This invention relates to a composed element, as well as to a drawer and to a method for manufacturing such drawer.

More particularly, the invention relates to a composed element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, which are coupled to each other at an angle, can be coupled to each other, respectively. Herein, the invention relates to any form of composed element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, irrespective of the field of application, and irrespective of the fact whether the composed panel substantially consists exclusively of the panel-shaped elements or these panel-shaped elements only form a part thereof. Although the invention can be used in any application, it is primarily intended for being applied in the furniture sector, with loose furniture as well as with built-in furniture, such as dressing furniture, room dividers and the like, as well as with kitchen furniture, bathroom furniture and so on. More particularly, the invention aims at connections between panel-shaped elements which are simple to realize and are suitable for being applied with furniture items which are sold in dismounted condition and have to be assembled by the buyer. Herein, this primarily relates to so-called flat-pack furniture. In another important embodiment, the herein below-described invention will be applied advantageously in drawers.

Still more particularly, the invention relates to a composed element of the type which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner, and preferably laterally, and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove which each are provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°. Herein, it is noted that by a "coupling zone" that portion of a panel-shaped element has to be understood in which said profile is extending. Herein, this may relate to an edge zone, thus, a zone situated on or in the direct proximity of an edge of the panel-shaped element, as well as a zone which clearly is distant from an edge of a panel-shaped element, for example, when this zone is intended for forming a T- coupling between panel-shaped elements.

It is also noted that by "at an angle" has to be understood that an angle is formed between the planes in which the panel-shaped elements are extending. Although this angle preferably is equal to 90°, it is, however, not excluded that an angle differing from 90° can be applied.

By panel-shaped elements which can be coupled "laterally", panel-shaped elements are understood which can be placed opposite to each other with their coupling zones, the latter being provided with profiles, and which, starting from such position, can be coupled to each other by means of a suitable mutual movement, preferably by means of a turning movement and/or snap movement.

By panel-shaped elements which can be coupled and/or uncoupled at least by means of a "turning movement", panel-shaped elements are understood which can at least be coupled and/or uncoupled by subjecting the panel-shaped elements, amongst others, to a mutual turning with their surfaces towards each other or away from each other, whether or not combined with still another movement. By panel-shaped elements which can be coupled and/or uncoupled at least by means of a "snap movement", panel-shaped elements are understood which can at least be coupled and/or uncoupled by pushing such panel-shaped element with the tongue in its plane towards the groove, removing it from the groove, respectively.

The invention primarily relates to an alternative composed element of the above- mentioned type, wherein according to various preferred embodiments, which herein after will be described as different aspects, an improvement is provided in respect to the composed elements of the state of the art.

The composed element which fulfills the first aspect of the invention relates to panel-shaped elements which can be joined together and/or taken out of each other at least by means of a snap movement. It is known that disadvantages will occur during coupling as well as during uncoupling by means of such snap movement. A disadvantage of such composed element is that the profiles can be damaged when performing such snap movement, and such as a result of the force which is exerted during such movement, which force effects on the profiles and more particularly on the locking parts. In particular in the case that the panel- shaped elements, after being mounted, for whatever reasons have to be dismounted again, by pushing them out of each other with a snap movement, there is a considerable risk that material portions on the edges of the profiles and in particular in the proximity of their ends will be torn out of the panel surface. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a composed element which generally is improved and more specifically provides for that the last-mentioned risk is excluded or at least minimized. To this aim, the invention, according to its first independent aspect, relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove which each are provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel- shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, and wherein the profiles allow that these two panel-shaped elements can be coupled and/or uncoupled at least by means of a snap movement, with the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue and/or of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, is absent over a section of the tongue and/or of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, the groove, respectively. This offers the advantage that at the location of this section of the tongue and/or of the groove the force which effects on the profiles during performing the snap movement is smaller. Consequently, also the risk of damaging the profiles at the location of this section is smaller. According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first aspect further also shows the characteristic that the tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions which are separated by a slit. By making use of such slit, the flexibility of the tongue is increased, which has the advantage that the resulting force on the profiles, and more particularly on the locking parts, is smaller during performing such snap movement. In combination with the herein above- mentioned characteristic, applying such split tongue thus is particularly advantageous in respect to minimizing the risk of damaging the profiles.

