Furnishing element with curved geometry and multifunctional properties, especially for the nautical sector

Abstract

Furniture element (1) made of wood with curved geometry, characterized in that it comprises the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a parallelepiped with side faces (S l , S l ') and a rear surface (S p ); - at least one side element (20) which is attached to a side surface (S) by means of first fastening means (31) l , S l ') of the said central element (10) is attached, wherein the said side element (20) has the shape of a curved segment; - a locking element (40) which is attached to the rear surface (S) by means of first fastening means (31). p ) is attached, wherein the locking element (40) has the shape of a curved segment; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the said central element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), or a furnishing element (1) made of wood with curved geometry, characterized in that it comprises the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a prism with side faces (S l , S l '); - two side elements (20, 20') attached to the side surfaces (S l , S l ') of the central element (10) are fastened by means of first fastening means (31), wherein the side elements (20, 20') have the shape of a curved segment; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the said central element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), wherein the device element is further characterized in that the at least one side element (20) and the closure element (40) or the two side elements (20, 20') are connected to each other in such a way that the curvature of the surface along the connecting line of the respective curved sections is essentially continuous.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to wooden furnishing elements for the nautical sector, which in particular have curved shapes. State of the art analysis

[0002] Due to limited space and exposure to moisture and salt, the environment in which the wooden furnishings for the nautical sector are located is very problematic.

[0003] For this reason, manufacturers of this type of furniture have always strived to develop solutions that guarantee low weight, compact dimensions, modularity, resistance to weathering, UV rays and the aggressive influences of the marine environment, as well as, of course, practical handling.

[0004] Such solutions include specific planning, the selection of suitable materials and mechanical mechanisms that allow the integration of various functions, such as the ability to pull out a retractable table.

[0005] In practice, finding an acceptable compromise between all these requirements is not always easy or even possible, especially when the furnishing project is an "adaptation" of a design intended for residential spaces, and the specific requirements of the nautical sector are not taken into account at all. Furthermore, when furnishings are intended for luxury boats, a market that has experienced strong growth in recent years, these technical requirements must also be reconciled with a highly refined product aesthetic, as they are aimed at a wealthy and very discerning clientele.

[0006] In recent years, the trend in boat design has seen the widespread use of curved surfaces, including glass, in the wheelhouse and cabins.

[0007] These shapes are best combined with furnishing elements that also feature curved shapes.

[0008] However, manufacturing furniture elements with this curvature is not easy, as it is difficult to ensure perfect continuity of the curved outer surfaces of the piece of furniture, taking into account the harsh environmental conditions under which they are used and the need to offer a refined design that satisfies a demanding clientele.

[0009] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the wooden furniture currently used in shipping, especially in furniture with curved outer surfaces. General description of the invention; Purpose of the invention

[0010] Starting from the limitations of the products known in the prior art, the present invention aims to completely overcome these by providing a furnishing element with curved geometry and modular properties, characterized by a new arrangement, configuration and combination of components which, as will be shown below, are particularly effective and convenient in use in the nautical field.

[0011] The main purpose is, in particular, to create a furnishing element with curved geometry that is characterized by an easy-to-assemble structure and ensures perfect continuity of surfaces between curved and flat surfaces as well as curved and flat surfaces along the connecting lines.

[0012] In conjunction with the first purpose, a second purpose of the present invention is to create a furnishing element characterized by a lightweight yet robust structure that can withstand the harsh operating conditions in the nautical sector. This includes, for example, the production of a furnishing structure with a compartment for a chest of drawers that does not deform due to moisture and salty environments (which would prevent the drawers from closing).

[0013] A third purpose of the present invention is to create a furnishing element characterized by a structure designed to facilitate the “hidden” routing of cables required for connecting lighting or electronic devices such as bedside lamps or mobile phone chargers.

[0014] A fourth purpose of the present invention is to create a furnishing element with a modular structure that makes it possible to construct more complex furnishing elements with mixed planar and curved geometries that can be adapted to cabins of boats of any size.

[0015] Finally, a last purpose of the present invention is to produce a furnishing element with a curved geometry and a limited number of components, which is easy to manufacture and assemble. General description of the invention

[0016] These and other purposes, which will become clearer later, are achieved by a wooden furnishing element with a curved geometry, the general features of which are defined in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention, on the other hand, are defined by the corresponding dependent claims.

