Facing profile member for panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a facing profile member (21) for covering an edge surface of a panel (20), comprising: a reinforcement (23) comprising a wall (24), a first flank (26.1) and a second flank (26.2), a first bend (27.1) extending between a first longitudinal edge of the wall (24) and the first flank (26.1), a second bend (27.2) extending between a second longitudinal edge of the wall (24) and the second flank (26.2); and-a malleable fabric covering (30) at least partially covering said reinforcement (23),-said reinforcement (23) comprising at least one shaped area (37) formed with a plurality of cuts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) such that said reinforcement (23) can be shaped along the shaped area (37) to follow the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a finishing profile member for a panel. The invention finds particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in composite panels forming furniture elements, in particular privacy shells or consoles of seating units of the "business class" and "first class" type belonging to aircraft cabins. Background Art

[0002] In a manner known per se, the seating unit comprises a seat associated with a console and a privacy shell. The privacy shell at least partially extends around the seat to define a privacy semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration enables the privacy of the passenger on the seat to be guaranteed.

[0003] The seat provides different comfort positions for the passenger, from a "sitting" position to a "lying" position, wherein the seat defines a substantially horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also provided, such as a "relaxing" position in which the seat back is significantly tilted. Typically, these intermediate positions are obtained by tilting the seat back to pivot about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of extension of the seat.

[0004] Consoles and / or privacy shells are formed by so-called "sandwich" type composite panels, that is to say, these panels consist of a stack of multiple layers of different structural or non-structural materials. In order to finish the edge surfaces of these composite panels, they must be covered with facing profile members known as "edge caps".

[0005] Facing profile members can be made of metal, polymer or elastomer (machined or injection moulded). However, such profile members require cutting the profile member into several pieces (the so-called "split-line" technique) because the technical limitations of existing manufacturing methods as well as cost constraints do not allow the precise shape of the facing profile member to extend in a single piece along the entire length of the edge surface to be covered. Furthermore, such machined or injection moulded profile members are not tolerant in terms of dimensions, while the composite panels to which they are mounted have considerable tolerances. This creates butting and perceived quality problems.

[0006] The facing profile elements may also include extruded profile elements made of silicone elastomers or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, such profile elements present problems of perceived quality, since they have extrusion marks and are sensitive to scratches. Due to the properties of the material, such profile elements also present problems of bonding to the panel to be finished. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to effectively remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing a facing profile-member for covering the edge surface of a panel, the facing profile-member comprising:

[0008] a reinforcement comprising a wall, a first flank and a second flank, a first fold extending between a first longitudinal edge of the wall and the first flank, a second fold extending between a second longitudinal edge of the wall and the second flank, and

[0009] - an extensible fabric covering at least partially covering said reinforcement,

[0010] - the reinforcement comprises at least one shaped area in which a plurality of cutouts are formed so that the reinforcement can be shaped along the shaped area to follow the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel.

[0011] The invention thus allows the facing profile member to conform easily to complex panel curvatures. The invention is also a solution that is simple to manufacture and quick to install for obtaining a privacy casing panel or console panel with an excellent quality finish. The invention also has the advantage of being cheap and lightweight, which limits the weight of the assembly.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shaped area comprises at least one cutout in the reinforcement selected from:

[0013] - a first type of cutouts which allow the reinforcement to be shaped in the plane of the flank so as to follow a convex shaping, so that the centre of curvature of the reinforcement is situated on one side of the inner face of the wall,

[0014] - a second type of cutout which allows the reinforcement to be shaped in the plane of the wall so that the centre of curvature of the reinforcement is situated on one side of one of the flanks, and

[0015] - A third type of cutout that allows the reinforcement to be formed in the plane of the flank, thereby following a concave forming such that the center of curvature of the reinforcement is on the side outside the wall, the third type of cutout also allowing a torsion forming process.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one cutout extends transversely in the wall and on one side in the first bend and along a portion of the width of the first flank and on the other side in the second bend and along a portion of the width of the second flank.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one cutout extends in one of the flanks, in the corresponding bend connecting said flank to the wall, and in the wall as far as the next bend.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cutout ends at least at one end thereof in a circular or oval shaped portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one incision comprises:

