Improved system for joining skirting boards to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar

Abstract

System (2) for joining of at least one skirting board (4), and preferably two adjacent skirting boards (4, 4'), to a foot (6) of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system (2) comprises: - a first element (12) comprising a hooking portion (13), which is configured to removably hook the foot (6), and also comprising first fastening means (14) and first connecting means (15), - at least one second element (8, 8') which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board (4, 4'), said at least one second element (8, 8') comprises second connecting means (82), - a connecting element (3) which comprises further fastening means (39) and which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board (4) to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board (4) and also with a further adjacent skirting board (4') to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein: - the first fastening means (14) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the further fastening means (39) of said connecting element (3), to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element (3) to the first element (12), and / or vice versa, - the first connecting means (15) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means (82) of each second element (8, 8') so as to connect the first element (12) to each second element (8, 8'), thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board (4, 4') on which the corresponding second element (8, 8') is installed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system for joining two adjacent skirting boards to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar, and also to a connecting element interposed between said two adjacent skirting boards.

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably at least two adjacent skirting boards, to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a connecting element between two adjacent skirting boards.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a hooking element for hooking the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.STATE OF THE ART

[0006] It is well known that many types of furniture, such as modular kitchen units, are frontally covered, at floor level, with skirting boards made of extruded plastic or made with wood or of metal (usually aluminum). In particular, these skirting boards are attached frontally to the support feet of the furniture, while their visible surfaces are appropriately treated and coated to create an aesthetically pleasing finish.

[0007] To date, several hooking devices for fixing the skirting boards to the feet are already known, and among these, there is a device consisting of a slide, to be inserted into a corresponding longitudinal guide defined in the skirting board, and one or more fins (hooks), suitably curved and elastic, which depart from the slide and are suitable for hooking the foot, surrounding it.

[0008] The installation of these devices envisages first their fastening to the skirting board and their positioning so that they are frontally aligned with the corresponding furniture feet. Next, the skirting board is brought close to the feet and, by applying appropriate pressure, the tabs are elastically deformed to allow them to grab the foot.

[0009] This device has been on the market for quite some time and is already widely appreciated for its qualities, however it is not optimal for attaching to the feet positioned at the edges of the piece of furniture.

[0010] EP1363530 shows a system for joining a skirting board to a foot of a piece of furniture at the edge of the same piece of furniture. In particular, the joining system comprises a first element with a hook-shaped portion to grip the foot stem by elastically deforming the portion itself, and wherein said first element comprises a face provided with an appendage with a rounded head that is configured and intended to be removably inserted between the parallel ribs obtained on one face of a plate that, on the opposite face, has a shaped protrusion for insertion and coupling within a counter-shaped channel obtained longitudinally on the skirting board.

[0011] Furthermore, at the current state, at the corners of the piece of furniture, the skirting boards are connected to each other by a corner piece having a cross-section featuring a hollow central portion, substantially square or rectangular in shape. Moreover, some sides extend from the hollow portion, parallel two by two, which laterally define the respective seats into which the end edges of the two skirting boards to be joined fit.

[0012] This solution is not completely satisfactory because, in use, this corner piece is particularly visible and impactful.

[0013] Furthermore, the installation and use of such a corner piece is highly dependent on the manufacturing and processing tolerances of the skirting board, as the skirting board must be of the correct size to be inserted and held securely within the corresponding seat defined by the sides of the corner piece. It is intuitive to see how this is particularly inconvenient, especially considering that skirting boards are often found to have processing inaccuracies (for example, they are not precisely cut), but also manufacturing inaccuracies, especially when extruded.

[0014] Furthermore, the assembly of these corner pieces is rather laborious since a non-optimal insertion of the head of the skirting board into a first corner piece requires a corresponding correction, proportional but in the opposite direction, to be made when inserting the other head of the same skirting board into a second corner piece, thus forcing the installer to make a number of attempts and corrections.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the present invention is to propose a system for joining at least one skirting board and / or a connecting element, and in particular a connecting element between two adjacent skirting boards, to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar which allows the drawbacks of known solutions to be overcome, at least in part.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, quick and economical to manufacture.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be mass-produced quickly and efficiently.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a system whose production can be easily, quickly and economically adapted to skirting boards of different heights.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows for greater flexibility of use, particularly with respect to the thicknesses of the skirting boards.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, quick and economical to install and replace.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be easily and quickly disassembled to allow cleaning operations underneath the piece of furniture.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be easily and quickly adapted to skirting boards of different thicknesses once installed.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is particularly intuitive and quick to assemble.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that does not require the intervention of a specialized operator or particular precautions for the correct assembly of the various elements.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows the installer not to be tied to the inaccuracies in the manufacturing and processing (cutting) of the skirting boards.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be installed on any foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that ensures stable coverage of the foot and a stable and reliable connection between the various elements of the system itself.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows for obtaining a pleasant overall aesthetic effect and that gives the observer the sensation of being in front of a high quality product, both aesthetically and functionally.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is an improvement and / or alternative to traditional solutions.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that has an alternative characterization, both in construction and functional terms, compared to traditional ones.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to propose a connecting element between skirting boards that is particularly easy and quick to assemble and replace, highly versatile, as well as simple, quick and economical to produce.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to propose a fastening element for a piece of furniture or similar that is particularly easy and quick to assemble and replace, highly versatile, as well as simple, quick and economical to produce.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] All the objects mentioned herein, considered either individually or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following description, are achieved, according to the invention, with a system according to the claims.

[0034] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hooking portion which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first fastening means and first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, said connecting element which comprises further fastening means and which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board and also with a further adjacent skirting board to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein: the first fastening means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the further fastening means of said connecting element, to thereby directly and removably fasten the connecting element to the first element, and / or vice versa, the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hook portion, which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least one male member and the second connecting means comprise at least one female member, or vice versa, each male member is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member, each male member has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a D1 direction, each female member has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to an E1 direction, the extension of each male member along a direction parallel to D1 is greater by about ¼, preferably greater by about ½ than the extension of each female member along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hook portion which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least one male member and the second connecting means comprise at least one female member, or vice versa, the hooking portion comprises two fins having (at least in part) a curved profile to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot, each male member is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member, each male member protrudes radially outwards and has an extension that follows for at least a part - or preferably for the majority or entirely - the curved profile of a part of the fin that is intended / configured to surround and grab the stem of the foot.

