FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns an architectural element used in the field of furnishing,
or in the building trade, for various uses, for example structural, or for protecting
parts such as edges, for closing cavities, or containing components.
[0002] Possible applications of the architectural element, although not exclusive, are for
lighting devices or to support lamps, spotlights, luminous profiles, shelves, uprights
or cross-pieces, or other aesthetic or functional elements.
[0003] The architectural element according to the present invention can be attached to,
or embedded in, a wall or ceiling, and the wall or ceiling can normally be painted.
[0004] Hereafter, the term wall includes all applications, both internal and external.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is known to use section bars to support and/or contain, for example but not only,
lighting elements or other elements, or to protect or close cavities.
[0006] Such section bars are usually attached to or embedded in a wall, and have at least
one portion directly in sight.
[0007] The portion may be flat, shaped, or have one or more recesses.
[0008] It is also known to make the section bars in a metal material such as aluminum, copper,
brass, or suchlike, or with a polymer material such as polyethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate,
in itself or as a compound.
[0009] It is also known to enhance the walls which have the above architectural element
with suitable substances, for example by painting.
[0010] One disadvantage that is often encountered is that the painting substances do not
adhere to the architectural element, as desired or required, because of the material
with which the latter is made.
[0011] This is because the painting substance does not adhere to the architectural element
so that, both immediately and also later in time, rings are created, missing paint,
color variations, which make this painting unsatisfactory.
[0012] Document
US 2009/0068406 describes the use of veneer panels made of composite or polymer material and having
a front surface that reproduces reliefs, textures, or colors to embellish walls or
surfaces or protect them from sunlight, water or dirt in general. This document provides
to use polymers such as high-density polyethylene, polypropylene or suchlike, for
making such veneer panels to obtain both the desired aesthetic effect and also characteristics
of strength and structural stability. The solution proposed in this document does
not apply in the context of architectural elements for lighting, nor does it perform
the function of providing good adhesion capabilities to a painting substance applied
to the architectural element.
[0013] Document
US 6,489,037 describes a coating to inhibit the formation of stains on floor coverings.
[0014] Document
WO 02/100955 describes a paint containing ground particles of cellulose that improve the properties
of the paint itself.
[0015] Document
WO 2015/090616 describes a thermal insulation panel provided with at least one surface coating layer.
[0016] Document
US 2016/0009597 describes a protection against corrosion for cast iron pipes.
[0017] One purpose of the present invention is to obtain an architectural element that can
be enhanced, that is, that can be painted with the same substances that are used to
paint the wall to which the architectural element is attached, so as not to create
discontinuities with respect to the wall.
[0018] Another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that simplifies painting operations.
[0019] Another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that is economical and simple
to make, and easily integrated in the general or particular context in which it is
located.
[0020] Yet another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that can guarantee a durable
finish over time, at least comparable to that of the wall in which it is located.
[0021] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome
the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while
the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to
the main inventive idea.
[0023] In accordance with the above purposes, an architectural element according to the
present invention comprises a support body able to be attached to or inserted in a
wall and provided with at least a surface portion which, during use, faces toward
the outside with respect to said wall, or disposed directly in view.
[0024] The support body is made of a high-density material, that is, at least higher than
500 kg/m
3. This renders the support body extremely resistant to possible knocks.
[0025] In accordance with a possible variant embodiment, the support body is made of a metal
material. This allows to define even very complex shapes, while still ensuring an
extremely high mechanical resistance in every part.
[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least on the surface portion
at least one layer is deposited defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least
one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material,
or gypsum.
[0027] The layer allows to promote the adherence of painting substances that subsequently
can be deposited on the wall to cover also the surface portion of the architectural
element itself.
[0028] In accordance with a possible embodiment the architectural element comprises a first
layer applied directly on the surface portion and defined by a mixture of a first
acrylic resin and at least a silicon-based inert material.
[0029] In possible solutions, the silicon-based inert material can comprise quartz, and/or
marble dust.
[0030] The application of the first layer increases the capacity of the subsequent layers
to adhere, both layers of paint and screeds or layers of gypsum that are normally
deposited on the walls.
[0031] The painting substances can for example include paints, such as water paints, silicates
or elastomeric paints.
[0032] In accordance with a possible other solution of the invention, the profile comprises
a second covering layer deposited on the first layer and defined by a mixture of at
least a second acrylic resin and gypsum. This solution allows to further increase
the adherence capacity of the painting substances normally used, preventing the generation
of rings or zones which have been insufficiently covered by the painting substances.