It is noted that the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue and/or of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, is absent over a section of the tongue and/or of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, the groove, respectively, in combination with the application of a split tongue as such forms an independent inventive idea of the invention and that this idea can also be applied more generally than with such composed elements of which the panel-shaped elements can be coupled and/or uncoupled at least by a snap movement. So, for example, may this idea also be applied in an advantageous manner in a composed element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow to couple these panel-shaped elements to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove, which each are provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, and wherein this tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions which are separated by a slit. Such composed element is known as such from WO 2010/070472, however, applying the aforementioned idea offers the advantage that new possibilities are offered towards optimization of the coupling and in particular minimization of the risk of damaging the profiles. It is clear that such composed element forms a second independent aspect of the invention and can be defined as a composed element, which comprises at least two panel- shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove which each are provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements, in the normal usage condition, are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, and wherein this tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions, which are separated by a slit; with the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue and/or of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, is absent over a section of the tongue and/or of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, the groove, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first or second aspect also shows the characteristic that the slit has a not-uniform depth, such that the tongue comprises a section which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue. This has the advantage that an additional parameter is created for the configuration of the tongue, and in particular the local strength of the tongue can be improved and/or the finish at the end of the tongue can be improved, for example, by omitting the slit there.

In particular, the composed element shows the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue; and that the section of the tongue which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone at least partially overlaps with the section along which the respective coupling part of the tongue is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue. In particular, the composed element shows the characteristic that said locking part of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that the section of the tongue which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue along the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone at least partially overlaps with the section along which the respective coupling part of the groove is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove. According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element shows the characteristic that the tongue extends up to a narrow side of the respective panel- shaped element, which extends transverse in respect to the respective coupling zone; that the aforementioned section, which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, borders this narrow side; and that the slit is made such that it is not visible at this narrow side. This offers the advantage that the slit of the tongue is not visible and thus also is not annoying to the user of the composed element. In particular, the composed element also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue; and that said section, along which the respective locking part of the tongue is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, borders said narrow side. This offers the advantage that the disadvantageous influence of the restricted degree of flexibility of the tongue on the risk of damage of the profiles is at least partially compensated, and thus the slit, without increased damage risk, can be made such that it is not visible on the respective narrow side.

In particular, the composed element also shows the characteristic that the groove extends up to the narrow side of the respective panel-shaped element which extends transverse in respect to the respective coupling zone and which, in the coupled condition of the panel-shaped elements, borders said narrow side to where the tongue is extending; that said locking part of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that said section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove, borders this narrow side. This offers the advantage that the disadvantageous influence of the limited degree of flexibility of the tongue on the risk of damage to the profiles is at least partially compensated, and thus without an increased risk of damage the slit can be realized such that this latter is not visible on the respective narrow side.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first or second aspect further also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue; and that the tongue itself still is substantially present at the location of the section along which the respective locking part of the tongue is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue. This offers the advantage that the profiles still are supported by the material of the tongue itself. It is also noted that by "the tongue itself the tongue must be understood excluding the locking part provided thereon. By the term "substantially", here it is to be understood that at least 50% of the material of the tongue itself still must be present at the location of said portion. According to still another preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first or second aspect also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that the groove still is substantially present at the location of the section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove.

It is noted that by the term "substantially" is understood that at least 50% of the depth of the groove still has to be present at the location of said portion. Preferably, the composed element of the first or second aspect further also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue; and that the aforementioned section along which the respective locking part of the tongue is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, is realized by an additional amount of material which is removed at the location of said section in respect to the amount of material removed at the location of one or more remaining sections of the tongue.

Preferably, the composed element of the first or second aspect further also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that the aforementioned section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove, is realized by an additional amount of material which is removed at the location of said section in respect to the amount of material removed at the location of.one or more remaining sections of the groove.