[0037] Preferably, the first element comprises a hooking portion and each male member is positioned / obtained externally on said hooking portion.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hooking portion, which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least two male members, preferably a plurality of male members, the second connecting means comprise at least two female members, preferably a plurality of female members, or vice versa, at least two male members are configured to be removably and respectively inserted into two female members, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] The present invention is further clarified below in some of its preferred examples of practical embodiments reported for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1shows a first top perspective view of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 2shows a second top perspective view of the system of Fig. 1, Figure 3shows a top plan view of the system of Fig. 1, Figure 4shows the same view of Fig. 3 without skirting boards and without the connecting element between the skirting boards, Figure 5shows the elements of Fig. 4 in a top perspective view, Figure 6shows a perspective view of a first element of the system according to a first embodiment, Figure 7shows a lateral top perspective view of the connecting element of the system according to the invention, Figure 8shows the element of Fig. 7 in a different lateral top perspective view, Figure 9shows a top perspective view of a second element of the system according to a first embodiment, Figure 10shows the element of Fig. 9 in a different perspective view, Figure 11shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of the first element of the system according to the invention, Figure 12shows a plan view of a different (second) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on the foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 13shows a top perspective view of a further different (third) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 14shows a plan view of Fig. 13, Figure 15shows the same view of Fig. 13 without skirting boards and without the connecting element between the skirting boards, Figure 16shows the elements of Fig. 15 in a top perspective view, Figure 17shows in a perspective view only the first element of the system of Fig. 13, Figure 18shows a top perspective view of a further different (fourth) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 19shows a plan view of Fig. 18, Figure 20shows a plan view of the first element of the system of Fig. 18, Figure 21shows a perspective view of the first element of Fig. 20, Figure 22shows a front view, at the second connecting means, of the second element of the system of Fig. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] As can be seen from the figures, the solution according to the invention concerns a system 2 for joining, to a foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, at least one skirting board 4, and preferably of two adjacent skirting boards 4 and 4'.

[0041] The system 2, according to the invention, comprises: a first element 12 comprising a hooking portion 13 which is configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, a second element 8 which is configured to be mounted, preferably in a removable manner, on said skirting board 4, a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards.

[0042] Conveniently, the system 2 may comprise a further second element 8' which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, to the further adjacent skirting board 4'. Preferably, said further skirting board 4' is intended to be positioned at an angle with respect to the skirting board 4, preferably orthogonal (or in any case substantially orthogonal) with respect to the skirting board 4.

[0043] Advantageously, the further second element 8' can be substantially congruent and interchangeable with the second element 8. For this reason, all the characteristics described below with particular reference to the second element 8 are to be understood as described, mutatis mutandis, also for the further second element 8'.

[0044] The first element 12 - which is the element for hooking the foot as it is provided with the hooking portion 13 - also comprises first fastening means 14. The connecting element 3 comprises further fastening means 39.

[0045] The first fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are configured to cooperate with said further fastening means 39 provided in said connecting element 3, to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0046] Conveniently, the connecting element 3 is thus fastened only to the first element 12.

[0047] Conveniently, therefore, in the system according to the invention the connecting element 3 is removably, directly and only fastened to the first element 12 which hooks the foot 6. Advantageously, this allows for speeding up the installation and replacement of the connecting element 3. Advantageously, the installation and replacement of the connecting element 3 can be carried out by acting from the outside and also with the skirting boards 4, 4' already mounted and connected to the foot 6.

[0048] Conveniently, the skirting board 4, the further skirting board 4', and / or the foot 6 may be substantially of a traditional type, known per se to those skilled in the art. Conveniently, the skirting boards 4, 4' are made of extruded plastic or wood-based material, or metal (generally aluminum). In another embodiment not illustrated in the figures, each skirting board 4, 4' may be curved or partially curved so as to cover a corner of a piece of furniture with a single piece. In this particular embodiment, the elements of the system 2 are configured in a suitable and corresponding manner with modifications, with respect to the characteristics described for the illustrated embodiments, that are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0049] Conveniently, the second element 8 comprises mounting means 80 configured for mounting the second element 8 on said skirting board 4. Preferably, the mounting means 80 comprise a shaped protrusion 81, more preferably substantially hammer-shaped, configured to be inserted and then rotated (in particular by approximately 90°) inside a channel 40 formed on the internal surface of each base. Preferably, the second element 8 is provided with a bayonet coupling, defined by said shaped protrusion 81, for removably associating the second element 8 with the respective skirting board 4.

[0050] The first element 12 also comprises first connecting means 15, while the second element 8 comprises second connecting means 82. The first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means 82 of each element 8 so as to thereby connect the first element 12 to each second element 8, thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed. Conveniently, in this way, the foot 6, which is hooked by the hooking portion 13 of the first element 12, is connected to each skirting board 4, 4'.

[0051] Conveniently, the first connecting means 15 and the second connecting means 82 are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a removable mechanical connection, which can preferably be obtained by form-fitting, by interlocking, by interference, by friction and / or by means of a snap-fit mechanism.

[0052] Conveniently, the first connecting means 15 and the second connecting means 82 are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a magnetic connection, such as for example that described and illustrated in EP3903638.

[0053] The mounting means 80 (for mounting the second element 8 on the skirting board 4) and the second connecting means 82 (for connecting the second element 8 to the first element 12 for hooking the foot 6) are obtained on opposing faces of the second element 8.