[0033] The first layer and, if present, the second layer, define a base suitable to allow
the adhesion of a further third finishing layer.
[0034] It is possible to deposit screeds, sanding and painting in correspondence to the
joint zone between several adjacent section bars, or in correspondence to points of
discontinuity on the surface.
[0035] In accordance with another variant, the layer deposited on the surface portion is
defined by the mixture of the acrylic resin and by the silicon-based inert material,
and also at least by gypsum. With one single deposition operation this allows to obtain
the architectural element in its finished form.
[0036] The present invention also concerns a method to enhance the architectural element,
which provides to deposit on at least one surface portion of a support body of the
architectural element at least one layer defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin
and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based
inert material or gypsum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example
with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- fig. 1 is a section view of an architectural element in accordance with one embodiment;
- fig. 2 is an enlarged detail of fig. 1;
- fig. 3 is a section view of an embodiment of the architectural element.
[0038] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible,
to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements
and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other
embodiments without further clarifications.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Embodiments described here, with reference by way of example to figs. 1 and 2, concern
an architectural element 10 that can be used in the furnishing field or in the building
trade.
[0040] The architectural element 10 can be used as a support element or integrating part
of lighting devices such as lamps, spotlights, luminous profiles, or with shelves,
uprights or cross-pieces or other elements.
[0041] According to some embodiments of the invention, the architectural element 10 can
be made of metal material. The metal material can be chosen from a group comprising
at least one of either aluminum, copper, brass, or suchlike.
[0042] According to one solution, the density of the material of the support body 11 is
greater than 1,600 kg/m
3.
[0043] In accordance with variant embodiments the architectural element 10 can be made with
a polymer material. The polymer material can be selected from a group comprising at
least one of either polyethylene, polyamide or polycarbonate.
[0044] In accordance with the variant embodiments, the polymer material is a non-foamed
compact material with high mechanical resistance to impacts. This makes the architectural
element 10 particularly suitable for building applications, for example embedded,
or to complete traditionally made walls or with buffer panels, such as plasterboard.
[0045] According to a preferred solution, the polymer material has a density greater than
700 kg/m
3, preferably greater than 900 kg/m
3.
[0046] According to one solution, the density of the material of the support body 11 is
comprised between 900 and 1,500 kg/m
3.
[0047] The architectural element 10 can be obtained by molding, profiling or extrusion.
[0048] The architectural element 10 comprises a support body 11 which can be attached to
a wall 100.
[0049] Here and hereafter in the description and claims, by the term "wall" we mean, without
any limitation to the present invention, any interior or exterior wall, or floor,
or ceiling or edge.
[0050] The support body 11 has a geometric conformation suitable for the purpose of its
application, for example, in the case shown here, the support body 11 has an omega
conformation.
[0051] The support body 11 can be defined by a section bar with an oblong development having
the desired cross-sectional shape according to the specific application.
[0052] Furthermore, the oblong development of the support body 11 can have a straight or
also curvilinear development.
[0053] In accordance with variant embodiments, the support body 11 has a box-like conformation.
[0054] In the case shown by way of example in fig. 1, the support body 11 is associated
with the wall 100 in correspondence with a hollow seating 12.
[0055] The support body 11 is provided with at least one surface portion 13, visible with
respect to the wall 100 during use.
[0056] The architectural element 10 comprises at least a first layer 14 applied at least
on the surface portion 13 and defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and at
least one silicon based inert material.
[0057] However, it is not excluded that in possible variant embodiments the first layer
14 is deposited on the entire surface of the architectural element 10.
[0058] In accordance with a possible solution, the silicon-based inert material can comprise
quartz, and/or marble dust.
[0059] In accordance with possible solutions, the silicon-based inert material can have
a grain size comprised between 0.02 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.06 mm and
about 0.1 mm.
[0060] According to one embodiment, the mixture of the first layer 14 comprises about 80-90%
in weight of the first acrylic resin and about 10-20% in weight of the silicon-based
inert material.
[0061] According to another embodiment, the first acrylic resin can comprise a pigmented
water-soluble acrylic resin or other similar substance.
[0062] The first acrylic resin is configured to promote the adhesion of the silicon-based
inert materials on the surface portion 13.
