Lamella made of a composite material, headrest, furniture and process for manufacturing a lamella

Abstract

A lamella made of a composite material, comprising a wooden strip (12), wherein the wooden strip (12) has on a bottom side (16) a layer (24) made of plastic extending in the longitudinal direction of the wooden strip (12), characterized in that a) at least one recess (26) is formed on at least one longitudinal side (18) of the wooden strip (12) and / or b) the layer (24) made of plastic is connected to at least one spring element (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a slat made of a composite material according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a headrest, in particular for use in a sauna, and a piece of furniture each comprising such a slat according to claims 8 and 9. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a slat according to claim 10.

[0002] Wooden slats or wooden struts for the manufacture of furniture, particularly headrests and loungers, are well known in the art. The headrest or furniture comprises several parallel slats, particularly made of wood, which form, for example, a lying surface, seat, or headrest.

[0003] For example, slats for reclining or seating furniture are known from DE 10 2004 049 379 A1 and DE 20 2007 006 723 U1.

[0004] A comfortable sitting or lying position is particularly important for headrests and furniture for sitting and / or lying down. To achieve this, the individual slats may already have a curved shape and be adapted to a specific head shape, for example. Despite this adaptation, headrests in particular, but also loungers or seating furniture made of wooden slats, sometimes do not offer particularly high levels of lying comfort.

[0005] Headrests made of wooden slats are frequently used in saunas. They provide elevated support for the head during a sauna session. Such headrests must meet very high standards in terms of hygiene and durability under the climatic conditions prevailing in saunas. The headrest must be resistant to moisture and heat, withstand large temperature fluctuations, but must not itself become too hot.

[0006] The underlying object of the invention is to provide a slat, a headrest with such a slat, and a piece of furniture with such a slat, which can achieve particularly high levels of reclining comfort and which are also suitable for use in a sauna. Furthermore, a method is to be provided that enables the simple production of such a slat.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments and advantages are described in conjunction with the subclaims.

[0008] A slat according to the invention is made of a composite material. The slat comprises a wooden strip. The wooden strip is an elongated body and extends in a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a vertical direction. The length of the wooden strip is greater than the height and the width of the wooden strip. The wooden strip has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, as well as two long sides and two end sides. The wooden strip is designed in particular as a rectangular cuboid and the top and bottom are the sides with the largest surface area. In particular, the length of the slat or the wooden strip is between 20 and 100 cm and preferably between 30 and 40 cm for a headrest and is in particular less than 100 cm. The width of the slat orthe wooden strip is in particular between 2.5 cm and 9 cm and preferably between 3 cm and 4 cm and the height of the wooden strip is between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm and preferably between 0.8 cm and 1.5 cm.

[0009] The wooden strip has a plastic layer on its underside extending longitudinally along the wooden strip. The plastic layer has a thickness of between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm, preferably between 0.2 cm and 0.4 cm, and particularly preferably 0.3 cm.

[0010] Furthermore, a) at least one recess is formed on at least one long side of the wooden strip and / or b) the plastic layer is connected to at least one spring element.

[0011] The slat according to the invention can be particularly thin and flexible and yet, thanks to the plastic layer, exhibits sufficient flexural rigidity and breaking strength. The wooden slat is flexible, but can only absorb low forces and does not spring back elastically. The plastic layer, on the one hand, increases the breaking strength of the slat and, on the other hand, generates a restoring force that allows the slat to spring back to its original position after a load. The choice of plastic influences the restoring force. The slat according to the invention exhibits good elasticity even at short lengths of approximately 20 cm to 60 cm, which enables a high level of lying comfort. Such a slat is also particularly suitable for use in a sauna, because the slat according to the invention has a wooden outer surface that is particularly hygienic and does not overheat.

[0012] In particular, the plastic layer extends only over a portion of the underside of the slat. The plastic layer is designed, in particular, as a narrow strip, spaced from at least two edges of the wooden strip. This makes it highly unlikely that the plastic will be touched during proper use of the slat, for example, in a headrest. In particular, the plastic layer is spaced from the longitudinally extending edges of the underside. The distance is, in particular, between 10% and 15% of the width of the wooden strip.