[0054] Preferably, the second element 8 may have the substantial shape of a small plate, and in particular its thickness is less than that of the other two dimensions. Conveniently, the second connecting means 82 are arranged on a first face of the plate, said first face being intended - in use - to face the foot 6; the mounting means 80 are arranged on a second face of the plate, said second face being substantially opposite to the first face and being intended - in use - to face the corresponding skirting board.

[0055] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 are obtained / arranged externally on the hooking portion 13 of the first element 12.

[0056] Preferably, the hooking portion 13 defines a fork hook that is configured to removably engage the stem of the foot 6,

[0057] In particular, the hooking portion 13 comprises two fins - 13' and 13" respectively - which are configured to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot 6. In more detail, the fins 13', 13" comprise at least in part a curved profile configured to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot 6. Conveniently, the fins 13' and 13" are elastic. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" are shaped so as to delimit between them a first area 16, intended to engage and grab the stem of said foot, and a second flared area designed to facilitate said engagement. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" are shaped and connected to each other so as to externally grab the foot 6, in particular coming into contact with the surface of the stem of the foot itself, for an extension greater than the semi-circumference of said stem. Conveniently, the hooking portion 13 is configured so that, when the first element 12 is associated with the stem of the foot 6, the internal surface of the fins 13' and 13" and of a connecting section 17, which is interposed between the fins, wraps and is in contact with more than half the circumference of the stem of the foot 6.

[0058] Moreover, the connecting section 17 between the fins 13' and 13" is also curved and, preferably, has the same radius of curvature as the respective parts of the fins 13' and 13" that define the first area. Conveniently, the connecting section 17 between the fins 13' and 13" is also configured to come into contact with the stem of the foot 6.

[0059] Conveniently, when the first element 12 is brought close to the foot 6, by applying an appropriate pressure, the fins 13' and 13" of the hooking portion 13 are elastically deformed to thereby allow them to grab and wrap the corresponding foot 6. In particular, in this way, the stem of the foot 6 enters inside the first area 16 of the hooking portion 13.

[0060] Preferably, corresponding first connecting means 15 are obtained at the external surface (i.e. the surface opposite to the one that comes into contact with the stem of the foot 6) of the fins 13' and 13" of the hooking portion 13 for connection respectively with the second connecting means 82 of the second element 8 mounted on the skirting board 4 and with the second connecting means 82 of the further second element 8' mounted on the further skirting board 4'.

[0061] Conveniently, in the embodiment shown, on each elastic fin 13' and 13" there may be corresponding first connecting means 15 which are (at least for a section) arranged at an angle to each other, and are preferably (substantially) orthogonal to each other. In particular, each of the first connecting means 15 is intended to cooperate with second connecting means 82 of a corresponding second element 8, 8' mounted on a respective skirting board 4, 4'.

[0062] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the first connecting means 15 comprise at least one male member 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise at least one female member 90 (or vice versa), and wherein said at least one male member 50 is configured to be removably inserted inside said at least one female member 90, thus defining a removable mechanical connection.

[0063] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (e.g. cf. fig. 1 - 6), the first connecting means 15 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of male members 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of female members 90 (or vice versa), and wherein at least two male members 50 are configured to be removably and respectively inserted into two female members 90, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means.

[0064] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (e.g. cf. fig. 13 - 17 and fig. 18 - 22), the first connecting means 15 comprise a single / unique male member 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of female members 90 (or vice versa), and said single male member 50 is configured to be removably inserted into one of said female members 90, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means.

[0065] In a possible and preferred embodiment, each male member 50 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction D1, while each female member 90 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1 and is configured to receive and mechanically engage inside it a corresponding male member 50.

[0066] Preferably, the extension of each male member 50 along a direction parallel to D1 is greater than about ¼, preferably greater than about ½ of the extension of each female member 90 along the direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0067] More preferably, each male member 50 has an elongated extension along a direction parallel to D1 that is greater than about ¾ of the elongated extension of each female member 90 along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0068] More preferably, each male member 50 has an elongated extension along a direction parallel to D1 which may be approximately equal to the elongated extension of each female member 90 along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0069] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 comprises a plurality of (i.e., two or more) male members 50, which are spaced uniformly apart from each other along a direction D2 that is perpendicular to D1.

[0070] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 protrude from a flat (or substantially flat) surface which extends along said perpendicular directions D1 and D2.

[0071] In a possible and preferred embodiment (see fig. 13 - 17 and fig. 18 - 21), the male member 50 (or each male member 50) protrudes laterally / radially outwards and has a more elongated extension along the section of the fins 13' and 13" that grabs the stem of the foot, while each female member 90 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1 and is configured to receive and mechanically engage inside it a corresponding male member 50. More preferably, the male member 50 (or each male member 50) can protrude laterally / radially outwards and can have a more elongated extension that follows (for at least a part or - preferably - for the most part or entirely) a curved profile, ideally following a substantially semicircular profile. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" comprise respective curved parts which, in plan view, define a substantially "C"-shaped configuration to thus externally grab a substantially cylindrical stem of the foot and, along each of said curved parts of fins 13' and 13" which are configured to grab the stem, a corresponding male member 50 is provided which protrudes radially outwards and has an elongated extension which follows - for at least a part, preferably for the majority or entirely - the profile of the corresponding curved part.

[0072] Advantageously, in this way it is possible to obtain a stable engagement between the first element 12 and the second element 8 with a wide tolerance on the angle with which the second element is approached to the first element, thus allowing greater assembly flexibility.

[0073] Conveniently, the second connecting means 82 as illustrated in fig. 9 or fig. 22 can cooperate with first connecting means 15 as illustrated in fig. 6 (cf. embodiment of figs. 1 - 4), and also with first connecting means 15 as illustrated in fig. 17 (cf. embodiment of figs. 15 - 16) or in figures 20 and 21.

[0074] Preferably, the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality of (i.e., two or more) female members 90, which are spaced apart in a uniform and constant way from each other along a direction E2 that is perpendicular to E1.