[0063] In accordance with embodiments described here, the first layer 14 has a thickness
comprised between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm, for example 0.2 mm.
[0064] According to a preferred solution, the architectural element 10 can comprise at least
a second covering layer 15 defined by a mixture of a second acrylic resin and gypsum.
The second layer 15 is applied above the first layer 14 at least on the surface portion
13.
[0065] The combination between the first layer 14 and the second layer 15 allows to increase
the adherence capacity of the painting substances that are normally applied on the
walls 100 to which the architectural element 10 according to the present invention
can be installed.
[0066] This combination allows to obtain a high covering effect of the support body 11 already
with one coat of the painting substance.
[0067] In the case shown by way of example in fig. 2, the first layer 14 and the second
layer 15 are applied to the surface portion 13.
[0068] In accordance with embodiments described here, the second layer 15 has a thickness
comprised between about 0.3 mm and about 0.8 mm, for example 0.5 mm.
[0069] The second layer 15 confers strength and adherence capacity on the painting substance
and/or any other finishing operations, for example gypsum screeds which are applied
above the second layer 15 to obtain surface uniformity between the surface portion
13 and the wall 100.
[0070] In accordance with possible solutions, the second acrylic resin has a bonding function
for the gypsum and the additional layers that will be applied above the second layer
15.
[0071] In accordance with possible variant embodiments the second acrylic resin can be substantially
the same resin used for the first acrylic resin.
[0072] According to one embodiment, the architectural element 10 can comprise a third finishing
layer 16 applied at least on said surface portion 13 above the second layer 15.
[0073] The third finishing layer 16 can be the same that is deposited on the wall 100. In
accordance with possible solutions of the present invention, the wall 100 is painted
with a painting substance selected from a group comprising at least one of either
tempera, a water-based paint, a pigmenting and protective substance of the wall 100
itself.
[0074] In accordance with possible solutions, the support body 11 can define at least one
cavity 17, which in the case where the support body 11 is a section bar extends for
the entire length of the support body 11.
[0075] According to the invention, a light source 18 is installed in the cavity 17 to emit
a light beam.
[0076] The walls of the cavity 17 can be suitably shaped to obtain the desired light diffusion
effect.
[0077] In particular, a diffuser element 20 can be installed in correspondence with the
opening of the cavity 17 to diffuse the light emitted by the light source 18.
[0078] If the support body 11 functions as a support for the light source 18, it is advantageously
made of a metal material to promote the thermal dissipation of the heat generated
by the light source.
[0079] With reference to figs. 1 and 3, a possible application of the architectural element
10 embedded in the wall 100 (fig. 1) or attached to the surface of the wall 100 (fig.
3) is shown.
[0080] With reference to fig. 1, the support body 11 can be provided on its outer surface
with reference portions 19 suitable to define an abutment for the application of possible
buffer panels, such as plasterboard. This allows to make the recess of the architectural
element 10 partly hidden in the wall 100.
[0081] The present invention also concerns a method for enhancing the architectural element
10, which provides a preliminary step of cleaning the architectural element 10, or
at least the surface portion 13 to be enhanced.
[0082] The preliminary cleaning step can be carried out by means of solvents selected from
a group comprising at least one of either acetone, paint thinner, or suchlike.
[0083] In possible variant embodiments, possibly combinable with the embodiments described
here, the preliminary cleaning step can provide a mechanical cleaning action, for
example by means of brushes or rotating disks.
[0084] In accordance with one aspect of the method according to the present invention, it
is provided to deposit the first layer 14 at least on the surface portion 13.
[0085] The deposition of the first layer 14 can be performed by one and/or the other of
spray techniques, with a brush, and/or by immersion of at least part of the support
body 11.
[0086] A preferred solution of the present invention provides deposition of the first layer
14 by spraying, for example, with compressed air. This technique allows to make the
deposition operations quicker.
[0087] The method can comprise a subsequent step of drying the first layer 14.
[0088] The drying of the first layer 14 can occur directly in the air, thus simplifying
the complexity of the plant and the management of the process.
[0089] However, in possible variants, a forced drying of the first layer 14 is not excluded,
for example by means of streams of forced air, possibly heated.
[0090] Before depositing the first layer 14, a step of preparing the mixture defining the
first layer 14 can be provided, during which it is provided to reciprocally mix the
first acrylic resin with at least one silicon-based inert material. The mixing operation
can be carried out, for example, by mechanical stirrers of a known type.
