Finishing element

Abstract

A finishing element (100; 100'; 100") for a wall of a premises comprises a shell-like body (1; 1'; 1") which is intended to be applied to the wall of the premises and which is configured to extend along at least a portion of the wall and which is delimited by a first face (10; 10'; 10"), which is intended to face during use towards the interior of the premises, and by a second face (11; 11'; 11") which is intended to be directed during use towards the wall, wherein the first face (10; 10'; 10") is defined by a surface (5; 5'; 5") having a continuous development and having at least one curved-surface portion (5A, 5B; 5'A, 5'B; 5"A, 5"B), a filling (R) which is made of foam material and which is inserted in the shell-like member (1; 1'; 1") and at least one extension piece (2, 20) which projects from the first face (10; 10'; 10") towards the second face (11; 11'; 11") and which is configured to move into contact during use with the wall, the extension piece (2, 20) being made from flexible material in order to adapt during use to a profile of the wall.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a finishing and protection element for walls of a premises, in particular an industrial premises, in which it is necessary to ensure and maintain high levels of hygiene conditions. The finishing element is particularly suitable, in a preferred version, for protecting corners between contiguous walls of a premises.

[0002] In industrial and / or domestic environments in which food products are handled, it is necessary to ensure high levels of hygiene conditions; on the other hand, the organic traces resulting from the handling of the food products constitute an ideal environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in environments with indentations which are poorly oxygenated and poorly lit, such as, for example, surfaces with sharp corners. Therefore, such environments are regularly subjected to deep-cleaning operations or sanitization in order to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms which may be present and to minimize the bacterial contamination, eliminating to the greatest possible extent the organic traces left behind by the handling of food products.

[0003] In the food industry, sanitization takes on an extremely relevant importance and provides for treatments of a physical and chemical nature which are suitable for removing from the surfaces the visible and invisible dirt and removing the residues of substances which are used in the sanitization treatment, eliminating or reducing to acceptable levels the microorganisms which may be present.

[0004] During the sanitization, there may be provided various steps of cleansing and disinfecting by means of mechanical and / or chemical and / or thermal actions.

[0005] In order to facilitate such sanitization operations and to increase the efficacy thereof, there is provision for applying finishing elements to the walls of the premises to be treated. The finishing elements are usually applied along the corners of the walls so as to cover the corners between two contiguous walls. The finishing elements are further configured to also cover the angles which are formed between the contiguous walls.

[0006] The finishing elements are configured so as to cover the corners at which the dirt gathers and which are difficult to clean and sanitize. In fact, the corners are difficult to reach with mechanical cleaning means and therefore the dirt, detergents and organic residues tend to remain in the corners.

[0007] Such finishing elements usually comprise a member which is made of plastics material for withstanding the chemical aggression of the detergents used during the cleaning operations and which is internally hollow.

[0008] Using such finishing elements allows the sanitization elements to be facilitated, at the same time protecting the surfaces of the premises from impacts and potential chemical damage.

[0009] GB1274475A discloses a finishing element showing the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] However, the Applicant has observed that such known finishing elements have some disadvantages.

[0011] In fact, the Applicant has noted that, using the known finishing elements, there are defined gaps between the finishing element itself and the walls, to which this finishing element is applied. Furthermore, such finishing elements have a limited resistance over time and there may occur, for example, as a result of mechanical impacts during the cleaning operations, fractures in the wall of the finishing elements. Therefore, gaps are generated between the finishing element and the wall to which it is applied. The protection provided by the known finishing elements is limited and not very durable. In fact, dirt may become introduced between the finishing elements and the walls to which they are applied or also inside the finishing elements themselves.

[0012] In order to overcome this disadvantage, it has been proposed to use connection elements between the finishing elements and the walls to which they are applied. However, this arrangement solves this problem only partially and increases the overall cost of the known finishing elements. Furthermore, the provision of connection elements generates additional possible areas of potential accumulation of dirt or detergents.

[0013] The Applicant has further noted that, in such gaps, there often remain stagnating residues which promote the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, affecting the hygiene conditions of the premises provided with such finishing elements.

[0014] Furthermore, the Applicant has found that such known finishing elements have a limited mechanical strength and tend to deteriorate over time. This involves such finishing elements having to be replaced frequently or, after a limited period of time, no longer performing the function thereof correctly.

