WO2002101175A1

WO2002101175A1 - Device for assembling panels, laths or sheathings with load distribution

Info

Publication number: WO2002101175A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/001997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnaud Becker
Original assignee: Espace Production International EPI (Société Anonyme)
Priority date: 2001-06-12
Filing date: 2002-06-11
Publication date: 2002-12-19
Also published as: EP1404933A1; WO2002101175A8; FR2825734A1; FR2825734B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for assembling panels, laths or sheathings ((1), comprising means for assembling longitudinal edges and transverse edges, consisting of at least a male part (2) provided on a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge of said panels, laths or sheathings (1) and at least a female part (3) matching in shape provided on the other longitudinal and the transverse edge of said panels, laths or sheathings (1), the means assembling the longitudinal edges being of the type with load distribution and the longitudinal edges bearing the male and female parts extending along parallel oblique planes. Said device is characterised in that the assembling means provided on the transverse edges are also of the type with load distribution and the transverse edges extend along parallel oblique planes. The invention is more particularly applicable in the field of construction, in particular for floor, wall and ceiling coverings, in particular in the form of panels, laths or sheathings made of different materials such as wood, laminates, synthetic materials.

Description

Device for assembling panels, slats or paneling, with force distribution

The present invention relates to the field of construction, in particular floor coverings, walls or ceilings, in particular in the form of panels, slats or paneling in different materials, such as wood, laminate materials, synthetic materials. .., and relates to a device for assembling such panels, slats or paneling, with force distribution.

Currently, the elements of floor coverings, walls or ceilings are generally in the form of panels, slats or paneling made of different materials, such as solid wood, compressed particles provided with a synthetic coating or wood solid or entirely made of synthetic materials with an exposed textured face.

These various elements are generally assembled together by known means of the grooves and tongues type, two adjacent sides of these elements being, for example, provided with a tongue intended to cooperate with grooves provided on two corresponding sides of corresponding elements. Thus, each element has two tabs on two adjacent sides, the other two sides being provided with grooves. It has also been proposed to provide the panels, slats or paneling, near their tongue and groove assembly means equipping their longitudinal edges, with a mechanical device improving the quality of said assembly by creating an anti-dislocation means in assembly position, that is to say when two successive elements are assembled with tongue and groove and are arranged flat. This mechanical device also allows, in the flat assembly position, a displacement along the longitudinal axis of the elements, in order to favor the fitting of their end tongues in the corresponding end groove of the element. adjacent. Such mechanical devices are essentially of two types, namely implementing complementary mechanical locking parts or provided with an integrated locking part, and are known from EP-A-0 877 130, EP-A-0 855484, EP-A-0 969 164, EP-A-0 969 163, WO-A 99/66152, WO-A 99/66151, OA 98/24995, WO-A 98/24994 and WO-A 97/4783.

The complementary mechanical parts are either hook-shaped section profiles or hooks uniformly distributed over the entire length of the elements and cooperating with correspondingly shaped grooves provided in the edges of said elements.

Such elements certainly allow a correct connection between the panels, slats or paneling, but require very specific laying maneuvers, namely an engagement of the connecting elements in a position of inclination of the panels, slats or paneling one by relative to the others, then a horizontal positioning of the latter with a view to their lateral engagement, that is to say a prior arrangement of the connecting sections with hook-shaped section, under the edge of one of the panels, slats or paneling and the 'engagement of the other end of these profiles under the corresponding edge of the adjacent panels, slats or paneling, the lateral engagement being produced after this mechanical connection along the longitudinal edges.

These known complementary mechanical connection devices have, however, the disadvantage of being of a relatively complex constitution implementing simultaneously groove and tongue assemblies and a mechanical holding means in the service position preventing any sliding of a panel, batten or paneling with respect to one another perpendicular to their longitudinal edges. The machining of the mechanical connecting elements directly near the longitudinal edges involves the implementation of relatively fine and extremely sharp tools, in order to allow the production of thin walls necessarily resulting from the machining of very low panels, slats or paneling. thickness. As a result, the tools used are of a high cost price and that the actual machining involves checks at relatively short regular intervals to obviate the fluctuations in dimensions resulting from relatively rapid wear of the cutting tools used. These machining problems have the logical consequence of a corresponding increase in the cost price of the panels, slats or paneling. Furthermore, the production of the mechanical holding elements in the form of relatively thin walls and of protruding elements on these walls results in a certain fragility of these mechanical elements which results in a fairly rapid destruction of said elements during repeated assembly maneuvers. and disassembly of the panels, slats or paneling thus equipped. In fact, due to the interlocking of the mechanical elements with each other and the maintenance with a slight tightening of the corresponding longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling thus equipped, these mechanical elements are stressed by a tensile force perpendicular to the longitudinal edges, as well as by bending forces, during each assembly or disassembly.

