INTERNAL CORNER

This invention relates to a corner profile for mounting of wall panels in an internal corner of a room. The invention relates further to a corner profile assembly for mounting of wall panels in an internal corner. The invention relates further to an internal corner profile assembly which includes the panels to be mounted and either the corner profile or the corner profile assembly. More particularly the corner profile comprises a tensioning means and the corner profile and the tensioning means are made of the same material piece. The corner profile assembly comprises an angle piece and the tensioning means comprises two parts. Even more particularly the invention relates to that the tensioning means abuts resiliently the side edge of the panel and creates a lateral force on the panel that locks the panel in position. In some embodiments the tensioning means is provided with longitudinal ridges that is forced into the side edge of the panel to assist in locking the panel in position. Vertical panels or wall panels as described herein, are mounted side by side on a wall to make a visible sheathing or cladding. The panels may be fixed to wall studs. The panels may be joined sideways by a groove and tongue connection in their side edges. As an al ternative the side edges are provided with complementary profiles forming a locking sys tem. The panels are mounted successively to each other by connecting one panel to a mounted panel at an angel, and then rotating the panel to the same plane as the mount ed panel. The connection may be made very tight and hardly visible. Such panels may be manufactured with a water repellent surface and are suitable as cladding in rooms ex posed to moisture, such as bathrooms. One disadvantage of such panels, regardless of being joined by a groove and tongue con nection or with a so-called click-connection, is to make proper fitting in internal corners. There are several problems. The first problem is to cut the panels nicely along the edge that shall face the corner. This is necessary as the panels are made with a fixed width and this rarely fits with the space available for the panel closest to the corner along one wall. Therefore, it is necessary to hide the corner connection behind a corner bead. The corner bead may also hide the nails or screws that is necessary to fix the panel to the stud in the corner. Alternatively, stopper may fill the space in the corner. A corner bead or stopper will work in dry rooms but are not suitable in wet rooms. Special designed inner corner profiles are made for this purpose. Typically, such a corner profile is made of an angle piece with a first flange and a second flange at 90°. The first flange and the second flange shall face the studs. The angle piece further comprises a third flange and a fourth flange and connections between the flanges such that a first channel is formed between the first flange and the third flange and a second channel is formed between the second flange and the fourth flange. The width of the fist channel and second channel corresponds to the thickness of the panel. The angle piece may be shaped by extrusion. The angle piece may be made of plastic or metal such as aluminium.

Mounting of panels starts in one corner by cutting a first panel to an appropriate width, sliding the inner corner profile onto the edge that shall face the corner, and swinging the panel and inner corner profile into the corner. The inner corner profile is fastened to the stud along the free first or second flange. Thereby the first panel is fastened in the corner. In addition, the first panel is fastened along an upper edge along the ceiling. A sealant is filled in the channel to make the connection waterproof. Thereafter, the next panel is cut to suitable width and slid into the free channel in the corner profile, i.e., the panel is mounted on an adjoining wall. Mounting of the remaining panels must now continue in this direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise around the room.

The third flange and the fourth flange are visible after completed mounting of the panels. The visible flanges make each corner appear rounded in appearance. This is a disad vantage if a furniture with a sharp edge, i.e. 90°, is to be positioned exactly within the corner. The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

The invention provides an elongated corner profile for fastening panels to a wall. The elongated corner profile may be first fastened to an inner corner. The panels are then cut to a suitable width and thereafter swung into the profile. The panels may be swung into the profile from both sides. The corner profile is provided with a locking means that fas tens the panels to the corner profile. If the panels are cut with a nice cut, an inner corner profile assembly may be formed with a sharp internal corner. If needed a sealant or a stopper is filled into a narrow slit between the two adjacent panels in the corner.

