DEVICE FOR FIXING TO A WALL FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE ELEMENTS SUCH AS PAINTINGS, PANELS AND THE LIKE, AND FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE ELEMENT COMPRISING THE FIXING DEVICE

Abstract

 A device (10) for fixing to a wall (11) functional and decorative elements (12) such as paintings, panels and the like, and a functional and decorative element (12) comprising the fixing device (10), the fixing device (10) comprising at least one supporting element (13) to be fixed to the wall (11) and onto which the functional and decorative element (12) is to be engaged by adapted quick engagement means (14), concealing the supporting element (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for fixing to a wall functional and decorative elements such as paintings, panels and the like, and to a functional and decorative element comprising such fixing device.

[0002] Currently, the fixing to a wall of functional and decorative elements, such as for example paintings and panels, particularly sound-absorbing panels, by means of screws to be driven into a wall by means of adapted screw anchors or by means of nails, is widespread.

[0003] The need to line a wall with sound-absorbing in order to reduce noise within private and public environments, such as offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and schools, is often hindered by the laboriousness of the fixing operations and most of all by the scarcely pleasant esthetic impact caused by the exposed fixing means, such as screws, nails and the like.

[0004] The fixing operations in fact require considerable precision, both for fixing a single functional element and for the alignment of a plurality of similar elements when they are arranged side by side, as often occurs in the case of sound-absorbing panels that cover a wall at least partially.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to provide a wall fixing device for functional elements, such as for example sound-absorbing panels, by way of which the means used for fixing are not visible.

[0006] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to allow the fixing of the decorative elements, of the type described above, even to less accustomed and less expert individuals, also facilitating the optional side-by-side arrangement of a plurality of elements.

[0007] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for fixing to a wall functional and decorative elements such as paintings, panels and the like, characterized in that it comprises at least one supporting element to be fixed to said wall and onto which said functional and decorative element is to be engaged by adapted quick engagement means, concealing said supporting element.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a functional and decorative element that comprises the fixing device.

[0009] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a fixing device according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a functional and decorative element according to the invention, seen from its rear side;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first version of a supporting element of the fixing device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second version of a supporting element of the fixing device according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of some examples of side-by-side arrangement of functional and decorative elements, according to the invention, comprising the fixing device.

[0010] With reference to the figures, the fixing device is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0011] It is provided for fixing to the wall 11 functional and decorative elements 12 of the type of paintings, panels and the like.

[0012] In the figures, the functional and decorative element 12 consists of a sound-absorbing panel that has a square plan shape, with a perforated and three-dimensional surface 15 and with a perimetric edge 16 that is shaped like a border and, by extending to the rear, spaces the surface 15 from the wall 11.

[0013] The fixing device 10 comprises a supporting element 13 to be fixed to the wall 11 and on which the functional and decorative element 12 is to be engaged, concealing it, by means of adapted quick engagement means 14 in the manner shown in Figure 1, in which the functional and decorative element 12 is shown for this purpose from the rear side, where it is engaged with the supporting element 13.

[0014] As shown clearly in the subsequent Figures 2 and 3, which show two versions of a supporting element 13, it can be seen that it comprises a flat body 17 and that the quick engagement means 14 comprise a plurality of hooks 18, each of which protrudes from the flat body 17 and is elastically deformable in order to enter a corresponding hole 19 provided in the border 20 of the perimetric edge 16 of the functional and decorative element 12.

[0015] In particular, each hook 18 is divided into two identical and mirror-symmetrical parts 18a and 18b, with which it protrudes from the flat body 17 and which are elastically deformable, and are adapted to move mutually closer during the insertion of the hook 18 in the respective hole 19.

[0016] Furthermore, the hook 18 is substantially mushroom-shaped, with a head 21 adapted to enter a corresponding hole 19. The head 21 of each hook 18 is also conveniently beveled in order to facilitate insertion in the hole 19 by elastic deformation of the stem.

[0017] As shown, the supporting element 13, in both versions, is provided with receptacles 22, provided at stiffening ribs 23, which are adapted to be crossed by nails 24 during its fixing to the wall 11, and is also provided conveniently with at least one slot 25, adapted to be crossed by fixing screws as an alternative to fixing by means of the nails 24.

[0018] In particular, in its first version, shown in Figure 2, the supporting element 13 has a single slot 25 on its flat body 17, in a substantially centered position between its three receptacles 22, and is provided with a pair of hooks 18, each of which protrudes at one of its contiguous sides 26 and, proximate to its outer edge, adapted to enter the corresponding holes 19 provided on the border 20 at the contiguous sides 27 of the border 20 of the perimetric edge 16. The two sides 26 of the supporting element 13 are conveniently arranged at right angles to reproduce the perimetric shape of the functional and decorative element 12 at one of its corners and the receptacles 22 are more distant from the outer edge of the two sides 26 with respect to the hooks 18.

[0019] In its second version, shown in Figure 3, the supporting element 13, in particular its flat body 17, is substantially extended longitudinally and has two pairs of slots 25 arranged symmetrically. It is further provided with a series of hooks 18, four according to what is shown, which are substantially aligned on the flat body 17 proximate to an outer edge and are adapted to enter corresponding holes 19 that are aligned and provided on the border 20 of the perimetric edge 16 of the functional and decorative element 12.

[0020] The receptacles 22 are aligned lengthwise on the flat body 17, and each one is aligned transversely with a hook 18, which is more distant from the outer edge with respect to the hook 18.