[0017] The aforementioned claims, which are referred to for reasons of brevity, are defined specifically and concretely below and are to be understood as an integral part of the present description. Description of the characters

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of two preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments, which are shown indicatively and without limitation in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Fig. 1 shows the components of the furnishing element according to the invention in a top view; - Fig. 2 represents the furnishing element according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 3 represents the furnishing element according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0019] The present invention relates to a wooden furnishing element with curved geometry for use in the nautical field, characterized by a structure comprising a central element in the form of a parallelepiped or prism, to the outer sides of which elements with sections in the form of a curved segment are attached.

[0020] The dimensions of the central element and the elements are chosen so that the curved outer surface has a continuous curvature, especially along the connecting lines between the different elements.

[0021] The resulting modular structure is covered with curved cladding elements. By carefully selecting the arrangement of the wood materials, it is possible to compensate for any dimensional changes, even in potentially humid environments.

[0022] For the sake of clarity, the term "curve segment," referring to the components of the device element according to the invention, refers to a three-dimensional shape which, in horizontal section, consists of a chord whose ends are connected by a curve segment. In other words, the curve segment is the three-dimensional shape obtained by "extending" a curved arc whose ends are bounded by a straight segment along a direction orthogonal to the arc itself.

[0023] Similarly, the term "cylindrical segment" refers to a three-dimensional shape which, in horizontal section, consists of a chord whose endpoints are connected by a circular segment with a constant radius of curvature, i.e., a section of a cylinder with a plane parallel to the generatrix of the cylinder.

[0024] For the sake of clarity, the term "made of wood" in the following description, referring to the furnishing element and its components, denotes a material made of solid wood, multi-layer wood, laminated timber, or any combination of these materials, including those with plastic, metal, or composite materials, e.g., carbon fiber. In any case, the material from which the furnishing element according to the invention is manufactured consists mainly of wood or its derivatives.

[0025] The specific implementation of the present invention will be explained in more detail below by way of a description of two preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments. First preferred embodiment

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is described herein by way of example and without limitation with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. As described in 2, the furnishing element (1) has the form of a bedside table suitable for installation in a cabin, for example, such as that of the shipowner.

[0027] In this embodiment, the device element (1) is characterized in that it comprises the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a parallelepiped, which is designed to accommodate a drawer arrangement (71) in which the drawers are slidably mounted by means of guides; - two side elements (20, 20') that are symmetrically attached to the side faces (S l , S l ') of the central element (10) are fastened by means of first fastening means (41), each of the said side elements (20, 20') having the form of a cylindrical segment and being hollow; - a locking element (30) which is attached to the rear surface (S p) of the central element (10) is fastened by means of first fastening means (41), wherein the closing element (40) has the form of a cylindrical segment and is hollow; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the middle element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), wherein the elements (50, 50') are provided with one or more cable entry or wiring openings (51) for connecting lighting or electronic devices; - two cladding elements (60, 60') to be attached to the side elements (20, 20') and the locking element (30).

[0028] For the sake of clarity, the central element (10) has side surfaces (S l , S l ') and a rear surface (S p ). Accordingly, the two side elements (20, 20') have side faces (S l , S l') on, while the locking element (40) has a rear surface (S p ) exhibits.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the elements (20, 20') and (30) are hollow cylindrical segments with the same radius R and chords (C l ) or (C p Furthermore, elements (10), (20, 20') and (30) have the same height H. Consequently, the cylindrical surfaces of elements (20, 20') and (30) connect along the connecting lines (H1, H2), maintaining continuity in curvature, so that the side elements (20, 20') and the rear element (30), once attached to the central element (10), form a cylindrical segment with approximately radius R and angle Ω. The two side elements (20, 20') are symmetrical about their side surfaces (S). l , S l') of the central element (10) is attached via a plug connection (40) (e.g., of the dovetail type) that extends over the entire height of the central element (10). In particular, the side surfaces (S l , S l ') and on the rear surface (S p ) of the side elements (20, 20') the trapezoidal tenon (i.e. the projection) is present, while on the side faces (S l , S l ') and the rear surface (S p ) of the central element (10) the corresponding groove (i.e. the cavity or receptacle) is present. It is obvious how such a connection (41) can be easily obtained by milling operations carried out directly on the elements (10, 20, 20'). Similarly, such a fastening element (41) can be obtained by fastening with screws to the elements (10, 20, 20') of the suitably recessed metal profiles.