According to the invention panels may be mounted simultaneously clockwise and anti clockwise from the same internal corner. Panels may also be mounted clockwise and anti clockwise simultaneously from two or more internal corners in the same room. This is an advantage as the invention offers more flexibility to organizing the work than known in ner corner profiles. The invention also offers the advantage that several workers may work independent of each other, mounting panels in the same room on different walls.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect the invention relates more particularly to an internal corner assembly of a first panel and a second panel and an elongated corner profile,

- said corner profile comprises an angle piece forming a first flange and a second flange perpendicular to the first flange and a junction between the first flange and the second flange;

- the first panel forming a front side and a back side, a first edge and a second opposed edge;

- the second panel forming a front side and a back side, a first edge and a second opposed edge; the first flange is abutting the back side of the first panel along the first panel's first edge, and the second flange is abutting the back side of the second panel along the second panel's second edge. The corner assembly comprises a tensioning means abutting the first panel's first edge and the second panel's second edge in a fixed manner.

The tensioning means acts a locking means to keep the panel in permanent position at the corner profile.

The tensioning means and the corner profile may be made of the same material piece.

The tensioning means and the corner profile may be made of extruded aluminium. The tensioning means and the corner profile may be made by casting or other suitable pro duction methods. In alternative embodiments the tensioning means and the corner pro file may be made of plastic, a composite material or other suitable materials.

The tensioning means may comprise at least one support flange and two abutting faces resiliently fixed to the support flange and facing away from the junction.

In one embodiment the corner profile may comprise a first spring and a second spring, where each spring may comprise the support flange, a resilient turning portion, a free end portion, and the free end portion forms the abutting face. The support flange may be re siliently attached to each of the first and second flange at a base.

In an alternative embodiment the support flange protrudes between the first flange and the second flange at an angle of between BO and 60°. More preferably the angle is be tween 40° and 50°, even more preferably the angle is between 44° and 46°. The angle may be 45° or deviate slightly from 45°. A base of the support flange may be located at the junction between the first flange and the second flange, and an opposite edge of the support flange may carry resiliently a first tensioning flange directed towards the first flange and a second tensioning flange directed towards the second flange. At least one of the first tensioning flange and the second tensioning flange may at an abutting face which abuts the first edge or the second edge, be provided with at least one elongated ridge in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning flange. The tensioning means may in an alternative embodiment comprise an elongated resilient receiving body which may protrude between the first flange and the second flange at an angle of between BO and 60°. More preferably the angle is between 40° and 50°, even more preferably the angle is between 44° and 46°. The angle may be 45° or deviate slight ly from 45°. A base of the receiving body may be located at a junction between the first flange and the second flange. The receiving body may comprise an elongated first lip and an elongated second lip. The lips may form between them an elongated jagged slot. At least one of the first lip and the second lip may at a free end portion be provided with an elongated contact portion and the contact portion may be provided with at least one elongated ridge in the longitudinal direction of the lip. The elongated ridge may face the first edge or the second edge.

The internal corner assembly may according to the alternative embodiment comprise an elongated compression rail which may fit into the elongated slot. The compression rail may form a first face and a second face, a leading rail edge and an opposite trailing rail edge, and at least one of the first face and the second face may be serrated. The trailing rail edge may be broader than the leading rail edge.

The internal corner assembly may comprise an elongated Y-shaped compression piece as an alternative to the compression rail. The Y-shaped compression piece may comprise the compression rail. The trailing rail edge may form a push edge. The compression piece may form a first locking wing with basis in the push edge and a second locking wing with basis in the push edge. The second locking wing may be oriented perpendicular to the first lock ing wing.

In an alternative embodiment of the internal corner assembly, the first flange may be provided with a first elongated support tongue which may extend in a direction towards the second flange. The second flange may be provided with a second elongated support tongue which may extend in a direction towards the first flange. The first support tongue and the second support tongue may form between them an elongated entrance. The ten sioning means may consist of a resilient material. The tensioning means may comprise an elongated holding body which may be shaped with a leading portion and a stopping cam separated by a first elongated indentation and a second elongated indentation. The first indentation may be adapted to house the first support tongue, and the second indenta tion may be adapted to house the second support tongue when the tensioning means is positioned within the entrance. The tensioning means may comprise at a push portion opposite to the leading portion, a first elongated seal member which may protrude from the push portion in a direction towards the first flange and a second elongated seal mem ber which may protrude from the push portion in a direction towards the second flange. The first seal member may be adapted to abut the first edge and the second seal member edge may be adapted to abut the second edge.