[0013] The elasticity of the slat in the longitudinal direction can be improved according to variant a) by forming at least one recess on at least one long side of the wooden strip. In particular, one or more recesses are formed on both long sides extending in the longitudinal direction. The at least one recess can be designed as a slot or can have a greater width. In particular, the width and / or the spacing of the slots can vary over the length of the slat. The at least one recess allows the slat to expand in the area of ​​the recesses when the slat is subjected to a load on the closed end side of the recesses, making it even more bendable. For a slat with a length of 40 cm, up to 14 recesses per side have proven advantageous.

[0014] The opening width of a recess can in particular be in the range of 0.5 cm to 1.0 cm.

[0015] Furthermore, according to variant b), the plastic core can be connected to at least one spring element. In particular, the layer or the filling made of plastic is connected at its ends in the longitudinal direction to a spring element. The spring element is in particular a plastic structure that is preferably formed integrally with the plastic layer or the plastic core. For example, the spring element can be a closed structure in the shape of a circle or oval. Alternatively, an open structure, e.g. designed as a U-profile or L-profile, or an accordion-like structure is also conceivable. In addition to the elasticity brought about by the combination of wooden strip and plastic, the spring element can be used to arrange the slat resiliently on a base such as a frame. When loaded, the spring element compresses and enables additional height compensation.The at least one spring element has, in particular, a first fastening section for connection to the plastic layer or the filling and a second fastening section for connection to a frame. In particular, two adjacently arranged slats can be connected to one another via a connecting section extending between the spring elements.

[0016] In a practical embodiment, the slat according to the invention has a groove on its underside, and the layer of plastic is arranged in the groove as a filling. The groove can be a continuous groove or a groove offset at one or both ends. A plastic filling (core) is arranged in the groove. The groove in the wooden strip results in even greater flexibility of the wooden strip, with the plastic filling (core) leading to increased breaking strength of the slat. The plastic filling is largely enclosed by the wooden strip, and thus there is only a low risk of burns from the plastic.

[0017] To simplify the production of the slat, at least one recess can be filled with plastic. This is particularly practical for filling by injection molding or casting. When the slat is subjected to bending stress, the recesses may expand. The plastic holds the connection between the two sides of the recesses together, preventing the wood from cracking. Filling with plastic prevents gaps from forming, preventing hair from getting trapped.

[0018] In a practical embodiment of the slat according to the invention, the wooden strip is a U-profile. The wooden strip is preferably arranged on at least three side surfaces to be the same width and preferably further outwards than the plastic filling. This ensures that a user of the slat, when installed in a headrest or piece of furniture, has predominantly or exclusively contact with the wooden strip and does not come into contact with the plastic filling. This is particularly important when using the slat in a sauna, as the plastic heats up particularly quickly here and there is a risk of burns, whereas the wood does not get so hot that there is a risk of burns. The plastic is surrounded by the wooden strip on at least three sides and preferably on five sides. The wooden strip provides contact protection.

[0019] The wood used in saunas is specifically abachi. Abachi is a wood that is well-suited for use in humid and hot environments such as a sauna. Other woods can also be used in furniture.

[0020] The plastic can be a thermoplastic (TPU) or a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). Both plastics are easy to process and can be applied, particularly by injection molding, to the wooden strip or into any existing groove in the wooden strip. These materials are also easy to distribute. Suitable TPU and TPV materials can be used for sauna applications, as they meet the high temperature and humidity requirements.

[0021] In another practical embodiment, the groove has a rectangular cross-section. A rectangular groove is easy to manufacture and, in addition, the plastic filling is easy to fill. Alternatively, a T-shaped, angled, or rounded groove is also conceivable.

[0022] A particularly good ratio between elasticity and flexural rigidity was achieved when: - The width of the groove corresponds to 70% to 95% of the width of the wooden strip. It has been found that the width of the groove is a particularly important parameter for adjusting elasticity and fracture strength. - The length of the groove corresponds to 80% to 95% of the length of the wooden strip. - The depth of the groove corresponds to 50% to 70% of the height of the wooden strip. The remaining thickness of the wooden strip in the groove area corresponds to 50% to 30% of the maximum wood thickness.

[0023] The above information can be implemented individually or in any combination.

