Finishing profile member for a panel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a finishing profile member (21) intended to cover an edge surface of a panel (20), comprising: - a reinforcement (23) comprising a web (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 web (24) and the first flank (26.1), a second fold (27.2) extending between a second longitudinal edge of the web (24) and the second flank (26.2); and - an extendable textile cover (30) that at least partially covers said reinforcement (23), - said reinforcement (23) comprising a least one shaping zone (37) in which a plurality of cuts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) are made, such that said reinforcement (23) can be shaped along the shaping zone (37) to follow a curvature profile of the edge surface of the panel (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: CLADDING PROFILE FOR A PANEL

[0003] The present invention relates to a trim profile for a panel. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with composite panels forming furniture elements, in particular privacy shells or consoles belonging to "business class" and "first class" type seating units in an aircraft cabin.

[0004] In a manner known per se, a seat unit comprises a seat associated with a console and a privacy shell. The privacy shell extends at least partly around the seat so as to delimit a private semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat.

[0005] The seat offers the passenger different comfort positions, from a "sitting" position to a "lying" position, in which the seat defines a substantially horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down on. Intermediate comfort positions are also offered, such as the "relax" position in which a seat backrest is strongly inclined. Generally, these intermediate positions are obtained by tilting the pivoting backrest around a horizontal axis and perpendicular to an extension axis of the seat.

[0006] The console and / or privacy shell are formed by composite panels known as "sandwich" type, that is to say that these panels are made up of a stack of layers of different structural or non-structural materials. To finish the edges of these composite panels, it is necessary to cover them with a cladding profile called "edgecap" in English.

[0007] Cladding profiles can be made of metal, polymer or elastomer, machined or injected. However, this type of profile requires cutting the profile into several pieces (so-called "split line" technology in English) because the technological and cost limitations of existing manufacturing processes do not allow the precise shapes of a cladding profile extending in one piece along the entire length of the edge to be covered to be produced. In addition, this type of machined or injected profile has little tolerance in terms of sizing, while the composite panels on which they are mounted have fairly large tolerances. This generates problems with docking and perceived quality.

[0008] Cladding profiles can also consist of extruded profiles made of silicone elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, this type of profile poses perceived quality problems, as they exhibit extrusion marks and are susceptible to scratches. This type of profile also poses problems with bonding to the panel to be clad due to the very nature of the material.

[0009] The invention aims to effectively remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a covering profile intended to cover an edge of a panel comprising:

[0010] - a frame comprising a canvas, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, a first ply extending between a first longitudinal edge of the canvas and the first sidewall, a second ply extending between a second longitudinal edge of the canvas and the second sidewall, and

[0011] - an extensible textile cover covering at least part of said frame,

[0012] - said frame comprising at least one shaping zone in which a plurality of cutouts are made, so that said frame can be shaped along the shaping zone to follow a curvature profile of the edge of the panel.

[0013] The invention thus allows the cladding profile to easily conform to complex panel curvatures. The invention is also a simple to manufacture and quick to install solution for obtaining an excellent quality finish for a privacy shell panel or console panel. The invention also has the advantage of being inexpensive and lightweight, which limits the overall weight.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shaping zone comprises at least one cutout of the reinforcement chosen from: - a first type of cutout allowing shaping of the reinforcement in the plane of the sides following a convex shaping, so that a center of curvature of the reinforcement is located on the side of an internal face of the fabric,

[0015] - a second type of cutting allowing the reinforcement to be shaped in the plane of the canvas, so that a center of curvature of the reinforcement is located on the side of one of the flanks, and

[0016] - a third type of cutting allowing shaping of the reinforcement in the plane of the sides following a concave shaping, so that a center of curvature of the reinforcement is located on the side of an external face of the canvas, the third type of cutting also allowing shaping in a twist.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one cut extends transversely in the canvas, and extends on one side in the first fold and along a part of a width of the first side, and on the other side in the second fold and along a part of a width of the second side.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one cutout extends in one of the sides, the corresponding fold connecting said side to the canvas, as well as in the canvas up to the next fold.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, a cutout ends at at least one of its ends with a portion of rounded or oblong shape.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one cutout comprises:

[0021] - a first cutting portion extending along the entire width of the first sidewall and slightly beyond the first fold, and