In an alternative embodiment of the internal corner assembly, the first flange may be provided with a first elongated support tongue which may extend in a direction towards the second flange, and the second flange may be provided with a second elongated sup port tongue which may extend in a direction towards the first flange. The first support tongue and the second support tongue may form between them an elongated entrance. The tensioning means may consist of:

- an elongated bar provided with threaded through holes, the bar may form an adverse face, a reverse face, a first inclined side edge and a second inclined side edge perpendi cular to the first inclined side edge; and

- a number of screws adapted to the threaded through holes, the screws may be adapted to abut a junction between the first flange and the second flange and to displace the bar in a direction away from the junction. The first inclined side edge may be adapted to abut the first edge and the second inclined side edge may be adapted to abut the second edge.

In a second aspect the invention relates more particularly to a corner profile for an inner corner. The corner profile comprises an angle piece forming a first flange and a second flange perpendicular to the first flange and a junction between the first flange and the second flange. The corner profile comprises a tensioning means, the tensioning means comprises at least one support flange and two abutting faces resiliently fixed to the sup port flange and facing away from the junction. The corner profile may comprise a first spring and a second spring, where each spring may comprise the support flange, a resilient turning portion and the free end portion may form the abutting face. This has the advantage that the tension means 2 comprises two springs that may act independently to each other.

In an alternative embodiment the corner profile may comprise a support flange which may protrude between the first flange and the second flange at an angle of between BO and 60°. More preferably the angle is between 40° and 50°, even more preferably the angle is between 44° and 46°. The angle may be 45° or deviate slightly from 45°. The ten sioning means may comprise the support flange, a base of the support flange may be lo cated at a junction between the first flange and the second flange, and an opposite edge of the support flange may resiliently carry a first tensioning flange directed towards the first flange and a second tensioning flange directed towards the second flange, and each of the first tensioning flange and the second tensioning flange may form the abutting face.

At least one of the first tensioning flange and the second tensioning flange at the abutting face may be provided with at least one elongated ridge in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning flange.

In a third aspect the invention relates more particularly to a corner profile assembly com prises an angle piece forming a first flange and a second flange perpendicular to the first flange. The corner profile assembly comprises a tensioning means, said means comprises an elongated resilient receiving body protruding between the first flange and the second flange at an angle of between 30 and 60°. More preferably the angle is between 40° and 50°, even more preferably the angle is between 44° and 46°. The angle may be 45° or de viate slightly from 45°. A base of the receiving body is located at a junction between the first flange and the second flange, the receiving body comprises a first elongated lip and a second elongated lip, said lips forming between them a jagged elongated slot, and the corner profile assembly comprises an elongated compression rail fitting into the elongat ed slot, the compression rail forms a first face and a second face, a leading rail edge and an opposite trailing rail edge, and at least one of the first face and the second face is ser rated.

At least one of the first elongated lip and the second elongated lip may at a free end por tion be provided with an outward directed contact portion and the contact portion may be provided with at least one elongated ridge in the longitudinal direction of the lip.

The trailing rail edge may be broader than the leading rail edge.

In an alternative embodiment of this aspect the compression rail may be part of an elon gated Y-shaped compression piece. The trailing rail edge may form a push edge. The compression piece may form a first locking wing with basis in the push edge and a second locking wing with basis in the push edge. The second locking wing may be oriented per pendicular to the first locking wing.

In a fourth aspect the invention relates more particularly to a corner profile assembly comprising an angle piece forming a first flange and a second flange which is perpendicu larly oriented to the first flange. The first flange is provided with a first elongated support tongue extending in the direction of the second flange, and the second flange is provided with a second elongated support tongue extending in the direction of the first flange. The first support tongue and the second support tongue form between them an elongated entrance. The corner profile assembly comprises a tensioning means consisting of a resili ent material, and the tensioning means comprises an elongated holding body shaped with a leading portion and a stopping cam separated by a first elongated indentation and a second elongated indentation. The first indentation is adapted to house the first support tongue, and the second indentation is adapted to house the second support tongue when the tensioning means is positioned within the entrance. The tensioning means comprises at a push portion opposite to the leading portion a first elongated seal member which protrudes in a direction towards the first flange and a second elongated seal member which protrudes in a direction towards the second flange.

