[0001] This invention has as object a vertical, modular structure, particularly for the
realization of improved wall panelling, of the type able to be equipped.
[0002] The innovation finds particular even if not exclusive application in the sector of
the rational internal furniture.
[0003] At the present stage of technology, walls to equip are well known. Amongst the most
simple, there exist various types but some of these, because of their structural peculiarities
and a certain versatility, find wide use also in association with a certain type of
furniture, for example for beds or kitchens, being able to adapt according to the
positions adjustable to support shelves, containers and every other type of accessories
horizontally.
[0004] We refer more particularly to the modular walls to be predominantly vertically assembled.
These resort to the use of a series of flat panels, joined side to side by means of
the interposition of suitable profiles mounted in aluminium, which section can mainly
remind one of an "H" shape. Each panel along both edges, in both cases smaller, provides
the realization of a vertical groove within which one inserts, by joining, the corresponding
tooth in the adapt shape for its hold obtained on the long side the mount. A logic
continuity of the wall formed with said panels is obtained in such a way, spaced by
a series of vertical guides that space each panel from the subsequent one. Alternatively,
with an analogous interposition system, the use may be provided for a classic mount
with a "U" profile to be disposed on the same plane of the wall to allow the anchorage
of this by means of screws and therefore of the entire structure. On the base of the
mounts, generally at full height, the constant step of a series of louvers is obtained
which allow the joining of accessory hooks obtained at the extremity of a series of
protruding metallic segments overhanging perpendicularly in respect to the wall and
which act as support beams for shelves and in this way adjustable in height.
[0005] In the above highlighted solution various drawbacks are noted, amongst these and
above all cited, is the fact that it would result very limited in the use allowing
the vertical adjustability of the shelves, or even in height. In the second place
the wheelbase of every guide is particularly showy marking negatively on the whole
aspect, and additionally said system allows the anchorage only to the wall, not being
able to be used as integral part of furniture. Finally it results to be a somewhat
complex solution because it requires a multitude of profiles, which involves excessive
installation times and a consequent increase of costs.
[0006] With the scope to obviate some of the problems shown above, a system of assembly
is known for modular walls but horizontal rather than vertical comprising substantially
three elements for the support of the panelling. Two of these constitute symmetric
profiles to engage in contraposition along overhanging edges of two or more panels
to assemble in a contiguous way, said edges being previously milled to give the form
in negative of said profile, and comprising a longitudinal groove for the joining
of a holding tooth obtained perpendicularly to said profile. The protruding part towards
the outside of the profile engaged along the edge of the panel, provides a particular
conformation with toothed connection and relative reception groove of the specular
shape in a like profile but in such a case rotated 180°. In such a case both the tooth
and the groove are tapered with a certain conicity in order to allow an easier joint,
such union of the two panels along the edges of which said profiles have been previously
applied, allows to obtain some longitudinal guides. The third element finally is constituted
of at least one support hook for shelves, which extremity from one side consists of
a slightly arcuate tongue to carry out the insertion on the inside of said longitudinal
guide and then be lowered until disposing said extremity until a stop on the internal
surface; from the other side comprising a longitudinal clamping seat for the edge
of a shelf.
[0007] However, even in such a case drawbacks can be observed. In the first place the fact
that it is not versatile. Its structure in fact is exclusively adapted for the use
in association with furniture, unable to be utilized viceversa for the anchorage to
a wall. In the second place it results somewhat onerous because of the fact that it
requires the use of at least three profiled elements, involving besides an increase
of costs, also long installation times. Finally, besides not appearing very robust
in structure, because of the conformation of profiles that determine the joint between
the two panels it would leave in sight particularly showy guides that could mark on
the aesthetic plan.