[0075] In a possible and preferred embodiment, each male member 50 is defined by a rib 51 that protrudes radially outward and is elongated, extending mainly along a direction D1. More preferably, the rib 51 extends along a substantially rectilinear profile parallel to the direction D1. More preferably, the first connecting means 15 comprise a plurality of ribs 51, which extend longitudinally so as to be parallel to each other and also to a direction D1 and which are spaced uniformly from each other along a direction D2 which is perpendicular to the direction D1. Preferably, each rib 51 is defined by a substantially laminar wall that protrudes in height along a direction parallel to a direction D3 (which is perpendicular to D1 and D2) and with a longitudinal extension along the direction D1 that is continuous and constant.

[0076] In a possible and preferred embodiment, a single male member 50 may be provided, which is defined by a single rib 51 with an elongated extension that follows at least a part - preferably most or all - of the curved profile of the portion of the elastic fin 13', 13" that grabs the stem of the foot. Preferably, the rib 51 extends radially outward and, furthermore, has an elongated extension, along a substantially semicircular curved profile, with an extension greater than about ¼ of a circumference and lesser than about ½ of a circumference.

[0077] The height extension of the first element 12 (i.e. the extension along a direction parallel to D2) can vary appropriately and, for example, can be more compact (see fig. 17) to satisfy more skirting board heights.

[0078] The width of the second flared area (which is defined between the free ends of the fins 13' and 13") can vary appropriately and, for example, can be wider (see fig. 17) to facilitate the insertion of the foot.

[0079] In a possible embodiment (see fig. 18 - 21), each male member 50 comprises a laminar-shaped rib 51 which: protrudes laterally outwards from the fins 13', 13", it has a more elongated extension along the section of the fins 13', 13" which grabs the stem of the foot, it is provided with at least one protuberance 69 which protrudes from (at least) one face of said laminar-shaped rib 51.

[0080] Conveniently, the rib 51 has a laminar shape wherein the extension along directions D1 and D3 (perpendicular to each other) is greater than the thickness corresponding to the extension along direction D2 (which is perpendicular to D1 and D3).

[0081] Preferably, said at least one protuberance 69 extends along a direction parallel to D2. Preferably, said at least one protuberance 69 is configured to fit into the spaces defined between two adjacent pins 92, as will become clearer below. More preferably, the rib 51 comprises at least one protuberance 69 on both of its opposing faces. Conveniently, the protuberances of the two opposing faces of the rib can be aligned along a direction parallel to D2 to fit between proximal pins 92 of the second element 8, 8'. Preferably, the external profile of the laminar-shaped rib 51 comprises at least two substantially rectilinear and intersecting external edges 77' and 77", so as to define an edge 79.

[0082] Preferably, each female member 90 is defined by a corresponding elongated groove 91 that extends longitudinally along a direction E1. Preferably, each groove 91 can extend along a direction parallel to E1 for a length substantially equal to the length of the plate along the same direction. More preferably, along its longitudinal extension, each groove 91 is defined between two rows of pins 92 that protrude (in particular along a direction parallel to a direction E3 that is perpendicular to E1 and E2) from a face of the second element 8 and which are arranged in sequence, one next to the other, along respective directions parallel to each other and to the direction E1. Preferably, the pins 92 can be arranged in an ordered sequence, one next to the other, also along respective directions parallel to the direction E2.

[0083] Ideally, each rib 51 has a rounded protruding end to facilitate its insertion into the groove 91. Ideally, the pins 92 have at least partially rounded protruding ends to facilitate the insertion of each rib 51 into a groove 91 delimited and defined between two rows of pins 92.

[0084] Conveniently, each groove 91 is shaped to receive and engage by interlocking and / or interference a corresponding rib 51. Conveniently, each groove 91 has a depth (i.e. an extension along a direction parallel to E3) that is greater than or equal to the height (i.e. an extension along a direction parallel to D3) of the ribs 51.

[0085] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection of the first element 12 with the second element 8 is obtained by inserting and engaging at least one rib 51 of the first connecting means 15 inside a groove 91 of the second connecting means 82 and, ideally, by inserting and engaging two or more ribs 51 inside respective grooves 91.

[0086] In a possible and preferred embodiment (see fig. 19 - 22), the rib 51 fits inside a groove 91 defined between two rows of pins 92 and, furthermore, at least one protuberance 69 of the rib 51 fits into the spaces defined between two adjacent pins 92.

[0087] In another possible embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 may comprise at least one female member 90 (and correspondingly the grooves 91), while the second connecting means 82 may comprise at least one male member 50 (and correspondingly the ribs 51).

[0088] In another possible embodiment, the first connecting means 15 of the first element comprise a part made of magnetic metallic material 19, preferably ferromagnetic, while the second connecting means 82 of each second element 8, 8' comprise a magnet, or vice versa, to thus define a magnetic connection system 29.

[0089] Preferably, the first fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are made in a single piece with the hooking portion 13 and with the first connecting means 15 of the first element itself.

[0090] Preferably, the first element 12 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the first element 12 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the first element 12 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0091] Preferably, the second connecting means 82 of the second element 8 are made in a single piece with the mounting means 80 of the second element itself.

[0092] Preferably, the second element 8 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the second element 8 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the second element 8 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0093] The connecting element 3 comprises a profile which, in cross-section, comprises: an external wall 31 which, in use, is intended to be visible and comprising a portion which is intended to come into contact with, and / or cover, the external surface 41 of a skirting board 4, 4', at least one internal wall 32 which is connected to said external wall 31 and which, in use (i.e. when the skirting boards are mounted), is hidden from view.

[0094] The further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 - which cooperate with the fastening means 14 to thus fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12 - are arranged and / or obtained on said at least one internal wall 32.

[0095] Preferably, said further fastening means 39 are defined and / or obtained at a free terminal section of the internal wall 32.

[0096] Preferably, the external wall 31 comprises two portions each intended to come into contact with, and / or cover, the respective external surfaces of two adjacent skirting boards at the ends of said two skirting boards.