[0020] a first cutout portion extending along the entire width of the first flank and slightly beyond the first fold, and

[0021] a second cutout portion extending along the entire width of the second flank and slightly beyond the second fold,

[0022] - the first cut-out portion and the second cut-out portion are located in a same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the facing profile-member.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the facing profile-member comprises a plurality of shaped areas with cut-outs of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge surface profile with a continuous direction of curvature in different continuous directions.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shaped area comprises two different types of cuts alternatingly to accommodate the simultaneous change in curvature.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the edge surface profile of the panel is straight, the reinforcement has no cutouts.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the textile covering comprises at least one facing layer.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fabric covering can be trimmed with straight cuts at the edge of the reinforcement, or can be hemmed on itself from the inside.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fabric covering further comprises a bottom layer between the reinforcement and the facing layer so as to hide the cutout.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fabric covering comprises a transverse bead along which the fabric covering is folded over the inner face of the side flap.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the facing profile member comprises a convex abutment shape at one side of the first end and a concave abutment shape at one side of the second end, the concave abutment shape having a shape complementary to the convex abutment shape.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the facing profile-member is glued to the edge surface of the panel at the inner face of the wall by means of a liquid, solid and / or double-sided adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will emerge by reading the following detailed description, which includes the examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of non-limiting examples and which may serve to complete the understanding of the description of the invention and its embodiments and ultimately contribute to its definition, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit according to the present invention, the seating unit comprising a privacy shell and a console, the edge surfaces of which are covered by a facing profile member according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2a and Figure 2b are respectively an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a facing profile member according to the present invention on an edge surface of a panel in an unformed state;

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement member belonging to a facing profile member according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4a is a perspective view of a facing profile-member according to the invention, the facing profile-member being shaped with a first type of cut-out;

[0037] Figure 4b is a partial side view of a facing profile-member according to the invention provided with a first type of cut-out;

[0038] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a facing profile-member according to the invention, the facing profile-member being shaped with a second type of cut-out;

[0039] Figure 5b is a partial top view of a facing profile-member according to the present invention provided with a second type of cutout;

[0040] Figure 6a is a perspective view of a facing profile-member according to the invention, the facing profile-member being shaped with a third type of cut-out;

[0041] Figure 6b is a partial side view of a facing profile-member according to the present invention provided with a third type of cutout;

[0042] Figure 6c is a partial top view of a facing profile-member according to the present invention provided with a third type of cutout;

[0043] Figure 7a , Figure 7b and Figure 7c are respectively a perspective view, a top view and a side view of a facing profile-member according to the invention provided with a shaped zone comprising cut-outs of different types;

[0044] Figure 8 is a top view of a facing profile member provided with a butt-jointed shape according to the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a side view of a cutout provided with an oval shape at one end to limit stress concentrations and prevent the material from cracking during forming.

[0046] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a shaped facing profile-member according to the invention provided with a third type of cut-out, the shaping process being carried out in the axial direction of the edge surface;

[0047] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a composite panel equipped with a facing profile member according to the present invention;

[0048] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a facing profile member with variable height and / or width according to the present invention;

[0049] Fig.13a and Fig.13b The edges of the reinforcement members are shown with the fabric covering being trimmed at the ends by an edging process or a straight cut, respectively. Figure 2b Cross-sectional view of section A-A in .

[0050] It should be noted that common structural and / or functional elements of different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, these elements have the same structure, size and material properties. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A seating unit 10 is shown including a seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12 .

[0052] The seat 12 is advantageously provided with kinematics that allow movement between a "sitting" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a position for a passenger to sit, and a "reclining" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal. Intermediate comfort positions are also proposed, such as a "relaxing" position in which the backrest of the seat 12 is significantly tilted.