In a fifth aspect the invention relates more particularly to a corner profile assembly com prises an angle piece forming a first flange and a second flange. The second flange is ori- ented perpendicular to the first flange. The first flange is provided with a first elongated support tongue extending in a direction towards the second flange, and the second flange is provided with a second elongated support tongue extending in a direction towards the first flange. The first support tongue and the second support tongue form between them an elongated entrance. The corner profile assembly comprises a tensioning means con sisting of:

- an elongated bar provided with threaded through holes, the bar forms an adverse face, a reverse face, a first inclined side edge and a second inclined side edge perpendicular to the first inclined side edge; and

- a number of screws adapted to the threaded through holes, the screws are adapted to abut a junction between the first flange and the second flange and to displace the bar in a direction away from the junction.

In this aspect the displacement of the bar away from the junction leads the first inclined side edge towards the first edge and the second inclined side towards the second edge, until the first inclined side edge abuts the first edge, and the second inclined edge abuts the second edge. Further displacement of the bar creates a pressure from the bar to wards the first edge and second edge.

In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the ac companying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1A-D show in a cross section view an internal corner assembly and a corner pro file assembly according to the invention, the figures show a stepwise as sembling of the parts;

Fig. 2 shows a corner profile in an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a corner profile assembly;

Fig. 4 shows a corner profile assembly in an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 5 shows a corner profile assembly in an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows a corner profile assembly in an alternative embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a corner profile assembly in an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 8 shows a corner profile in an alternative embodiment; and

Figs. 9A-C show in a cross section view a corner profile as shown in figure 8 and an internal corner assembly, the figures show a stepwise assembling of the parts.

In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numer als. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

In the drawings, the reference numeral 1 indicates a corner profile. Reference numeral 100 indicates a corner profile assembly and reference numeral 1000 indicates an internal corner assembly. The internal corner assembly 1000 comprises the elongated corner pro file 1. The corner profile 1 comprises an angle piece 10 which comprises a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The first flange 11 and the second flange 12 are oriented perpendicular to each other.

The internal corner assembly 1000 comprises a first panel 91 and a second panel 92. The first panel 91 forms a front side 910, a back side 919, an elongated first edge 911 and an opposite elongated second edge 912. The first panel 91 forms in addition a top edge and a bottom edge (not shown). The second panel 92 forms a front side 920, a back side 929, an elongated first edge 921 and an opposite elongated second edge 922. The second panel 92 forms in addition a top edge and a bottom edge (not shown). The internal corner assembly 1000 comprises a tensioning means 2. The tensioning means 2 is adapted to provide a lateral force on the first edge 911 and the second edge 922 when the first panel 91 is abutting the first flange 11 on the back side 919, and when the second panel 92 is abutting the second flange 12 on the back side 929, as shown in figures 1C-D and figures 9A-C. The tensioning means 2 locks the panel 91, 92 in a fixed manner to the corner pro file 1.

In one embodiment as shown in figure 2, the tensioning means 2 comprises an elongated support flange 3 which protrudes between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 at an angle of 45°. A base 30 of the support flange 3 is located at a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. An opposite edge 39 of the support flange 3 car ries a first resilient tensioning flange 31 directed towards the first flange 11 and a second resilient tensioning flange 32 directed towards the second flange 12. An edge 36 of the first resilient tensioning flange 31 is positioned close to the first flange 11 without abut ting the first flange 11. An edge 36 of the second resilient tensioning flange 32 is posi tioned close to the first flange 12 without abutting the first flange 12. At least one of the first tensioning flange 31 and the second tensioning flange 32 is provided with an abutting face 33. The abutting face 33 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second edge 922. The abutting face 33 is provided with at least one elongated ridge 35 in the longitu dinal direction of the tensioning flanges 31, 32. The ridges 35 will penetrate somewhat into the first edge 911 and second edge 922.