In particular, said additional amount of material is removed by means of at least one cutting treatment, more particularly by means of a milling treatment. This offers the advantage that this additional amount of material can be removed by techniques similar to those which are used as a standard for manufacturing the profiles and that thus no additional complex operations have to be performed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first or second aspect also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the tongue, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the tongue or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue; and that the aforementioned section along which the respective locking part of the tongue is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, is situated on an end of the tongue, which end is one of the ends of the tongue in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone. In view of the fact that the risk of damaging the profiles in particular at these ends is considerable, and such due to the fact that on these ends the profiles are the least surrounded by supporting material, it is particularly advantageous to provide such portion of the tongue on such end. According to still another preferred embodiment, the composed element of the first or second aspect further also shows the characteristic that said locking part of the groove, seen in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, as aforementioned, is absent over a section of the groove or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove; and that the aforementioned section along which the respective locking part of the groove is absent or provides for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove, is situated on an end of the groove, which end is one of the ends of the groove in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone. In view of the fact that the risk of damaging the profiles in particular at these ends is considerable indeed, and this due to the fact that at these ends the profiles are least surrounded by supporting material, it is particularly advantageous to provide such portion of the tongue on such end.

It is noted that providing the tongue with a slit of non-uniform depth as such forms an independent inventive idea of the invention. Applying the aforementioned idea offers the advantage that new possibilities are offered towards optimization of the coupling. Such composed element forms a third independent aspect of the coupling and can be defined as a composed element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panels each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove which each are provided with at least one locking part, and wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, and wherein the tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions which are separated by a slit, with the characteristic that the slit has a non-uniform depth, in such a manner that the tongue comprises a section which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the third aspect further shows the characteristic that the tongue extends up to a narrow side of the respective panel-shaped element, which extends transverse in respect to the respective coupling zone; that the aforementioned section of the tongue, which is free from such slit or where the depth of the slit is smaller than the depth of the slit in one or more remaining sections of the tongue, borders this narrow side; and that the slit is realized such that it is not visible at this narrow side. This offers the advantage that the slit of the tongue is not visible and thus also is not annoying for the user of the composed element, whereas in the remaining portion of the tongue the flexibility offered by the slit can be maintained.

With the same aim as in the preceding aspects, the present invention, according to an independent fourth aspect thereof, also relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove, which each are provided with at least one locking part, and wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, with the characteristic that the tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions which are separated by a slit, of which only one portion is provided with said locking part and the other portion is free from such locking part or comprises such locking part which, however, provides for a less pronounced locking; that the tongue comprises a side which belongs to the portion which is free from such locking part or comprises such locking part which, however, provides for a less pronounced locking; and that this side is situated maximum at a distance of 3 mm, and preferably maximum at a distance of 2 mm, and still more preferably maximum at a distance of 1 mm to one of the large surfaces of the respective panel-shaped element or the prolongation thereof. Such composed element also offers the advantage that it can be manufactured in an economically advantageous and efficient manner.

Herein, it is noted that by "less pronounced locking", a locking must be understood which contributes less to the total locking of the panel-shaped elements.

Preferably, the composed element of the fourth aspect also shows the characteristic that the aforementioned side shows one or more of the following features:

- the side does not border said slit;

the side almost coincides with one of the large surfaces of the respective panel-shaped element or the prolongation thereof;

- the side coincides with one of the large surfaces of the respective panel- shaped element.

- the side is substantially parallel to one of the large surfaces of the respective panel-shaped element;

- the side is almost straight; and/or

- the side is straight. According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fourth aspect further also shows the characteristic that the aforementioned slit shows one or more of the following features:

- the slit is continuous and thus free from interruptions;

- the slit has a uniform depth;

- the slit is oriented inclined; and/or

- the slit is visible in the coupled condition of the two panel-shaped elements.

Further, the composed element of the fourth aspect also shows the characteristic that the minimum thickness of the tongue is at least 60%, and preferably at least 65%, of the overall thickness of the respective panel-shaped element. This offers the advantage that the tongue is extremely robust, whereas the necessary flexibility is maintained in that the tongue is split.

An independent fifth aspect of the invention relates to a composed element, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, wherein these panel-shaped elements each comprise a coupling zone in which a profile is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone, which profiles allow that these panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other in a locking manner and to this aim make use of a tongue and a groove which each are provided with at least one locking part, wherein these panel-shaped elements in the normal usage condition are connected to each other at an angle, and more particularly at 90°, with the characteristic that the composed element comprises auxiliary means which contribute to the locking of the panel-shaped elements and which are formed by at least one plug-shaped element which can cooperate with corresponding recesses; and that the plug-shaped element extends in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element with the tongue to beyond the basic surface where the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other. This offers the advantage that a particularly strong locking is provided.