It has also been proposed, by WO-A-97/4783 to produce a means of assembly and holding in the form of a longitudinal element of cross section in an arc of a circle, the female part of which equips a longitudinal edge with a panel, of a slat or of a paneling and whose male part, in hook, equips the opposite longitudinal edge. Theoretically, such an assembly simultaneously allows perfect maintenance at the joints, in the service position. However, the stability of this assembly cannot be ensured, because an unevenness of the ground or support, in particular in the form of a hollow will result in a possibility of disengaging the assembly, because a recovery of vertical load is not provided. Such an effect is further accentuated if the blades are placed on a flexible support for sound and / or thermal insulation. In addition, an embodiment of such a means of assembly by machining is completely impossible, in particular on the edges of panels, slats or paneling of small thickness.

Finally, all known assembly devices have the drawback of being relatively fragile at the joints, because the connecting tongue between the panels, slats or paneling is relatively thin and must fully absorb the forces at of said joints and in particular the significant shear forces occurring in the case of an arrangement above a vacuum due to unevenness of the ground or the like. We also know from French patent applications no.

00 06163, 00 08987, 0010402, 01 00186 and 01 01256 a device for assembling the longitudinal edges of such panels, slats or paneling, with force distribution, making it possible to simultaneously ensure, by form cooperation, perfect and automatic jointing adjacent longitudinal edges of the panels, slats or paneling and self-tightening of said panels, slats or paneling against each other, along said longitudinal edges, in particular under load, as well as a distribution of the forces applied along the joints .

The subject of the present invention is a device for assembling panels, slats or paneling comprising means for assembling the longitudinal edges and the transverse edges, which consist of at least one male part equipping a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge. of said panels, slats or paneling and by at least one female part of corresponding shape fitted to the other longitudinal edge and the transverse edge of said panels, slats or paneling, the means for assembling the longitudinal edges being with force distribution and the longitudinal edges carrying the male and female parts extending along parallel oblique planes, characterized in that the assembly means equipping the transverse edges are also with force distribution and the transverse edges extend along parallel oblique planes.

The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view in section of two possible variants of the device according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 show, in side elevation and in section, two embodiments of another alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a view similar to those of Figures 2 and 3 of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a view similar to those of Figures 2 and 3 of another alternative embodiment of the invention; Figures 6 to 8 are views similar to those of Figures 2 to 5 of other alternative embodiments of the invention; Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to those of Figures 2 to 8, on a larger scale, of two other alternative embodiments of the invention; Figures 11 to 13 are views similar to that of Figure 10 of other alternative embodiments of the device, and Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 of another alternative embodiment of the device. Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings show an assembly of two panels, slats or paneling 1 by means of an assembly device comprising means for assembling the longitudinal edges (not shown) and transverse edges, which are constituted by at least one male part 2 equipping a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge of said panels, slats or paneling and by at least one female part 3 of corresponding shape equipping the other longitudinal edge and the transverse edge of said panels, slats or paneling 1, the way assembly of the longitudinal edges, not shown in the accompanying drawings, being with force distribution and the longitudinal edges carrying the male and female parts extending in parallel oblique planes.

According to the invention, this connecting device is _t characterized in that the means of assembly fitted to the transverse edges are also distribution of forces and the transverse edges extend is next parallel oblique planes.

The jointing between two successive panels, slats or paneling 1 can be carried out in line with the end of the male part, in line with the male 2 and female 3 parts or outside the vertical plane comprising the male 2 and female 3 parts. A such an embodiment of the transverse edges allows a distribution of the forces applied to the level of the joints such that the assembly device proper, formed by the male 2 and female 3 parts, is subjected to a very low stress, in particular as regards concerns shear stresses.