[0015] The Applicant has further noted that the known finishing elements, although positioned beside the intended walls, do not have a good adhesion to the walls, leaving free access for the dirt with a resultant accumulation of dirt and deterioration of the sanitary conditions of the premises in which such finishing elements are applied. In fact, the presence of areas which are not correctly cleansed and disinfected involves the accumulation of residues of organic substances, giving rise to the risk of growth of colonies of pathogenic organisms.

[0016] In some cases in which a deep cleaning of the premises is required, there may be provision for removing the finishing elements in order to carry out the cleaning operations required and subsequently to again apply such finishing elements. The known finishing elements tend to become damaged during the removal or the subsequent re-application.

[0017] Furthermore, the Applicant has noted that the finishing elements according to the prior art can be readily damaged or deformed persistently during use, compromising the functionality thereof.

[0018] Therefore, it is often necessary to replace the finishing element with resultant unavailability of the premises and use of labour.

[0019] In this context, the Applicant has perceived the need to provide a finishing and protection element for walls of premises, in particular industrial premises, in which it is necessary to maintain high levels of hygiene conditions which is easy to clean, which inhibits the formation of pathogenic agents and which is at the same time relatively resistant to impacts.

[0020] The Applicant has perceived that the problems of the prior art set out above could be, at least partially, solved by a finishing element as defined in claim 1.

[0021] With reference to the subject-matter of the present invention, it may be noted that the term "concave surface" is intended to be understood to mean a planar or three-dimensional surface of a solid body in which there exists at least one segment joining two points of the concave surface which does not completely belong to the body itself. The term "convex surface" is intended to be understood to mean a planar or three-dimensional surface of a solid body in which a segment which joins any two points of the convex surface completely belongs to the solid body.

[0022] The term "slat" is intended to be understood to mean a member of elongate form in which the extent in one dimension, usually indicated as the length, is considerably greater than the extent in the other two dimensions.

[0023] The term "corner" is intended to be understood to be the joint zone between two walls of an environment, which are usually perpendicular to each other, for example, between two contiguous lateral walls or between a lateral wall and the ceiling or the flooring of a premises.

[0024] Furthermore, the term "angle" is intended to be understood to be the joint zone between three contiguous walls, for example, between two contiguous lateral walls and the ceiling or flooring of a premises.

[0025] According to the invention there is provided a finishing element for a wall of a premises, comprising a shell-like body which is intended to be applied to a wall of the premises and which is configured to extend along at least a portion of the wall.

[0026] Preferably, the shell-like body is delimited by a first face which is intended to face during use towards the interior of the premises, and by a second face which is intended to be directed during use towards the wall.

[0027] Preferably, the first face is defined by a surface which has a continuous development and which is preferably intended to face during use towards the interior of the premises.

[0028] Preferably, the shell-like body comprises a second face which is intended to be directed during use of the finishing element towards the wall of the premises.

[0029] The surface having a continuous development of the first face preferably comprises at least one curved-surface portion.

[0030] The finishing element preferably comprises a filling which is made of foam material and which is inserted in the shell-like member.

[0031] The finishing element preferably comprises at least one extension piece which projects from the first face towards the second face and which is configured to move into contact during use with the wall of the premises.

[0032] It is preferable for the extension piece to be made from flexible material in order to adapt during use to a profile of the wall.

[0033] Owing to the invention, it is possible to produce a finishing element which allows the cleaning and sanitization operations to be facilitated and made more efficient. Furthermore, the finishing element is also resistant over time in the presence of frequent washing operations.

[0034] The finishing element is intended to be applied along the corners of two contiguous walls of a premises, such as, for example, two lateral walls or along the corners between the flooring or base wall and the lateral walls or along the corners between the upper wall or ceiling and the lateral walls.

[0035] The finishing element may also be applied along a wall or a portion thereof, for example, in the region of zones particularly susceptible to impacts. For example, the finishing element can be applied approximately halfway up the wall at a distance from the flooring selected on the basis of the type of processing operations provided for in the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be used.

[0036] The premises in which the finishing element of the invention is applied may be a refrigerating chamber or generally a premises in which food products are processed or stored or also a premises in which it is necessary to ensure and maintain high levels of hygiene conditions, such as, for example, a white room.