[0022] - a second portion of cutting extending along the entire width of the second side and slightly beyond the second fold,

[0023] - the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being located in the same plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extension direction of the cladding profile.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, said cladding profile comprises several shaping zones having cutouts of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge profile having successive directions of curvature in different successive directions.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shaping zone comprises an alternation of two different types of cuts to adapt to simultaneous variations in curvature.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame is without cutting when the edge profile of the panel is straight.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the textile covering comprises at least one finishing layer.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the textile cover can be finished in a straight cut at the edge of the frame or edged on itself from the inside.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the textile covering further comprises an underlayer arranged between the frame and the finishing layer to hide the cutouts.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the textile cover comprises a lateral edging according to which said textile cover is folded over an internal face of the sides.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, said covering profile comprises a male butt shape arranged on the side of a first end and a female butt shape arranged on the side of a second end, said female butt shape having a shape complementary to the male butt shape.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the covering profile is glued to the edge of the panel at the location of the internal face of the canvas by means of a liquid, solid, and / or double-sided adhesive.

[0033] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiment and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0034] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit according to the invention comprising a privacy shell and a console whose edges are covered by a covering profile according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig. 2a] [Fig. 2b] Figures 2a and 2b are respectively exploded perspective and cross-sectional views of a cladding profile according to the invention in the unshaped state on the edge of a panel;

[0036] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a frame belonging to the cladding profile according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig. 4a] Figure 4a is a perspective view of a cladding profile according to the invention shaped with a first type of cutout;

[0038] [Fig. 4b] Figure 4b is a partial side view of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with the first type of cutout;

[0039] [Fig. 5a] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a cladding profile according to the invention shaped with a second type of cutout;

[0040] [Fig. 5b] Figure 5b is a partial top view of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with the second type of cutout;

[0041] [Fig. 6a] Figure 6a is a perspective view of a cladding profile according to the invention shaped with a third type of cutout;

[0042] [Fig. 6b] Figure 6b is a partial side view of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with the third type of cutout;

[0043] [Fig. 6c] Figure 6c is a partial top view of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with the third type of cutout;

[0044] [Fig. 7a] [Fig. 7b] [Fig. 7c] Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c are respectively perspective, top, and side views of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with a shaping zone comprising different types of cutouts; [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a top view of a cladding profile according to the invention provided with butt-jointing shapes;

[0045] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a side view of a blank provided with an oblong shape at one end to limit stress concentrations and prevent tearing of the material during shaping.

[0046] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cladding profile according to the invention shaped with a third type of cut with shaping in the axis of the edge;

[0047] [Fig. 1 1] Figure 11 is a sectional view of a composite panel on which a cladding profile according to the present invention is mounted;

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

[0049] [Fig. 13a] [Fig. 13b] Figures 13a and 13b show sectional views along section plane AA of Figure 2b of a finish of the textile covering at the ends of the frame respectively by a flange or a straight cut.

[0050] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a seating unit 10 comprising 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 allowing it to be movable between a "seated" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a seated position of a passenger, and a "reclined" 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 the "relax" position in which a backrest of the seat 12 is strongly inclined. In addition, a shell 14, called a privacy shell, extends at least partly around the seat 12 so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. The privacy shell 14 is made for example from a composite material. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat 12.

[0053] The console 13 may include an upper wall 16 forming a table on which the passenger can place objects as well as a storage space 17 comprising one or more elements from a literature pocket, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage is configurable according to the wishes of the airline.

[0054] In order to allow the passenger to lie down, the console 13 has an internal housing 19 in which an ottoman is arranged on which a rear passenger can rest his feet when the seat 12 is in the "lying down" position.

[0055] Advantageously, the privacy shell 14 and / or the console 13 comprises at least one composite panel 20 having a so-called "sandwich" type structure, as shown in FIG. 11. Such a panel 20 is formed by composite walls 201 arranged on either side of a core 202 made of a honeycomb or foam material. The composite walls 201 are each constituted by a stack of layers of carbon fibers or glass fibers coated with a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. The external finish of the panel 20 is achieved by a finishing layer 203 which may take the form of a layer of paint, a decorative film, or a textile. Optionally, the edge of the composite panel may be covered by a layer of edging resin 204.