[0053] In addition, a shell 14 (so-called privacy shell) at least partially extends around the seat 12 to define a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. The privacy shell 14 is made of composite materials, for example. Such a configuration makes it possible to ensure the privacy of the passenger sitting on the seat 12.

[0054] The console 13 may include an upper wall 16 forming a table on which the passenger may place objects, and a storage space 17 comprising one or more elements from a literature pocket, a bottle holder or a mini bar. The storage options may be configured according to the needs of the airline.

[0055] To allow a passenger to lie down, the console 13 has an inner shell 19 in which an ottoman is arranged, on which a rear passenger can place her / his feet when the seat 12 is in the "recline" position.

[0056] Advantageously, the privacy shell 14 and / or the console 13 comprises at least one composite panel 20 having a so-called "sandwich" type structure, such as Fig.11 As shown. This panel 20 is formed by composite walls 201, which are arranged on either side of a core 202 made of honeycomb or foam material. Each composite wall 201 is formed by a stack of layers of carbon fiber or glass fiber coated with thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. The outer facing of the panel 20 is produced by a facing layer 203, which can take the form of a paint layer, a decorative film or a fabric. Optionally, the edge surface of the composite panel can be covered by a layer of bordering resin 204.

[0057] Alternatively, the panel 20 may be made of another material than a composite material, in particular a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic material.The panel 20 is shaped to at least partially surround the seat.

[0058] The facing profile member 21 covers the edge surface of the panel 20 while following the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel 20. The edge surface of the panel 20 extends according to the thickness of the panel 20. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the facing profile-member 21 comprises a reinforcement 23 extending in a longitudinal extension direction D1 in an undeformed state. The longitudinal extension direction D1 is much greater than the width of the reinforcement 23, in particular at least 10 times greater than the width of the reinforcement 23. The reinforcement 23 is made of a rigid material, allowing its plastic deformation to ensure that it is shaped according to the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel 20. The reinforcement 23 is made of a material, for example, chosen from a metal material such as aluminum or a plastic material, in particular of the polycarbonate type, or other materials.

[0059] The reinforcement 23 comprises a wall 24, a first flank 26.1 and a second flank 26.2. The first fold 27.1 extends between a first longitudinal edge of the wall 24 and the first flank 26.1. The second fold 27.2 extends between a second longitudinal edge of the wall 24 and the second flank 26.2. The first flank 26.1 is thus connected to the wall 24 via the first fold 27.1. The second flank 26.2 is connected to the wall 24 via the second fold 27.2. The wall 24, the first flank 26.1 and the second flank 26.2 are walls extending longitudinally in the longitudinal extension direction D1. The first fold 27.1 and the second fold 27.2 preferably have the same radius of curvature.

[0060] The first flank 26.1 forms a non-zero angle with respect to the wall 24, in particular an angle of the order of 90 degrees. The second flank 26.2 forms a non-zero angle with respect to the wall 24, in particular an angle of the order of 90 degrees. "Order" means a variation of plus or minus 10% around the indicated value. The first flank 26.1 and the second flank 26.2 are preferably parallel to each other. Thus, the reinforcement 23 has a U-shaped cross section. The reinforcement 23 is a single-piece component obtained by cutting a shaped notch and then folding the flanks 26.1, 26.2 along the folds 27.1, 27.2 relative to the wall 24. Alternatively, the profile member is obtainable by U-shaped extrusion and then cutting the shaped notch. Thus, the profile member is realized in a linear manner and is bendable according to the curvature direction of the composite panel 20.

[0061] like Fig.11 As shown, the facing profile member 21 covers the edge surface of one or more composite panels 20. For this purpose, the wall 24 is supported on the edge surface of the composite panel 20, and the side wings 26.1, 26.2 cover the side surfaces of the composite panel 20 at a slightly higher position. The facing profile member 21 is glued to the edge surface of the panel 20 at the inner face of the wall 24 by means of a liquid, solid and / or double-sided adhesive 205.