[0030] Although such a solution has proven to be preferred, first fastening means (41) of a different type, such as magnetic strips, can be used equivalently.

[0031] Similarly, the locking element (30) is also symmetrical on the rear surface (S p ) of the central element (10) is fastened by the same type of connection (40).

[0032] In the first embodiment, the elements (20, 20') and (30) are lined with two identical cylindrical shells (60, 60'), each having an angular profile Ω and an inner radius R. Preferably, the cylindrical shells (60, 60') are made of mature hardwood and are resistant to dimensional changes due to humidity and temperature fluctuations.

[0033] In particular, the cylindrical shells (60, 60') are connected to each other by pins and holes at their edges. Furthermore, the shells adhere to the assembly (20, 30, 20') because the edges at the ends of the central element (10) are secured with corresponding pins and holes. If necessary, the cylindrical shells (60, 60') are also bonded with a putty or other adhesive material to compensate for any dimensional changes.

[0034] In the first embodiment, which is described herein by way of example and without limitation, the cylindrical section thus obtained with the cylindrical shells (60, 60') is closed at the bottom by a base element (50) and at the top by an upper element (50').

[0035] These elements (50, 50') are attached to the lower and upper surfaces of this central element (10) by means of second fastening means (42). Preferably, the second fastening means (42) have the form of four plug connections of a known type.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the elements (50, 50') are provided with a series of cable entry and wiring openings (51).

[0037] In this way, lighting devices such as a bedside lamp or electronic devices such as audio equipment or smartphones can be connected to the furnishing element (1).

[0038] In this embodiment, the lighting or electronic devices are connected to the furnishing element (1) via USB sockets (51) on the upper element (50').

[0039] In addition to USB sockets, other types of cabling (51) can also be used depending on the type of device to be connected: jack sockets, mini jack sockets, for connecting audio devices; RJ45, RJ11, RS232, RG58, D-subminiature sockets, for connecting to a computer or home automation network; BNC, coaxial RF, for connecting to an antenna for receiving television signals.

[0040] In any case, the wiring (51) on the upper element (50') represents terminals for a cable that extends over the entire height H of the furnishing element, since the circular segments (10, 20, 20') are hollow inside, as mentioned above. These cables exit the furnishing element (1) through corresponding cable entry or wiring openings (51) on the base element (50).

[0041] In this way, it is possible to connect a variety of devices while keeping the connecting cables completely hidden, with significant functional and aesthetic advantages that are particularly appreciated in a highly selective market such as luxury shipping.

[0042] The structure of the furnishing element described herein is lightweight, yet robust and dimensionally stable, so that the drawers showed no sliding problems after numerous opening / closing cycles in tests in a saline environment.

[0043] It goes without saying that the cylindrical segments with constant curvature could be replaced by curved segments with variable curvature.

[0044] In this case, it is sufficient to choose an essentially equal radius of curvature near the connecting lines between the elements (20, 30) and (30, 20') during the planning phase.

[0045] In conclusion, it is evident from the description provided to experts that the invention is not just a piece of furniture, but a truly multifunctional element which, thanks to a new arrangement, configuration and combination of components, is suitable to offer particular effectiveness and comfort in the nautical field. Second preferred embodiment

[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is described herein by way of example and without limitation with reference to the Fig. As described in 3, the furnishing element (1) has the form of a corner piece suitable for being installed in a cabin of a luxury boat.

[0047] For the sake of simplicity, the reference numbers used in the description of the previous embodiment are used.

[0048] In this embodiment, the device element (1) is characterized in that it comprises the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a prism, designed to accommodate a series of shelves and, if necessary, a pull-out table (73); - two side elements (20, 20') attached to the side surfaces (S l , S l ') of the central element (10) are fastened by means of first fastening means (41), each of the said side elements (20, 20') having the form of a cylindrical segment and being hollow; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the middle element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), wherein the elements (50, 50') are provided with one or more cable entry or wiring openings (51) for connecting lighting or electronic devices; - a cladding element (60) to be attached to the side elements (20, 20').

[0049] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the central element (10) is not a parallelepiped but a prismatic shape, and the locking element (30) is also absent. The shape of the central element (10) preferably allows for the installation of shelves, although a chest of drawers could also be incorporated by sacrificing some of the available volume. Optionally, a pull-out table can be used.

[0050] Further technical details regarding the implementation of this embodiment can be easily derived from the foregoing by experts in this field. Conclusions

[0051] In conclusion, it is evident from the provided description how the purposes and objectives of the present invention have been fully achieved.