The male 2 and female 3 parts are respectively in the form of a transverse tongue inclined substantially at right angles to a first transverse edge carrying it and of a correspondingly shaped housing provided in the other transverse edge and the inclination is complementary to that of the tongue fitted to the first transverse edge. Thus, as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, the tongue forming the male part 2 can extend upwards or downwards and cooperate with a housing 3 forming the female part.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the male 2 and female 3 parts can be produced in the form of simple tongues and grooves of square or rectangular section extending perpendicularly to the oblique transverse edges of said panels, slats or paneling 1 (FIG. 1 ). Thus, after assembly of the edges, the panels, slats or paneling 1 are connected together without the possibility of mutual displacement perpendicular to their transverse edges.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the assembly device is further equipped with a self-locking means, self-sealing and holding in the service position.

This self-locking, self-sealing and holding in service position means is advantageously in the form of at least one shoulder 4 connecting at least one edge of the tongue 2, forming the male part of the device, to the corresponding transverse edge and cooperating with another shoulder 5 provided on the corresponding edge delimiting the female part 3 of the assembly device (Figures 1 to 3). Thus, at the end of the assembly operation, the shoulder 4, which is connected substantially perpendicular to the oblique edge of the panel, batten or paneling and which forms with the latter substantially a right angle, fits onto the angle corresponding formed by the shoulder 5 and the corresponding edge of the adjacent panel, batten or paneling. The nesting thus produced prevents any dismantling of two consecutive panels, slats or paneling by displacement parallel to the support. In addition, the form cooperation thus achieved allows self-tightening of the assembly under load, the cooperating parts being clamped against each other when a load is applied at the joints.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the male part 2 in the form of a transverse tongue advantageously has, on the side 4 ′ opposite to that forming the shoulder 4, a part 6 laterally projecting from this side 4 ′ and forming an angle acute relative to the oblique surface carrying the male part 2, this laterally projecting part 6 cooperating with a recess 7 of the housing forming the female part 3 (Figures 2 and 3). The provision of such a projecting part 6 allows additional locking of the assembly and avoids any possibility of lifting the panel, batten or paneling 1 on the side comprising the tongue 2 or male part.

To promote the penetration of the laterally projecting part 6 of the male part 2 into the housing forming the female part 3, said laterally projecting part 6 is in the form of a transverse appendage having a section narrowing from the transverse edge of the panel, batten or paneling 1 in the direction of the free end of said transverse appendage. The surface 2 'of the male part 2 connecting the sides 4 and 4' or the side 4 and the external edge of the side 6 projecting laterally from the male part 2 is preferably in the form of a flat surface .

During the insertion of the male part 2 into the female part 3, the laterally projecting part 6 penetrates into the corresponding recess 7 of the female part 3 and is finally locked in this position, when applying the 'shoulder 4 of the male part 2 against the shoulder 5 of the female part 3.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the laterally projecting part 6 of the male part 2 is connected to the transverse edge carrying said male part 2 by a side 4 ', substantially perpendicular to this transverse edge (FIG. 2).

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawing, the laterally projecting part 6 of the male part 2 can also be connected to the transverse edge carrying said male part 2 directly by its face 6 'opposite to the surface 2 'of the male part 2, at an acute angle.

It is also possible, according to alternative embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 4 and 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings, to double the male 2 and female 3 parts equipping the oblique transverse edges of said panels, slats or paneling 1 and to have on each transverse edge, in an adjacent manner, a male part 2 and a female part 3 cooperating with a female part 3 and a male part 2 of the opposite edge, these male 2 and female 3 parts of two opposite edges being staggered and forming a double tongue and groove assembly. Such embodiments make it possible to obtain a locking in position of the panels, slats or paneling 1 between them.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 8 of the appended drawings, the tongue and groove forming the male 2 and female 3 parts can be produced by curvilinear male and female elements interlocking with each other and ensuring locking in position of the panels, slats or paneling. 1 between them.

To allow a perfect surface finish to be obtained for the panels, slats or paneling 1 at the joints, in particular to avoid a risk of deterioration of the decorative surface, the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges carrying the male parts 2 and female 3 are advantageously connected to the upper and lower surfaces of said panels, slats or paneling 1 by means of flanges l ′ of these latter, which extend perpendicular to said upper and lower surfaces (FIGS. 4 to 8).

Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the edges 1a of the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are directly connected to the male 2 and female 3 parts, the bases and the end faces in mutual contact extend in parallel oblique planes. Thus, it is possible to make a connection with self-sealing, self-tightening and self-locking, while ensuring the continuity of the decorative surface at the joint.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 4 and 6 of the accompanying drawings, at least one of the male parts 2 may be provided, at its end penetrating into the corresponding female part 3, d 'a locking element 8 by form of cooperation engaging in a corresponding housing 9 of said female part 3. This locking element 8 can be constituted, either in the form of an elastic tongue provided with a snap rib ( Figure 4) cooperating with the housing of the female part 3, either in the form of an elastic strip produced by forming a transverse parallel notch 8 'in the male part 2, this strip being provided with the snap rib cooperating the housing 9 of the female part 3 (Figure 6). Such a locking element makes it possible to perfect the interlocking of the assembly device between the panels, slats or paneling 1 during the final assembly operation while avoiding destruction by aging following repeated assembly and disassembly, due to the elasticity of the element 8.

According to another characteristic of the invention, shown in FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings, at least one edge 2 "of a male part 2 and the corresponding angle 3" of the cooperating female part 3 are advantageously cut by a flat surface extending parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling 1. The provision of such horizontal bearing surfaces, for example relative to the tread surface of a floor, allows the absorption of the shear forces due vertical loads. In addition, these surfaces guarantee a perfect flush with the upper surface of the panels, slats or paneling 1 at the joining joints.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings shows another alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the assembly device is completed by a second set of male 2 and female 3 parts simultaneously forming a means of self-locking, self -jointing and holding in service position.

According to a characteristic of the invention, not shown in the accompanying drawings, at least one of the sets of male 2 and female 3 parts has rounded shapes. Thus, for example, the assembly simultaneously forming the means of self-locking, self-sealing and maintenance in the service position can be in the form, on the one hand, of a substantially semi-cylindrical appendage and, on the other hand, of an obviously of corresponding section.

The male 2 and female 3 parts equipping the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 preferably have side walls inclined in the direction of a narrowing of the section from the base towards the top of the male parts and d '' a flare from the base towards the opening of the female parts. Thus, during the assembly or disassembly of the panels, slats or paneling 1, the insertion of the male parts 2 into the female parts 3 is facilitated, this insertion being effected by presentation of the panel, slat or paneling 1 to be put in place according to a greater or lesser inclination relative to the horizontal and to the panel, batten or paneling 1 already in place.

Furthermore, in order to further promote the insertion of the male parts 2 into the corresponding female parts 3, the connecting edges of the angles delimiting said male parts 2, as well as angles delimiting the housings forming the female parts 3, are advantageously slightly rounded. or chamfered.

Thus, the beginning of the penetration of a male part 2 into a female part 3 is facilitated, while the further assembly of the edges is carried out by intimate contact of the corresponding surfaces, so that the assembly is carried out self-locking, self-sealing and self-locking.

Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings show, on a larger scale, other alternative embodiments of the invention, in which the flanges V connecting the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges, carrying the male 2 and female 3 parts to the upper surface of the panels, slats or paneling 1 and extending perpendicular to said upper surface, are advantageously each provided with a transverse housing 10 partially open along said upper surface and each delimiting with the housing 10 the transverse edge of the panel , batten or paneling 1 adjoining a groove 11 for receiving a joint element 12, in the form of a putty, a strip or the like. Preferably, the housings 10 of the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 have a flared shape towards the inside of said panels, slats or paneling 1 enabling grooves 11 to be obtained. widening towards the inside of the assembly of assembled panels, slats or paneling 1. Such an embodiment makes it possible to have between the panels, slats or paneling 1, during their assembly, joint elements 12 serving as decorative or jointing elements. In addition, a flaring of the housings 11 allows insertion by clipping of elastically deformable jointing elements and their maintenance in the service position. Thus, it is possible to produce an assembly of panels having an appearance of ceramic or other tiles, the joints between said tiles being formed by the elements 12. This embodiment of the transverse housings 10 is possible due to the provision of the oblique planes, which allow obtaining material thicknesses sufficient to undergo the corresponding machining, which is not possible in the presence of joint planes perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces.