[0008] Similar systems are known, furthermore simplified if compared to the preceding, which
are likewise able to achieve advantages. These, varyingly combined, are applied according
to empirical criterias, still being almost artisan works, that do not give the possibility
to obtain structures that are really functional nor less sufficiently modular. Said
systems help particularly in the coating of walls by means of panelling, above which
it is possible to engage in a second time the accessories required. The panelling
is composed in turn of an ensemble of panels placed vertically, held together complanarly
and contiguously, through a plurality of hooking means disposed at intervals and astride
of the edges, in practice the last being constituted of a type of ovalized clip and
turned towards the environment to be furnished. The noticeable drawbacks, consist
firstly in a low grade finish, but above all, the clips that are so much in sight
result aesthetically unpleasant. In the second place, due to the type of anchorage,
it is possible that an insufficient hold of said panels could occur. Finally, the
problem of the anchorage of the panels to the wall remains, which, depending on the
case may be dealt with differently, unfortunately not always in a correct manner.
[0009] The aim of the present finding is also that to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0010] This and other aims are reached with the present innovation according to characteristics
of the included claims solving exposed problems by means of a vertical, modular structure,
particularly for the realization of improved wall panelling, of the type able to be
equipped, constituted of an ensemble of panels disposed perpendicularly in respect
to the ground held and anchored together to the wall by hooking means, in which:
- said hooking means consist of a plate preferably metallic to be interposed astride
of the edges of the panels to be joined and interposed between the panelling and the
wall, on one side provided with threaded pegs being insertable in correspondent holes
made along the edges of said correspondent panels to be joined, on the other side
providing holes for the anchorage to the wall or cupboard-back;
- at least in one cupboard-back the width of a vertical panel is equal to the amplitude
of the internal opening of the cupboard plus the thickness of the side;
- as well as providing a base which acts as a foot adjustable in height, able to be
fixed from one side to the lower profile of the vertical panel.
[0011] In such a way through the notable creative contribution the effect of which constitutes
an immediate technical progress different advantages are achieved amongst which it
is possible to cite a greater harmonizing to the industrialization processes, assembly
and modularization of the structure, with evident aesthetic benefits and a substantial
qualitative improvement under the finishing aspect. Additionally, thanks to the plate
thickness of approximately 5 mm., it is possible to observe a function even against
humidity.
[0012] These and other advantages will appear from the subsequent specified description
of preferential solutions of realization with the help of schematic drawings included,
the particulars of execution of which are not to be considered limitative but only
illustrative.
[0013] Figure 1 represents a frontal view of a plate for the anchorage of the panelling
to the wall or cupboard-back.
[0014] Figure 2 represents a vertical section view of the plate of which in Figure 1, taken
long the A-A axis.
[0015] Figures 2a and 2b, represent, in frontal view, further plates solutions, in case
of single cases.
[0016] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the plate of which in Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 4, represents a view, always in perspective, of a plate application evidencing
only a portion of one of the two adjacent panels to be joined.
[0018] Figure 5, represents a frontal view of the plate of which in Figure 1., with recalls
from the dotted lines a part of the concerned areas from two adjacent elements to
be associated.
[0019] The Figures, respectively from 6. to 10., represent possible applications and compositions
of the panelling able to be equipped and of the relative accessories.
[0020] Figure 11, finally, represents a schematic and plan view of an example of cupboard-back,
obtained according to a panel to which the present invention.
[0021] Also referring to the figures, it is disclosed that a vertical, modular structure
for example of the (A) type, particularly for the realization of improved wall panelling
able to be equipped, in internal furniture, composes a series of panels (1, 1', 1'',
1'') of wood or wood substitute, fixed to the wall one adjacent to the other, and
perpendicular in respect to the ground. Orthogonal to said panels, or on the inside
of the area defined by such type of panelling it is possible to fix on it, according
to known means, the accessories, which can be composed of shelves (2), drawers (3),
tops and so on.
[0022] The particular versatility of the system, allows multifarious solutions, which go
from the possibility to furnish specific areas, such as recesses, otherwise difficult
to equip naturally supplying the relative doors, to the realization of true and proper
multifunctional zones as may be the case for shop furniture. In this case the panels
(1, 1', 1'', 1'') along the edges of the largest sides, have holes (4) previously
obtained at established distances, which allow insertion in pre-determined positions,
of pegs (5') provided in a means of anchorage (5). More in detail, the means of anchorage
(5) composes § a plate preferably metallic and flat, on which are engaged, along a
first side two pegs (5') of the cylindrical type and threaded internally at full height,
while along the opposite side and parallel to said first, holes (5'') are obtained.