[0024] The invention also relates to a headrest with at least one slat as described above. This is, in particular, a headrest for use in a sauna. In particular, the headrest comprises a plurality of slats arranged with their long sides parallel to one another, which are arranged on a frame or two side elements. The slats can, in particular, be arranged sequentially in ascending height. The slats can also be arranged on the frame in a height-adjustable manner. When a head is placed on the headrest, the individual slats adapt to the shape of the head, making the headrest particularly ergonomic and comfortable. In addition, the material combination and arrangement of wood strip and plastic are selected so that they are durable in the sauna and do not overheat.

[0025] The invention further relates to a piece of furniture with at least one slat as described above. This piece of furniture can be a seating furniture with a seat and / or backrest with at least one slat, a bed base, a slatted frame, or a handrail.

[0026] A reclining surface can be at least part of a lounger, which has at least one and, in particular, several slats to form the reclining surface. For example, it can be a reclining surface as part of a sauna lounger or a garden lounger, or even a slatted frame for a bed. The reclining surface can also serve as a relaxation support for the entire spine. Here, too, the slats offer the advantage of ergonomically adapting to the person lying on the reclining surface.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for producing a slat as described above. For this purpose, a wooden slat is first provided. The plastic is applied to the underside of the wooden slat by plastic injection molding or a casting process. This allows a slat according to the invention to be produced simply and cost-effectively. In particular, before the plastic is applied, a groove is formed on the underside of the wooden slat. The groove is, in particular, milled into the wooden slat. The plastic is then filled into the groove by plastic injection molding or a casting process.

[0028] Further wood treatment may be required, but is not mandatory, especially with regard to use in the sauna.

[0029] To achieve better adhesion between the wooden strip and the plastic, an adhesion promoter can be placed in the groove before the plastic is injected.

[0030] Further practical embodiments and advantages are described in conjunction with the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a lamella according to the invention in a first embodiment in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the slat Fig. 1 in a view from below, Fig. 3 the slat from Fig. 1 in a section along line III-III, Fig. 4 the slat Fig. 1 in a section along line IV-IV, Fig. 5 the slat Fig. 1 in a section along line VV, Fig. 6 a slat according to the invention in a second embodiment in a view from below, Fig. 7 the slat from Fig. 6 in a section along line VII-VII, Fig. 8 a lamella according to a third embodiment in a section along line VV with a spring element, Fig. 9 an arrangement of two slats in a section along line VV, Fig. 10 a headrest with several slats in a side view and Fig. 11 a headrest with a slat in a front view.

[0031] In Fig. 1 shows a slat 10 in a first embodiment in a perspective view from the side. Fig. 2 shows the underside of the slat 10 and the Fig. 3 to 5 each show the lamella 10 in a section.

[0032] The slat 10 consists of a composite material and has a wooden strip 12 with a length L, a width B, and a height H. The wooden strip 12 is an elongated body, and its length is greater than its width and height. The wooden strip 12 has a top side 14, a bottom side 16, two long sides 18, and two end faces 20.

[0033] The wooden strip 12 has a rectangular groove 22 on its underside 16, extending in the longitudinal direction of the wooden strip 12. The groove 22 is designed as a continuous groove (as opposed to a groove offset at one or two ends). A filling 24 made of plastic (in Fig. 2 shown in dotted lines). The plastic filling 24 is surrounded on three sides by the wooden strip 12 (see also overview of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5). The wooden strip 12 is a U-profile, and the plastic filling 24 is surrounded by the wooden strip 12 on three sides.

[0034] The groove 22 has a width B N which corresponds to approximately 80% of the width B of the wooden strip 12. Furthermore, the groove 22 has a depth T N which corresponds to approximately 60% of the height H of the wooden strip (cf. Fig. 3).

[0035] The wooden strip in this case is made of abachi and the plastic is a thermoplastic.

[0036] Recesses 26 or slots are formed on the opposite long sides 18 of the wooden strip 12. The recesses 26 are adapted to the bending load. Thus, the recesses 26 in the center of the long side 18 are wider than the recesses 26 located closer to the end faces 20. When a force F acts from above on the slat 10, on the closed side of the recesses 26, the slat 10 bends downward, and the recesses 26 expand accordingly.

[0037] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the plastic filling 24 extends to the long sides 18 and fills the recesses 26.

[0038] Further embodiments of the lamella 10 are shown below, wherein the same reference numerals are used to describe the further embodiments for identical or at least functionally equivalent components as for the description of the first embodiment.