According to another characteristic of the invention and as shown in FIG. 9, at least one male part 2 of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the beams, slats or paneling 1 is provided with means 13 for locking in the form of a transverse groove, which cooperates with a cooperating means 14 of the corresponding female part 3, constituted by a transverse rib, the assembly of the assembly being effected by plastic deformation of the means 13 and 14. A such an embodiment allows additional locking in position, by clipping, resulting in an improvement in self-tightening and self-jointing already conferred by the assembly with multiple grooves and tongues. In addition, at least one pair of housing 3 - male part 2 of the assembly can be completed by at least one additional locking means 15 in the form of a transverse projection and a corresponding housing.

In addition, FIG. 9 represents another characteristic of the invention, according to which the ends of the male parts 2 and the bottom of the housings forming the female parts 3 have a face parallel to that of the upper and lower faces of the panels, slats or paneling. 1, the housings forming the female parts 3 having a depth slightly greater than the height of the male parts 2. Thus, in the assembly position, there remains an operating clearance allowing the loads to be absorbed at the level of the joints and ensuring the self-sealing and self-tightening - Li at three different points, at the level of the male parts 2 and at the level of the locking device 15.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the male parts 2 of the same oblique plane extend in opposite directions. Figures 11 to 13 show other alternative embodiments of the invention, in which the inlet edges of the housings forming the female part or parts 3 of at least one of the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels , slats or paneling 1, as well as the corresponding edges of the male part or parts 2 of the other oblique plane are advantageously each provided with a transverse inclined ramp 31, 21 respectively forming a widening in a funnel at the entrance to the or female parts 3 and a flaring starting from the top of the male part or parts 2, these transverse inclined ramps 31 and 21 being provided on the edges of the corresponding female parts 3 and male 2 "most distant from the pivot point of assembly A between two panels, slats or paneling 1.

The provision of these ramps 31 and 21 makes it possible to promote easier penetration of the male parts 2 into the female parts 3, with the exercise of a minimal assembly effort and therefore of a very low effort on the walls of the housings or female parts 3, so that the edges of said female parts 3 undergo reduced or even zero deformation, which makes it possible to avoid the risks of breakage which would result in scrapping.

As shown more particularly in Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings, the ends of the ramp or ramps 21 provided on the male parts 2 have, with respect to the pivot point of assembly A between two panels, slats or paneling 1 a distance or an increasing radius from the top of said male parts 2 towards their connecting foot at the corresponding transverse edge. Simultaneously, the ends of the ramp (s) 31 provided at the entrance to the female part (s) 3 have, with respect to the pivot point of assembly A between two panels, slats or paneling 1, a decreasing distance or radius from from the entrance of said female parts 3 towards the bottom thereof.

Such an embodiment allows easier insertion of the male part 2 into the female part 3, while ensuring the maintenance and locking in the mounting position of the panels, slats or paneling 1. In addition, this provision for the ramps 21 and 31 also helps to avoid significant deformation of the edges of the housings forming the female parts 3 and therefore their destruction.

Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings shows another alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are subdivided into at least two plane portions, parallel or not, offset and connected each at a connecting edge of a male part 2 or a female part 3. Thus, it is possible to increase the interlocking sections of the male 2 and female 3 parts, so that their resistance to tearing is significantly improved.

Figure 14 of the accompanying drawings shows another alternative embodiment of the invention, in which two male parts 2 of two parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are each provided with means 13 ', 13 "Locking, respectively in the form of a transverse groove 13 ', provided on the upper male part 2, which cooperates with a cooperating means 14' constituted by a transverse rib of the corresponding female part 3, and a rib transverse 13 ", provided under the lower male part 2, which cooperates with a cooperating means 14" constituted by a transverse groove of the corresponding female part 3. This results in a double locking of the assembly thus produced.

