas the groove is provided at the fourth edge, wherein the groove is bordered by an upper lip and a lower lip, of which the lower lip extends up to beyond the upper lip, wherein one of the aforementioned locking parts is situated at said lower lip, wherein this locking part functions as a guide-forming portion and this guide-forming portion laterally gives out in the fourth edge. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, it relates to a panel for forming a covering,

- wherein this panel is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

with the characteristic that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts is realized as a guide-forming part showing a course with a gradually altering inclination degree, and such over a distance of at least 1/4* of the length of the edge concerned. It is clear that the characteristics of all aforementioned aspects can be combined at choice, inasmuch as the characteristics are not contradictory to each other.

Further, the panels which are realized according to all aforementioned aspects also may show one or more of the following additional characteristics:

- that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts, and preferably both, with the possible exception of a rounded or inclined entrance part, shows, show, respectively, an inclination in respect to the course of the actual edge of the panel, which, over the major part of these locking parts, deviates less than 20 degrees and still better less than 10 degrees from the direction according to which the third and fourth edge are extending;

- that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts, and preferably both, shows, show, respectively, an inclination in respect to the course of the actual edge of the panel, wherein this inclination, however, towards the first edge becomes zero at this first edge or already at a distance therefrom;

- that at least one, and preferably both, of the aforementioned locking parts, over the major part of its length is, are, respectively, made arcuate and more particular circularly arcuate;

- that the arcuate portion is realized with a radius in the order of magnitude of 0.5 to 1.25 times the length of the panel;

- that the center of said arc is situated on the first edge or the prolongation thereof;

- that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts comprises a portion which is substantially parallel to the third or fourth edge;

- that the aforementioned locking parts at the third and fourth edge, in the completely coupled condition, come into mutual contact over at least 1/4 of the length of these edges;

- that the aforementioned locking parts in the completely coupled condition of two panels at the third and fourth edge come into mutual contact over the entire length of the shortest locking part, with the exception of a possible rounded entrance part or inclined entrance part;

- that the coupling parts at the third or fourth edge are configured such that initially, they fit into each other with a play, however, when turning the one panel into the other, finally a play-free coupling is obtained;

that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge are configured such that in the finally coupled condition, a so-called pretension is obtained;

that it relates to a panel which is intended for being installed in rows, together with other panels, wherein the first edge each time is intended for being coupled to a preceding row of panels, the second edge is intended for being coupled to a following row of panels, the third edge is intended for being coupled to a preceding panel in the same row and the fourth edge is intended for being coupled to a following panel in the same row;

that the aforementioned locking parts extend straight-lined substantially over their entire length, however, such at an angle in respect to the respective upper edge of the panel;

that two or more locking parts are present at the third edge, as well as correspondingly two or more locking parts are present at the fourth edge;

that these are oblong panels, wherein said third edge and fourth edge form the short sides of the panels;

that the herein above-mentioned oblong panels have a length of more than 1.25 m;

that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge are realized in the form of a tongue and groove, wherein the groove is bordered by a lower lip and an upper lip, wherein the locking parts are situated a the upper side of the lower lip and the bottom side of the tongue, respectively;

that said locking parts form mutually cooperating locking surfaces, wherein the locking surfaces of the lower lip is situated at least partially and preferably entirely beyond the distal extremity of the upper lip;

that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edges can be engaged one behind the other by means of a vertical or substantially vertical movement, such in a position in which the one panel still is turned in respect to the other, after which by turning the one panel in respect to the other, a locking is obtained in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels;

that the coupling parts at the third and fourth edges are configured such that they allow connecting two of these panels to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by shifting one panel substantially in the same plane as the other panel towards this other panel, and/or by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel, starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel, with its third edge along the fourth edge of the other panel and by subsequently turning it into the plane of the other panel;

- that at the first pair of opposite edges, coupling parts are present which form at least a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane;

- that the coupling parts at the first pair of opposite edges also form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts, which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction;

- that the coupling parts a the first pair of opposite edges are formed as straight- running profiles, which extend in a parallel manner along the respective edges;

- that the coupling parts at the first pair of opposite edges are performed in the form of a tongue and groove, which are provided with said locking parts, wherein the tongue and the groove are made such that, when two of such panels are moved with their first and second edges towards each other in the same plane, the tongue automatically ends up at least partially in the groove, more particularly the tip of the tongue automatically ends up under a lip which borders the upper side of the groove;

- that the groove is situated at the second edge and the tongue at the first, whereas also the coupling parts at the third and fourth edge substantially are made as a tongue and groove, of which the tongue is situated at the third edge and the groove is situated at the fourth edge;

- that said groove pertaining to the first pair of opposite edges is bordered by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein the lower lip extends laterally up to beyond the upper lip;

- that the groove mentioned in the preceding paragraph is provided with a locking part in the form of a locking surface, which is at least partially situated in the part of the lower lip which laterally is situated beyond the upper lip;

- that the coupling parts at the first and second edges are configured such that they allow connecting two of these panels to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by shifting one panel substantially in the same plane as the other panel towards this other panel, and/or by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel, starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel, with its first edge along the second edge of the other panel and by subsequently turning it into the plane of the other panel;

- that the coupling parts at least at the third and fourth edges, and preferably at all four edges of the panel, are provided in the panel in one piece, and preferably consist of profiles milled into the edge;

- that it relates to a panel with a core of a material of the group of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and HDF (High Density Fiberboard);

- that it is a floor panel;

- that it is a board-shaped floor panel from the group of: panels with a printed decor at the surface, more particularly laminate panels, and still more particularly DPL panels (Direct Pressed Laminate) or directly printed panels; veneer parquet; composed parquet, also called "engineered wood"; solid parquet; board-shaped wood-based panels with a top layer consisting of another material attached thereon.

According to the seventh aspect, the invention relates to a new installation technique for mutually coupling panels to form a covering. To this aim, it relates to a method for installing panels, more particularly for forming a covering, wherein this covering is composed of a plurality of panels, with the characteristic that for this purpose, panels are applied which, at two or more edges, are provided with coupling parts allowing that such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts, which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction, and wherein the coupling parts of at least two edges are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of said coupling parts, by means of a turning movement of the one panel in respect to the other, wherein the one panel substantially is turned in the plane of the other panel, and that the method consists in that the covering is formed at least by coupling a number of such panels to each other, wherein they are connected to each other at least at said two edges by means of a turning movement of the panels, as aforementioned.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method further is characterized in that to this aim, panels are applied which are rectangular, thus, oblong or square; which comprise a first pair of opposite edges, which define a first edge and a second edge at such panel; which comprise a second pair of opposite edges, which define a third and a fourth edge at such panel, which extend transverse to the first and the second edge; wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point at the panel; and wherein such panel, at least at the third and fourth edge, is provided with said coupling parts allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of said turning movement of the one panel in respect to the other, wherein, when coupling a panel with its third edge to the fourth edge of another panel, this then is realized by displacing the first panel with its third edge along the fourth edge of the other panel during said turning movement. Other preferred or particular characteristics of the method consist in:

- that, when realizing the aforementioned turning movement, the respective panel is moved with its fourth corner point along the fourth edge of the other panel, preferably in contact with this edge;

- that said turning movement is performed while the panel to be turned is situated with its first corner point in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel, preferably at no more than 5 cm from this prolongation and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point in said prolongation;