[0021] Advantageously, the perimetric edge 16 is provided with the border 20 and also with a lateral band 28, which substantially determines the thickness of the functional and decorative element 12 and have longitudinal raised portions 29, on two contiguous sides 27, and complementarily shaped grooves 30, on opposite contiguous sides 27, inside which corresponding longitudinal raised portions are inserted which are extended on a lateral band of another similar functional and decorative element 12 to be arranged laterally adjacent to the preceding one.

[0022] Preferably, the supporting element 13 and the structure of the functional and decorative element 12, in particular the perimetric edge 16, with the border 20 and the lateral band 28, are made of plastic material.

[0023] Use of the fixing device according to the invention is as follows.

[0024] In order to fix to the wall the functional and decorative element 12, or the sound-absorbing panel in the example given, first of all the supporting element 13 fixed to the wall 11.

[0025] For example, for an application of the panels to a wall with sides that are parallel and perpendicular to the reference ground, as in the example shown in Figure 4, preferably the supporting element 13 in its first longitudinally elongated version in a horizontal position and preset to engage the upper side of the panel, is fixed to a wall 11. More particularly, the supporting element 13 is arranged with the outer edge upward, near which the hooks 18 engage.

[0026] Such element can be fixed to the wall 11 by means of the nails 24, which pass through it at the receptacles 22 or, if required by the particular structure of the wall 11, by means of screws and screw anchors that pass through it at at least two symmetrical slots 25.

[0027] The functional and decorative element 12 is then engaged on the supporting element 13, pushing it against it, so that the heads 21 of the hooks 18 enter the border 20, passing through the corresponding holes 19 provided therein.

[0028] During this operation, the hooks 18, each provided as a whole with the head 21 that is larger than the opening of the holes 19, are deformed elastically, substantially for the mutual approach of the stems of the two parts 18a and 18b.

[0029] The functional and decorative element 12 covers with the border 20 the portion of supporting element 13 provided with hooks 18 and hides the remaining part with its surface.

[0030] The supporting element 13 in its second version, which is substantially angular, is fixed to the wall 11 in a manner similar to the preceding one. This can be used conveniently to facilitate the side by side arrangement of panels, as shown in Figure 4.

[0031] For example, after fixing to a wall 11 a first panel, the angular supporting element 13 can be arranged side by side, in the uppermost part or in the lowermost part, to the fixed panel, in order to ensure the alignment of the second panel that will be engaged thereon.

[0032] Precision in the side-by-side arrangement of this type of functional and decorative elements 12 is also ensured by the longitudinal raised portions 29 and by the grooves 30 provided on the lateral bands 28.

[0033] With reference to Figure 4, the panel is arranged with longitudinal raised portions 29 on the left side (which accordingly are not visible) of the so-called contiguous sides 27 and, as a consequence of its fixing to the wall 11, the subsequent panels are arranged adjacent to it by making them slide with their grooves 30 on the longitudinal raised portions 29.

[0034] In this manner, the perfect alignment of a plurality of functional and decorative elements 12 during their side-by-side arrangement is ensured.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, as an alternative the panels can be arranged side by side in a staggered arrangement. In this case, the two grooves 30 of one panel slide, during side-by-side arrangement with respect to other similar panels, one on one longitudinal raised portion 29 of another similar panel and the other on a longitudinal raised portion 29 of another one.

[0036] In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, by providing a device for fixing to a wall functional and decorative elements, such as panels and the like, that allows to obtain a pleasant esthetic impact at the end of the fixing operations, thanks to the fact that the means used and the fixing device are not visible, since they are hidden by the functional and decorative element.

[0037] Furthermore, the operations for fixing to a wall and for the side-by-side arrangement and alignment of a plurality of functional and decorative elements are easy and quick to perform even for less accustomed and skilled individuals.

[0038] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0039] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0040] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PD2014A000089 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A device (10) for fixing to a wall (11) functional and decorative elements (12) such as paintings, panels and the like, characterized in that it comprises at least one supporting element (13) to be fixed to said wall (11) and onto which said functional and decorative element (12) is to be engaged by adapted quick engagement means (14), concealing said supporting element (13).

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting element (13) comprises a flat body (17) and said quick engagement means (14) comprise at least one hook (18) that protrudes from said flat body (17) and is elastically deformable for its insertion in a corresponding hole (19) provided in the border (20) of a perimetric edge (16) of said functional and decorative element (12).

3. The fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that said hook (18) is divided into two parts (18a, 18b), which are symmetrical and elastically deformable, and is substantially mushroom-shaped, with a head (21) that is adapted to enter said corresponding hole (19) by mutual elastic approach of said two parts (18a, 18b).

4. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting element (13) is provided with receptacles (22) adapted to be crossed by nails (24) during its fixing to said wall (11).

5. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting element (13) is provided with at least one slot (25) adapted to be crossed by fixing screws.

6. The fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that said perimetric edge (16) is provided with said border (20) and a lateral band (28) on which there are longitudinal protrusions (29), at two contiguous sides (27) of said perimetric edge (16), and complementarily shaped grooves (30), at opposite contiguous sides (27), intended to slide on corresponding longitudinal protrusions that are extended on a said lateral band (28) of another similar functional and decorative element (12).

7. The fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that said supporting element (13) is provided with at least one pair of said hooks (18), each of which is extended at one of two contiguous sides (26) thereof and adapted to enter corresponding said holes (19) provided in said border (20) at said contiguous sides (27).

8. The fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that said supporting element (13) has a substantially longitudinal extension with a series of said hooks (18) that are substantially aligned on said flat body (17) and are adapted to enter corresponding said holes (19) that are aligned and provided on a corresponding side of said border (20) of said perimetric edge (16).

9. A functional and decorative element (12), comprising the fixing device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

Drawing