According to another characteristic of the invention, also shown in FIG. 14 of the accompanying drawings, the entry edges of the housings forming the female part or parts 3 of the oblique parallel planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 are advantageously arranged in the same vertical plane and have a locking portion 301 located entirely inside the housings 3 behind said vertical plane.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in dotted lines in FIG. 14, the lower edge of the lower housing 3 can be connected directly by a vertical plane to the lower face of the slat panel or paneling 1. Such an embodiment allows a more robust assembly device to be obtained, the lower part of the panel, batten or paneling 1 delimiting the opening of the lower housing 3 may have a relatively large thickness and therefore greater mechanical strength. According to another alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the accompanying drawings, the lower edge delimiting the lower housing 3 can also be arranged in withdrawal with respect to the vertical plane passing through the upper edge of said housing 3, inwards of the panel, batten or paneling 1. Such an arrangement in particular promotes easier insertion of the male element or tongue 2.

The different possible embodiments according to FIG. 14 allow an assembly between two successive panels, slats or paneling 1 which is always carried out with an offset between the upper and lower joints, the lower edge of the lower housing 3 being connected to the lower face. of the panel, batten or paneling 1 by an oblique wall or by a vertical wall. In addition, such an assembly avoids any possibility of accidental dislocation. Furthermore, the assembly of such panels, slats or paneling 1 can easily be carried out by an oblique insertion movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the opening of the housing 3. This insertion can also be carried out by a movement flat displacement of the new panel, batten or paneling 1 with a shock for the end of the insertion by means of a wedge and a hammer to effect a slight forcing of the male part or tab 2 in the part female or housing 3. Such an assembly is advantageously carried out by maintaining a slight distance between two panels, slats or paneling 1 parallel along their longitudinal axis, the successive assembly along the longitudinal edges then being carried out identically.

In the assembly positions obtained in accordance with the present invention and shown in Figures 1 to 14, it clearly appears that the cooperation of the various elements equipping the adjacent transverse edges of panels, slats or paneling 1 to be assembled makes it possible to produce, in a on the one hand, a perfect positioning of a panel, slat or paneling with the next and the previous one and, on the other hand, a clamping and locking in position of such panels, slats or paneling between them.

In addition, due to the oblique positioning of the assembly faces and the assembly device, any application of force at a joint has the effect of transmitting most of the force applied directly to the oblique faces, so that the assembly device is practically not directly loaded and, in particular, is only subjected to a very low shear force. The assembly of the corresponding edges of the panels, slats or paneling can be easily carried out by matching the entry opening of the female part (s) 3 with the free edge of the tab (s) forming the male part (s). 2, this with a slight prior inclination of the panel, slat or paneling to be connected, this inclination getting closer and closer to the horizontal as the male 2 and female 3 parts of the panels, slats cooperate. or paneling 1 to assemble.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce panels, slats or paneling, the assembly of the transverse edges of which allows self-tightening and self-jointing of said edges, as well as self-locking of said panels, slats or paneling in mounted position, while allowing transverse movement of said panels, slats or paneling 1 with a view to assembling them along their longitudinal edges. In addition, the invention allows an optimum take-up and distribution of the loads, such that the resulting forces mainly apply to the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling and that the assembly means proper are practically not subjected to no effort likely to lead to its destruction by fatigue. Furthermore, due to the realization of the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 in the form of oblique planes, it is possible, for a predetermined thickness of said panels, slats or paneling, to dimension the assembly device more significantly. than in the case of a vertical embodiment of said transverse edges. As a result, the sections of the elements of the assembly device are larger and therefore more resistant.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 6 to 9, the assembly of the corresponding edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1 can be easily carried out by matching the male 2 and female 3 parts from above in one. oblique movement movement parallel to the angle formed by the axes of said parts 2 and 3 with respect to transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling 1.