- that the panels are installed in successive rows, wherein the panels, which are intended for being surrounded by other panels, are coupled with their first edge to a preceding row of panels, are coupled with their second edge to a following row of panels, are coupled with their third edge to a preceding panel in the same row, and at their fourth edge are coupled to a following panel in the same row;

- that, when performing said turning movement by means of one of the aforementioned panels, this panel is maintained with its corner point in contact with the second edge of a panel situated in the preceding row, such that this edge, during performing the turning movement, functions as a support point for the corner point;

- that panels are applied, which, at their first and second edge, also are provided with coupling parts forming a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, as well as forming a second locking system providing in a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction, wherein via these coupling parts at the first pair of opposite edges a connection is realized substantially after the third edge of such panel, by means of the aforementioned turning movement, is coupled to the fourth edge of an adjacent panel;

- that for the first and second edge, coupling parts are applied in the form of a tongue and groove, which are provided with said locking parts, wherein the tongue and the groove are realized such that, when two of such panels are moved with their first and second edges towards each other in the same plane, the tongue automatically ends up at least partially in the groove, more particularly the tip of the tongue automatically ends up under a lip which borders the upper side of the groove;

- that, when performing said turning movement, at least during part of this turning movement, said tip of the tongue is brought under said lip at the location of the first corner point and is held there;

- that, when performing said turning movement, said tip of the tongue systematically is brought over the entire length of the first edge under said lip of the panel situated in the preceding row;

- that panels are applied which mutually can be attached to each other at their first edge and second edge by presenting a panel, starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of another panel, with its first edge along the second edge of the other panel and subsequently turning it in the plane of the other panel;

- that such panel is connected with its first edge to the second edge of a panel in the preceding row by turning it somewhat out of the plane of the covering and then turning it back again, such that a connection is made, wherein the preceding panel, which is situated in the same row and is coupled with its fourth edge to the third edge of the last panel, during this turning temporarily is also turned to and fro along with it;

- that the method is applied for forming a covering in the form of a floor covering, wherein the panels consist of floor panels; and that, when performing said turning movement, a new panel to be installed is shifted at least partially over the subfloor; - that in the method, use is made of panels as described herein above.

According to the eighth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels, by which a technique is provided allowing to realize panels, the locking parts of which do not extend parallel to the upper edge, in an optimum manner. To this aim, it relates to a method for manufacturing panels, wherein these panels, at least at two opposite edges, are provided with coupling parts allowing to couple two of such panels to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction; wherein the coupling parts at these edges allow a mutual displacement of the panels over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, wherein the aforementioned locking parts function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition; and wherein at least one of the guide-forming parts according to its longitudinal direction is performed with a course which deviates from the pertaining actual edge of the panel, characterized in that at least said guide-forming part with the deviating course is realized by means of a rotating milling cutter, wherein the milling cutter and the panel perform a relative movement and wherein the axis of the milling cutter, according to a view perpendicular to the plane of the panel, during the major part of the milling process for forming the respective guide- forming part, forms an angle with the direction of the actual edge of the panel which deviates from 90 degrees. In other words, this means that the cutting line between the plane of the panel and the rotation plane of the milling cutter forms an angle with the actual edge of the panel.

According to a first possibility, said angle is kept substantially constant. With this first possibility, further it is preferred that the cutting line of the plane in which the milling cutter rotates, and the plane of the panel corresponds or approximately corresponds to an average inclination of the guide-forming part. By working with a fixed angle, a good compromise is obtained between, on the one hand, limiting undesired undercut effects and, on the other hand, the complexity of the required milling cutters which is inevitable for this purpose.

According to a second possibility, a guide-forming part is formed with a course which deviates from a straight line, and said angle, during milling of a guide- forming part, is continuously adapted in function of said course. This has the advantage that undercut effects can be maximally minimized over the entire length of the locking parts, at each point; however, it has the disadvantage that a more complex movement and control of such milling cutter is necessary.

It is clear that the above-explained manufacturing technique is particularly suitable for realizing the previously described panels.

It is also clear that the invention also relates to panels which are manufactured according to the above-mentioned method.

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

Figure 1 schematically and in plan view represents a covering with panels according to the invention, more particularly a floor covering;

Figure 2, at a larger scale, represents the part indicated by F2 in figure 1 ; Figure 3, at a larger scale, represents the part indicated by F3 in figure 2, for a still further turned condition of the panel to be installed;

Figure 4 in perspective view represents a plan view of the edge of the panel indicated by F4 in figure 2;

Figure 5 in perspective view represents a view onto the bottom side of the panel at the edge indicated by F5 in figure 2, wherein the panel is represented upside down;

Figures 6, 7 and 8, at a larger scale, represent cross-sections according to lines VI-VI, VII-VII and VIII-VIII, respectively, in figure 3;

Figure 9 represents a cross-section according to line IX-IX in figure 6;

Figures 10 und 11 represent cross-sections similar to those of figure 6, however, for other mutual positions of the respective edges;

Figure 12, at a larger scale, represents a cross-section according to line XII-XII in figure 2;

Figures 13 to 16 illustrate schematically and in different steps how a panel according to the method of the invention can be installed;

Figure 17, at a larger scale, represents a cross-section according to line XVII-XVII in figure 16;

Figure 18 represents the same view as in figure 17, however, for another mutual position of the panels;

Figure 19 represents a view analogous to that from figure 9, however, for a completely coupled condition;

Figure 20 represents a cross-section according to line XX-XX in figure 19;

Figure 21 , for a variant, represents a cross-section as in figure 7, however, for a starting position of a new panel to be inserted;

Figures 22 to 25, highly schematized, represent two coupled panels, for different embodiments;

Figure 26 in cross-section represents another variant;

Figure 27 schematically represents a particular embodiment of a panel according to the invention;

Figures 28 to 31 represent how a panel according to the invention can be manufactured;

Figure 32 represents a view according to arrow F32 in figure 29, perpendicular to the plane of the panel.

The invention is described below by means of panels which are performed as floor panels. However, it is clear that it can also be applied with other panels.

Thus, in figures 1 to 3 panels 1 are represented which can be coupled together to a covering 2 in the form of a floor covering.

Such panel 1 is rectangular and comprises a first pair of opposite edges 3, which define a first edge 4 and a second edge 5 at the panel, as well as a second pair of opposite edges 6, which define a third edge 7 and a fourth edge 8 at the panel, which extend transverse to the first and the second edge. The first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge respectively form a first corner point 9, a second corner point 10, a third corner point 11 and a fourth corner point 12. As represented in figures 4 to 8, the panel 1 at the third edge 7 and fourth edge 8 is provided with coupling parts 13 and 14, which allow to couple two of such panels 1 at these edges 7-8 to each other, wherein these coupling parts form a first locking system 15, by which coupled panels 1 are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction R1 perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system 16, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction R2 perpendicular to the respective edges 3-4 and in the plane of the panels 1.

As can be seen more specifically in figures 6 and 7, the coupling parts 13-14 preferably comprise a tongue and groove connection with a tongue 17 and a groove 18, as well as locking parts 19-20.

The tongue 17 and the groove 18 form the locking system 15, which yields the locking according to the direction R1. The groove preferably is bordered by an upper lip 21 and a lower lip 22, which extends up to beyond the upper lip 21 , in other words, protrudes beyond it.