[0056] Alternatively, the panel 20 may be made of a material other than a composite material, in particular a plastic material, in particular thermoplastic. The panel 20 is shaped so as to at least partially surround the seat.

[0057] A covering profile 21 covers an edge of a panel 20 while following the curvature profile of the edge of the panel 20. The edge of a panel 20 extends along the thickness of the panel 20. As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the covering profile 21 comprises a reinforcement 23 extending, in the undeformed state, along a longitudinal extension direction D1. The longitudinal extension direction D1 is much greater than a 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 its shaping according to the curvature profile of the edge of the panel 20. The reinforcement 23 is made for example of a material chosen from a metallic material such as aluminum, or a plastic material in particular of the polycarbonate or other type.

[0058] The frame 23 comprises a fabric 24, a first sidewall 26.1 and a second sidewall 26.2. A first fold 27.1 extends between a first longitudinal edge of the fabric 24 and the first sidewall 26.1. A second fold 27.2 extends between a second longitudinal edge of the fabric 24 and the second sidewall 26.2. The first sidewall 26.1 is thus connected to the fabric 24 via the first fold 27.1. The second sidewall 26.2 is connected to the fabric 24 via the second fold 27.2. The fabric 24, the first sidewall 26.1, and the second sidewall 26.2 are walls extending longitudinally along the longitudinal extension direction D1. The first fold 27.1 and the second fold 27.2 preferably have identical radii of curvature.

[0059] The first flank 26.1 forms a non-zero angle, in particular an angle of the order of 90 degrees, relative to the fabric 24. The second flank 26.2 forms a non-zero angle, in particular an angle of the order of 90 degrees, relative to the fabric 24. By "of the order of" is meant 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. The frame 23 thus has a U-shaped cross-section. The frame 23 is a single-piece part obtained by cutting out the shaping notches and then folding the flanks 26.1, 26.2 relative to the fabric 24 along the folds 27.1, 27.2. Alternatively, the profile can be obtained by U-shaped extrusion and then cutting out the shaping notches. Thus, the profile is manufactured in a linear fashion and is bendable according to the curvature directions of the composite panels 20.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure 11, the covering profile 21 covers the edge of one or more composite panels 20. For this purpose, the canvas 24 rests on the edge of the composite panel 20 and the blanks 26.1, 26.2 cover the side faces of the composite panel 20 over a slight height. The covering profile 21 is glued to the edge of the panel 20 at the location of the internal face of the canvas 24 by means of a liquid, solid, and / or double-sided adhesive 205.

[0061] An extensible textile cover 30 at least partially covers the frame 23. The textile cover 30 covers at least the external face of the frame 23. By "external" face, we mean the face facing the outside of the hollow of the U. In contrast, an "internal" face is a face facing the inside of the hollow of the U. In this case, the textile cover 30 covers the external face of the fabric 24, the external face of the sides 26.1, 26.2, the external face of the folds 27.1, 27.2, and the edge of the frame 23. The frame 23 is made in such a way that, when it is shaped on the edge of the panel 20, the textile cover 30 is deformed in tension to avoid unsightly folds of the latter.

[0062] The textile cover 30 comprises at least one finishing layer 31 on the external face of the frame. The finishing layer 31 is made of a flexible material of polymer or natural type (leather, cotton fabric, or other) having a good level of elasticity allowing its deformation, in particular its stretching, during the shaping of the covering profile 21. The finishing layer 31 is for example made of imitation leather or a non-woven textile.

[0063] The textile cover 30 further comprises an underlayer 32 arranged between the frame 23 and the finishing layer 31 to mask the cutouts described in more detail below. The underlayer 32 is also made of a flexible material of polymer or natural type (leather, cotton fabric, or other) having a good level of elasticity allowing its deformation, in particular its stretching, during the shaping of the covering profile 21. The underlayer 32 is for example made of a material chosen from imitation leather, foam, or a non-woven textile. The textile cover 30 has sufficient elastic capacity to be able to stretch according to the required folds. In the case where the finishing layer 31 would sufficiently mask the deformation of the frame 23 after its shaping on the edge of the panel 20, it would be possible to remove the underlayer 32.