[0052] For experts in this field, it will be clear that the features of the furnishing elements described above are characterized by a new arrangement, configuration and combination of components which, as already mentioned, are particularly effective and comfortable in the luxury shipping sector.

[0053] Although the provided description and examples contain many details, these are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention, but merely as illustrative representations of some embodiments of the present invention. In fact, numerous variations are possible.

[0054] For example, the described embodiments refer to furnishing elements consisting of cylindrical segments attached to a central element. However, curved segments with a variable radius of curvature could also be used, provided that the surface shape is chosen to ensure continuous curvature along the connecting lines between the elements.

[0055] Furthermore, the cylindrical segments could be replaced by conical segments, i.e., by a shape created by intersecting a cone with a plane passing through the vertex to the axis.

[0056] Finally, by using central elements in a suitable shape, it is possible to produce furnishing elements with a more complex shape and a mixed planar-curved geometry that can be adapted to cabins of boats of any size.

[0057] Therefore, any modification of the present invention which falls within the purpose and scope of the following claims shall be considered part of the present invention.

[0058] If the features and methods mentioned in the claims are provided with reference numerals, these reference numerals serve solely to improve the understanding of the claims and therefore have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the individual elements which are exemplarily characterized by these reference numerals.

Claims

[1] Furniture element (1) made of wood with curved geometry, characterized by , that it includes the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a parallelepiped with side faces (S l , S l ') and a rear surface (S p ); - at least one side element (20) which is attached to a side surface (S) by means of first fastening means (31) l , S l ') of the said central element (10) is attached, wherein the said side element (20) has the shape of a curved segment; - a locking element (40) which is attached to the rear surface (S) by means of first fastening means (31). p ) is attached, wherein the locking element (40) has the shape of a curved segment; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the said central element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), or a furnishing element (1) made of wood with a curved geometry, characterized by , that it includes the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a prism with side faces (S l , S l '); - two side elements (20, 20') attached to the side surfaces (S l , S l ') of the central element (10) are fastened by means of first fastening means (31), wherein the side elements (20, 20') have the shape of a curved segment; - a base element (50) and an upper element (50') which are each attached to the lower and upper surfaces of the said central element (10) by means of second fastening means (42), wherein the furnishing element further characterized byis that the at least one side element (20) and the closure element (40) or the two side elements (20, 20') are connected to each other in such a way that the curvature of the surface along the connecting line of the respective curved sections is essentially continuous. [2] Furnishing element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central element (10), the at least one side element (20) and the closure element (40) are made of a wood-based material selected from: solid wood, multi-layer wood, glulam, a combination thereof; any combination of the aforementioned materials, including with plastics, metals or composite materials, provided that in this combination the presence of wood-based materials or their derivatives predominates. [3] Furnishing element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein these base (50) and closure elements (50') are made of a wood-based material selected from: solid wood, multi-layer wood, glulam, a combination thereof; any combination of the aforementioned materials also with plastics, metals or composite materials, provided that in this combination the presence of wood-based materials or their derivatives predominates. [4] Furnishing element (1) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, further comprising one or more cladding elements (60) attached to one or more of the following components: a side element (20), a closure element (30), the base element (50), the upper element (50') or a combination thereof. [5] Furnishing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the central element (10), the at least one side element (20) and the closure element (40) are made of multi-layer wood, the layers being arranged in such a way as to minimize dimensional changes due to temperature or humidity fluctuations. [6] Furnishing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the central element (10) accommodates a drawer arrangement (71), shelves (72) or a pull-out table (73). [7] Device element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the side elements (20, 20') or the locking element (40) are at least partially hollow. [8] Equipment element (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lower element (50) and the upper element (50, 50') include one or more cable entry or wiring openings (51) for connecting lighting or electronic devices. [9] Device element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the wiring (51) is a socket connector selected from: USB, jack socket, mini jack socket, RJ45, RJ11, RS232, RG58, D-subminiature, BNC, RF coaxial or a combination thereof. [10] Furnishing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes the following: - a central element (10) in the form of a parallelepiped, which is designed to accommodate a drawer arrangement (71) in which the drawers are slidably mounted by means of guides; - two side elements (20, 20') that are symmetrical with the side faces (S l , S l') of this central element (10) are fastened by means of fastening means (31), each of these side elements (20, 20') having the form of a cylindrical segment and being hollow;

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