The panels, slats or paneling thus produced can be machined in a particularly simple manner with standard tools and with a relatively small need for intermediate adjustment of the tools. It follows that the panels, slats or paneling thus produced are of a lower cost price than those currently known, while offering increased resistance at the joints.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

RE VE NDICATIONS

1. Device for assembling panels, slats or paneling (1), comprising means for assembling the longitudinal edges and the transverse edges, which consist of at least one male part (2) equipping a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge of said panels, slats or paneling (1) and by at least one female part (3) of corresponding shape fitted to the other longitudinal edge and the transverse edge of said panels, slats or paneling (1), the means for assembling the longitudinal edges being with distribution of forces and the longitudinal edges carrying the male and female parts extending in parallel oblique planes, characterized in that the assembly means equipping the transverse edges are also with distribution of forces and the transverse edges extending along parallel oblique planes, and in that the male (2) and female (3) parts are respectively in the form of a transversely inclined tongue at right angles to a first transverse edge carrying it and a correspondingly shaped housing provided in the other transverse edge and the inclination of which is complementary to that of the tongue fitted to the first transverse edge.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the jointing between two successive panels, slats or paneling (1) is carried out at the right of the end of the male part.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the jointing between two successive panels, slats or paneling (1) is carried out in line with the male (2) and female (3) parts.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the jointing between two successive panels, slats or paneling (1) is carried out outside the vertical plane comprising the male (2) and female (3) parts.

5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tongue forming the male part (2) extends upwards or downwards and cooperates with a housing (3) forming the female part.

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the male (2) and female (3) parts are produced in the form of simple tongues and grooves of square or rectangular section extending perpendicular to the oblique transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is equipped with a self-locking means, self-jointing and holding in the service position.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the self-locking means, self-jointing and holding in the service position is in the form of at least one shoulder (4) connecting at least one edge of the tongue (2), forming the male part of the device, at the corresponding transverse edge and cooperating with another shoulder (5) provided on the corresponding edge delimiting the female part (3) of the assembly device.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 8, characterized in that the male part (2) in the form of a transverse tongue has, on the side (4 ') opposite to that forming the shoulder (4), a part (6) laterally projecting from this side (4 ') and forming an acute angle relative to the oblique surface carrying the male part (2), this laterally projecting part (6) cooperating with a recess (7) of the housing forming the female part (3).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the laterally projecting part (6) of the male part (2) is in the form of a transverse appendage having a section narrowing from the transverse edge of the panel, batten or paneling (1) towards the free end of said transverse appendage.

11. Device according to any one of claims 5 and

8 to 10, characterized in that the surface (2 ') of the male part (2) connecting the sides (4 and 4') or the side (4) and the external edge of the part (6) laterally projecting of the male part (2) is preferably in the form of a flat surface.

12. Device according to any one of claims 9 to

11, characterized in that the laterally projecting part (6) of the male part (2) is connected to the transverse edge carrying said male part (2) by a side (4 ') substantially perpendicular to this transverse edge.

13. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the laterally projecting part (6) of the male part (2) is connected to the transverse edge carrying said male part (2) directly by its face (6 ') opposite the surface (2') of the male part (2), at an acute angle.

14. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the male (2) and female (3) parts are doubled and, on each transverse edge are disposed, adjacent, a male part (2) and a female part ( 3) cooperating with a female part (3) and a male part (2) of the opposite edge, these male (2) and female (3) parts of two edges being staggered and producing a double assembly with groove and tongue.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

6 and 8 to 14, characterized in that the tongue and groove forming the male (2) and female (3) parts are produced by curvilinear male and female elements which are mutually interlocked and which lock the panels, slats or paneling (1) between them.

16. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges carrying the male (2) and female (3) parts are connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1) by l 'intermediate rims (1') thereof, which extend perpendicular to said upper and lower surfaces.

17. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the edges (1 ') of the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1) are directly connected to the male (2) and female (3) parts, the bases and end faces in mutual contact extend along parallel oblique planes.

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 16, characterized in that at least one of the male parts (2) is provided, at its end penetrating into the corresponding female part (3) , of a locking element (8) by form-fitting engagement in a corresponding housing (9) of said female part

(3).

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the locking element (8) is constituted in the form of an elastic tongue provided with a latching rib cooperating with the housing of the female part (3).

20. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the locking element (8) consists of a strip elastic produced by forming a transverse parallel notch (8 ') in the male part (2), this strip being provided with the snap rib cooperating with the housing (9) of the female part (3).

21. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 17, characterized in that at least one edge (2 ") of a male part

(2) and the corresponding angle (3 ") of the cooperating female part (3) are cut by a flat surface extending parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the panels, slats or paneling (1).

22. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 14, characterized in that it is completed by a second set of male (2) and female (3) parts simultaneously forming a self-locking means, self-grouting and maintenance in service position.

