Retainer Device for the Connection of Components in Particular Flooring Panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining means for connecting structural parts, in particular covering panels, and to covering panels and the retaining parts thereof needed to form a covering. In order to facilitate the connecting operation and to achieve a reliable connection, the retaining means has at least one adjusting element ( 4, 14, 24, 24′ ) for essentially form-fitting connection, and at least one retaining element ( 5, 15′, 25, 25′ ) for essentially force-fitting connection, to corresponding counterparts on the structural part which is to be connected.

1 . Retaining means for connecting structural parts, in particular covering panels, by force-fitting connection, characterized in that the retaining means has at least one adjusting element ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) for at least essentially form-fitting connection, and at least one retaining element ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′) for at least essentially force-fitting connection, to corresponding counterparts on the structural part which is to be connected. 
   
   
       2 . Retaining means according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the adjusting element ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) projects further out of the surface of contact with the structural part that is to be connected than does the retaining element ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′). 
   
   
       3 . Retaining means according to either of  claims 1  and  2 , characterized in that the adjusting element ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) is in the form of a preferably cylindrical or prismatic positioning pin. 
   
   
       4 . Retaining means according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the positioning pin has axially running ribs ( 16 ). 
   
   
       5 . Retaining means according to one of  claims 1  to  4 , characterized in that the retaining element ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′) is designed as a snap fastener or clip. 
   
   
       6 . Panel, in particular covering panel, characterized in that the panel ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ) has at least one adjusting element ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) for essentially form-fitting connection, and at least one retaining element ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′) for essentially force-fitting connection, to corresponding counterparts on a structural part ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ,  12 ,  22 ,  22 ′,  22 ″,  22 ′″,  32 ) which is to be connected to the panel ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ) . 
   
   
       7 . Panel according to  claim 6 , characterized in that the panel ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ), in a manner known per se, has a carrying panel ( 3 ) and a decorative panel ( 2 ), the carrying panel ( 3 ) projecting beyond the outline of the decorative panel ( 2 ) at at least one location, and in that the adjusting element ( 4 ) and the retaining element ( 5 ) are arranged at this location. 
   
   
       8 . Retaining part for connecting structural parts, in particular covering panels, characterized in that the retaining part ( 12 ,  22 ,  22 ′,  22 ″,  22 ′″,  32 ) has adjusting elements ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) for essentially form-fitting connection, and retaining elements ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′) for essentially force-fitting connection, to corresponding counterparts on the structural parts ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ) which are to be connected. 
   
   
       9 . Floor covering comprising covering panels ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ) and retaining parts ( 12 ,  22 ,  22 ′,  22 ″,  22 ′″,  32 ), characterized in that each retaining part has adjusting elements ( 4 ,  14 ,  24 ,  24 ′) for essentially form-fitting connection, and retaining elements ( 5 ,  15 ′,  25 ,  25 ′) for essentially force-fitting connection, to corresponding counterparts on the covering panels ( 1 ,  11 ,  21 ), and in that each retaining part is connected to at least two, preferably to four, covering panels.