[0062] The extensible fabric covering 30 at least partially covers the reinforcement 23. The fabric covering 30 covers at least the outer face of the reinforcement 23. The "outer" face is the face that faces the outside of the U-shaped hollow. Conversely, the "inner" face is the face that faces the inside of the U-shaped hollow. In this case, the fabric covering 30 covers the outer face of the wall 24, the outer face of the side wings 26.1, 26.2, the outer face of the folds 27.1, 27.2 and the edge surfaces of the reinforcement 23. The reinforcement 23 is made in such a way that, when it is formed on the edge surface of the panel 20, the fabric covering 30 deforms under tension to avoid unsightly folding thereof.

[0063] The fabric covering 30 comprises at least one facing layer 31 on the outer face of the reinforcement. The facing layer 31 is made of a flexible material of polymer or natural type (leather, cotton cloth or other) having good elasticity, thereby allowing its deformation, in particular its stretching, during the shaping of the facing profile member 21. For example, the facing layer 31 is made of artificial leather or a non-woven fabric.

[0064] The fabric covering 30 also includes a bottom layer 32 between the reinforcement 23 and the facing layer 31 in order to conceal the cutouts described in more detail below. The bottom layer 32 is also made of a flexible material of polymer or natural type (leather, cotton cloth or other) which has good elasticity, thereby allowing it to deform, in particular stretch, during the forming of the facing profile member 21. For example, the bottom layer 32 is made of a material selected from artificial leather, foam or non-woven fabric. The fabric covering 30 has sufficient elastic capacity to stretch according to the required flexure. In the case where the facing layer 31 sufficiently well masks the deformation of the reinforcement 23 after the reinforcement 23 is formed on the edge surface of the panel 20, the bottom layer 32 can be removed.

[0065] The fabric covering 30 is preferably glued to the reinforcement 23 of the facing profile-member 21 , for example by means of a neoprene type contact glue or a double-sided adhesive.

[0066] To improve the finish, the fabric cover 30 may include a transverse bead 34 along which the fabric cover 30 is folded over at least a portion of the inner face of the side flaps 26.1, 26.2. Thus, the fabric cover 30 covers at least a portion of the inner face of the side flap 26.1 and at least a portion of the inner face of the side flap 26.2. Fig.13a As shown, the fabric covering 30 may also include a bead 34 at the end of the profile-member, that is to say on one side of the longitudinal end of the reinforcement 23, by folding the fabric covering 30 onto itself on the inner side of the reinforcement 23. This makes it possible to avoid kinks in the fabric covering 30 while keeping the fabric covering 30 under tension due to the shaping process.

[0067] Alternatively, if Fig.13b As shown, the fabric covering 30 can be cut straight at the end of the profile-member.

[0068] The reinforcement 23 comprises at least one forming area 37 in which a plurality of cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 are formed so that the reinforcement 23 can be formed along the forming area 37 so as to follow the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel 20. The reinforcement 23 covers the edge surface of the panel 20. The forming of the reinforcement 23 corresponds to a bending operation of the reinforcement 23 which can be performed manually by an operator. Due to this operation, the reinforcement 23 is deformed along one or more forming areas 37 so as to follow the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel 20. However, this operation can be performed automatically by a robot. The cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 are formed by through grooves in the entire thickness of the reinforcement 23. These cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 can be produced by machining or by laser cutting. Depending on the forming direction of the reinforcement 23, the cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 have different shapes.

[0069] The shaped area 37 includes a Figure 4a and Figure 4b The first type of cutout 38.1 is shown, Figure 5a and Figure 5b The second type of cutout 38.2 shown and Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c At least one of the third type of cutouts 38.3 is shown.