23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the sets of male (2) and female (3) parts has rounded shapes.

24. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 9 to 14, 16 to 18 and 22, characterized in that the male (2) and female (3) parts equipping the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) have side walls inclined in the direction of a narrowing of the section from the base towards the top of the male parts and of a flare from the base towards the opening of the female parts.

25. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 9 to 14, 16 to 18 and 22, characterized in that the connecting edges of the acute angles delimiting the male part (2), as well as acute angles delimiting the housing forming the female part (3), are slightly rounded or chamfered.

26. Device according to any one of claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the flanges (1 ') connecting the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges, carrying the male (2) and female (3) parts to the surface upper panels, slats or paneling (1) and extending perpendicular to said upper surface, are each provided with a transverse housing (10) partially open along said upper surface and each delimiting with the housing (10) from the edge transverse of the panel, batten or paneling (1) adjacent a groove (11) for receiving a seal element (12), in the form of a putty, a strip or the like.

27. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the housings (10) of the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) have a flared shape towards the inside of said panels, slats or paneling (1) allowing grooves (11) flaring towards the inside to be obtained mounting panels, slats or paneling (1) assembled.

28. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

7, 14 and 15, characterized in that at least one male part (2) of one of the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) is provided with means (13) for locking in the form of a transverse groove, which cooperates with a cooperating means (14) of the corresponding female part (3), constituted by a transverse rib, the assembly of the assembly being effected by plastic deformation of the means of locking (13 and 14).

29. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 14, 15 and 28, characterized in that at least one pair of housing (3) - male part (2) of the assembly is completed by at least complementary locking means (15) in the form of a transverse projection and a corresponding housing.

30. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 14, 21, 22, 24 and 25, characterized in that the ends of the male parts (2) and the bottom of the housings forming the female parts (3) have a face parallel to that of the upper and lower faces of the panels, slats or paneling (1).

31. Device according to any one of claims 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 28 to 30, characterized in that the male parts (2) of the same oblique plane extend in opposite directions.

32. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the inlet edges of the housings forming the female part or parts (3) of at least one of the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1), as well as the corresponding edges of the male part (s) (2) of the other oblique plane are each provided with a transverse inclined ramp (31, 21) respectively forming a widening in funnel at the entry of the or of the female parts (3) and a flaring starting from the top of the male part (s) (2), these transverse inclined ramps (31 and 21) being provided on the edges of the corresponding female (3) and male (2) parts. further from an assembly pivot point (A) between two panels, slats or paneling (1).

33. Device according to claim 32, characterized in that the ends of the ramp or ramps (21) provided on the male parts (2) have, relative to the pivot point of assembly (A) between two panels, slats or paneling (1) an increasing distance or radius from the top of said male parts (2) towards their connecting foot at the corresponding longitudinal edge.

34. Device according to claim 32, characterized in that the ends of the ramp (s) (31) provided at the entrance to the female part (s) have, relative to the pivot point of assembly (A ) between two panels, slats or paneling (1) a decreasing distance or radius from the entrance of said female parts (3) towards the bottom thereof.

35. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) are subdivided into at least two portions of plane, parallel or not, offset and each connected to an edge connecting a male part (2) or a female part (3).

36. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 14, 15 and 28, characterized in that two male parts (2) of two parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) are each provided with a locking means (13 ', 13 "), respectively in the form of a transverse groove (13'), provided on the upper male part (2), which cooperates with a cooperating means (14 ' ) constituted by a transverse rib of the corresponding female part (3), and a transverse rib (13 "), provided under the lower male part (2), which cooperates with a cooperating means (14") constituted by a transverse groove of the corresponding female part (3).

37. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the entry edges of the housings forming the female part or parts (3) of the parallel oblique planes forming the transverse edges of the panels, slats or paneling (1) are arranged in a same vertical plane and have a locking part (301) located entirely inside the housings (3) behind said vertical plane.

38. Device according to claim 37, characterized in that the lower edge of the lower housing (3) is connected directly by a vertical plane to the lower face of the batten panel or paneling (1).

39. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge delimiting the lower housing (3) is set back relative to the vertical plane passing through the upper edge of said housing (3), towards the inside of the panel, slat or paneling (1).