In one embodiment as shown in figure 8, the tensioning means 2 comprises two elongat ed springs 20. A first spring 21 protrudes from the first flange 11 at a distance from the junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. A second spring 22 pro trudes from the second flange 12 at a distance from the junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The first spring 21 may in one embodiment protrude resiliently from the first flange 11, and the second spring 22 may protrude resiliently from the second flange 12. The first spring 21 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the first flange 11 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 opposite to the base 29, and a free end portion 25 directed towards the first flange 11. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the first flange 11 without abutting the first flange 11 as seen in figure 8. The second spring 22 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the second flange 12 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 oppo site to the base 29, and a free end portion 25 directed towards the second flange 12. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the second flange 12 without abutting the second flange 12. When no pressure is applied to the tensioning means 2, the resilient turning portion 24 of the first spring 21 and the resilient turning portion 24 of the second spring 22, are not touching each other. The free end portion 25 forms an abutting face 27 on the side facing away from the junction 13. The abutting face 27 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second edge 922 as seen in figures 9A-C.

In one embodiment the tensioning means 2 comprises an elongated resilient receiving body 4 that protrudes at an angle of 45° between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12, as shown in figure 3. A base 40 of the receiving body 4 is located at a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The receiving body 4 comprises an elongated first lip 41 and an elongated second lip 42. The lips 41, 42 form between them an elongated jagged slot 43. The lips 41, 42 are at their free end portion 44 provid ed with an elongated contact portion 46. The contact portion 46 is provided with at least one elongated ridge 45 in the longitudinal direction of the lip 41, 42. The elongated con tact portion 44 faces one of the first edge 911 and the second edge 922. The ridges 45 abut the first edge 911 and second edge 922, and the ridges 45 will penetrate somewhat into the first edge 911 and second edge 922. In one embodiment shown in figure 3, the lips 41 and 42 protrude at an angle of 45° between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The sides of the lips 41 and 42 that are facing the slot 43 are oriented in paral lel. In one embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7, the lips 41 and 42 protrude at an angle of 45° between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The sides of the lips 41 and 42 that are facing the slot 43 are biased towards each other such that an entrance 48 to the slot 43 forms the most narrow portion of the slot 43.

The tensioning means 2 comprises also an elongated compression rail 5. The compression rail 5 fits into the elongated slot 43. The compression rail 5 forms a first face 51 and a second face 52, a leading rail edge 50 and an opposite trailing rail edge 59. At least one of the first face 51 and the second face 52 is serrated. The serratation interacts with the jag ged slot 43 such that the compression rail 5 may be displaced within the slot 43 towards the base 40, but the compression rail 5 is locked for displacement in the opposite direc tion. The trailing rail edge 59 is broader than the leading rail edge 50. Thereby the trailing rail edge 59 forces the first lip 41 towards the first edge 911 and the second lip 42 to- wards the second edge 922 when the compression rail 5 is pressed into the slot 43, as seen in figure 1C-D. A punching tool 48 which is provided with a slim punching tip 49 is used to displace the compression rail 5 into the slot 43 as seen in figure 1C. The punching tip 49 passes between the first panel 91 and the second panel 92 when the panels 91, 92 have been positioned with their back sides 919, 929 abutting the flanges 11, 12, and the edges 911, 922 abutting the ridges 45. A sealant 49 is added to fill a slit between the first panel 91 and the second panel 92 when the compression rail 5 has been pressed into the slot 43 as seen in figure ID.

In this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises the corner profile 1, the receiving body 4 and the compression rail 5.

In an alternative embodiment the internal corner assembly 1000 comprises an elongated Y-shaped compression piece 6. The Y-shaped compression piece 6 comprises the com pression rail 5. The trailing rail edge 59 forms a push edge 69. The compression piece 6 forms a first locking wing 61 with basis in the push edge 69 and a second locking wing 62 with basis in the push edge 69 and perpendicular to the first locking wing 61 as shown in figures 3 and 7.

In this embodiment the compression piece 6 is installed in the slot 43 after the first panel 91 and the second panel 92 have been positioned in the angle piece 10. The compression rail 5 of the compression piece 6 is forced into the slot 43 until the first locking wing 61 and the second locking wing 62 abut the front side 910 of the first panel 91 and the front side 920 of the second panel 92, respectively. The compression rail 5 forces the ridges 45 into the first edge 911 and the second edge 922.

The compression piece 6 fills the slit between the first panel 91 and the second panel 92. Optionally, a sealant may be added between the locking wings 61, 62 and the front sides 910, 920.