[0037] The first face of the finishing element does not have any corners or surface irregularities. Advantageously, the provision of a single surface with a continuous development prevents the formation of indentations and recesses where dirt and pathogenic agents can gather; this further allows ease of cleaning of the finishing elements of the invention when they are positioned in the intended premises. Furthermore, the provision of a curved surface portion allows the sliding of the cleaning instruments to be facilitated, at the same time preventing the formation of indentations or gaps. The presence of a curved-surface portion further allows the cleaning operations to be facilitated and prevents the stagnation of liquids.

[0038] The presence of the extension piece made from flexible material promotes the adhesion of the finishing element to the wall to which it is applied, preventing the generation of gaps between the finishing element and the wall itself. Furthermore, the positioning of the finishing elements is also facilitated. The presence of the flexible extension piece allows any irregularities of the walls or any errors of positioning to be compensated for, covering any undesirable gaps between the finishing element and the walls to which it is applied. Using flexible material for the extension piece allows the extension piece to be adapted to the intended wall and to improve the adhesion to the wall. This allows the use of adhesives to be avoided.

[0039] Therefore, the step of applying the finishing element is also simplified.

[0040] The extension piece is configured to be deformed during use and to adhere to the respective wall, independently of the profile thereof. This prevents the formation of gaps but also overcomes any irregularities present in the wall to which the finishing element is applied.

[0041] The provision of a filling in the finishing element allows an increase in the robustness of the finishing element, which thereby becomes less susceptible to damage as a result of impacts. The provision of foam material for bringing about the filling ensures good robustness of the finishing element, at the same time limiting the quantity of material used and the overall weight of the finishing element.

[0042] The provision of a filling made of foam reduces the quantity of material used with respect to the provision of a solid finishing element, at the same time ensuring good resistance to impacts.

[0043] Furthermore, the presence of the filling made of foam material allows these properties to be maintained virtually unchanged over time. It is possible to obtain the above-mentioned properties, at the same time producing a smooth external surface.

[0044] The provision of a filling made of foam material allows a finishing element which is resistant but at the same time easy to produce and which does not require increases in production costs to be produced. Furthermore, this simplifies the production operations, reducing the cooling time.

[0045] Furthermore, the provision of a filling made of foam allows a finishing element to be obtained with a regular shape, avoiding phenomena of deformation after cooling as a result of dimensional contractions.

[0046] The provision of a filling made of foam allows the production operations to be facilitated, for example, the extrusion operations, at the same time ensuring the mechanical properties of the finishing element obtained.

[0047] In this manner, the finishing element is easy and economical to produce even with processes already known in the art for producing finishing elements, such as, for example, by extrusion.

[0048] Therefore, the finishing element is robust and resistant but at the same time light and easy to position.

[0049] The second face is positioned facing the wall of the premises. Therefore, the second face is configured to follow the geometry of the profiles of the walls, avoiding occurrences of stagnation, and protecting them from dirt and at the same time from possible impacts. The finishing element produced with these characteristics is not only easy to apply but also, if it were necessary, readily removable. Furthermore, this finishing element is resistant and less susceptible to damage with respect to the known finishing elements.

[0050] The finishing element of the invention efficiently protects the edges and / or corners of the walls of a premises, preventing the accumulation of dirt which is difficult to remove and maintaining high levels of hygiene conditions in the premises itself.

[0051] In one or more of the aspects described above, the present invention may further have at least one of the preferred features described below.

[0052] Preferably, in order to produce the filling material from a foam material, the same type of material from which the shell-like body is made is used.

[0053] In one version, the shell-like body can be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the filling can be made from expanded PVC. To this end, in the production step, for example, in the extrusion step, there is added an expanding agent which allows the formation of bubbles inside the filling during the production so as to obtain a foam. In this manner, there are afforded a number of advantages in terms of production, while ensuring high mechanical strength.

[0054] In fact, producing the shell-like body and the filling from foam material with the same material allows the production of the finishing element in a single step, a lesser quantity of material to be used for the same production volume, and also allows the production steps to be accelerated.

[0055] Preferably, the extension piece has a tapered form in the direction away from the first face.

[0056] This arrangement allows the adhesion of the extension piece to the wall to be improved, at the same time making the fixing to the shell-like body more stable.