By a plug-shaped element which contributes to the locking of the panel-shaped elements, a plug-shaped element is understood which is locked in the panel- shaped element of the tongue as well as the panel-shaped element of the groove, and such by means of friction or a tension force or a combination of both.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fifth aspect also shows the characteristic that one recess extends transversally through the panel-shaped element with the groove and the other recess is situated in the panel-shaped element with the tongue.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fifth aspect also shows the characteristic that at least one recess is provided in the tongue in the form of a bore hole through the profile of the tongue.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fifth aspect also shows the characteristic that at least one recess is provided in the tongue in the form of a bore hole at the location of a local interruption in the profile of the tongue.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fifth aspect also shows the characteristic that the plug-shaped element is tensioned in the recesses in that this plug-shaped element is provided with tensioning means along its circumference. According to a preferred embodiment, the composed element of the fifth aspect also shows the characteristic that the plug-shaped element is configured such that it provides for an expansion of the tongue in the groove. According to all of its preceding aspects, the invention preferably further shows the characteristic that the panel-shaped elements show one or more of the following features:

- the tongue fits into the groove by means of a snap connection, this by pressing the respective panel-shaped element with the tongue in its plane towards the groove;

- the tongue fits into the groove by means of a turning movement;

- the tongue and the groove are configured such that they can be joined together by a turning movement as well as by a snap movement via a translation;

- the locking part on the tongue is situated at that side of the tongue which is directed towards the inner corner;

- the tongue is split and in particular shows two portions which are separated by a slit;

- the tongue is split and consequently shows two portions of which only one portion is provided with a locking part;

- the tongue is split and consequently shows two portions of which only one portion is provided with a locking part which is elastically compressible and/or bendable;

- the tongue is split and the slit extends deeper than the basic surface where the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other;

- the tongue can be snapped into the groove by means of a mutual translation movement, wherein the tongue is split and consequently shows two portions of which only one portion is provided with a locking part, wherein the portion which comprises the locking part is elastically bendable towards the slit and wherein the slit has a width which is equal to or larger than the maximum lateral displacement performed by the locking part in respect to the panel-shaped element to which it belongs, during the snapping into each other;

- the depth of the groove is equal to a value situated between 1/3 and 2/3 of the thickness of the panel-shaped element in which the groove is provided; and/or - the tongue is situated on a distal end of the respective panel-shaped element, whereas the groove is situated in the sidewall of the other panel- shaped element, in other words, in one of the large surfaces thereof. According to all of its preceding aspects, the invention preferably further shows the characteristic that the panel-shaped elements substantially consist of chipboard, MDF board or HDF board, wherein said profiles substantially are realized from this material. According to all of its preceding aspects, the invention preferably also shows the characteristic that the tongue extends up to a narrow side; and that this narrow side is provided with a decorative layer which continues over the tongue, and more particularly in that this decorative layer is provided on this narrow side before the respective profile is provided. This offers the advantage that possible openings are as little disturbing to the user as possible.

In particular, this decorative layer is formed by laminate, lacquer, melamine, PVC film or veneer. According to all of its preceding aspects, the invention also shows the characteristic that the profiles are configured such that the panel-shaped elements can be joined together and/or taken out of each other by means of a lateral movement, more particularly by means of a turning movement and/or snap movement.

It is also noted that any characteristic or any combination of characteristics of one aspect can be combined with any characteristic or any combination of characteristics of one or more other aspects, as far as these characteristics are not contradictory.

The invention further also relates to a drawer, which comprises walls as well as a bottom, wherein said walls comprise at least a front wall, a rear wall and sidewalls, with the characteristic that at least a first and a second of said walls form a composed element according to one or a combination of two or more of the preceding aspects. It was found that the characteristics of the preceding aspects are particularly advantageous when they are applied to drawers. In particular, the walls each comprise a groove, such that a bottom can be slid in.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such drawer, with the characteristic that two or more walls are manufactured of a single board; that herein, the profiles of the respective walls are formed by means of a treatment, whether or not consisting of a plurality of partial treatments, performed on said board; and that said board is divided into two or more walls only after at least portions of said profiles are formed. Such method allows a particularly economically advantageous and efficient manufacture of such drawers.

In the case of embodiments where sections are applied wherein material parts are removed from the locking parts, it is preferred herein that this is performed by a partial treatment which is also performed prior to dividing said board into two or more walls.