[0070] More specifically, if Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the first type of cutout 38.1 allows shaping the reinforcement 23 in the plane of these flanks 26.1, 26.2 according to a convex shaping, so that the center of curvature C1 of the reinforcement 23 is located on the inner face side of the wall 24. The radius of curvature R1 passing through the center C1 is perpendicular to the surface of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. The center C1 is located on the curvature axis X1. The first type of cutout 38.1 makes it possible to cover the convex cutout edge surface in the plane of the composite panel 20.

[0071] The first type of cutout 38.1 extends transversely to the direction D1 in the wall 24 and on one side in the first bend 27.1 and along a portion of the width of the first flank 26.1 and on the other side in the second bend 27.2 and along a portion of the width of the second flank 26.2. Thus, the first type of cutout 38.1 has a U-shape.

[0072] The centre of curvature C1 is located on one side of the free ends of the flanks 26.1, 26.2 in order to open the cutout 38.1 and extend the fabric covering 30 during forming.

[0073] The cutout 38.1 ends at its end in a rounded portion 40. This makes it possible to limit stress concentrations when the operator forms the reinforcement 23 on the edge surface of the panel 20 and to limit the risk of tearing the reinforcement 23. Alternatively, as Fig. 9 As shown, the cutout 38 . 1 may terminate with an elliptical shaped portion 40 .

[0074] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the second type of cutout 38.2 allows the reinforcement 23 to be shaped in the plane of the wall 24 so that the center of curvature C2 of the reinforcement 23 is located on one side of one of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. The radius of curvature R2 passing through the center C2 is perpendicular to the surface of the wall 24. The center C2 is located on the axis of curvature X2. The second type of cutout 38.2 makes it possible to cover the cutout edge surface according to the curvature direction of the composite panel 20.

[0075] The second type of cut 38.2 extends in one of the flanks 26.1, 26.2, in the respective bend 27.1, 27.2 connecting the flank 26.1 or 26.2 to the wall 24, and in the wall 24, preferably up to the next bend. The second type of cut 38.2 thus has an L-shape. The center of curvature C2 is located on the side of the uncut flank 26.1, 26.2, so as to open the cut 38.2 and extend the fabric covering 30 during forming.

[0076] The cutout 38.2 is formed in the first flank 26.1 or in the second flank 26.2, depending on the desired shaping direction in the plane of the wall 24. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, when the center of curvature C2 of the reinforcement 23 is located on one side of the first wing 26.1, a cutout 38.2 is formed in the second wing 26.2, the second fold 27.2 and at least a portion of the wall 24. When the center of curvature C2 of the reinforcement 23 is located on one side of the second wing 26.2, a cutout 38.2 is formed in the first wing 26.1, the first fold 27.1 and at least a portion of the wall 24.

[0077] The cutout 38.2 ends at least at one end thereof in a rounded portion 40. This makes it possible to limit stress concentrations when the operator forms the reinforcement 23 on the edge surface of the panel 20 and to limit the risk of tearing the reinforcement 23. Alternatively, as Fig. 9 As shown, the cutout 38 . 2 may terminate with an elliptical shaped portion 40 .

[0078] like Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6cAs shown, the third type of cutout 38.3 allows the reinforcement 23 to be shaped according to a concave shape in the plane of the flanks 26.1, 26.2, so that the center of curvature C3 of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of the outside of the wall 24. The radius of curvature R3 passing through the center C3 is perpendicular to the surface of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. The center C3 is located on the curvature axis X3. The third type of cutout 38.3 makes it possible to cover the concave cutout edge surface in the plane of the composite panel 20.

[0079] like Fig.10 As shown, this type of cut also allows a torsional bending process about the longitudinal axis XI of the reinforcement 23. In the undeformed state, ie when the reinforcement 23 has not yet been shaped, the axis XI extends parallel to the longitudinal extension direction D1 of the reinforcement 23.