[0057] Preferably, the extension piece is deformable between a rest position of the finishing element, in which the extension piece extends from the first face towards the second face, projecting beyond the second face, and a position for use of the finishing element, in which, when the finishing element is applied to the wall, the extension piece is deformed so as to adhere to the wall itself.

[0058] Furthermore, preferably, the extension piece has a curved profile when the finishing element is in the rest position.

[0059] The extension piece preferably comprises a first surface which is intended to be directed during use towards the interior of the premises, having a convex profile.

[0060] Preferably, the extension piece comprises a second surface which is intended to be directed during use towards the wall, having a concave profile.

[0061] In this manner, the adhesion of the extension piece to the wall during use is optimized.

[0062] Preferably, the extension piece is fixed to a first edge of the first face. This allows the adhesion of the finishing element to the wall to which it is applied to be improved.

[0063] Preferably, the extension piece defines a continuous surface with the surface of the first face; in other words, a surface without any interruption or recess.

[0064] There is preferably provision in the finishing element for a first extension piece and an additional extension piece which is fixed to a second edge of the first face opposite the first edge. This additional extension piece is configured to move into contact during use with a different portion of the wall of the premisses or with a second wall of the premises, to which the finishing element is applied. In other words, the additional extension piece is configured to move into contact during use with the intended wall, in a portion of the wall different from the portion of wall in contact with the first extension piece if the finishing element is applied to a wall of the premises, or with a second intended wall of the premises if the finishing element is applied in the region of a corner between two walls.

[0065] Preferably, the additional extension piece is also made from flexible material in order to be adapted during use to the profile of the wall or to a profile of the second wall of the premises. It is thereby possible to optimize the adhesion of the finishing element to the wall or walls to which the finishing element is applied, and it is further possible to follow the profile of the intended wall(s), avoiding the formation of gaps. The extension pieces can flex during use and adhere to the respective wall independently of the profile of the wall itself. This allows the accumulation of dirt to be impeded along the edges of the shell-like body of the finishing element and allows collections of pathogenic microorganisms to be avoided.

[0066] The provision of the extension pieces allows the application of the finishing element to the wall(s) to be facilitated without any need for using sealing products, such as silicones.

[0067] Preferably, the finishing element according to the invention is manufactured by coextrusion of several materials, which are suitably selected, In particular, the first extension piece and the additional extension piece are preferably co-extruded with the shell-like body and with the filling made of foam material.

[0068] This allows not only the manufacture of the finishing element in an easy and economical manner, but also the resistance to wear to be improved.

[0069] The provision of an extension piece and / or the additional extension piece which are co-extruded with the finishing element allows the use of connection elements to be avoided.

[0070] Preferably, the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece is / are made from flexible material having a Shore A hardness between 60 and 90, in particular polyvinyl chloride with a Shore A hardness between 60 and 90.

[0071] In one version, the shell-like body of the finishing element has a substantially triangular cross-section. This version is particularly suitable for being used in the corner between two intended contiguous walls of the premises. For example, the finishing element can be placed in alignment with the corner formed between the ceiling or the flooring and a lateral wall of the premises or between two contiguous lateral walls.

[0072] In one embodiment, the second face is formed by a first segment and by a second segment which are incident to each other, each one being intended to be applied to a different wall of the premises. Preferably, the first segment is adjacent to the first edge and the second segment is adjacent to the second edge.

[0073] In another embodiment, the first and / or second segment of the second face comprise two or more sections which are intended to be applied to different portions of a wall of the premises. The two or more sections can be staggered so as to adhere to different portions of the wall.

[0074] In particular, the first and / or second segment of the second face may comprise a first section, a second section which is coplanar with respect to the first section and which is staggered with respect to the first section and a connection portion which extends between the first and second sections.

[0075] In this manner, the finishing element is formed to adhere to walls which are provided with a skirting board or kickboard without any need for this element to be removed before the finishing element is applied.

[0076] This allows, for example, an improvement in the sanitary conditions of a premises in a simple manner without drastic finishing operations being necessary.

[0077] There may further be provision for the ratio between the length of the first and second segment to be different from 1, for example, between 1.5 and 5, preferably greater than 2. This allows a first wall of the premises also comprising the edge formed with a second wall which is contiguous to the first wall to be protected.

[0078] In another embodiment, the second face is formed by a single segment which is intended to be applied to a wall of the premises.