Also, preferably still at least one portion of the profiles is formed after the board is divided into two or more walls, more particularly the slit of the tongue, whether or not with a non-uniform depth, is applied after the board is divided into two or more walls.

Further techniques, devices and methods can be found in the documents WO 2013/001442 and WO 2013/121320. These techniques, devices and methods have to be considered as incorporated by reference and can be applied in combination with the herein described matter, as far as they are not contradictory.

It is also noted that the term "panel-shaped element" must be interpreted broadly and that this term includes small walls, such as sidewalls in a drawer, as well as small connection laths and the like. It is also noted that by the term "section", a section or portion of the tongue or of the groove has to be understood, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone.

Although the invention primarily is intended for providing a coupling between two such panel-shaped elements, the invention, according to an alternative embodiment, also relates to embodiments wherein a panel-shaped element is connected to another piece, more particularly furniture component, by means of a locking coupling, wherein in this connection one or more of the aforementioned aspects are applied. Such piece may consist, for example, of a connection piece, more particularly a comer connection piece, such as a frame onto which two panel-shaped elements adjoin.

The invention also relates to connections which are made mitered, wherein the tongue and the groove may or may not be positioned inclined.

It is also noted that according to a deviating variant the plug-shaped element extends in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element with the tongue not to beyond the basic surface where the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other.

It is also noted that the removal of the locking part in a section of the tongue and/or the groove according to the invention may be performed according to two possibilities. According to a first possibility, the locking part as such is removed in this section, whereas according to a second possibility the profile in this section is made such that the locking part comes into a position in which it no longer has a locking function, by which is meant that in the coupled condition of the panel- shaped elements this locking part of the tongue and/or the groove can hardly cooperate with the locking part of the groove, the tongue, respectively.

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 represents a composed element according to the invention, however, in dismounted condition;

Figures 2 and 3 respectively represent cross-sections according to the lines ll-ll and Ill-Ill in figure 1 ;

Figure 4 represents the composed element of figure 1 , however, in mounted condition;

Figures 5 and 6 respectively represent cross-sections according to the lines ll-ll and Ill-Ill in Figure 4;

Figure 7 represents an alternative embodiment of a composed element according to the invention; Figures 8 and 9 respectively represent a cross-section of a composed element of the fourth aspect of the invention in dismounted and mounted condition;

Figure 10 represents an alternative embodiment of a composed element of the fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 11 represents a composed element of the fifth aspect of the invention;

Figure 12 represents a cross-section according to the line IV-IV in figure 11 ;

Figure 13 represents an alternative embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention;

Figure 14 represents a cross-section according to the line IV-IV in figure 13;

Figures 15 and 16 represent still other preferred embodiments of a composed element according to the invention according to cross-sections such as those from figures 2 and 3;

Figures 17 and 18 represent how the panel-shaped elements of the composed element of figures 15 and 16 can be coupled;

Figure 19 in perspective shows a drawer according to the invention;

Figures 20 and 21 , at a larger scale, represent cross-sections according to lines ll-ll and Ill-Ill in figure 19;

Figure 22 represents still another drawer according to the invention.

In figure 1, a composed element 1 according to the invention is represented, however, in dismounted condition. The composed element 1 here comprises two panel-shaped elements 2-3.

These panel-shaped elements 2-3 each comprise a coupling zone 4-5 in which a profile 6-7 is provided, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone 4-5. These profiles 6-7 allow that these two panel-shaped elements 2-3 can be coupled to each other laterally and in a locking manner. To this aim, they make use of a tongue 8 and a groove 9, which each are provided with one locking part 10-11.

These profiles 6-7 allow that these two panel-shaped elements 2-3 can be coupled by means of a snap movement S. These two panel-shaped elements 2-3 can also be uncoupled by performing such snap movement, however, in a direction opposed to that of the snap movement S. In normal usage condition, these panel-shaped elements 2-3 are connected to each other at an angle. The composed element 1 of figure 1 is represented in mounted condition in figure 4, in which the panel-shaped elements 2-3 are connected to each other in particular at 90°.

Seen in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4, the locking part 10 of the panel-shaped element 2 is absent over a section 12 of the tongue 8. This section 12 extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective coupling zone 4. Thus, this composed element 1 is realized according to the first aspect of the invention. For clarity's sake, the locking part 10 is explicitly indicated by hatching.