In the completely coupled condition of two of such panels, the locking parts 19 and 20, together with the fact that the upper edges 23-24 of the panels then also rest against each other, form a locking according to the aforementioned direction R2. The locking parts 19-20 consist of portions engaging one behind the other, which are provided with corresponding contact surfaces, more particularly locking surfaces, 25 and 26, such that the drifting apart of the panels according to the direction R2 is prevented. As represented, one of the locking parts, in this case 20, preferably is situated at the upper side of the lower lip 22, whereas the other locking part 19 is situated at the bottom side of the tongue. In the completely coupled condition, the contact surfaces 25 and 26 are situated at least partially, or, such as here, preferably entirely in the portion of the lower lip 22 situated beyond the distal extremity of the upper lip 21.

According to the invention, the coupling parts 13-14 at the third edge 7 and the fourth edge 8 are configured such that two of such panels 1 can be coupled to each other at these edges 7-8 by means of a turning movement of the one panel 1 in respect to the other, wherein the one panel, which comprises the third edge 7 to be coupled, is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel, more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering 2, and in such a manner that it moves with its third edge 7, globally seen, along the fourth edge 8 of the other panel. Said turning movement is indicated, amongst others, in the figures 1 to 3 by arrow W. Preferably, the coupling parts 13-14 herein are configured such that the turning movement W can be performed at least from in a well-defined turned position of the one panel, thus, the panel to be installed, in respect to the other, already installed panel, up to an end position, wherein the first edges 4 of both panels are situated in each other's prolongation or are situated substantially parallel and hardly out of each other. For clarity's sake, in the figures the aforementioned "one panel" and the aforementioned "other panel", apart from the reference 1 , again additionally are indicated with references 1A and 1 B.

The aforementioned configuration of the coupling parts 13-14 in particular is connected to the configuration of the locking parts 19 and 20, which to this aim preferably each have a particular course which is not parallel to the actual straight edges, more particularly upper edges 23-24 of the respective panels 1.

More particularly, said locking parts 19-20, and in particular the contact or locking surfaces 25-26, are made as parts which engage one behind the other and which, by means of said turning movement W, can be laterally engaged one behind the other. By laterally, in this case is meant that the one locking part 19, starting from one extremity, is shifted behind the other extremity 20, as can be seen in figure 9. Preferably, the coupling parts 13-14 at the third edge 7 and the fourth edge 8 are configured such that said turning movement W can be performed while the panel 1A, which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point 12 along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge 8 of the other panel 1 B, as systematically represented by the two different positions in figure 1.

In the represented example, the coupling parts 19-20 also are configured such that the aforementioned turning movement can be performed while the panel 1 A to be turned is situated with its first corner point 9, which then serves as a center of rotation, in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge 4 of the other panel 1 B, preferably not farther than 5 cm from this prolongation, and still better not farther than 2 cm of this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point 9 in said prolongation, such as illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

Generally, it is noted that by the "turning movement W not necessarily a circular rotation must be understood. In fact, the turning movement can be combined with other movements. It is so that, when the panel 1A is kept with its fourth corner point 12 in contact with the fourth edge 8 of the panel 1 B during turning in, the rotation point or center of rotation C shifts somewhat and the turning movement thus is combined with a translation movement. The represented example also illustrates that the locking parts 19-20 are performed as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of the aforementioned turning movement, bring the panels from a first condition into a second condition, wherein this second condition is the condition wherein both panels are situated with their first edges 4 in each other's prolongation, and wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled together more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition. In the starting condition, the panels anyhow are open at their upper edges 23-24, whereas they assume a closed position in the second condition. Also, play can be present in the coupling in a first position, which is also the case in the represented embodiment, whereas in the second position or, thus, end position, there is no play. Such play allows a smooth turning into each other of the panels by means of the turning movement W.

The herein above-described embodiment also forms an example of the fourth aspect of the invention, in that the second locking system, in this case, thus, the locking system providing for a horizontal locking, at the third and fourth edge is actively present only over a portion of the length of these edges 7-8 and is absent from the third, respectively the fourth edge, over a distance starting from the second, respectively the third corner point. This can be seen specifically in figures 4 and 9, in that the locking part 20 does not exist over the distance D1 and thus no locking is obtained there.

More particularly, the locking part 20 in the represented example gives out laterally in the course of the fourth edge 8, such in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention.

As can also be seen clearly in figures 4, 5 and 9, the locking parts 19-20 are performed as guide-forming parts having a course with a gradually altering inclination degree, and such over a distance D2 which is at least ¼ of the length of the respective edge 7, 8, respectively. In figures 4 and 5, the indicated distance respectively D2 is the one pertaining to the fourth edge 18. In other words, this means that the locking parts do not extend according to a straight line, but according to a curved line.

Further, figures 4, 5 and 9 also show that the aforementioned locking parts 19-20 in respect to the course of the actual edge, more particularly upper edge 23, 24, respectively, of the panel, have an inclination S, which, over the major part of these guide-forming parts 19-20, deviates less than 20 degrees and still better less than 10 degrees from the direction according to which said upper edges 23-24 extend. This inclination S changes and diminishes in the direction of the first edge 4 and preferably becomes zero at this first edge 4.

According to the represented example, and as can be seen in figures 3 to 5 and 9, the locking parts 19 and 20 are made arcuate, and more particularly circularly arcuate, over their entire length. The magnitude of the radius R of this arc preferably is 0.5 to 1.25 times the length of the panel. In the example, the magnitude of the radius R is precisely equal to the length of the panel 1. The center of the arcuate shape is situated on the pertaining first edge 4 or on the prolongation thereof.

As represented, the invention is in particular suitable for oblong panels, as the radius R then is relatively large. Said third edge 7 and fourth edge 8 then form the short sides of the panels 1.

Figure 10 represents that the coupling parts 13-14 at the third edge 7 and fourth edge 8 preferably also are configured such that, when a panel 1 is pushed with its tongue 17 towards the groove 18 of another panel, this tongue 17 automatically is placed with its upper side 27 underneath the bottom side 28 of the upper lip 21.

More particularly, it is preferred that the configuration allows to connect two of such panels 1 to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by pushing one panel towards the other panel substantially in the same plane as this other panel. Further, the configuration of the coupling parts 13-14, and more particularly of the locking parts 19-20, also is such that two of such panels 1 can be coupled to each other by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel, starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel, with its third edge 7 along the fourth edge 8 of the other panel 1 and by subsequently turning it into the plane of the other panel, such as illustrated in figure 11.

As represented in figure 12, at the first pair of opposite edges 3, coupling parts 29- 30 are present which form a first locking system 31 , by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, as well as a second locking system 32, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts 33-34, which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction. These coupling parts 29-30 are formed as straight-running profiles, which extend in a parallel manner along the respective edges 4 and 5.

More particularly, they are made in the form of a tongue 35 and groove 36, which are provided with said locking parts 33-34, which latter comprise respective contact surfaces, more particularly locking surfaces 37-38. These contact surfaces can be of any suitable shape and do not have to be flat.

Here, too, it is preferred that the groove is bordered by an upper lip 39 and a lower lip 40, wherein the lower lip 40 extends laterally up to beyond the upper lip 39. The aforementioned contact surface 38 preferably is situated at least partially in the portion of the lower lip which is situated laterally beyond the upper lip, and still better, as represented, is situated entirely in that portion. Here, too, the tongue 35 and the groove 36 are made such that, when two of such panels are moved with their first and second edges towards each other in the same plane, the tongue automatically ends up at least partially in the groove, more particularly the upper side 41 of the tip of the tongue automatically is placed under the bottom side 42 of the upper lip 39.