[0079] The shell-like body of the finishing element has a thickness between 10 and 20 mm, for example, the thickness may be 14 mm, the value being selected on the basis of the type of premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied and the cleaning operations intended.

[0080] The term "thickness" is intended to be understood to mean the distance between the first face and second face of the shell-like body. The value of this distance is selected on the basis of the characteristics of the intended premises.

[0081] In one version, the first face of the shell-like body is defined by a curved surface, preferably concave towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is applied.

[0082] In other words, the first face can be substantially constituted by a concave surface. Advantageously, the concavity which is directed towards the premises allows all the edges and the corners of the intended premises which constitute the ideal environments for the accumulation of dirt and the proliferation of microorganisms to be chamfered. This curved surface is not only advantageously easy to clean but also reduces the probability of impacts.

[0083] In some cases, the first face of the shell-like body comprises a curved-surface portion with a radius between 30 and 60 mm. This solution allows a cleaning operation which is particularly easy.

[0084] In one version, the first face of the shell-like body comprises a curved-surface portion which is provided in the region of an edge of the first face.

[0085] This improves the tightness of the adhesion of the finishing element to the wall and further improves the connection between the shell-like body and the extension piece. Preferably, the extension piece and the curved-surface portion are formed so as to form a substantially continuous wall when the extension piece is not deformed.

[0086] Preferably, the curved-surface portion has a curvature in accordance with the curvature of the extension piece when the extension piece is not deformed.

[0087] In another embodiment, the first face comprises a plurality of curved surfaces. For example, the first face comprises a first curved-surface portion having a concavity which is directed towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied and a second curved-surface portion having a convexity which is directed towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied.

[0088] In another embodiment, the first face comprises a first curved-surface portion having a concavity which is directed towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied and a second curved-surface portion having a concavity which is directed towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied.

[0089] Preferably, the first face further comprises a rectilinear portion which is interposed between the first curved-surface portion and the second curved-surface portion.

[0090] Preferably, the first curved-surface portion is provided in the region of the first edge of the first face and the second curved-surface portion is provided in the region of the second edge.

[0091] Advantageously, this involves the curved-surface portions being contiguous with the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece, forming a single continuous surface, that is to say without any type of interruption, such as recesses or joints. In this manner, the introduction of dirt between the walls and the finishing element is prevented.

[0092] Furthermore, preferably, the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece are contiguous with the first curved-surface portion and the second curved-surface portion, respectively.

[0093] Preferably, the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece have curved walls preferably having the same curvature as the first and second curved-surface portions, respectively, so as to define a surface which is virtually continuous with the first face. This allows the curvature of the curved-surface portions of the finishing element to be emphasized, greatly reducing the possibility of accumulation of dirt and growth of colonies of pathogens.

[0094] In one version, the finishing element is in the form of a batten, that is to say of elongate form. In other words, the finishing element may have an elongate form with a development along a dimension which is substantially greater than the development in the other two dimensions.

[0095] Preferably, the shell-like body of the finishing element is made from a plastics material, preferably a plastics material having a flexural modulus of elasticity or bending modulus between 2.5 and 4.5 GPa.

[0096] These values are determined by the gradient of the force / deformation curve produced by a standardized flexion test, such as ASTM D790.

[0097] Furthermore, preferably the shell-like body of the finishing element is made from a plastics material having a Shore D hardness preferably between 65 and 95 Shore D, more preferably between 75 and 85 Shore D. These data are obtained from the measurement of the penetration depth of the penetrator in accordance with the standardized procedure ASTM D2240.

[0098] In particular, it is preferable for the shell-like body to be made from rigid plastics material, preferably a rigid vinyl resin, for example, PVC.

[0099] This allows an increase in both the mechanical and chemical resistance of the finishing element without increasing the weight of the finishing element. Furthermore, it produces a robust shell-like body which is smooth and can be subjected to scratching only with difficulty, that is to say without porosity. This further limits the possibility of accumulations of dirt and pathogenic microorganisms, in particular moulds.

[0100] Preferably, the shell-like body is made from a plastics material having a rigidity which is greater than the material of the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece.

[0101] Preferably, the filling material inserted in the shell-like body is made from a plastics material, preferably a plastics foam material.

[0102] For example, the filling is made from rigid plastics foam material.

[0103] More preferably, the filling made from foam material in the shell-like body is made from the same material as the shell-like body.