[0064] The textile cover 30 is preferably glued to the frame 23 of the covering profile 21, for example by means of a neoprene-type contact glue or a double-sided adhesive. In order to improve the finish, the textile cover 30 may include a lateral edging 34 according to which the textile cover 30 is folded over at least a portion of an internal face of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. The textile cover 30 thus covers at least a portion of an internal face of the flank 26.1, and at least a portion of an internal face of the flank 26.2. As illustrated in Figure 13a, the textile cover 30 may also include a flange 34 at the end of the profile, i.e. on the side of the longitudinal ends of the frame 23, by folding the textile cover 30 back on itself on the inner side of the frame 23. This makes it possible to avoid creases in the textile cover 30 by keeping the textile cover 30 under tension following shaping.

[0065] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 13b, it is possible to make a straight cut of the textile cover 30 at the end of the profile.

[0066] The frame 23 comprises at least one shaping zone 37 in which a plurality of cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 are made, so that said frame 23 can be shaped along the shaping zone 37 to follow a curvature profile of the edge of the panel 20. The frame 23 covers the edge of the panel 20. The shaping of the frame 23 corresponds to a folding operation of the frame 23 which can be carried out manually by an operator. Following this operation, the frame 23 is deformed along the shaping zone(s) 37 so as to follow the curvature profile of the edge of the panel 20. This operation can however be carried out automatically by a robot. The cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 are formed by through grooves in the entire thickness of the frame 23. The cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 may be produced by machining or by laser cutting. The cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 have different shapes depending on the shaping directions of the frame 23.

[0067] The shaping zone 37 comprises at least one cutout chosen from a first type of cutout 38.1 shown in Figures 4a and 4b, a second type of cutout 38.2 shown in Figures 5a and 5b and a third type of cutout 38.3 shown in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c.

[0068] More specifically, as illustrated by figures 4a and 4b, the first type of cutting 38.1 allows a shaping of the reinforcement 23 in the plane of the sides 26.1, 26.2 following a convex shaping, so that a center C1 of curvature of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of an internal face of the fabric 24. A radius of curvature R1 passing through the center C1 is normal to the surfaces of the sides 26.1, 26.2. The center C1 is located on an axis of curvature X1. The first type of cutting 38.1 makes it possible to cover a convex cutting edge and in the plane of the composite panel 20.

[0069] The first type of cut 38.1 extends transversely in the fabric 24 relative to the direction D1 and extends on one side in the first fold 27.1 and along a portion of a width of the first sidewall 26.1, and on the other side in the second fold 27.2 and along a portion of a width of the second sidewall 26.2. The first type of cut 38.1 thus has a U-shape.

[0070] The center of curvature C1 is located on the side of the free end of the flanks 26.1, 26.2 so as to open the cutouts 38.1 and extend the textile cover 30 during shaping.

[0071] The cutout 38.1 ends at its ends with a portion 40 of rounded shape. This makes it possible to limit stress concentrations and to limit the risk of tearing of the reinforcement 23 when the operator shapes the reinforcement 23 on the edge of the panel 20. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the cutout 38.1 may end with a portion 40 of oblong shape.

[0072] As illustrated by Figures 5a and 5b, the second type of cutting 38.2 allows shaping of the reinforcement 23 in the plane of the fabric 24 so that a center C2 of curvature of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of one of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. A radius of curvature R2 passing through the center C2 is normal to the surface of the fabric 24. The center C2 is located on an axis of curvature X2. The second type of cutting 38.2 makes it possible to cover a cutting edge according to the direction of curvature of the composite panel 20.

[0073] The second type of cut 38.2 extends into one of the sides 26.1, 26.2, the fold

[0074] 27.1 . 27.2 corresponding connecting said flank 26.1 or 26.2 to the fabric 24, as well as in the fabric 24 preferably up to the next fold. 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 cuts 38.2 and extend the textile cover 30 during shaping.

[0075] Depending on the desired shaping direction in the plane of the canvas 24, the cutting

[0076] 38.2 is made in the first flank 26.1 or the second flank 26.2. Thus, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, in the case where the center C2 of the curvature of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of the first flank 26.1, the cutout 38.2 is made in the second flank 26.2, the second fold 27.2, and at least partly in the fabric 24. In the case where the center of curvature of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of the second flank 26.2, the cutout 38.2 is made in the first flank 26.1, the first fold 27.1, and at least partly in the fabric 24.