Such locking part 10 is realized by removing an additional amount of material along this section 12 in respect to the amount of material which is removed along the remainder of the tongue 8. Preferably, this is performed by means of at least one cutting treatment, more particularly by means of a milling treatment. According to a variant, this may also be performed by means of a grinding treatment.

It is noted that according to a not represented alternative embodiment, also the locking part 11 , viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 5, can be absent over a section of the groove 9 or can provide for a degree of locking which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by such locking part in one or more remaining sections of the groove 9. Such locking part 11 can be made in an analogous manner as the locking part 10.

However, it is preferred to provide such section along the tongue 8, as the profile 6 of the panel-shaped element 2 is more stable/sturdy than the profile 7 of the panel- shaped element 3. In fact, less material has been removed from the panel-shaped element 2 with the tongue 8 for fabricating the profile 6 than from the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9.

The tongue 8 itself still is substantially present along the section 12.

Apart from the characteristics of the first aspect, the composed element of figure 1 also shows the characteristics of the second aspect. In fact, the tongue is split and consequently comprises at least two portions 13-14 which are separated by a slit 15. Preferably, such slit 15 is obtained by means of a saw cut. This slit 15 has a non-uniform depth, such that the tongue 8 comprises a section 16, which is free from such slit 15. The non-uniform depth of the slit 15 preferably is obtained by moving a cutting tool relatively in respect to the respective coupling zone 4.

The sections 12 and 16 of the tongue 8 coincide along the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4.

Further, the tongue 8 extends up to the narrow side 17, which extends transverse in respect to the respective coupling zone 4. The section 16 of the tongue 8 borders this narrow side 17. Moreover, the slit 15 is realized such that it is not visible according to a view on this narrow side 17.

In view of the fact that the sections 12 and 16 coincide, section 12, too, borders this narrow side 17.

The groove also borders the narrow side 18. This narrow side 18 extends transverse in respect to the coupling zone 5 and, in the coupled condition of the panel-shaped elements 2-3, borders the narrow side 17, as represented in figure 4.

Further, the section 12 is situated on one of both ends 19-20 of the tongue 8 in the longitudinal direction of the coupling zone 4, in particular on the end 19. However, it is noted that the invention is not restricted to embodiments where this section 12 is situated on an end of the tongue 8. This section 12 can also be applied in an advantageous manner to other positions along the tongue 8, in view of facilitating the mounting or dismounting of the composed element 1.

For clarity's sake, in figures 2 and 3 respectively cross-sections are represented according to lines ll-ll and Ill-Ill in figure 1 , and this for making clear that in a cross- section according to line ll-ll the locking part 10 of the tongue 8 as well as the slit 15 are absent, whereas in a cross-section according to the line Ill-Ill the locking part 10 of the tongue 8 as well as the slit 15 are present. Further, as already stated before, in figure 4 the composed element of figure 1 is represented, however, in the mounted condition thereof. It is clear that according to a view on the narrow sides 17-18, the slit 15 is not visible, which offers an esthetically better finish. In view of this better esthetic finish, the narrow side 17 of the tongue 8 is provided with a decorative layer 21 , which continues over the tongue 8, and more particularly in that it is provided before the respective profile 6 is provided. Also, the narrow side 18 of the groove 9 can be provided with a decorative layer. The invention is in particular applied in an advantageous manner with panel-shaped elements 2-3, which entirely or for the major part thereof are wrapped by such decorative layer before the profiles 6-7 are provided. These decorative layers are formed by laminate, lacquer, melamine, PVC film or veneer or the like.

However, it has to be noted that an opening 22 is visible at these narrow sides 17- 18, to wit the opening 20 which is created by removing the locking part 10 of the tongue 8 over the section 12. This opening 20, however, is minimized in that the tongue 8 itself still is present at this narrow side 7, and only the locking part 10 is removed. In that this locking part 10 is removed, in fact the advantage is obtained that at the location of this section 12 no resistance is offered by such locking part 10 when uncoupling the panel-shaped elements 2-3, with the consequence that the risk of damage or breaking is excluded or at least minimized. For clarity's sake, in figures 5 and 6 respectively cross-sections are represented according to lines ll-ll and Ill-Ill in figure 4, and this in order to make clear that in a cross-section according to line ll-ll the locking part 10 of the tongue 8 as well as the slit 15 are absent, whereas in a cross-section according to the line Ill-Ill the locking part 10 of the tongue 8 as well as the slit 15 are present.