[0091] Subsequently, the method provides to apply the second layer 15 on top of the first
layer 14 as described above.
[0092] Prior to the application of the second layer 15, a step can be provided during which
the mixture defining the second layer 15 is prepared by mixing the second acrylic
resin with the gypsum.
[0093] The second layer 15 can also be applied by one or other of the techniques described
above with reference to the first layer 14.
[0094] In this case too, it is possible to provide a natural and/or forced drying of the
second layer 15, as for the first layer 14.
[0095] The method can also comprise the deposition of the third finishing layer 16 on top
of the second layer 15.
[0096] The deposition of the third finishing layer 16 can be carried out by one or the other
technique of spray, brush or roller.
[0097] In accordance with possible solutions, the third finishing layer 16 can be deposited
on the architectural element 10 before it is installed on the wall 100.
[0098] According to variant embodiments, it can be provided that the third finishing layer
16 is applied on the architectural element 10 after it has been attached to the wall
100.
[0099] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the architectural
element 10 and the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field
and scope of the present invention.
[0100] For example, in the case of an application of the architectural element 10 outside,
it can be provided that the surface portion 13 is coated only with the first layer
14. This because the application of a gypsum layer would lead to a rapid deterioration
of the enhancing layer, that is, the third finishing layer 16, which is applied during
the finishing step.
[0101] According to an alternative and in the case where the architectural element 10 is
installed outside, it is possible to provide that the first layer 14 is deposited
in the surface portion 13 and the second layer 15 is applied on top of it.
[0102] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference
to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to
achieve many other equivalent forms of architectural element 10 and method, having
the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field
of protection defined thereby.
1. Architectural element comprising a support body (11) made of a high-density material,
higher than 500 kg/m3, said support body (11) being associable with a wall (100) and provided at least
with a surface portion (13), during use external with respect to said wall (100),
said support body (11) being provided with a cavity (17) in which a light source (18)
is housed,
characterized in that it comprises at least one layer (14; 15) applied at least on said surface portion
(13) and defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material
comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material, or gypsum.
2. Architectural element as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first layer (14) applied at least on said surface portion (13) and
defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and a silicon-based inert material.
3. Architectural element as in claim 2, characterized in that said mixture of said first layer (14) consists of about 80-90% in weight of said
first acrylic resin and about 10-20% in weight of said silicon-based inert material.
4. Architectural element as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said first acrylic resin is a pigmented water-soluble acrylic resin.
5. Architectural element as in any of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises at least a second, covering layer (15) applied on said first layer
(14) and defined by a mixture of at least a second acrylic resin and gypsum.
6. Architectural element as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said silicon-based inert material comprises quartz, and/or marble dust with a grain
size comprised between about 0.02 mm and about 0.25 mm.
7. Architectural element as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said support body (11) is made of a metal material.
8. Method to enhance an architectural element (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it provides to deposit on at least one surface portion (13) of a support body (11)
of said architectural element (10) at least one layer (14; 15) defined by a mixture
of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either
a silicon-based inert material or gypsum.
9. Method as in claim 8, characterized in that it comprises depositing on said surface portion (13) a first layer (14) defined by
a mixture of a first acrylic resin and a silicon-based inert material.
10. Method as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises depositing on said surface layer (14) a second layer (15) defined by
a mixture of at least a second acrylic resin and gypsum.
1. Bauelement mit einem Tragkörper (11) aus einem Material hoher Dichte von mehr als
500 kg/m3, wobei der Tragkörper (11) mit einer Wandung (100) verbindbar und mit wenigstens
einem Oberflächenbereich (13) ausgestattet ist, der bei Benutzung in Bezug auf die
Wandung (100) außenseitig liegt, wobei der Tragkörper (11) mit einem Hohlraum (17)
versehen ist, in dem eine Strahlungsquelle (18) angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es weiterhin wenigstens eine Lage (14, 15) aufweist, die auf dem Oberflächenbereich
(13) angeordnet sowie durch eine Mischung aus einem Acrylharz und aus wenigstens einem
Inertmaterial, das wenigstens entweder ein siliziumbasiertes Inertmaterial oder Gips
aufweist, gebildet ist.
2. Bauelement nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es weiterhin eine erste Lage (14) aufweist, die auf dem Oberflächenbereich (13) angeordnet
sowie durch eine Mischung aus einem ersten Acrylharz und einem siliziumbasierten Inertmaterial
gebildet ist.