[0097] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the external wall 31 comprises two sections 31', 31" arranged at an angle to each other and connected at a corner 33 (which may be more or less rounded or sharp). The internal wall 32 extends from the corner 33 at an angle to each of the two sections 31 and 31'. In a possible embodiment, the corner 33 may comprise a joint configured for the articulation of the two sections 31', 31" so as to be able to vary the angle defined between them, advantageously in order to hide the thickness of skirting boards 4, 4' of different thicknesses or of new replacement skirting boards of different thicknesses.

[0098] Conveniently, the inner wall 32 may extend directly from the outer wall 31 or may be connected to the outer wall 31 by further portions, walls or sections.

[0099] Preferably, in a possible embodiment illustrated in the figures, the two sections 31' and 31" are arranged in an "L" shape so as to define an angle of approximately 90° between them. Preferably, in a possible embodiment illustrated in the figures, the internal wall 32 can define an angle of approximately 45° with respect to each of the two sections 31 and 31', however the internal wall 32 could define with the section 31 a different angle than that which the same internal wall defines with the other section 31'.

[0100] Conveniently, in another possible embodiment not illustrated, the external wall 31 comprises at least or only one curved section.

[0101] Conveniently, in another possible embodiment not illustrated, the external wall 31 may comprise at least or only one straight section.

[0102] Preferably, the connecting element 3 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the connecting element 3 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the connecting element 3 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0103] Preferably, the connecting element 3 is made by extrusion, thus obtaining a profile which is then cut to obtain connecting elements of a height substantially corresponding to the height of the skirting boards that it is intended to cover once in use.

[0104] Preferably, the fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are interposed between first connecting means 15 of the first element itself.

[0105] Preferably, the fastening means 14 are positioned on the first element 12 in an opposite position, more preferably in a substantially opposite position, with respect to the hooking portion 13. More preferably, the fastening means 14 are obtained on the side of the connecting section 17 which is opposite to the one facing the area delimited by the fins 13' and 13".

[0106] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the fastening means 14 of the first element 12 comprise a receiving seat 20 which is defined between two facing walls, respectively 21' and 21", while the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 comprise an insertion section 35 which is defined by the free terminal section of the internal wall 32 of the connecting element itself. Conveniently, the receiving seat 20 is configured to receive and engage inside it by shape coupling, interlocking, interference and / or friction the insertion section 35 defined by the free terminal section of the internal wall 32.

[0107] In another possible embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the configuration of the fastening means 14 and of the further fastening means 39 may be reversed with respect to that illustrated in the figures; in particular, the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element may comprise the receiving seat 20 while the fastening means 14 comprise the insertion section.

[0108] Preferably, the insertion section 35 comprises (at least in part) a shaped (for example knurled, corrugated, serrate or equivalent) and / or rough external surface which is configured to cooperate with a counter-shaped and / or rough surface of the receiving seat 20, to thus improve the friction between the surfaces in mutual contact, ensuring a stable and secure fixing of the connecting element 3 to the first element 12.

[0109] More preferably, the insertion section 35 comprises a knurled surface which is configured to cooperate with a counter-knurled surface of the receiving seat 20, or vice versa, to allow the fixing of the connecting element 3 to the first element 12 to be adjusted in successive steps.

[0110] Preferably, at least one relief 67, and preferably at least two reliefs 67, can be provided at the second face (the one facing the skirting board) of the second element 8, which reliefs are intended to cooperate with the internal surface of the skirting board, in order to counteract the relative sliding of the second element within the channel 40, once the shaped protrusion 81 of said second element has been inserted and rotated inside the channel.

[0111] Preferably, the plate of the second element 8 comprises at least one lobe 68, ideally two lobes 68, provided with a through hole 70 for fixing the support element itself to a wooden skirting board 4 or similar by means of suitable dedicated fixing members (not shown) of a traditional type, such as for example one or more screws or other equivalent fixing members.

[0112] In a different embodiment not illustrated, the second element 8 may be without said lobes 68 and / or holes 70. In a possible embodiment not illustrated, the second element 8 may be mounted on the skirting board 4 only by means of dedicated fastening elements, such as screws, which pass through respective holes 70 obtained on the second element 8 and then screw or penetrate inside the skirting board itself.

[0113] The present invention also relates to a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 to thus cover / hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to thus cover and hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein said connecting element 3 comprises further fastening means 39 which are configured to cooperate directly with fastening means 14 provided on a first element 12 (provided with a hooking portion 13 configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar), to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0114] The present invention also relates to an element 12 provided with a hooking portion 13 configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, and wherein said element 12 comprises fastening means 14 which are configured to cooperate directly with further fastening means 39 which are envisaged / obtained on a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover / hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, thus directly and removably fastening the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0115] The assembly method of system 2 clearly derives from the above description of the same.

[0116] The first element 12 is applied to the foot 6. In particular, by applying a suitable pressure, the fins 13', 13" of the hooking portion 13 are elastically deformed to allow the hooking of the foot 6.

[0117] According to the methods described above, the second element 8 is applied to the first skirting board 4 by suitably inserting the shaped protrusion 81 into the longitudinal channel 40 obtained in the skirting board itself. Subsequently, the second element 8 is slid along the channel of the skirting board 4 to bring it approximately (i.e. "more or less" and with a good margin of tolerance) to the desired position, which is appropriately aligned with / facing the foot 6 of the piece of furniture to which the skirting board 4 is intended to be joined. Then, once the desired position has been approximately reached, the user activates the bayonet coupling by rotating the support element 8 by 90° inside the channel 40 of the skirting board 4.

[0118] Conveniently, the above mentioned operating steps are to be repeated identically, mutatis mutandis, to connect the further second element 8' to the further skirting board 4'.