In this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises the corner profile 1, the receiving body 4 and the compression piece 6. In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 4, the internal corner assembly 1000 com prises an elongated corner profile 1 where the first flange 11 is provided with a first elon gated support tongue 111. The support tongue 111 extends in a direction towards the second flange 12. The second flange 12 is provided with a second elongated support tongue 122. The second support tongue extends in a direction towards the first flange 11. The first support tongue 111 and the second support tongue 122 form between them an elongated entrance 14. In this embodiment the tensioning means 2 consists of a resilient material. The tensioning means 2 comprises an elongated holding body 7 shaped with a leading portion 70 and a stopping cam 73. The stopping cam 73 is separated from the leading portion 70 by a first elongated indentation 71 and a second elongated indentation 72. The first indentation 71 is adapted to house the first support tongue 111, and the sec ond indentation 72 is adapted to house the second support tongue 122 when the tension ing means 2 is positioned within the entrance 14. The tensioning means 2 comprises a push portion 79 opposite to the leading portion 70. A first elongated seal member 791 protrudes from the push portion 79 in a direction towards the first flange 11. A second elongated seal member 792 protrudes from the push portion 79 in a direction towards the second flange 12. The first seal member 791 is adapted to abut the first edge 911. The second seal member 792 is adapted to abut the second edge 922.

In this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises the corner profile 1 and the elongated holding body 7.

In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 5, the internal corner assembly 1000 com prises an elongated corner profile 1 where the first flange 11 is provided with a first elon gated support tongue 111. The support tongue 111 extends in a direction towards the second flange 12. The second flange 12 is provided with a second elongated support tongue 122. The second support tongue extends in the direction towards the first flange 11. The first support tongue 111 and the second support tongue 122 form between them an elongated entrance 14. In this embodiment the tensioning means 2 consists of an elongated bar 8 and screws 85. The bar 8 forms an adverse face 80, a reverse face 89, a first inclined side edge 81 and a second inclined side edge 82. The second inclined side edge 82 is oriented perpendicular to the first inclined side edge 81. The bar 8 is provided with threaded through holes 83 from the adverse face 80 to the reverse face 89. The through holes 83 are preferably spaced at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis of the bar 8. The screws 85 are adapted to the threaded through holes 83. Each screw 85 is adapted to abut a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 when rotated in the through hole 83. Further turning of the screw 85 displaces the bar 8 in a direction away from the junction 13. The first inclined side edge 81 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second inclined side edge 82 is adapted to abut the second edge 922.

In this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises the corner profile 1 and the elongated bar 8.

In an alternative embodiment shown in figures 9A-C, the internal corner assembly 1000 comprises an elongated corner profile 1 where the first flange 11 is provided with a first spring 21 at a distance from the junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. A second spring 22 protrudes from the second flange 12 at a distance from the junction 13 The first spring 21 may in one embodiment protrude resiliently from the first flange 11, and the second spring 22 may protrude resiliently from the second flange 12. The first spring 21 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the first flange 11 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 opposite to the base 29, and a free end portion 25 directed towards the first flange 11. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the first flange 11 without abutting the first flange 11 as seen in fig ure 8. The second spring 22 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the second flange 12 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 opposite to the base 29, and a free end portion 25 directed towards the second flange 12. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the second flange 12 without abutting the second flange 12. When no pressure is applied to the tensioning means 2, the resilient turning portion 24 of the first spring 21 and the resilient turning portion 24 of the second spring 22, are not touching each other. The free end portion 25 forms an abutting face 27 on the side facing away from the junction 13. The abutting face 27 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second edge 922 as seen in figures 9A-C. The tensioning means 2 is adapted to provide a lateral force on the first edge 911 and the second edge 922 when the first panel 91 is abutting the first flange 11 on the back side 919, and when the second panel 92 is abutting the second flange 12 on the back side 929, as shown in figures 9A-C. The tensioning means 2 locks the panel 91, 92 in a fixed manner to the corner profile 1.

In figures 9A-C it is shown that the second panel 92 is positioned before the first panel 91. However, the opposite order is also possible. After both panels 91, 92 are positioned and fixed by the tension means 2, the small gap between the first front side 910 and the sec ond front side 920, as shown in figure 9C, may be filled with a sealant.