The coupling parts at the first and second edges 4-5 are also configured such that they allow connecting two of these panels to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by shifting one panel substantially in the same plane as the other panel towards this other panel, and/or by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel, starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel, with its first edge along the second edge of the other panel and by subsequently turning it into the plane of the other panel.

Generally, it is preferred that the coupling parts at least at the third and fourth edges 7-8, and preferably at all four edges 4-5-7-8 of the panel 1 , are provided in the panel in one piece, and preferably consist of profiles milled into the edge.

By means of figures 13 to 19, it is now described how such panel of the invention can be installed. The technique described hereafter also forms an example of the method of installing panels according to the invention.

According to figure 13, the panel 1A is presented in turned position to the other panels 1-1 B, with the first corner point 9 in contact with the preceding row of panels 1 and with the fourth corner point 12 against the short side, more particularly the fourth edge 8 of the panel 1 B. At the first corner point 9, preferably care is taken that the tip of the tongue is positioned underneath the upper lip, such as illustrated in solid line in figure 12.

By now subjecting the panel 1A to the aforementioned turning movement W, the aforementioned locking parts 19 and 20 are brought behind each other. During this turning movement W, care is taken that the panel 1A is guided with its fourth corner point 12 along the third edge of the panel 1B. Due to the fact that at the first corner point 9 the tip of the tongue is positioned underneath the upper lip and that at the fourth corner point 12 the tongue also fits in the groove, the panel 1A during the turning movement is guided effectively into the right direction.

By bringing the panel 1A by means of said turning movement with its first edge 4 entirely against the panels 1 of the preceding row, a condition as in figure 14 is obtained, wherein the in this case short edges are coupled almost completely and at the long edges the tip of the tongue at the edge 4 of the panel 1 A over the entire length of this panel 1 A is positioned underneath the upper lip of the panels 1 in the preceding row, in a position such as in figure 12. Thereafter, the panel 1A, as represented in figure 15, is turned somewhat upward, wherein the panel 1A moves along, after which the panel 1A can be pushed with the tongue 35 into the groove 36 at the preceding row of panels 1 , as illustrated in figures 16 and 17. Turning a panel 1A upwards is a movement which is induced almost automatically during the installation of the panel 1A, in that, when the panel 1A is drawn towards the preceding row of panels 1 , the locking part 33 at the bottom side of the tongue 35 automatically is pushed onto the locking part 34 of the groove 36, such while the tip of the tongue 35 already is positioned underneath the upper lip 39, all this as can be derived from figure 17. It is clear that at the bottom side of the tongue 35 and the upper side of the lower lip 38 herein preferably a design has been provided which promotes a smooth sliding over each other of the respective parts, for example, by means of respective inclinations 43 and 44.

By subsequently turning down the panels 1A and 1 B and possibly other panels in the same row which then also have been turned upward, the condition of figure 18 is obtained. Figures 19 and 20 also show the coupled condition at the coupled edges 7 and 8.

It is noted that all abovementioned operations can be realized in a smooth manner when the installing person is positioned on the already installed part of the floor covering and pulls the panel 1A towards himself, such as is illustrated by the hands 45 in figure 1. It is noted that the aforementioned turning movement of the panel 1A substantially takes place in the plane of the preceding panel 1 B. This does not strictly have to be the same plane, as the coupling parts 13-14 initially during connecting indeed allow for some deviations. Practically seen, for example, with the hands 45 represented in figure 1 , the fingers can be held underneath the panel 1A during the entire swiveling movement of the panel 1A, as well as during coupling to the long edges.

In figure 21 , a particular embodiment is represented, wherein the coupling parts 13-14 at the third and fourth edge are configured such that a new panel 1A to be installed can be engaged with the pertaining locking part of the third edge, via a movement M perpendicular to the plane of the panel, behind the locking part 20 of the fourth edge of a preceding panel 1 B, whereas the panel 1A is situated in the initially turned position in respect to panel 1 B. This allows initially putting down a panel 1A with the tongue 17 simply onto the lower lip 22, without having to insert the tongue 17 already under the upper lip 21 of the groove 18, after which the tongue 17, when performing said turning movement W, then automatically will be drawn into the groove 18, more particularly under the upper lip 21 , as a result of the particular course of the locking portions 19 and 20.

It is noted that the course of the locking parts 19 and 20 in the most preferred embodiment is situated within a certain zone. This zone is represented in figure 22 by the hatched part 46. This preferred zone is fixedly determined in function of the dimensions of the panel 1A. Herein, the radius A corresponds to the distance from the first corner point 9 up to the starting point 47 of the course of the locking parts 19 and 20 at the location of the first edge 1. The zone 46 is bordered by a straight line 48 and a circular arc 49. The straight line 48 is obtained by drawing a circular arc 50 with a radius R/2 through the starting point 47, with the center situated on the first edge 1 , and subsequently connecting the starting point 47 with a straight line to the point 51 where the arc 50 leaves the lower lip. The circular arc 49 is obtained by drawing a circle with a radius R starting from the starting point 47, the center of which is situated on the corner point 9.

Preferably, the starting point 47 is positioned at the edge 1 as much as possible inwards in the groove 18, in other words, in fact on the part of the lower lip 22 which extends up to beyond the upper lip 21 , however, as close as possible to the distal extremity of the upper lip. According to a particular embodiment, it is even not excluded to localize the starting point underneath the upper lip. The real position depends on the applied tools, more particularly milling cutters, and on the desired profile. It is noted that the locking parts 19 and 20 can be realized according to a plurality of variants. Figures 23 to 25, in a strongly schematized manner, show a number of variants, wherein the line 52 respectively represents the location where the contact surfaces 25-26 cooperate with each other. In figure 23, this is a straight line. In figure 24, this is the combination of a straight line and an arc. In figure 2, use is made of a portion 53 extending parallel to the respective upper edges of the panels. The dashed line in figure 25 represents that the locking parts do not necessarily have to join each other over their complete course.

Figure 26 represents a variant, which illustrates that a plurality of locking parts 19A-19B and 20A-20B can be applied one behind the other, which then each individually have, for example, an arcuate course.

As can be seen in figure 32, it is preferred that said angle A is adjusted such that the cutting line of the plane in which the milling cutter rotates and the plane of the panel 1 corresponds or almost corresponds to an average inclination of the guide- forming locking part 20. It is clear that such angle adjustment can also be applied for the milling cutter 55.

In figures 28 to 31 , the panels always are represented with the decor side upwards, however, it is clear that during a milling treatment, these may also be positioned upside down or in another direction.

Of course, it is not excluded to provide for a more sophisticated control, wherein the respective milling cutter during each milling cycle also is turned in a controlled manner, such as indicated by arrow 61 , or thus the angle A is changed during forming the respective locking 20, in order to thus keep the position of such milling cutter always tangential to the course of a locking part to be realized.