[0119] Conveniently, the first element 12 is applied to the foot 6, and / or is subsequently rotated with respect to it, so that the first connecting means 15 are facing, oriented and substantially parallel to the corresponding first skirting board 4 or second skirting board 4' to be joined. In the case in question, the foot is positioned at a corner of the piece of furniture and the first connecting means 15 are advantageously angled to each other so that they are both parallel to two skirting boards 4, 4' which will be associated with two corresponding and distinct sides of the piece of furniture.

[0120] Thus, the skirting board 4 thereby prepared is brought close to the first element 12 so that the first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 hooked to the foot 6 cooperate with the second connecting elements 82 of the second element 8 mounted on the skirting board 4, to thus connect the skirting board to said foot and also maintain such connection stably.

[0121] Advantageously, once the first element 12 has been applied to the foot 6, the connecting element 3 can be fixed directly to the first element 12. In particular, the connecting element 3 is brought closer and associated with the first element 12 so that the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 cooperate with the fastening means 14 of the first element 12, thus fastening the connecting element 3 to the first element 12.

[0122] Conveniently, when the connecting element 3 is fixed to the first element 12, a corresponding portion of the external wall 31 of the connecting element 3 comes into contact with and / or in any case covers the external surface of the skirting boards 4, 4' at their ends, thus hiding the thickness of the skirting boards themselves from view.

[0123] Conveniently, if necessary, when the connecting element 3 is fixed to the first element 12, the skirting boards to be joined 4, 4' can be brought close to the connecting element 3 so that a corresponding portion of the external wall 31 of the connecting element 3 is in contact with and / or in any case covers the external surface of the skirting boards 4, 4' at their ends, thus hiding the thickness of the bases themselves from view.

[0124] The described system 2 according to the invention achieves the intended purposes and, in particular, proves to be particularly advantageous in that it: simplifies the assembly process of a skirting board to a table foot, speeds up the whole operation, is easy to install and uninstall, allows for quick replacement of components, allows to adapt the assembly to skirting boards of different thicknesses in an intuitive and immediate way, can be used by virtually anyone, without requiring the use of tools or measuring instruments, ensures stable fastening between the different elements even when the mutual positioning of the elements is partially misaligned, is simple, quick and economical to manufacture, helps create a pleasant aesthetic result of the installation.

[0125] The present invention has been illustrated in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be made in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present industrial invention patent.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]As can be seen from the figures, the solution according to the invention concerns a system 2 for joining, to a foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, at least one skirting board 4, and preferably of two adjacent skirting boards 4 and 4'.

[0041]The system 2, according to the invention, comprises:

a first element 12 comprising a hooking portion 13 which is configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, a second element 8 which is configured to be mounted, preferably in a removable manner, on said skirting board 4, a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards.

[0042]Conveniently, the s...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system for joining two adjacent skirting boards to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar, and also to a connecting element interposed between said two adjacent skirting boards.

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably at least two adjacent skirting boards, to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a connecting element between two adjacent skirting boards.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a hooking element for hooking the foot of a piece of furniture or similar.STATE OF THE ART

[0006] It is well known that many types of furniture, such as modular kitchen units, are frontally covered, at floor level, with skirting boards made of extruded plastic or made with wood or of metal (usually aluminum). In particular, these skirting boards are attached frontally to the support feet of the furniture, while their visible surfaces are appropriately treated and coated to create an aesthetically pleasing finish.

[0007] To date, several hooking devices for fixing the skirting boards to the feet are already known, and among these, there is a device consisting of a slide, to be inserted into a corresponding longitudinal guide defined in the skirting board, and one or more fins (hooks), suitably curved and elastic, which depart from the slide and are suitable for hooking the foot, surrounding it.

[0008] The installation of these devices envisages first their fastening to the skirting board and their positioning so that they are frontally aligned with the corresponding furniture feet. Next, the skirting board is brought close to the feet and, by applying appropriate pressure, the tabs are elastically deformed to allow them to grab the foot.

[0009] This device has been on the market for quite some time and is already widely appreciated for its qualities, however it is not optimal for attaching to the feet positioned at the edges of the piece of furniture.

[0010] EP1363530 shows a system for joining a skirting board to a foot of a piece of furniture at the edge of the same piece of furniture. In particular, the joining system comprises a first element with a hook-shaped portion to grip the foot stem by elastically deforming the portion itself, and wherein said first element comprises a face provided with an appendage with a rounded head that is configured and intended to be removably inserted between the parallel ribs obtained on one face of a plate that, on the opposite face, has a shaped protrusion for insertion and coupling within a counter-shaped channel obtained longitudinally on the skirting board.

[0011] Furthermore, at the current state, at the corners of the piece of furniture, the skirting boards are connected to each other by a corner piece having a cross-section featuring a hollow central portion, substantially square or rectangular in shape. Moreover, some sides extend from the hollow portion, parallel two by two, which laterally define the respective seats into which the end edges of the two skirting boards to be joined fit.

[0012] This solution is not completely satisfactory because, in use, this corner piece is particularly visible and impactful.

[0013] Furthermore, the installation and use of such a corner piece is highly dependent on the manufacturing and processing tolerances of the skirting board, as the skirting board must be of the correct size to be inserted and held securely within the corresponding seat defined by the sides of the corner piece. It is intuitive to see how this is particularly inconvenient, especially considering that skirting boards are often found to have processing inaccuracies (for example, they are not precisely cut), but also manufacturing inaccuracies, especially when extruded.