[0080] like Figure 6c As shown, the third type of cut 38.3 includes a first cut portion 38.3a, which extends along the entire width of the first side wing 26.1 and slightly exceeds the first fold 27.1. The first cut portion 38.3a does not reach the second fold 27.2. The third type of cut 38.3 includes a second cut portion 38.3b, which extends along the entire width of the second side wing 26.2 and slightly exceeds the second fold 27.2. The second cut portion 38.3b does not reach the first fold 27.1. The first cut portion 38.3a and the second cut portion 38.3b are located in the same plane P perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction D1.

[0081] The center of curvature C3 is located on the side of the outside of the wall 24 in order to open the cutout 38.3 and extend the fabric cover 30. The center of curvature C3 is preferably arranged in the middle of the wall 24.

[0082] like Figure 7a , Figure 7b and Figure 7c As shown, the facing profile-member 21 may comprise a plurality of shaped areas 37 with cut-outs 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge surface profile having a continuous direction of curvature in different continuous directions.

[0083] Thus, a first forming area 37 provided with the second type of cutouts 38.2 can be distinguished, as well as two areas 37' and 37" comprising two different types of cutouts alternating to accommodate a simultaneous variation of the curvature, in particular according to a combined forming process of two different directions of curvature.

[0084] Thus, the shaped area 37' comprises alternating first type cutouts 38.1 and second type cutouts 38.2, making it possible to shape the facing profile-member according to the curvature centre C2 situated on one side of the second flank 26.2. A single cutout 38.1 of the first type is then followed by a single cutout 38.2 of the second type, then a single cutout 38.1 of the first type, and so on. As a variant, there may be a series of first type cutouts 38.1, followed by a series of second type cutouts 38.2, alternating.

[0085] The shaped area 37 ″ comprises an alternation of first type cutouts 38 . 1 and second type cutouts 38 . 2 , allowing the facing profile-member to be shaped according to a centre of curvature C2 situated on one side of the first flank 26 . 1 .

[0086] Alternatively, the second type of cutouts 38.2 and the third type of cutouts 38.3 may be combined alternately.

[0087] according to Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement 23 of the facing profile-member 21 has a thickness e between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, a width l between 10 mm and 20 mm associated with the thickness of the edge surface of the panel, and a height h between 5 mm and 10 mm sufficient to hide imperfections of the edge of the board.

[0088] Taking into account the thickness of the hem and trim of the panel 20, the dimension l is such that a fabric covering 30 (see Figure 2b ) is adjusted to the thickness dimension of the panel 20.

[0089] Or, if Fig.12 As shown, the length of dimension 1 may vary to accommodate composite panels 20 of varying thickness. By forming cuts 38 in the flanks 26.1, 26.2 at each change in edge surface profile gradient, a continuous forming operation 27.1, 27.2 may be provided.

[0090] Alternatively, dimension h may vary in height to hide more or less of the panel edge 20 .

[0091] The size design of the cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 depends on the flexibility and plasticity of the material. The cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 can have a width Id of the order of 1 mm in the undeformed state, for example (see Figure 4b ). The incision width in the deformed state is preferably less than twice the incision width in the undeformed state so as not to exceed the tensile limit of the material.

[0092] exist Figure 8In the embodiment of the facing profile-member 21, the facing profile-member 21 comprises a convex abutment shape 42 on one side of the first end and a concave abutment shape 43 on one side of the second end. The concave abutment shape 43 has a shape complementary to the convex abutment shape 42. Preferably, the abutment shapes 42, 43 are formed in the wall 24 of the reinforcement 23. As a variant or in addition, the abutment shapes 42, 43 can be realized in the flanks 26.1, 26.2 of the reinforcement 23.

[0093] Thus, the facing profile members 21 can be butted together. For this purpose, the male butt joint shape 42 cooperates with the female butt joint shape 43 of a first adjacent facing profile member 21, and the female butt joint shape 43 cooperates with the male butt joint shape 42 of a second adjacent facing profile member 21. This provides a modular structure according to which the number of facing profile members 21 can be adapted to the length of the edge surface of the panel.