It is noted that the idea of applying a milling cutter of which the axis, more particularly the axis of rotation, according to a view perpendicular to the panel, forms an angle with the actual edge of the panel which differs from 90 degrees, for manufacturing a part, more particularly a locking part, of a coupling profile which does not extend parallel to the actual edge of the panel, also forms an invention and this inventive idea thus is not limited to panels as described herein above. It is noted that the invention also relates to embodiments wherein the abovementioned turning movement is only a part of the entire movement with which a panel 1A is coupled to a panel 1B.

Very short rectilinear movements, for example, at the end of a turning movement, can be seen as a part of the turning movement. Such small rectilinear movement occurs, for example, between the positions represented in the figures 15 and 16. It is noted that a panel according to the invention can also be realized by providing, at said fourth edge 8, a locking part 20 which is only present over a small distance L, such as schematically represented in figure 27, whereas the locking part 19, which is not represented here, can extend parallel over the entire third edge 7. Due to the small length L, as well as due to the fact that most materials are somewhat deformable, the continuous locking part 19 in fact can be turned up to behind the short locking part 20 without a problem by means of said turning movement W. The advantage thereof is that the locking part 20 can be made rectilinear and parallel to the upper edge 24.

In figures 28 to 31 , it is realized how the panels 1 can be manufactured, more particularly the coupling parts 13-14 can be formed in the edges 7-8 by means of rotating milling cutters 54-55-56-57.

With the milling cutters 54 and 56, the global tongue and groove shape is realized. With these milling cutters, profiles are drawn which are situated parallel to the actual edges of the panels. With the milling cutters 55 and 57, the locking parts 19 and 20 are formed. These milling cutters are displaced axially, or anyhow at least axially, during each milling cycle of a panel. This axial displacement is represented exemplarily for the milling cutter 55 schematically by arrow 58 in the view of figure 32 and is performed by displacing the respective milling cutter together with the drive motor 59, by means of a not represented controllable drive mechanism. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the milling cutter and the panel perform a relative movement V, wherein the axis 60 of the milling cutter 57, according to a view on top of the panel, during the major part of the milling process for forming the guide- forming locking part 20, forms an angle A with the direction of the actual edge of the panel which deviates from 90 degrees. By means of such deviating angle, amongst others, undercut effects can be minimized.

This angle A preferably is kept substantially constant. According to the invention, by a "locking part", more particularly 19 and 20, a part has to be understood which, over at least part of its length in at least one mutual position of the panels, provides a locking in the direction R2. Thus, the term "locking part" is not restricted to the parts which, in the final coupled condition, come into mutual contact, but also relates to prolonged parts thereof, which possibly exclusively have a guiding function or even have no particular function.

There, where it is said that such locking part laterally leaves the edge at which it is formed, this has to be seen in a broad manner, that actually the curve which is determined by this locking part, passes crosswise through this edge, irrespective whether the locking part as such effectively continues up to the extreme side of the panel.

When it is stated that a corner point of a panel is in contact with another panel, then this does not necessarily have to be the comer point at the upper edge where this contact is existing, but this may also be a contact which is situated lower, for example, there, where the profile shapes touch each other when one panel is presented with a corner against another panel. Further, it is clear that by an "upper lip" the lip is intended which is situated against the decor side of a panel. When the latter is applied in a ceiling panel, it then of course will form the lower lip. When a panel "can be brought by shifting in the same plane with the tip of the tongue underneath an upper lip of another panel", it is clear that by this also minor deviations have to be understood. An example can be seen in figure 12, wherein the panel 1A is moved somewhat upward before the tip of the tongue ends up underneath the upper lip 39, because it first slides over the locking part 34.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described by way of example; on the contrary, such panels, the method for installing them, as well as the method for manufacturing them can be realized according to various variants, without leaving the scope of the invention.

For example, it is clear that the course of the locking parts 19-20 can be realized according to a large number of forms. According to a particular possibility, the course may also be, for example, step-shaped. It is noted that the respective coupling parts, in particular the coupling parts which are engaged one behind the other by means of a turning movement, can be present along the edges of a panel according to different configurations. For example, the configuration can be designed such that each new panel to be installed, in the representation of figure 1 , does not have to be put on the left hand side next to the preceding panel, but on the right hand side thereof, in other words, such that in the represented upper row of figure 1 , the work flow is not from the right to the left, but from the left to the right.

In connection therewith, it is noted that in principle, one of the main ideas of the invention consists in that the panels, at least at two preferably opposite edges, comprise coupling parts, which allow and also are specifically intended for coupling two of such panels to each other by subjecting at least one of the panels to a rotation substantially in the plane of the covering to be formed, wherein these coupling parts are performed as profiled edge parts, in other words, extend as relatively elongated profile shapes, this latter contrary to the use of hook-shaped elements, such as known, for example, from US 2003/0041542 and US 4.538.392. The use of such hook-shaped elements, however, has the disadvantage that the production of such panels is complicated and expensive. Moreover, the embodiments which are known from these documents, are only suitable for relatively thick panels and are not suitable for relatively thin panels.

This means that other configurations of the coupling parts along the edges of the panels are not excluded. Also, the panels do not necessarily have to be oblong rectangular. Also, square panels, and even panels with a triangular or pentagonal or polygonal design are possible, wherein coupling parts may be present at more than two edges, which coupling parts allow coupling two or more panels to each other by means of a swiveling movement in the plane of the covering.

It is noted that the coupling parts, which can be engaged one behind the other by means of a swiveling movement, thus, for example, the coupling parts 13-14, also can be designed such that they also can be brought into the mutually coupled condition in other manners, thus, additionally to the possibility of the swiveling movement, for example, by turning and/or pushing and snapping and/or via a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other, more particularly according to the push-lock principle.

Also, it is not excluded to apply the invention in panels which are deformable or at least are deformable at their edges. By explicitly deforming the panels temporarily next to their edges, the insertion during the aforementioned swiveling movement can be facilitated. The invention finds a particular application in vinyl tiles, more particularly in LVT (Luxurious Vinyl Tiles). Mostly, such panels are relatively thin, mostly less than 5 mm, and the use of coupling parts which can be brought into each other via a swiveling movement offers the advantage that, notwithstanding the small thickness of the panels, a tongue and groove can be applied with a tongue which fits deep into the groove, as a result of which a particularly strong vertical locking can be obtained, which is particularly desirable at the short edges. By the deformability of such vinyl tiles, as aforementioned, the advantage is obtained that, by deforming the panels or tiles to a certain degree, the coupling thereof sometimes can be facilitated.

On the other hand, it is also possible to apply a short tongue or the like at the sides, where the panels can be pushed into one another by a swiveling movement, in such a manner that two panels at these sides, at least for certain mutual positions, can be coupled to each other by a swiveling movement as well as by a push-lock movement, at choice of the user. The locking in the plane of the panels then can be realized, for example, by applying a profile course which provides for coupling parts which can be brought behind one another by means of a swiveling movement, whereas for the locking perpendicular to the plane of the panels then, for example, use is made of locking parts, such as shown in DE 20 2008 011 589 U1 or such as described in the European patent application No. 09015855 of applicant. It is clear that this principle can be applied with vinyl tiles as well as with other panels. Possibly, the profiled parts can be designed such that the panels at the respective edges first can or must be pressed into each other via the push-lock principle, whereas one of the panels still is in a swiveled-out position, after which the locking is accomplished by a subsequent swiveling movement. This latter then applies, for example, to the short sides, whereas at the long sides then any other suitable coupling system is applied, which also either does or does not allow a locking via the push-lock principle.