[0014] Furthermore, the assembly of these corner pieces is rather laborious since a non-optimal insertion of the head of the skirting board into a first corner piece requires a corresponding correction, proportional but in the opposite direction, to be made when inserting the other head of the same skirting board into a second corner piece, thus forcing the installer to make a number of attempts and corrections.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the present invention is to propose a system for joining at least one skirting board and / or a connecting element, and in particular a connecting element between two adjacent skirting boards, to the foot of a piece of furniture or similar which allows the drawbacks of known solutions to be overcome, at least in part.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, quick and economical to manufacture.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be mass-produced quickly and efficiently.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a system whose production can be easily, quickly and economically adapted to skirting boards of different heights.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows for greater flexibility of use, particularly with respect to the thicknesses of the skirting boards.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, quick and economical to install and replace.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be easily and quickly disassembled to allow cleaning operations underneath the piece of furniture.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be easily and quickly adapted to skirting boards of different thicknesses once installed.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is particularly intuitive and quick to assemble.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that does not require the intervention of a specialized operator or particular precautions for the correct assembly of the various elements.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows the installer not to be tied to the inaccuracies in the manufacturing and processing (cutting) of the skirting boards.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that can be installed on any foot of a piece of furniture or similar.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that ensures stable coverage of the foot and a stable and reliable connection between the various elements of the system itself.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that allows for obtaining a pleasant overall aesthetic effect and that gives the observer the sensation of being in front of a high quality product, both aesthetically and functionally.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that is an improvement and / or alternative to traditional solutions.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to propose a system that has an alternative characterization, both in construction and functional terms, compared to traditional ones.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to propose a connecting element between skirting boards that is particularly easy and quick to assemble and replace, highly versatile, as well as simple, quick and economical to produce.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to propose a fastening element for a piece of furniture or similar that is particularly easy and quick to assemble and replace, highly versatile, as well as simple, quick and economical to produce.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] All the objects mentioned herein, considered either individually or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following description, are achieved, according to the invention, with a system according to the claims.

[0034] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hooking portion which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first fastening means and first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, said connecting element which comprises further fastening means and which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board and also with a further adjacent skirting board to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein: the first fastening means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the further fastening means of said connecting element, to thereby directly and removably fasten the connecting element to the first element, and / or vice versa, the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hook portion, which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least one male member and the second connecting means comprise at least one female member, or vice versa, each male member is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member, each male member has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a D1 direction, each female member has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to an E1 direction, the extension of each male member along a direction parallel to D1 is greater by about ¼, preferably greater by about ½ than the extension of each female member along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hook portion which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least one male member and the second connecting means comprise at least one female member, or vice versa, the hooking portion comprises two fins having (at least in part) a curved profile to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot, each male member is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member, each male member protrudes radially outwards and has an extension that follows for at least a part - or preferably for the majority or entirely - the curved profile of a part of the fin that is intended / configured to surround and grab the stem of the foot.

[0037] Preferably, the first element comprises a hooking portion and each male member is positioned / obtained externally on said hooking portion.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a system for joining at least one skirting board, and preferably two adjacent skirting boards, to a foot of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system comprises: a first element comprising a hooking portion, which is configured to removably hook the foot, said first element also comprising first connecting means, at least one second element which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board, said at least one second element comprising second connecting means, and wherein: the first connecting means of said first element are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means of each second element so as to connect the first element to each second element, thereby connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed, the first connecting means comprise at least two male members, preferably a plurality of male members, the second connecting means comprise at least two female members, preferably a plurality of female members, or vice versa, at least two male members are configured to be removably and respectively inserted into two female members, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] The present invention is further clarified below in some of its preferred examples of practical embodiments reported for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1shows a first top perspective view of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 2shows a second top perspective view of the system of Fig. 1, Figure 3shows a top plan view of the system of Fig. 1, Figure 4shows the same view of Fig. 3 without skirting boards and without the connecting element between the skirting boards, Figure 5shows the elements of Fig. 4 in a top perspective view, Figure 6shows a perspective view of a first element of the system according to a first embodiment, Figure 7shows a lateral top perspective view of the connecting element of the system according to the invention, Figure 8shows the element of Fig. 7 in a different lateral top perspective view, Figure 9shows a top perspective view of a second element of the system according to a first embodiment, Figure 10shows the element of Fig. 9 in a different perspective view, Figure 11shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of the first element of the system according to the invention, Figure 12shows a plan view of a different (second) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on the foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 13shows a top perspective view of a further different (third) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 14shows a plan view of Fig. 13, Figure 15shows the same view of Fig. 13 without skirting boards and without the connecting element between the skirting boards, Figure 16shows the elements of Fig. 15 in a top perspective view, Figure 17shows in a perspective view only the first element of the system of Fig. 13, Figure 18shows a top perspective view of a further different (fourth) embodiment of the system according to the invention, installed on a foot and on two skirting boards arranged at an angle to each other, Figure 19shows a plan view of Fig. 18, Figure 20shows a plan view of the first element of the system of Fig. 18, Figure 21shows a perspective view of the first element of Fig. 20, Figure 22shows a front view, at the second connecting means, of the second element of the system of Fig. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] As can be seen from the figures, the solution according to the invention concerns a system 2 for joining, to a foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, at least one skirting board 4, and preferably of two adjacent skirting boards 4 and 4'.

[0041] The system 2, according to the invention, comprises: a first element 12 comprising a hooking portion 13 which is configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, a second element 8 which is configured to be mounted, preferably in a removable manner, on said skirting board 4, a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards.

[0042] Conveniently, the system 2 may comprise a further second element 8' which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, to the further adjacent skirting board 4'. Preferably, said further skirting board 4' is intended to be positioned at an angle with respect to the skirting board 4, preferably orthogonal (or in any case substantially orthogonal) with respect to the skirting board 4.

[0043] Advantageously, the further second element 8' can be substantially congruent and interchangeable with the second element 8. For this reason, all the characteristics described below with particular reference to the second element 8 are to be understood as described, mutatis mutandis, also for the further second element 8'.

[0044] The first element 12 - which is the element for hooking the foot as it is provided with the hooking portion 13 - also comprises first fastening means 14. The connecting element 3 comprises further fastening means 39.

[0045] The first fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are configured to cooperate with said further fastening means 39 provided in said connecting element 3, to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0046] Conveniently, the connecting element 3 is thus fastened only to the first element 12.

[0047] Conveniently, therefore, in the system according to the invention the connecting element 3 is removably, directly and only fastened to the first element 12 which hooks the foot 6. Advantageously, this allows for speeding up the installation and replacement of the connecting element 3. Advantageously, the installation and replacement of the connecting element 3 can be carried out by acting from the outside and also with the skirting boards 4, 4' already mounted and connected to the foot 6.