[0077] The cutout 38.2 ends at at least one of its ends with a portion 40 of rounded shape. This makes it possible to limit stress concentrations and to limit the risk of tearing of the reinforcement 23 when the operator shapes the reinforcement 23 on the edge of the panel 20. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the cutout 38.2 may end with a portion 40 of oblong shape.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the third type of cutting

[0079] 38.3 allows shaping of the reinforcement 23 in the plane of the flanks 26.1, 26.2 following a concave shaping, so that a center C3 of curvature of the reinforcement 23 is located on the side of an external face of the canvas 24. A radius of curvature R3 passing through the center C3 is normal to the surfaces of the flanks 26.1, 26.2. The center C3 is located on an axis of curvature X3. The third type of cutting

[0080] 38.3 allows to cover a concave cutting edge and in the plane of the composite panel 20.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, this type of cutting also allows twisting folding around the longitudinal axis XI of the frame 23. The axis XI extends parallel to the longitudinal extension direction D1 of the frame 23 in the undeformed state, i.e. when the frame 23 has not yet been shaped.

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 6c, the third type of cut 38.3 comprises a first cutting portion 38.3a extending along the entire width of the first flank 26.1 and slightly beyond the first fold 27.1. The first cutting portion 38.3a does not reach the second fold 27.2. The third type of cut 38.3 comprises a second cutting portion 38.3b extending along the entire width of the second flank 26.2 and slightly beyond the second fold 27.2. The second cutting portion 38.3b does not reach the first fold 27.1. The first cutting portion 38.3a and the second cutting portion 38.3b are located in the same plane P perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction D1.

[0083] The center of curvature C3 is located on the side of the external face of the fabric 24 so as to open the cutouts 38.3 and extend the textile cover 30. The center of curvature C3 is preferably arranged in the middle of the fabric 24.

[0084] As illustrated by figures 7a, 7b, and 7c, the covering profile 21 may comprise several shaping zones 37 having cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge profile having successive directions of curvature in different successive directions.

[0085] We thus distinguish a first shaping zone 37 provided with the second type of cut 38.2, as well as two zones 37' and 37" comprising an alternation of two different types of cuts to adapt to simultaneous variations in curvature, in particular combined shaping following two different directions of curvature.

[0086] Thus, the shaping zone 37' comprises an alternation of the first type of cut 38.1 and the second type of cut 38.2 making it possible to shape the cladding profile along a center of curvature C2 located on the side of the second flank 26.2. There is an alternation of a single cut of the first type 38.1 then a single cut of the second type 38.2 then a single cut of the first type 38.1 and so on. Alternatively, there may be an alternation of a series of cuts of the first type 38.1 then a series of cuts of the second type 38.2.

[0087] The shaping zone 37" comprises an alternation of a first type of cut 38.1 and a second type of cut 38.2 making it possible to shape the cladding profile along a center of curvature C2 located on the side of the first flank 26.1. Alternatively, the second type of cut 38.2 and the third type of cut 38.3 can be combined alternately.

[0088] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the frame 23 of the covering profile 21 has a thickness e of between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, a width I linked to the thickness of the edge of the panel of between 10mm and 20mm, and a height h sufficient to hide the defects of the edges of the panel of between 5mm and 10mm.

[0089] The dimension I is sized so that the dimension L1 measured between the internal faces of the sides of the cladding profile 21 provided with the textile covering 30 (see figure 2b) is adjusted to the thickness dimension of the panel 20, taking into account the thickness of the edges and the decorations of the panel 20.

[0090] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, the dimension I can vary in length so as to fit composite panels 20 of variable thickness. It is possible to provide successions of shapings 27.1, 27.2 by making cuts 38 at the sides 26.1, 26.2 at each change in edge profile gradient.

[0091] In variance, the dimension h can vary in height to hide more or less of the panel edges 20.

[0092] The sizing of the cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 is conditioned by the flexibility and plasticity of the materials. A cutout 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 may for example have a width Id of the order of 1 mm in the undeformed state (see figure 4b). A width of a cutout in the deformed state is preferably less than twice the width of a cutout in the undeformed state so as not to exceed the stretching limits of the material.

[0093] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the covering profile 21 comprises a male butt joint shape 42 arranged on the side of a first end and a female butt joint shape 43 arranged on the side of a second end. The female butt joint shape 43 has a shape complementary to the male butt joint shape 42. The butt joint shapes 42, 43 are preferably made in the fabric 24 of the frame 23. As a variant or in addition, the butt joint shapes 42, 43 may be made in the sides 26.1, 26.2 of the frame 23.