Claims

Claims.

1.- Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein this panel (1) comprises a first pair of opposite edges (3), which define a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) at the panel (1);

- wherein this panel (1) comprises a second pair of opposite edges (6), which define a third edge (7) and a fourth edge (8) at the panel (1), which extend transverse to the first and the second edge (4-5);

- wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point (9-10-11-12) at the panel (1);

- wherein the panel (1), at least at the third edge (7) and fourth edge (8), is provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges (7-8), wherein these coupling parts (13-14) form a first locking system (15), by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction (R1) perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system (16), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction (R2) perpendicular to the respective edges (7- 8) and in the plane of the panels (1A-1 B), with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels (1A-1 B) according to the last-mentioned direction (R2);

characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third edge (7) and the fourth edge (8) are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1 A) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1A) is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel (1B), more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering (2), and in such a manner that it moves with its third edge (7) along the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1 B), wherein this turning movement (W) can be performed at least from in a well-defined turned position of the one panel (1A) in respect to the other up to an end position, wherein the first edges (4) of both panels (1A-1 B) are situated in each other's prolongation or are situated substantially parallel and hardly out of each other.

2 - Panel according to claim 1 , characterized in that the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) are made as parts engaging one behind the other, which can be laterally engaged one behind the other via said turning movement (W).

3.- Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third edge (7) and the fourth edge (8) are configured such that said turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1), which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point (12) along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1 B). 4.- Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) are configured such that the aforementioned turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1A) to be turned is situated with its first corner point (9) in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge (4) of the other panel (1B), preferably at no more than 5 cm from this prolongation, and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point (9) in said prolongation.

5. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned coupling parts (19-20) are performed as guide-forming parts, which bring the panels (1A-1B), as a result of said turning movement (W), from a first condition into a second condition, wherein this second condition is the condition wherein both panels are situated with their first edges (4) in each other's prolongation, and wherein the floor panels (1A-1 B) in the second condition are coupled more closingly and/or narrower to each other than in the first condition.

6. - Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the panel (1), at least at the third edge (7) and fourth edge (8), is provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges (7-8), wherein these coupling parts (13-14) form a first locking system (15), by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction (R1) perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system (16), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction (R2) perpendicular to the respective edges (7- 8) and in the plane of the panels (1A-1B), with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels (1A-1 B) according to the last-mentioned direction (R2);

- wherein the coupling parts (13-14) at the second pair of opposite edges (6) allow a mutual displacement of the panels (1A-1B) over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges (7-8), wherein said locking parts (19-20) function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels (1A-1B) from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition,

characterized in that the coupling parts (19-20) are configured such that two of such panels (1A-1B) can be coupled to each other by means of at least a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1A) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1A) is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel (1 B), more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering (2), such by means of a turning movement (W), which is performed substantially around the first corner point (9) of the panel (1A) to be coupled, wherein this first corner point (9) is situated in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge (4) of the preceding panel (1 B).

7. - Panel according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14), more particularly the guide-forming parts, at the third edge (7) and the fourth edge (8) are configured such that the aforementioned turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1A), which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point (10) along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1B).

8. - Panel according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14), more particularly the guide-forming parts, are configured such that said turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1A) to be turned is situated with its first corner point (9) in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel (1), at no more than 5 cm away from this prolongation, and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point (9) in said prolongation. 9.- Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the coupling parts (13-14) at the second pair of opposite edges (6) allow a mutual displacement of the panels (1A-1B) over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges (7-8), wherein said locking parts (19-20) function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels (1A-1B) from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition;

characterized in that said coupling parts (13-14) at the third edge (7) and fourth edge (8) are configured such that a new panel (1A) to be installed can be engaged with the pertaining locking part (19) of the third edge (7), via a movement (M) perpendicular to the plane of the panel (1), behind the locking part (20) of the fourth edge (8) of a preceding panel (1 B), more particularly can be provided freely there behind, such in a position wherein the new panel (1A) with its third edge (7), at least for half of its length, overlaps the length of the fourth edge (8) of the preceding panel (1). 10.- Panel according to claim 9, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edge (7-8), more particularly the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), are configured such that a new panel (1A) to be installed, from the aforementioned position, by means of a turning movement (W) substantially in the same plane as the preceding panel (1 B), further can be coupled to this preceding panel (1B).

1 - Panel according to claim 10, characterized in that the coupling parts (13- 14) at the third and fourth edge (7-8), more particularly the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), are configured such that said turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1), which is being turned, is moved with its fourth corner point (12) along, more particularly in contact with, the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1B).

12. - Panel according to claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edge (8), more particularly the aforementioned locking parts, are configured such that said turning movement (W) can be performed while the panel (1A) to be turned is situated with its first corner point (9) in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge (4) of the other panel (1B), preferably at no more than 5 cm from this prolongation, and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point (9) in said prolongation.

13. - Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point (9-10-11-12) at the panel (1 );

- wherein the panel (1), at least at the third edge (7) and fourth edge (8), is provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges (7-8), wherein these coupling parts (13- 14) form a first locking system (15), by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction (R1) perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system (16), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction (R2) perpendicular to the respective edges (7-8) and in the plane of the panels (1A-1 B), with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels (1A-1 B) according to the last-mentioned direction (R2);

characterized in that the second locking system at the third and fourth edge (7-8) is actively present only over a portion of the length of these edges, as it is actively absent from the fourth, respectively the third edge, over a distance starting from the second, respectively the third corner point.

14.- Panel according to claim 13, characterized in that the coupling parts (13- 14) at the third edge (7) and the fourth edge (8) are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1A) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1A) substantially is turned within the plane of the other panel (1 B), more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering (2), and this such that it moves with its third edge (7) along the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1 B). 15.- Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein this panel (1) is rectangular, thus, oblong or square;

- wherein this panel (1 ) comprises a first pair of opposite edges (3), which define a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) at the panel (1);

- wherein this panel (1) comprises a second pair of opposite edges (6), which define a third edge (7) and a fourth edge (8) at the panel (1 ), which extend transverse to the first and the second edge (4-5);

- wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point (9-10-1 1-12) at the panel (1);

- wherein the panel (1), at least at the third edge (7) and fourth edge (8), is provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges (7-8), wherein these coupling parts (13- 14) form a first locking system (15), by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction (R1) perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system (16), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction (R2) perpendicular to the respective edges (7-8) and in the plane of the panels (1A-1B), with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels (1A-1B) according to the last-mentioned direction (R2);

characterized in that said coupling parts are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1) is turned substantially within the plane of the other panel (1), more particularly, thus, in the plane of the covering (2), and that at least one of the locking parts at the third or fourth edge (8) of the panel (1) laterally gives out in the course of the edge.

16. - Panel according to claim 15, characterized in that the aforementioned coupling parts (13-14) are realized in the form of a tongue (17) and groove (18), wherein the tongue (17) is provided at the third edge (7), whereas the groove (18) is situated at the fourth edge (8), wherein the groove (18) is bordered by an upper lip (21) and a lower lip (22), of which the lower lip (22) extends up to beyond the upper lip (21), wherein one of the aforementioned locking parts (20) is situated at said lower lip (22), wherein this locking part (20) functions as a guide-forming part and this guide-forming part laterally gives out in the fourth edge (8).