3. Bauelement nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mischung der ersten Lage (14) aus etwa 80 - 90 % bezogen auf das Gewicht des
ersten Acrylharzes und etwa 10 - 20 % bezogen auf das Gewicht des siliziumbasierten
Inertmaterials besteht.
4. Bauelement nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Acrylharz ein pigmentiertes wasserlösliches Acrylharz ist.
5. Bauelement nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es weiterhin eine zweite abdeckende Lage (15) aufweist, die auf der ersten Lage (14)
angeordnet sowie durch eine Mischung aus wenigstens einem zweiten Acrylharz und Gips
gebildet ist.
6. Bauelement nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das siliziumbasierte Inertmaterial Quarz und/oder Marmorteilchen mit einer Teilchengröße
zwischen etwa 0,02 mm und etwa 0,25 mm aufweist.
7. Bauelement nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Tragkörper (11) aus einem Metallmaterial ist.
8. Verfahren zum Verbessern eines Bauelements (10) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es vorsieht, auf wenigstens einen Oberflächenbereich (13) des Tragkörpers (11) des
Bauelements (10) wenigstens eine Lage (14, 15) aufzubringen, die durch eine Mischung
aus einem Acrylharz und aus wenigstens einem Inertmaterial, das wenigstens entweder
siliziumbasiertes Inertmaterial oder Gips umfasst, gebildet ist.
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es weiterhin das Anordnen einer ersten Lage (14), die durch eine Mischung aus einem
ersten Acrylharz und aus einem siliziumbasierten Inertmaterial gebildet ist, auf dem
Oberflächenbereich (13) aufweist.
10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es weiterhin ein Anordnen einer zweiten Lage (15), die aus einer Mischung aus wenigstens
einem zweiten Acrylharz und aus Gips gebildet ist, auf der Oberflächenlage (14) umfasst.
1. Élément architectural comprenant un corps de support (11) en un matériau à haute densité,
supérieur à 500 kg/m3, ledit corps de support (11) étant apte à être associé à une paroi (100) et étant
pourvu au moins d'une portion de surface (13), lors d'une utilisation externe par
rapport à ladite paroi (100), ledit corps de support (11) étant pourvu d'une cavité
(17) dans laquelle est logée une source lumineuse (18),
caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins une couche (14 ; 15) appliquée au moins sur ladite portion de
surface (13) et défini par un mélange d'une résine acrylique et d'au moins un matériau
inerte comprenant au moins l'un parmi un matériau inerte à base de silicium ou du
gypse.
2. Élément architectural selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une première couche (14) appliquée au moins sur ladite portion de surface
(13) et définie par un mélange d'une première résine acrylique et d'un matériau inerte
à base de silicium.
3. Élément architectural selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit mélange de ladite première couche (14) est constitué d'environ 80 à 90% en
poids de ladite première résine acrylique et d'environ 10 à 20% en poids dudit matériau
inerte à base de silicium.
4. Élément architectural selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ladite première résine acrylique est une résine acrylique pigmentée soluble dans
l'eau.
5. Élément architectural selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend également au moins une deuxième couche de revêtement (15) appliquée sur
ladite première couche (14) et définie par un mélange d'au moins une deuxième résine
acrylique et de gypse.
6. Élément architectural selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau inerte à base de silicium comprend du quartz et / ou de la poussière
de marbre avec une granulométrie comprise entre environ 0,02 mm et environ 0,25 mm.
7. Élément architectural selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit corps de support (11) est réalisé en un matériau métallique.
8. Procédé de mise en valeur d'un élément architectural (10) selon la revendication 1,
caractérisé en ce qu'il prévoit de déposer sur au moins une portion de surface (13) d'un corps de support
(11) dudit élément architectural (10) au moins un couche (14 ; 15) définie par un
mélange d'une résine acrylique et d'au moins un matériau inerte comprenant au moins
un matériau inerte à base de silicium ou du gypse.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend le fait de déposer sur ladite portion de surface (13) une première couche
(14) définie par un mélange d'une première résine acrylique et d'un matériau inerte
à base de silicium.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend le fait de déposer sur ladite couche de surface (14) une deuxième couche
(15) définie par un mélange d'au moins une deuxième résine acrylique et de gypse.