The spring 20 is resilient at the base 29. By comparing figure 9A with figure 9B, it is seen that the support flange 23 is forced towards the opposite flange (11, 12) by the panel (91, 92). The turning portion 24 is resilient, and when the turning portions 24 of the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 abut, the panel (91, 92) forces the free end portion 25 towards the support flange 23 as seen by comparing figure 9A and figure 9C. Thus, the spring 20 has two resilient portions. This secures a tight pressure of the tension means 2 towards the edges 911, 921. It also secures a tension towards the full length of the edges 911, 921 even if the corner is not perfectly vertical, or if the panels 91, 92 are not cut with straight edges 911, 921.

If the panel 91, 92 is the final panel along one wall, the neighbouring panel supports lat erally the final panel 91, 92, and the final panel 91, 92 is swung into position at the corner profile 1 such that the spring 20 is tensioned properly to fix the panel 91, 92. If the panel 91, 92 is the first panel along a wall, the panel 91, 92 is first secured to the wall at the opposite elongated second edge 912, 922. Thereafter, the panel 91, 92 is swung into posi tion at the corner profile 1 such that the spring 20 is tensioned properly to fix the panel 91, 92.

An elongated corner profile 1 for an inner corner is shown in figure 2. The corner profile 1 comprises an angle piece 10 forming a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The second flange 12 is oriented perpendicular to the first flange 11. The corner profile 1 comprises a tensioning means 2 which protrudes between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 at an angle of 45°. The tensioning means comprises a support flange 3. A base 30 of the support flange 3 is located at a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. An opposite edge 39 of the support flange 3 carries a first resilient tensioning flange 31 directed towards the first flange 11 and a second resilient tensioning flange 32 directed towards the second flange 12. An edge 36 of the first resilient tensioning flange 31 is positioned close to the first flange 11 without abutting the first flange 11. An edge 36 of the second resilient tensioning flange 32 is positioned close to the first flange 12 without abutting the first flange 12.

At least one of the first tensioning flange 31 and the second tensioning flange 32 is pro vided with an abutting face 33. The abutting face 33 is provided with at least one elon gated ridge 35 in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning flange 31, 32 as shown in figure 2. The corner profile 1 and the tensioning means 2 are made of the same material piece.

An elongated corner profile 1 in an alternative embodiment for an inner corner is shown in figure 8. The corner profile 1 comprises an angle piece 10 forming a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The second flange 12 is oriented perpendicular to the first flange 11. The corner profile 1 comprises a tensioning means 2 comprising two elongated springs 20. A first spring 21 protrudes from the first flange 11 at a distance from the junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. A second spring 22 protrudes from the second flange 12 at a distance from the junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The first spring 21 may in one embodiment protrude resiliently from the first flange 11, and the second spring 22 may protrude resiliently from the sec ond flange 12. The first spring 21 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the first flange 11 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 opposite to the base 29, and a free end portion 25. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the first flange 11 without abutting the first flange 11 as seen in figure 8. The second spring 22 comprises an elongated support flange 23 which is fixed to the second flange 12 at a base 29, a resilient turning portion 24 opposite to the base 29, and a free end portion 25. An edge 26 of the free end portion 25 is positioned close to the second flange 12 without abutting the second flange 12. When no pressure is applied to the tensioning means 2, the resilient turning portion 24 of the first spring 21 and the resilient turning portion 24 of the second spring 22, are not touching each other. The free end portion 25 forms an abutting face 27 on the side facing away from the junction 13. The abutting face 27 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second edge 922 as seen in figures 9A-C. The corner profile 1 and the tensioning means 2 are made of the same material piece.