[0104] In particular, it is preferable for the filling made from foam material in the shell-like body to be an expanded vinyl foam, for example, expanded PVC.

[0105] Preferably, the filling made from foam material has an expanded weight / non-expanded weight ratio between 0.5 and 0.9, in a greatly preferred manner between 0.6 and 0.7.

[0106] In a greatly preferred manner, there is produced a foam having a void / solid ratio between 0.5 and 0.9, in a greatly preferred manner between 0.6 and 0.7.

[0107] The Applicant has found that using foam material allows an optimum compromise to be obtained between resistance, weight and ease of production, producing an economical finishing element which is at the same time robust and resistant over time.

[0108] This arrangement further allows a limitation on the overall weight of the finishing element.

[0109] Preferably, both the material of the shell-like body and the material of the filling are more rigid than the material of the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece.

[0110] Preferably, the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece are made from a plastics material having a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore A. These data are obtained by measurements carried out following standardized methods ISO 7619-1 and / or ASTM D2240 with Shore A hardness tests which are particularly suitable for soft, natural and elastomer rubbers.

[0111] In a particularly preferred manner, the extension piece and / or the additional extension piece are made from PVC.

[0112] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectioned view of a first embodiment of the finishing element according to the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 are views similar to Figure 1, but relating to a second and third version of the finishing element according to the present invention, respectively.

[0113] Initially with reference to Figure 1, there is generally designated with 100 a finishing element constructed according to the present invention.

[0114] The finishing element 100 is intended to be applied to a wall of a premises, such as, for example, a sanitary premises or a white room. The finishing element 100 may also be applied to a wall of a premises for processing food products or a refrigerating chamber or a kitchen.

[0115] The finishing element 100 comprises a shell-like body 1 which is delimited by a first face 10 which is intended to face during use towards the interior of the premises in which the finishing element is intended to be applied, and by a second face 11 which is intended to be directed during use towards the wall of the premises to which the finishing element is applied.

[0116] The finishing element 100 may advantageously be used as a kickboard element, angular element or batten.

[0117] The shell-like body 1 of the finishing element 100 is of elongate form with a development in one dimension, which is conventionally denoted the length and which is substantially greater than the development in the other two dimensions.

[0118] The shell-like body 1 comprises a first edge 1A and an opposite second edge 1B in the region of which the first face 10 and the second face 11 are joined.

[0119] The first face 10 is defined by a continuous development surface 5 and comprises a first curved-surface portion 5A and a second curved-surface portion 5B. The first curved-surface portion 5A has a convexity which is directed towards the interior of the premises, the second curved-surface portion 5B has a concavity which is directed towards the interior of the premises. The continuous development surface 5 further comprises a rectilinear portion 5C which is interposed between the first curved-surface portion 5A and the second curved-surface portion 5B. The first curved-surface portion 5A is provided in the region of the first edge 1A and the second curved-surface portion 5B is provided in the region of the second edge 1B.

[0120] The finishing element further comprises a filling "R" which is made of foam material inside the shell-like body 1.

[0121] The shell-like body and the filling "R" are both made from PVC.

[0122] Furthermore, the finishing element 100 comprises an extension piece 2 which projects from the first face 10 towards the second face 11 and which is fixed to the first edge 1A. The extension piece 2 is configured to move into contact during use with the wall of the intended premises of the finishing element, to which the element is applied. This extension piece 2 is made from flexible material in order to be adapted during use to a profile of the wall for which the finishing element is intended.

[0123] Furthermore, the finishing element 100 comprises an additional extension piece 20 which is fixed to the second edge 1B opposite the first edge 1A.

[0124] The additional extension piece 20 is configured to move into contact during use with a second wall of the premises, to which the finishing element is intended to be applied, the second wall being contiguous with the first wall. Advantageously, the first and second walls are incident to and perpendicular to each other. In this manner, the extension piece and the additional extension piece are intended to move into contact during use with two different walls of the premises.

[0125] The extension piece 2 and the additional extension piece 20 are deformable between a rest position, in which the extension piece 2 and the additional extension piece 20 extend from the first edge 1A and from the second edge 1B, respectively, towards the second face 11 and project beyond the second face 11 and a position for use, in which the extension piece 2 and the additional extension piece 20 adhere to the walls of the premises during use. This improves the adhesion of the finishing element to the walls of the premises.