[0094] The cladding profiles 21 can thus be joined together. For this purpose, the male joining shape 42 cooperates with a female joining shape 43 of a first adjacent cladding profile 21 and the female joining shape 43 cooperates with a male joining shape 42 of a second adjacent cladding profile 21. This provides a modular structure according to which the number of cladding profiles 21 can be adapted to the length of the edge of the panel.

[0095] A textile cover 30 may cover all of the covering profiles 21 thus assembled. The connections between the covering profiles 21 may be reinforced by the use of an adhesive or by the creation of one or more welding points at the location of the interconnection between a male butt shape 42 and a female butt shape 43.

[0096] The male butt shape 42 and the female butt shape 43 may have complementary T-shapes as shown. Any other shape suitable for the application, including a rounded hook shape, an L-shape, a dovetail shape, or any other shape suitable for the application is conceivable.

[0097] The cladding profile(s) 21 may be fixed to the edge of a panel 20 by gluing using double-sided adhesive or liquid or solid adhesive.

[0098] On the straight portions, the covering profile 21 can of course be without cutouts 38.1, 38.2, 38.3.

[0099] Of course, the various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the various modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

CLAIMS A trim profile (21) intended to cover the edge of a panel (20), characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (23) comprising a fabric (24), a first side (26.1) and a second side (26.2), a first fold (27.1) extending between a first longitudinal edge of the fabric (24) and the first side (26.1), a second fold (27.2) extending between a second longitudinal edge of the fabric (24) and the second side (26.2), and - an elastic textile cover (30) covering at least part of said frame (23), - said reinforcement (23) comprising at least one shaping zone (37, 37', 37") in which a plurality of cutouts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) are made, such that said reinforcement (23) can be shaped along the shaping zone (37) to follow a curvature profile of the edge of the panel (20). Cladding profile according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaping zone (37) comprises at least one cutout of the reinforcement (23) selected from: - a first type of cut (38.1) allowing the frame (23) to be shaped in the plane of the sides (26.1, 26.2) following a convex shape, so that a center of curvature (C1) of the frame (23) is located on the side of an internal face of the fabric (24), - a second type of cut (38.2) allowing the frame (23) to be shaped in the plane of the fabric (24), so that a center of curvature (C2) of the frame (23) is located on the side of one of the flanks (26.1, 26.2), and - a third type of cut (38.3) allowing the reinforcement (23) to be shaped in the plane of the flanks (26.1, 26.2) with a concave shape, such that a center of curvature (C3) of the reinforcement (23) is located on the side of an external face of the fabric (24), the third type of cut (38.3) also allowing a twisted shape. A cladding profile according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one cut (38.1) extends transversely into the fabric (24) and continues along one side in the first fold (27.1) and along a portion of the width of the first side (26.1), and on the other side in the second fold (27.2) and along a portion of the width of the second side (26.2). A cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one cutout (38.2) extends into one of the sides (26.1, 26.2), the corresponding fold (27.1, 27.2) connecting said side to the fabric (24), and also into the fabric (24) up to the next fold. A cladding profile according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a cutout (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) terminates at at least one of its ends with a rounded or oblong portion (40). A cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one cutout (38.3) comprises: - a first portion of the cut (38.3a) extending along the entire width of the first flank (26.1) and slightly beyond the first fold (27.1), and - a second portion of the cut (38.3b) extending along the entire width of the second flank (26.2) and slightly beyond the second fold (27.2), - the first cut portion (38.3a) and the second cut portion (38.3b) being located in the same plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extension direction (D1) of the cladding profile. Cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises several forming zones (37, 37', 37') having cutouts (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) of different shapes so as to be able to follow a panel edge profile having successive directions of curvature along different successive directions. Cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the forming zone (37) comprises an alternation of two different types of cutouts to adapt to simultaneous variations in curvature. Cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the textile cover (30) comprises at least one finishing layer (31). A cladding profile according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a male butt joint (42) disposed on the side of a first end and a female butt joint (43) disposed on the side of a second end, said female butt joint (43) having a form complementary to the male butt joint (42).

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