Connecting elements for panels and panel covering assemblies

Panel covering assembly comprising at least two adjacent panels (11, 12) having opposite ends where enlarged-head extensions (13) are positioned, and at least one connecting element connecting said two adjacent panels (11, 12), each connecting element comprising a flange (19) having a first end and a second end, said first end having a presser (19′) that is arranged and configured symmetrically with respect to said flange (19), wherein said enlarged-head extensions (13) at said opposite ends of said adjacent panels (11, 12) are inserted and kept respectively in upper first and second longitudinal channels (20a, 20a′), said flange (19) further comprising an enlarged base (28) at said second end, said upper first and second longitudinal channels (20a, 20a′) being open in an area adjacent to said presser (19′) and delimited by said flange (19) and by first and second lateral walls (22, 22′) that are opposite to said flange (19) and by first and second base walls (25, 25′) that connect said first and second lateral walls (22, 22′) with said flange (19), said enlarged base (28) having first and second projections (29, 29′), which extend from a first end of said enlarged base (28) towards said first and second base walls (25, 25′) said upper first and second longitudinal channels (20b, 20b′) being delimited by said flange (19), said first or second base walls (25, 25′), said enlarged base (28) and said first or second projections (29, 29′);

• said first and second base walls (25, 25′) extending in a direction orthogonal to said flange (19) and being substantially orthogonal to said first and second lateral walls (22, 22′) and parallel to said flange (19);
• said enlarged base (28) being arranged substantially orthogonal to said flange (19);
• said first and second lateral walls (22, 22′) being provided with snap-holding means (24, 24′), said enlarged-head extensions (13) being inserted into said upper first and second longitudinal channels (20a, 20a′), said snap-holding means (24, 24′) operating on contact at an upper part with said enlarged-head extensions (13) and being positioned on the upper end of said first and second lateral walls (22, 22′);
• wherein said first and second base walls (25, 25′) are extended orthogonally at least over a section equivalent to the distance between said flange (19) and said first and second projections (29, 29′);
• said first and second projections (29, 29′) being substantially orthogonal to said enlarged base (28) and parallel to said flange (19);
• said first and second projections (29, 29′) being substantially flush (F1) with said first said second lateral walls (22, 22′), and
• said first and second lateral walls (22, 22′) being extended vertically from said first and second base walls (25, 25′) up to said snap-holding means (24, 24′).