[0126] Furthermore, the extension piece 2 and the additional extension piece 20 have a curved profile in the rest position of the finishing element and comprise a first surface 6 which is intended to be directed during use towards the interior of the intended premises and a second surface 7 which is intended to be directed during use towards the wall of the premises in which the finishing element is applied. In particular, the first surface 6 has a convex profile and the second surface 7 has a concave profile.

[0127] Furthermore, the second face 11 comprises a first segment 11A which is intended to move into contact with the first wall of the premises and a second segment 11B which is intended to move into contact with the second wall of the premises, the first and second segments being incident to and preferably perpendicular to each other. The first segment 11A is adjacent to the first edge 1A and the second segment 11B is adjacent to the second edge 1B.

[0128] The first segment 11A of the second face 11 comprises a first portion 15A and a second portion 15B which is coplanar with respect to the first portion 15A and staggered with respect to the first portion 15A and a connection portion 15C which extends between the first portion 15A and the second portion 15B.

[0129] The connection portion 15C places the first portion 15A and the second portion 15B.

[0130] This configuration allows protection of a wall and the corner thereof or the edge thereof which are formed with the other surfaces of the premises.

[0131] The filling "R" made of foam material is made from expanded PVC.

[0132] In a preferred version, the filling "R" made of foam material is made from the same material as the shell-like body by adding an expanding agent during the production step.

[0133] In particular, the shell-like body 1 can be constituted by a rigid vinyl resin, such as rigid PVC, with a flexural modulus between 2.5 and 4.5 GPa and hardness between 75 and 85 Shore D, and the filling "R" made of foam material may be constituted by PVC made of foam with a flexural modulus between 2.5 and 4.5 GPa and hardness between 75 and 85 Shore D, to which an expanding agent is added during production. An expanding agent is added at such quantities as to generate a filling "R" having an expanded / non-expanded weight ratio between 0.6 and 0.7.

[0134] Both the material of the shell-like body 1 and the material of the filling "R" made of foam preferably have a rigidity greater than the material of the extension piece 2 and / or the additional extension piece 20.

[0135] In fact, the extension piece 2 and / or the additional extension piece 20 is / are made from flexible material having a Shore A hardness between 60 and 90, in particular polyvinyl chloride with a Shore A hardness between 60 and 90. This material allows the extension piece 2 and / or the additional extension piece 20 to become deformed from a rest position of the finishing element, in which the extension piece 2 and / or the additional extension piece 20 are curved, to a position for use, in which the extension piece 2 and / or the additional extension piece 20 are in contact with the intended wall(s).

[0136] The exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, in which elements corresponding to the version of Figure 1 will be denoted with the same reference numerals followed by a prime mark and are not described in detail, shows a finishing element 100' which is intended to be applied to a wall of a premises.

[0137] The finishing element 100' comprises a shell-like body 1' in which the first face 10' is defined by a continuous surface 5'. The continuous surface 5' comprises a first curved-surface portion 5'A having a convexity which is directed towards the interior of the intended premises, a second curved-surface portion 5'B also having a convexity which is directed towards the interior of the premises and a rectilinear portion 5'C which is interposed between the first curved-surface portion 5'A and the second curved-surface portion 5'B.

[0138] The first curved-surface portion 5'A is located in the region of the first edge 1'A of the first face 10' and the second curved-surface portion 5'B is located in the region of the second edge 1'B of the first face 10'. The second face 11' is constituted by a single rectilinear segment.

[0139] This embodiment is particularly suitable for the protection of central zones of the wall, that is to say remote from corners or edges. These zones are often nearer the handling zone for objects and are more frequently subjected to impacts.

[0140] The exemplary embodiment of Figure 3 in which elements corresponding to the version of Figure 1 will be denoted with the same reference numerals followed by a double prime mark and not described in detail, shows a finishing element 100" which is intended to be applied to a corner between two walls of a premises.

[0141] In this version, the finishing element 100" comprises a shell-like body 1" with a substantially triangular section. This configuration is suitable for the protection, for example, of corners between the walls of the premises and the ceiling or the flooring. The shell-like body 1" comprises a first face 10" which is formed by a single curved surface 5A" which is concave towards the interior of the intended premises.