17. - Panel for forming a covering (2),

- wherein the coupling parts (13-14) at the second pair of opposite edges (6) allow a mutual displacement of the panels (1A-1B) over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges (7-8), wherein said locking parts (19-20) function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels (1A-1 B) from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition;

characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) is performed as a guide-forming part having a course with a gradually changing inclination degree, such over a distance of at least 1/4th of the length of the respective edge (7-8).

18.- Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), and preferably both, with the possible exception of a rounded or inclined entrance part, shows, show, respectively, an inclination (S) in respect to the course of the actual edge of the panel (1), which, over the major part of these locking parts (19-20), deviates less than 20 degrees and still better less than 10 degrees from the direction according to which the third and fourth edge (8) are extending. 19.- Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), and preferably both, show over the major part an inclination (S) in respect to the course of the actual edge of the panel (1), wherein this inclination, however, towards the first edge (4), becomes zero at this first edge (4) or already at a distance away from it. 20.- Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), and preferably both, is, are, respectively, realized arcuate and more particular circularly arcuate over the major part of its length. 21.- Panel according to claim 20, characterized in that the arcuate part is realized with a radius in the order of magnitude of 0.5 to 1.25 times the length of the panel (1).

22. - Panel according to claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that the center C of the arc is situated at the first edge (4) or the prolongation thereof.

23. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) comprises a part (53), which is substantially parallel to the third or fourth edge (7-8).

24. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) at the third and fourth edge (7-8), in the completely coupled condition, come into mutual contact over at least 1/4 of the length of these edges (7-8).

25. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned locking parts (19-20), in the completely coupled condition of two panels, at the third and fourth edge (7-8), come into contact over their entire length, with the exception of a possible rounded or inclined entrance part, or, if one locking part is shorter than the other, these come into mutual contact at least over the entire length of the shortest locking part.

26. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) are configured such that two of such panels (1 A-1 B) to be coupled, at the beginning of said turning movement (W), fit into each other with a certain play.

27. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third or fourth edge (7-8) are configured such that they initially fit into each other with a play, however, that, when turning the one panel into the other, finally a play-free coupling is obtained.

28. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edge (7-8) are configured such that in the finally coupled condition a so-called pretension is obtained.

29. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it relates to a panel (1) which is intended for being installed in rows, together with other panels (1), wherein the first edge (4) each time is intended for being coupled to a preceding row of panels, the second edge (5) is intended for being coupled to a following row of panels, the third edge (7) is intended for being coupled to a preceding panel (1 B) in the same row, and the fourth edge (8) is intended for being coupled to a following panel in the same row.

30. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises locking parts (19-20), which, at the third and/or fourth edge (7-8), comprise a straight part (53), which extends parallel to the edge of the respective panel (1).

31. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned locking parts substantially extend straight-lined over their entire length, however, such at an angle in respect to the respective upper edge of the panel (1).

32. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more locking parts (19A-19B) at the third edge (7), as well as correspondingly two or more locking parts (20A-20B) at the fourth edge (8) are present.

33. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that they are oblong panels, wherein the aforementioned third edge (7) and fourth edge (8) form the short sides of the panels.

34. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edge (7-8) are realized in the form of a tongue (17) and groove (18), wherein the groove (18) is bordered by a lower lip (22) and an upper lip (21), wherein the locking parts (19-20) are situated at the upper side of the lower lip and the bottom side of the tongue (17), respectively.

35. - Panel according to claim 34, characterized in that the locking parts (19-20) show mutually cooperating contact or locking surfaces (25-26), wherein the locking surface of the lower lip (22) is situated at least partially and preferably entirely beyond the distal extremity of the upper lip (21 ).

36. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edges (7-8) can be freely engaged one behind the other by a vertical or substantially vertical movement (M), such in a position in which the one panel (1) still is turned in respect to the other, after which, by turning the one panel (1A) in respect to the other panel (1 B), a locking is obtained in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels.

37. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edges are configured such that they allow connecting two of these panels to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by pushing one panel (1) substantially in the same plane as the other panel (1) towards this other panel (1), and/or by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel (1), starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel (1), with its third edge (7) along the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1) and afterwards turning it into the plane of the other panel (1).

38. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the first pair of opposite edges (3), coupling parts (29-30) are present, which form at least a first locking system (31), by which coupled panels (1) are prevented to come out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane.

39. - Panel according to claim 38, characterized in that the coupling parts (29- 30) at the first pair of opposite edges also form a second locking system (32), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges (4-5) and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts (33-34), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels (1) according to the last-mentioned direction. 40.- Panel according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that the coupling parts (29-30) at the first pair of opposite edges are formed as straight-running profiles, which extend parallel along the respective edges.

41. - Panel according to any of the claims 38 to 40, characterized in that the coupling parts (29-30) at the first pair of opposite edges (3) are performed in the form of a tongue (35) and groove (36), which are provided with the aforementioned locking parts (33-34), wherein the tongue (35) and the groove (36) are performed such that, when two of such panels are moved with their first and second edges towards each other in the same plane, the tongue (35) automatically ends up at least partially in the groove (36), more particularly the tip of the tongue automatically ends up underneath a lip which borders the upper side of the groove (36).

42. - Panel according to claim 41 , characterized in that the groove (36) is situated at the second edge (5) and the tongue (35) at the first, whereas also the coupling parts (13-14) at the third and fourth edge (7-8) substantially are performed as a tongue (17) and groove (18), of which the tongue (17) is situated at the third edge (7) and the groove (18) is situated at the fourth edge (8). 43.- Panel according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the groove (36) pertaining to the first pair of opposite edges (3) is bordered by an upper lip (39) and a lower lip (40), wherein the lower lip laterally extends up to beyond the upper lip. 44.- Panel according to claim 43, characterized in that the groove (36) is provided with a locking part (34) in the form of a locking surface (38), which is situated at least partially in the portion of the upper lip which is situated laterally beyond the upper lip. 45.- Panel according to any of the claims 38 to 44, characterized in that the coupling parts (29-30) at the first and second edges are configured such that they allow connecting two of these panels (1) to each other by snapping them into each other, preferably by shifting one panel (1) substantially in the same plane as the other panel (1) towards this other panel (1), and/or by turning them laterally into each other, by presenting the one panel (1), starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of the other panel (1), with its first edge (4) along the second edge (5) of the other panel (1) and by subsequently turning it into the plane of the other panel (1).

46. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling parts (13-14; 29-30), at least at the third and fourth edge, and preferably at all four edges of the panel (1), are provided in the panel (1) in one piece and preferably consist of profiles milled into the edge.

47. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it relates to a panel (1) with a core of a material from the group of MDF (Medium

Density Fiberboard) and HDF (High Density Fiberboard).

48. - Panel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a floor panel.

49. - Panel according to claim 48, characterized in that it is a board-shaped floor panel from the group of: panels having a printed decor at the surface, more particularly laminate panels, and still more particularly DPL panels (Direct Pressed Laminate) or directly printed panels; veneer parquet; composed parquet, also called "engineered wood"; solid parquet; board-shaped, preferably wood-based, panels with a top layer of another material attached thereon; and vinyl panels or tiles, more particularly so-called LVT (Luxurious Vinyl Tile).