The joining of the wall panelling is by no means complicated, firstly one proceeds
upon anchorage to the wall, according to the pre-determined distances, of a series
of plates (5) disposed one above and in axis with the other, generally two or more,
in a such way that the edge of the panel leaned above these, can use nearly half the
plate (5), while the other half is concerned with the adjacent panel. The positioning
of panels (1, 1', 1'', 1'') must make the holes (4) coincide obtained along vertical
edges of the same, with the pegs (5') of said plates, in such a way that once the
necessary insertion is carried out it is possible to screw a traditional screw (6)
that ensures the hold of every single panel to said plate (5).
[0023] In the case of the realization of said cupboard-back (B) provided with partition
elements which sides (7), as illustrated schematically in Figure 11, we will have
that a self-supporting back is composed of a series of vertical panels (1, 1'), for
example held together by means of analogous plates (5), in which the width of each
one is the same as the existing wheelbase between two panels (7, 7') hanging defining
an opening of said cupboard-back plus the thickness of a same side. In such a way
it will be possible to complete the back, starting from the edge of a panel (1, 1')
at the edge of a side (7) placed at an extremity of the cupboard, while on the opposite
side, to complete the back it is possible to introduce a vertical mount (8) associable
to the adjacent panel (1, 1'), and having a width at least equal to that of the concerned
side (7). As a consequence, the edge of the preceding concerned side (7) can arrange
itself in a direct stop on a full surface constituted by the mount (8), with full
advantage of a greater strengthening of the structure. In the second place the edge
of the intermediate side (7'), will concern only one junction of the two panels (1,
1'), disposing itself exactly astride of the two ends.
1. Vertical modular structure, particularly for the realization of improved wall panelling
of the type able to be equipped, constituted from an ensemble of panels disposed perpendicularly
in respect to the ground held together and anchored to the wall by hooking means,
characterized in that:
- said hooking means consist in a plate to be interposed astride of the edges of the
panels to be joined and interposed between the panelling and the wall, from one side
provided with threaded pegs being insertable in correspondent holes made along the
edges of said correspondent panels to be joined, on the other side providing holes
for the anchorage to the wall or side of the cupboard;
- and in which, the width of the panels, that make up the panelling, is at least equal
to the existing wheelbase between two overhanging dividing elements (7, 7'), constituting
accessories for the realization of an equipped opening, plus the thickness of the
same side;
- as well as providing a base which acts as a foot adjustable in height able to be
fixed from one side to the lower profile of the vertical panel.
2. Vertical structure according to claim 1., characterized in that a hooking means of
panels, includes a plate preferably metallic and flat (5), and provides, along a first
side, one or more pegs (5') of the cylindrical type and threaded internally to full
height inserted at pressure on the inside of correspondent holes previously obtained,
while along the opposite side and parallel to said first at least one hole (5'') is
obtained.
3. Vertical structure according to claim 1., characterized in that at least in one cupboard-back,
the width of a vertical panel is equal to the amplitude of the internal opening defined
by the sides as dividing elements (7, 7') of the cupboard plus the thickness of a
side (7, 7');
4. Vertical structure according to claims 1. and 3., characterized in that a vertical
mount (8) is provided at completion of the panelling, which width is at least equal
to the thickness of a side, said mount being associable to an adjacent vertical panel.
5. Vertical structure according to preceding claims, characterized in that said panels
(1, 1', 1'', 1''), have holes (4) along the edges, previously obtained according to
a modular and reclosable logic by a covering means, which allow the insertion in pre-determined
positions, of pegs (5') provided in an anchorage (5) means.
6. Vertical structure according to preceding claims, characterized in that the width
of a shelf is at least equal to the width of a panel (1, 1', 1'', 1'') of said structure.
7. Vertical structure according to claim 6a., characterized in that supporting sides
of the shelf, protracting itself longitudinally to the concerned panel, are obtained
in connection with underlying holes (4) previously obtained on said panels (1, 1'').