[0094] The fabric covering 30 may cover all the facing profile-members 21 thus assembled. The connection between the facing profile-members 21 may be strengthened by using an adhesive or by producing one or more welding points at the interconnection between the male 42 and female 43 abutment shapes.

[0095] The male and female docking shapes 42, 43 may have complementary T-shapes as shown. Any other shapes suitable for the application are contemplated, including round hooks, L-shapes, dovetails, or any other shapes suitable for the application.

[0096] The one or more facing profile members 21 may be glued to the edge surface of the panel 20 by means of a double-sided adhesive or a liquid or solid adhesive.

[0097] On the straight sections, the facing profile-member 21 may of course be free of the cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3.

[0098] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are compatible with or do not exclude each other. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is provided only as an example. The present invention includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that can be envisioned by those skilled in the art in the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the above-described various operating modes may be adopted individually or in combination.

Claims

1. A facing profile member (21) for covering an edge surface of a panel (20), wherein: The facing profile component comprises: - a reinforcement (23), comprising a wall (24), a first flank (26.1) and a second flank (26.2), a first fold (27.1) extending between a first longitudinal edge of the wall (24) and the first flank (26.1), a second fold (27.2) extending between a second longitudinal edge of the wall (24) and the second flank (26.2), and - an extensible fabric covering (30) at least partially covering said reinforcement (23), - the reinforcement (23) comprises at least one shaped area (37, 37', 37") formed with a plurality of cutouts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) so that the reinforcement (23) can be shaped along the shaped area (37) to follow the curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel (20).

2. The facing profile member according to claim 1, wherein The shaped area (37) comprises at least one cutout of the reinforcement (23) selected from: - a first type of cutout (38.1) which allows the reinforcing element (23) to be formed in the plane of the flanks (26.1, 26.2) according to a convex shaping so that the center of curvature (C1) of the reinforcing element (23) is located on one side of the inner face of the wall (24), - a second type of cutout (38.2) which allows shaping the reinforcement (23) in the plane of the wall (24) so ​​that the center of curvature (C2) of the reinforcement (23) is located on one side of one of the flanks (26.1, 26.2), and - A third type of cutout (38.3) which allows the reinforcement (23) to be formed in the plane of the flanks (26.1, 26.2) according to a concave forming, so that the center of curvature (C3) of the reinforcement (23) is located on the side outside the wall (24), and the third type of cutout (38.3) also allows a torsional forming process.

3. The facing profile member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one cutout (38.1) extends transversely in the wall (24) and on one side in the first bend (27.1) and along a portion of the width of the first flank (26.1), and on the other side in the second bend (27.2) and along a portion of the width of the second flank (26.2).

4. The facing profile member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein At least one cutout (38.2) extends in one of the flanks (26.1, 26.2), in the corresponding bend (27.1, 27.2) connecting the flank to the wall (24), and in the wall (24) as far as the next bend.

5. The facing profile member according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The cutouts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) terminate at least at one end thereof in a circular or oval shaped portion (40).

6. A facing profile member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein At least one incision (38.3) comprises: - a first cutout portion (38.3a) extending along the entire width of the first flank (26.1) and slightly beyond the first fold (27.1), and - a second cutout portion (38.3b) extending along the entire width of the second flank (26.2) and slightly beyond the second fold (27.2), - The first cut-out portion (38.3a) and the second cut-out portion (38.3b) are located in the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction (D1) of the facing profile-member.

7. A facing profile member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The facing profile-member comprises a plurality of shaped areas (37, 37', 37') having cut-outs (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge surface profile having a continuous direction of curvature in different continuous directions.

8. A facing profile member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The shaped area (37) includes two different types of cuts alternatingly to accommodate simultaneous changes in curvature.

9. A facing profile member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The textile covering (30) comprises at least one facing layer (31).

10. A facing profile-member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The facing profile member comprises a male abutment shape (42) on one side of a first end and a female abutment shape (43) on one side of a second end, the female abutment shape (43) having a shape complementary to the male abutment shape (42).

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