An alternative embodiment of a composed element 1 , which also fulfills the characteristics of the first and second aspect of the invention, is represented in figure 7. In this embodiment, the locking part 10 provides for a degree of locking over the section 12 of the tongue 8 which is smaller than the degree of locking provided by this locking part 10 along the remainder of the tongue 8. This smaller degree of locking is obtained here in that the locking part 10 in this section 12 is made smaller than along the remainder of the tongue 8.

The previously described embodiments also fulfill the characteristics of the third aspect of the invention. The previously described embodiments also fulfill the characteristics of the fourth aspect of the invention. As already mentioned above, the tongue 8 is split and consequently comprises two portions 13-14. Only one portion 13 hereof is provided with the locking part 10, whereas the other portion 14 is free from such locking part 10. Further, this last-mentioned portion 14 comprises a side 23 which is situated maximum at a distance D of 3 mm, and preferably maximum at a distance of 2 mm, and still more preferably maximum at a distance of 1 mm to the large surface 24 of the respective panel-shaped element 2. In the previously described embodiments, this side 23 in particular coincides with the large surface 24. Also, they show the characteristic that the minimum thickness T1 of the tongue 8 is at least 60%, and preferably at least 65%, of the overall thickness T of the panel-shaped element 2.

In figures 8 and 9, in mounted and in dismounted condition, respectively, still another preferred embodiment of a composed element 1 of the fourth aspect is represented. Herein, the side 23 is situated at a distance D from the large surface 24, which distance D is different from zero.

In figure 10, an alternative embodiment of a composed element 1 of the fourth aspect of the invention is represented, wherein the slit 15 is oriented in an inclined manner. It is noted that this characteristic can also be applied in an advantageous manner in the herein above-described embodiments.

In figure 1 1 , a composed element is represented which fulfills the fifth aspect of the invention, and in particular also the preceding four aspects of the invention. This composed element 1 comprises auxiliary means 25-26-27, which contribute to the locking of the panel-shaped elements 2-3 and which are formed by one plug- shaped element 25, which can cooperate with corresponding recesses 26-27, to wit a recess 26 in the panel-shaped element 2 with the tongue 8 and a recess 27 in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9. Moreover, the plug-shaped element 25 extends in the direction of the core of the panel-shaped element 2 with the tongue 8 to beyond the basic surface 28, where the panel-shaped elements 2- 3 adjoin each other. In that the plug-shaped element 25 extends so deep into the panel-shaped element 2 with the tongue 8, a particularly strong locking is provided.

The plug-shaped element 25 is tensioned in the recesses 26-27 in that this plug- shaped element 25 is provided with tensioning means 29 along its circumference. These tensioning means 29, as an example, may consist of engaging elements which hook into the material by which the recesses are surrounded. As an example, dowels may be used having a ribbed, more particularly barb-shaped ribbed, surface.

The recess 26 which is provided in the panel-shaped element 2 with the tongue 8 is formed by a bore hole through the profile 6 of the tongue 8.

The recess 27 which is provided in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9 extends transverse through this panel-shaped element 3. For clarity's sake, this is represented in figure 12, which represents a cross-section according to lines IV-IV in figure 11.

In figure 13, still another alternative embodiment of a composed element 1 according to the fifth aspect of the invention is represented. Here, the recess 26, which is provided in the panel-shaped element 2, is formed by a bore hole at the location of a local interruption in the profile 6 of the tongue 8, which in figure 13 is indicated by L. Further, the recess 27, which is provided in the panel-shaped element 3 with the groove 9, does not extend transversely through this panel-shaped element 3. For clarity's sake, this is represented in figure 14, which represents a cross-section according to lines IV-IV in figure 13. It is also noted that all aforementioned plug-shaped elements 25 may consist of any material, such as wood, synthetic material, and so on. In view of the fact that they have to deliver a locking effect, due to strength and elasticity preferably use is made of synthetic material. In figures 15 and 16, still another preferred embodiment is represented of a composed element 1 according to the first, second and third aspect of the invention. This embodiment is represented in these figures according to cross- sections, such as those from figures 2 and 3, respectively. The tongue 8 and the groove 9 of this composed element 1 are configured such that they can be joined together by a turning movement W as well as by a snap movement S via a translation. In figures 17 and 18, it is represented how the composed element 1 from figures 13 and 14 can be mounted, which is by means of a turning movement W and a snap movement S, respectively.