[0039] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a slat 10. The slat 10 comprises a wooden strip 12 according to the first embodiment, wherein the wooden strip 12 has a length L, a width B, and a height H. The wooden strip 12 is an elongated body, and the length is greater than the width and the height. The wooden strip 12 has a top side 14, a bottom side 16, two long sides 18, and two end faces 20.

[0040] A plastic layer 24 is arranged on the underside 16. The plastic layer 24 extends only over a portion of the underside 16, namely only over an elongated strip. The plastic layer 24 is spaced apart from the edges of the underside 16. In this case, the width B is L The layer is 75% of the width B of the wooden strip. The distance to the side surfaces is therefore 12.5% ​​of the width B of the wooden strip.

[0041] In Fig. 8 shows a slat 10, wherein the filling 24 made of plastic is formed integrally with a spring element 28, also made of plastic. The spring element 28 is connected to the filling 24 via a first fastening section 30. The spring element 28 is designed here as a closed structure in the shape of a circle. On the side of the spring element 28 facing away from the wooden strip 12, a second fastening section 32 is formed, which serves for connection to a frame 34 (cf. Fig. 10).

[0042] In addition to the springy properties of the slat 10 itself, an additional spring effect is realized by the spring element 28. The spring element 28 can rebound and retract according to the double arrow.

[0043] In Fig. 9 shows an arrangement of two adjacent slats 10, wherein the spring elements 28 of the respective slat 10 are connected to one another via a connecting section 36 and the slats 10 thus mutually stabilize each other in their position.

[0044] In Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 schematically shows a headrest 38. The headrest 38 has a frame 34, wherein the frame 34 and the slats 10 are shown partially transparent here. The frame 34 comprises two side elements 40, which are connected via six slats 10 in this case. The slats 10 are each connected to the side elements 40 by the second fastening section 32, and two slats 10 are connected to one another via the spring element 28 and the connecting section 36. For arranging the slats 10 in the side elements 40, the side elements 40 have recesses 42 in which the fastening sections 32 are firmly received. The fastening sections 32 can also be supplemented with other geometries, e.g. an annular geometry.The surface of the side elements 40 facing the slats 10 runs diagonally to the horizontal, and the slats 10 are arranged along this slope, creating a sloping surface for a headrest. Other ergonomic shapes are also conceivable.

[0045] As shown in the side view in Fig. 11, the slats 10 can already be pre-tensioned when connected to the frame 34 and can have a slight bend against the force applied by a head resting on it.

[0046] In Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 it is clearly visible that the filling 24 made of plastic and the spring element 28 with the first fastening section 30 and the second fastening section 32 are arranged and surrounded by the wooden strip 12 or the frame 34 in such a way that when the headrest 38 is used properly there is no contact with the filling 24. List of reference symbols 10 slats 12 wooden strips 14 Top 16 Subpage 18 Long side 20 front side 22 grooves 24 plastic filling 26 recess 28 spring element 30 first fastening section 32 second fastening section 34 frames 36 connecting section 38 Headrest 40 page element 42 Deepening

Claims

[1] Slat made of a composite material, comprising a wooden strip (12), wherein the wooden strip (12) has on an underside (16) a layer (24) made of plastic extending in the longitudinal direction of the wooden strip (12), characterized by , that a) at least one recess (26) is formed on at least one longitudinal side (18) of the wooden strip (12) and / or b) the plastic layer (24) is connected to at least one spring element (28). [2] Slat according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the plastic layer (24) extends only over a partial area of ​​the underside (16). [3] Slat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the underside (16) of the slat (10) has a groove (22) and in the groove (22) the layer (24) of plastic is arranged as a filling. [4] Slat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wooden strip (12) is a U-profile. [5] Slat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wooden strip (12) is made of abachi and / or that the plastic for the filling (24) is a thermoplastic plastic (TPU) or a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). [6] Slat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the groove (22) has a rectangular or rounded geometry in cross-section. [7] Slat according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized by that the width of the groove (22) corresponds to between 70% and 95% of the width of the wooden strip (12) and / or that the depth of the groove (22) is between 50% and 70% of the thickness of the wooden strip (12). [8] Headrest with at least one slat (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7. [9] Furniture with at least one slat (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7. [10] Method for producing a lamella (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized by that first a wooden strip (12) is provided and then plastic (24) is applied to the underside (16) of the wooden strip by injection molding or casting.

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