50. - Method for installing panels, more particularly for forming a covering (2), wherein this covering (2) is composed of a plurality of panels (1 ; 1A-1B), characterized in that for this purpose, panels are applied, which, at two or more edges, are provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing that such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts (13-14) form a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system, which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last- mentioned direction, and wherein the coupling parts (13-14) of at least two edges are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of said coupling parts (13-14), by means of a turning movement (W) of the one panel (1A) in respect to the other, wherein the one panel (1A) substantially is turned in the plane of the other panel (1 B), and that the method consists in that the covering (2) is formed at least by coupling a number of such panels to each other, wherein they are connected to each other at least at said two edges by means of a turning movement (W) of the panels, as aforementioned.

51. - Method according to claim 50, characterized in that to this aim, panels are applied, which are rectangular, thus, oblong or square; which comprise a first pair of opposite edges (3), which define a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) at such panel (1); which comprise a second pair of opposite edges (6), which define a third and a fourth edge (7-8) at such panel (1), which extend transverse to the first and the second edge (4-5); wherein the first and fourth edge, the fourth and second edge, the second and third edge and the third and first edge, respectively, define a first, second, third and fourth corner point (9-10-11-12) at the panel (1); and wherein such panel (1), at least at the third and fourth edge (8), is provided with said coupling parts (13-14) allowing that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of said turning movement (W) of the one panel (1) in respect to the other, wherein, when coupling a panel (1) with its third edge (7) to the fourth edge (8) of another panel (1), this then is realized by displacing the first panel (1) with its third edge along the fourth edge of the other panel (1) during said turning movement (W).

52. - Method according to claim 51 , characterized in that, when realizing the aforementioned turning movement (W), the respective panel (1A) is moved with its fourth corner point (12) along the fourth edge (8) of the other panel (1 B), preferably in contact with this edge.

53. - Method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that the aforementioned turning movement (W) is performed while the panel (1A) to be turned is situated with its first corner point (9) in the proximity of the prolongation of the first edge of the other panel (1 B), preferably at no more than 5 cm from this prolongation and still better at no more than 2 cm from this prolongation, and still better with the first corner point (9) in said prolongation.

54. - Method according to any of the claims 51 to 53, characterized in that the panels are installed in successive rows, wherein the panels, which are intended for being surrounded by other panels, are coupled with their first edge (4) to a preceding row of panels, are coupled with their second edge (5) to a following row of panels, are coupled with their third edge (7) to a preceding panel (1) in the same row, and at their fourth edge (8) are coupled to a following panel (1) in the same row.

55. - Method according to claim 54, characterized in that, when performing said turning movement (W) by means of one of the aforementioned panels, this panel (1) is maintained with its corner point (9) in contact with the second edge (5) of a panel (1) situated in the preceding row, such that this edge, during performing the turning movement (W), functions as a support point for the corner point.

56. - Method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that panels are applied, which, at their first and second edge, also are provided with coupling parts (29-30) forming a first locking system, by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, as well as forming a second locking system providing in a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts, which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last- mentioned direction, wherein via these coupling parts (29-30) between the first and second edge of two respective panels a connection is realized substantially after the third edge (7) of such panel (1), by means of the aforementioned turning movement (W), has been coupled to the fourth edge (8) of an adjacent panel (1). 57.- Method according to claim 56, characterized in that for the first and second edge, coupling parts (29-30) are applied in the form of a tongue (35) and groove (36), which are provided with said locking parts, wherein the tongue and the groove are realized such that, when two of such panels are moved with their first and second edges towards each other in the same plane, the tongue automatically ends up at least partially in the groove, more particularly the tip of the tongue (35) automatically ends up under a lip (39), which borders the upper side of the groove (36).

58. - Method according to claim 57, characterized in that, when performing the aforementioned turning movement (W), at least during part of this turning movement (W), said tip of the tongue (35) is brought under said lip at the location of the first corner point and is held there.

59. - Method according to claim 58, characterized in that, when performing the aforementioned turning movement (W), said tip of the tongue (35) systematically is brought over the entire length of the first edge (4) under said lip (39) of the panel (1) situated in the preceding row;

60. - Method according to any of the claims 56 to 59, characterized in that panels are applied, which mutually can be attached to each other at their first edge (4) and second edge (5) by presenting a panel (1), starting from a position wherein it is turned out of the plane of another panel (1), with its first edge (4) along the second edge (5) of the other panel (1) and subsequently turning it in the plane of the other panel (1). 61.- Method according to claim 60, characterized in that such panel (1) is connected with its first edge (4) to the second edge (5) of a panel (1) in the preceding row by turning it somewhat out of the plane of the covering (2) and then turning it back again, such that a connection is made, wherein the preceding panel (1), which is situated in the same row and is coupled with its fourth edge to the third edge of the last panel (1A), during this turning temporarily is also turned to and fro along with it.

62. - Method according to any of the claims 50 to 61 , characterized in that it is applied for forming a covering (2) in the form of a floor covering, wherein the panels consist of floor panels; and that, when performing the aforementioned turning movement (W), a new panel (1A) to be installed is shifted at least partially over the subfloor.

63. - Method according to any of the claims 50 to 61 , characterized in that herein, use is made of panels according to any of the claims 1 to 49.

64. - Method for manufacturing panels, wherein these panels, at least at two opposite edges, are provided with coupling parts (13-14) allowing to couple two of such panels (1A-1 B) to each other at these edges, wherein these coupling parts (13-14) form a first locking system (15), by which coupled panels are prevented to get out of each other according to a direction perpendicular to their plane, and form a second locking system (16), which provides for a mutual locking according to a direction perpendicular to the respective edges and in the plane of the panels, with locking parts (19-20), which prevent the drifting apart of the panels according to the last-mentioned direction; wherein the coupling parts (13-14) at these edges allow a mutual displacement of the panels over at least a well-defined length substantially in the longitudinal direction of these edges, wherein the aforementioned locking parts (19-20) function as guide-forming parts, which, as a result of said displacement, bring the panels (1A-1B) from a first condition into a second condition, wherein the floor panels in the second condition are coupled to each other more closingly and/or narrower than in the first condition; and wherein at least one of the guide-forming parts according to its longitudinal direction is performed with a course which deviates from the pertaining actual edge of the panel (1), characterized in that at least said guide-forming part with the deviating course is realized by means of a rotating milling cutter (55; 57), wherein the milling cutter (55; 57) and the panel (1) perform a relative movement and wherein the axis of the milling cutter, according to a view perpendicular to the plane of the panel (1), during the major part of the milling process for forming the respective guide- forming part, forms an angle (A) with the direction of the actual edge of the panel (1 ) which deviates from 90 degrees.

65. - Method according to claim 64, characterized in that said angle (A) is kept substantially constant.

66. - Method according to claim 65, characterized in that said angle is set such that the cutting line of the plane in which the milling cutter rotates, and the plane of the panel (1) corresponds or approximately corresponds to an average inclination of the guide-forming part.

67. - Method according to claim 64, characterized in that herein, a guide-forming part is formed with a course which deviates from a straight line, and said angle, during milling of the guide-forming part, is continuously adapted in function of said course.

68. - Method according to any of the claims 64 to 67, characterized in that such guide-forming part is realized according to an arcuate curve.

69. - Method according to any of the claims 64 to 68, characterized in that herewith, panels are realized according to any of the claims 1 to 49.

70. - Panel, more particularly floor panel (1), characterized in that it is realized according to any of the claims 64 to 69.