A corner profile assembly 100 for an inner corner is shown in a first embodiment in figure 1A-D. The corner profile assembly 100 comprises an angle piece 10 forming a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The second flange is oriented perpendicular to the first flange 11. The corner profile assembly 100 comprises a tensioning means 2 and a compression rail 5. The tensioning means 2 comprises an elongated resilient receiving body 4 which protrudes between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 at an angle of 45°. A base 40 of the receiving body 4 is located at a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The receiving body 40 comprises a first elongated lip 41 and a second elongated lip 42. The lips 41, 42 form between them a jagged elongated slot 43. The sides of the lips 41 and 42 that are facing the slot 43 are oriented in parallel. In one embodi ment shown in figures 6 and 7, the lips 41 and 42 protrude at an angle of 45° between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The sides of the lips 41 and 42 that are facing the slot 43 are biased towards each other such that an entrance 48 to the slot 43 forms the most narrow portion of the slot 43. The compression rail 5 fits into the elongated slot 43. The compression rail 5 forms a first face 51 and a second face 52, a leading rail edge 50 and an opposite trailing rail edge 59. At least one of the first face 51 and the second face 52 is serrated as shown in figures 1A-D, 6.

At least one of the first elongated lip 41 and the second elongated lip 42 is at a free end portion 44 provided with an outward directed contact portion 46. The contact portion 46 is provided with at least one elongated ridge 45 which is oriented in the longitudinal di rection of the lip 41, 42. The trailing rail edge 59 is broader than the leading rail edge 50.

A corner profile assembly 100 for an inner corner is shown in a second embodiment in figure 3. According to this embodiment the compression rail 5 is part of an elongated Y- shaped compression piece 6. The trailing rail edge 59 forms a push edge 69. The compres- sion piece 6 forms a first locking wing 61 with basis in the push edge 69 and a second locking wing 62 with basis in the push edge 69. The second locking wing 62 is oriented perpendicular to the first locking wing 61. An alternative embodiment is shown in figure 7.

A corner profile assembly 100 for an inner corner is shown in a third embodiment in fig ure 4. According to this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises an angle piece 10 forming a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The second flange 12 is oriented perpendicular to the first flange 11. The first flange 11 is provided with a first elongated support tongue 111 which extends in a direction towards the second flange 12. The sec ond flange 12 is provided with a second elongated support tongue 122 which extends in a direction towards the first flange 11. The first support tongue 111 and the second support tongue 122 form between them an elongated entrance 14. The corner profile assembly 100 comprises a tensioning means 2 which consists of a resilient material. The tensioning means 2 comprises an elongated holding body 7. The holding body 7 is shaped with a leading portion 70 and a stopping cam 73. The stopping cam 73 is separated by a first elongated indentation 71 and a second elongated indentation 72, the first indentation 71 is adapted to house the first support tongue 111, and the second indentation 72 is adapted to house the second support tongue 111 when the tensioning means 2 is posi tioned within the entrance 14. The tensioning means 2 comprises a push portion 79 op posite to the leading portion 70. A first elongated seal member 791 protrudes from the push portion 79 in a direction towards the first flange 11. A second elongated seal mem ber 792 protrudes from the push portion 79 in a direction towards the second flange 12. The first seal member 791 is adapted to abut the first edge 911. The second seal member 792 is adapted to abut the second edge 922.

A corner profile assembly 100 for an inner corner is shown in a fourth embodiment in figure 5. According to this embodiment the corner profile assembly 100 comprises an an gle piece 10 forming a first flange 11 and a second flange 12. The second flange 12 is ori ented perpendicular to the first flange 11. The first flange 11 is provided with a first elon gated support tongue 111 which extends in a direction towards the second flange 12. The second flange 12 is provided with a second elongated support tongue 122 which extends in a direction towards the first flange 11. The first support tongue 111 and the second support tongue 122 form between them an elongated entrance 14. In this embodiment the tensioning means 2 consists of an elongated bar 8 and screws 85. The bar 8 forms an adverse face 80, a reverse face 89, a first inclined side edge 81 and a second inclined side edge 82. The second inclined side edge 82 is oriented perpendicular to the first inclined side edge 81. The bar 8 is provided with threaded through holes 83 from the adverse face 80 to the reverse face 89. The through holes 83 are preferably spaced at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis of the bar 8. The screws 85 are adapted to the threaded through holes 83. Each screw 85 is adapted to abut a junction 13 between the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 when rotated in the through hole 83. Further turning of the screw 85 displaces the bar 8 in a direction away from the junction 13. The first inclined side edge 81 is adapted to abut the first edge 911 and the second inclined side edge 82 is adapted to abut the second edge 922.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embod iments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any ref erence signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.