[0142] The second face 11" is constituted by a first segment 11"A and a second segment 11"B which are perpendicular and incident at an apex which is suitable for being placed in contact during use of the finishing element with a corner between two contiguous walls. In fact, the walls are the most vulnerable locations for accumulating dirt. Furthermore, the first segment 11"A is adjacent to the first edge 1"A and the second segment 11"B is adjacent to the second edge 1"B.

Claims

1. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") for a wall of a premises, comprising: a shell-like body(1; 1'; 1") which is intended to be applied to said wall of said premises and which is configured to extend along at least a portion of said wall and which is delimited by a first face (10; 10'; 10"), which is intended to face during use towards the interior of said premises, and by a second face (11; 11'; 11") which is intended to be directed during use towards said wall, wherein said first face (10; 10'; 10") is defined by a surface (5; 5'; 5") having a continuous development, a filling (R) which is made of foam material and which is inserted in said shell-like member (1; 1'; 1") and at least one extension piece (2, 20) which projects from said first face (10; 10'; 10") towards said second face (11; 11'; 11") and which is configured to move into contact during use with said wall, said extension piece (2, 20) being made from flexible material in order to adapt during use to a profile of said wall, characterized in that said surface (5; 5'; 5") has at least one curved-surface portion (5A; 5B; 5'A; 5'B; 5"A; 5"B).

2. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to the preceding claim, wherein said extension piece (2, 20) has a tapered form in the direction away from said first face.

3. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said extension piece (2, 20) is configured to take up a curved profile in a rest position of said finishing element, preferably said extension piece (2, 20) comprising a first surface (6) which is intended to be directed during use towards the interior of said premises, said first surface (6) having a convex profile and a second surface (7) which is intended to be directed during use towards said wall, said second surface (7) having a concave profile.

4. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension piece (2, 20) is fixed to a first edge (1A; 1'A; 1"A) of said first face (10; 10'; 10").

5. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to the preceding claim, comprising an additional extension piece (20) which is fixed to a second edge (1B; 1'B; 1"B) of said first face (10; 10'; 10") opposite said first edge (1A; 1'A; 1"A), said additional extension piece (20) being configured to move into contact during use with said wall or with a second wall of said premises, said additional extension piece (20) being made from a flexible material in order to adapt in use to the profile of said wall or a profile of said second wall.

6. Finishing element (100; 100') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said curved-surface portion (5A, 5B; 5'A, 5'B) is provided in the region of an edge (1A, 1B; 1'A, 1'B) of said first face (10; 10').

7. Finishing element (100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first face (10") is defined by a curved surface (5"A), preferably said curved surface (5"A) having a concavity which is directed towards said premises.

8. Finishing element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first face (10) comprises a first curved-surface portion (5A) having a convexity which is directed towards said premises, a second curved-surface portion (5B) which has a concavity directed towards said premises and a rectilinear portion (5C) which is interposed between said first curved-surface portion (5A) and said second curved-surface portion (5B), said first curved-surface portion (5A) preferably being provided in the region of said first edge (1A) and said second curved-surface portion (5B) preferably being provided in the region of said second edge (1B).

9. Finishing element (100') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first face (10') comprises a first curved-surface portion (5'A) having a convexity which is directed towards said premises, a second curved-surface portion (5'B) having a convexity which is directed towards said premises and a rectilinear portion (5'C) which is interposed between said first curved-surface portion (5'A) and said second curved-surface portion (5'B), said first curved-surface portion (5'A) preferably being provided in the region of said first edge (1'A) and said second curved-surface portion (5'B) preferably being provided in the region of said second edge (1'B).

10. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shell-like body (1; 1'; 1") is made from a plastics material having a hardness between 65 and 95 Shore D and a flexural modulus of elasticity between 2.5 and 4.5 GPa, preferably rigid PVC, said covering (R) made from foam material is made from a foam plastics material with a hardness between 65 and 95 Shore D, preferably expanded PVC, said extension piece (2) and / or additional extension piece (20) is made from a plastics material having a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore A, preferably flexible PVC.

11. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said covering (R) made from foam material is made from a foam plastics material with a hardness between 65 and 95 Shore D, preferably expanded PVC.

12. Finishing element (100; 100'; 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said extension piece (2) and / or additional extension piece (20) is / are made from a plastics material having a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore A, preferably flexible PVC.

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