Abstract: A panel, particularly a floor-covering panel, is provided that has separate horizontal and vertical locking structures. The panel has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a groove and a locking lip, and the second side edge has a tongue and a locking tongue. The first side edge of one panel interlocks with the second side edge of another panel without adhesives or fasteners such that the tongue and groove form a joint that provides a vertical interconnection lock and the locking lip and locking tongue form a joint that provides a horizontal interconnection lock. Advantageously, one or more first side edge surfaces opposite surfaces of the second edge locking tongue have a space between them. The separate horizontal and vertical locking structures reduces, if not prevents, damage to the locking structures during joining of panels.

Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (34) that is embodied at a side edge (3); a tongue (32) that is embodied at a side edge (4); a depression (35) that is embodied in the groove (34) and has an interlocking surface (17); an interlocking element (33) that is embodied at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (27); and fitting surfaces (12, 22), which are embodied in the groove (34) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (17, 27). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that the groove (34) has fitting surfaces (14, 15), which extend parallel to the top side (5), in the region of the groove bottom (7), and the tongue (32) has fitting surfaces (24, 25), which extend parallel to the top side (9), in the region of the end surface (8), with the fitting surfaces (14, 24; 15, 25) resting against one another in the interlocked state of the connection.

Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (35) that is formed at a side edge (5); a tongue (32) that is formed at a side edge (6); a depression (39) that is formed in the groove (35) and has an interlocking surface (16); an interlocking groove (34) that is formed at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (26); and fitting surfaces (14, 24), which are formed the groove (35) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (16, 26). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that a recess (40), which is formed by a facing surface (11) that extends perpendicular to the top side (3) and a fitting surface (12) that extends parallel to the top side (3), is provided in the region of the side edge (5). An upper lip (30), which is formed by a facing surface (21) that extends perpendicular to the top side (4) and a fitting surface (22) that extends parallel to the top side (4), is provided in the region of the side edge (6).