Further, this composed element 1 also shows the following characteristics:

- the locking part 10 on the tongue 8 is situated on the side 30 of the tongue 8 which is directed towards the inner corner;

the tongue is split and consequently shows two portions 13-14, of which only one portion 13 is provided with a locking part which is elastically compressible and bendable;

- the slit 15 extends deeper than the basic surface 28 where the panel- shaped elements 2-3 adjoin each other;

the tongue 8 can be snapped into the groove 9 by means of a mutual translation movement, wherein the portion 13 which comprises the locking part 10 is elastically bendable towards the slit 15, and wherein the slit 5 shows a width which is equal to or larger than the maximum lateral displacement performed during snapping together by the locking part 10 in respect to the panel-shaped element 2 to which it belongs; and

the depth of the groove 9 is equal to a value situated between 1/3 and 2/3 of the thickness of the panel-shaped element 3 in which the groove is provided.

All characteristics listed above are combined in the represented tongue and groove profile. However, it is clear that all these characteristics are facultative, and according to not represented variants, such tongue and groove profile may show only one or a limited number of the above-mentioned characteristics, such according to any combination at choice.

In figures 19 to 21 , a drawer 31 according to the invention is represented. Herein, the drawer 31 comprises at least a front wall 32, a rear wall 33 and two sidewalls 34-35, as well as a bottom 36.

The rear wall 33 is connected to the sidewalls 34-35 by means of mutually cooperating locking profiles 6-7, which at least show the characteristics of one or a combination of two or more of the herein above-described aspects of the invention, whereas the front wall 32 is connected to the sidewalls 34-35 by means of connection means 37 other than locking profiles. In the represented example, the connection means 37 between the front wall 32 and the sidewalls 34-35 consist of separate connection elements 38, which cooperate with openings 39-40, more particularly bore holes, which respectively are provided in the rear side 41 of the front wall 32 and the narrow faces 42 of the sidewalls 34-35. In the example, these locking elements 38 are formed by dowels, more particularly mechanically locking dowels. In figure 20, for this purpose dowels having a ribbed, more particularly barbed-shaped ribbed, surface 43 are applied. Other connection means may be applied as well. Further, the walls 32-33-34-35 each comprise a groove 44, such that the bottom 36 can be slid in.

Also, the following characteristics are visible in figures 19 to 21 :

the front wall consists of at least one wall part, which thus also forms the front part of the drawer;

the front wall is designed as a front panel, which is directed with the rear side towards the narrow front ends of the sidewalls;

the rear wall is situated between the sidewalls;

the sidewalls are provided with openings and/or recesses 45 for attaching fittings, more particularly for attaching thereto components of a fitting mechanism for extensibly supporting a drawer.

In figure 22, another drawer 31 according to the invention is represented. As represented, the drawer comprises a front wall 32, a rear wall 33 and two sidewalls 34-35, as well as a bottom 36. Further, the sidewalls 34-35 are connected to the front wall 32 as well as to the rear wall 36 by means of profiles, which fit into each other in a locking manner and which to this aim make use of a tongue 8 and groove 9 with locking parts 10-1 1 , wherein these profiles can be joined into each other laterally. The front wall 32 is attached directly to the sidewalls 34-35 and the connection between the front wall 32 and the sidewalls 34-35 is achieved in that the respective tongues 8 are provided distally at the front ends of the sidewalls 34- 35, wherein these tongues 8 are made as full tongue profiles and thus not split, wherein the respective grooves 9 are situated on the rear side of the front wall 32, and wherein the tongues 8 fit into the respective grooves 9 by means of a turning movement of the sidewalls 34-35. It is clear that in this manner a rigid locking can be realized between the front wall 32 and the sidewalls 34-35, by which the front is connected particularly stable to the remainder of the drawer 31. The rear wall 36 is connected to the sidewaiis 34-35 by means of mutually cooperating locking profiles 6-7, which at least show the characteristics of one or a combination of two or more of the herein above-described aspects of the invention.

The present invention is in no way limited to the herein above-described embodiments; on the contrary, such composed elements, drawers and methods can be realized according to various variants, without exceeding the scope of the present invention.