[0048] Conveniently, the skirting board 4, the further skirting board 4', and / or the foot 6 may be substantially of a traditional type, known per se to those skilled in the art. Conveniently, the skirting boards 4, 4' are made of extruded plastic or wood-based material, or metal (generally aluminum). In another embodiment not illustrated in the figures, each skirting board 4, 4' may be curved or partially curved so as to cover a corner of a piece of furniture with a single piece. In this particular embodiment, the elements of the system 2 are configured in a suitable and corresponding manner with modifications, with respect to the characteristics described for the illustrated embodiments, that are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0049] Conveniently, the second element 8 comprises mounting means 80 configured for mounting the second element 8 on said skirting board 4. Preferably, the mounting means 80 comprise a shaped protrusion 81, more preferably substantially hammer-shaped, configured to be inserted and then rotated (in particular by approximately 90°) inside a channel 40 formed on the internal surface of each base. Preferably, the second element 8 is provided with a bayonet coupling, defined by said shaped protrusion 81, for removably associating the second element 8 with the respective skirting board 4.

[0050] The first element 12 also comprises first connecting means 15, while the second element 8 comprises second connecting means 82. The first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means 82 of each element 8 so as to thereby connect the first element 12 to each second element 8, thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board on which the corresponding second element is installed. Conveniently, in this way, the foot 6, which is hooked by the hooking portion 13 of the first element 12, is connected to each skirting board 4, 4'.

[0051] Conveniently, the first connecting means 15 and the second connecting means 82 are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a removable mechanical connection, which can preferably be obtained by form-fitting, by interlocking, by interference, by friction and / or by means of a snap-fit mechanism.

[0052] Conveniently, the first connecting means 15 and the second connecting means 82 are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a magnetic connection, such as for example that described and illustrated in EP3903638.

[0053] The mounting means 80 (for mounting the second element 8 on the skirting board 4) and the second connecting means 82 (for connecting the second element 8 to the first element 12 for hooking the foot 6) are obtained on opposing faces of the second element 8.

[0054] Preferably, the second element 8 may have the substantial shape of a small plate, and in particular its thickness is less than that of the other two dimensions. Conveniently, the second connecting means 82 are arranged on a first face of the plate, said first face being intended - in use - to face the foot 6; the mounting means 80 are arranged on a second face of the plate, said second face being substantially opposite to the first face and being intended - in use - to face the corresponding skirting board.

[0055] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 are obtained / arranged externally on the hooking portion 13 of the first element 12.

[0056] Preferably, the hooking portion 13 defines a fork hook that is configured to removably engage the stem of the foot 6,

[0057] In particular, the hooking portion 13 comprises two fins - 13' and 13" respectively - which are configured to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot 6. In more detail, the fins 13', 13" comprise at least in part a curved profile configured to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot 6. Conveniently, the fins 13' and 13" are elastic. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" are shaped so as to delimit between them a first area 16, intended to engage and grab the stem of said foot, and a second flared area designed to facilitate said engagement. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" are shaped and connected to each other so as to externally grab the foot 6, in particular coming into contact with the surface of the stem of the foot itself, for an extension greater than the semi-circumference of said stem. Conveniently, the hooking portion 13 is configured so that, when the first element 12 is associated with the stem of the foot 6, the internal surface of the fins 13' and 13" and of a connecting section 17, which is interposed between the fins, wraps and is in contact with more than half the circumference of the stem of the foot 6.

[0058] Moreover, the connecting section 17 between the fins 13' and 13" is also curved and, preferably, has the same radius of curvature as the respective parts of the fins 13' and 13" that define the first area. Conveniently, the connecting section 17 between the fins 13' and 13" is also configured to come into contact with the stem of the foot 6.

[0059] Conveniently, when the first element 12 is brought close to the foot 6, by applying an appropriate pressure, the fins 13' and 13" of the hooking portion 13 are elastically deformed to thereby allow them to grab and wrap the corresponding foot 6. In particular, in this way, the stem of the foot 6 enters inside the first area 16 of the hooking portion 13.

[0060] Preferably, corresponding first connecting means 15 are obtained at the external surface (i.e. the surface opposite to the one that comes into contact with the stem of the foot 6) of the fins 13' and 13" of the hooking portion 13 for connection respectively with the second connecting means 82 of the second element 8 mounted on the skirting board 4 and with the second connecting means 82 of the further second element 8' mounted on the further skirting board 4'.

[0061] Conveniently, in the embodiment shown, on each elastic fin 13' and 13" there may be corresponding first connecting means 15 which are (at least for a section) arranged at an angle to each other, and are preferably (substantially) orthogonal to each other. In particular, each of the first connecting means 15 is intended to cooperate with second connecting means 82 of a corresponding second element 8, 8' mounted on a respective skirting board 4, 4'.

[0062] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the first connecting means 15 comprise at least one male member 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise at least one female member 90 (or vice versa), and wherein said at least one male member 50 is configured to be removably inserted inside said at least one female member 90, thus defining a removable mechanical connection.

[0063] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (e.g. cf. fig. 1 - 6), the first connecting means 15 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of male members 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of female members 90 (or vice versa), and wherein at least two male members 50 are configured to be removably and respectively inserted into two female members 90, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means.

[0064] Preferably, in one possible embodiment (e.g. cf. fig. 13 - 17 and fig. 18 - 22), the first connecting means 15 comprise a single / unique male member 50, while the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality (i.e. two or more) of female members 90 (or vice versa), and said single male member 50 is configured to be removably inserted into one of said female members 90, thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means.

[0065] In a possible and preferred embodiment, each male member 50 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction D1, while each female member 90 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1 and is configured to receive and mechanically engage inside it a corresponding male member 50.

[0066] Preferably, the extension of each male member 50 along a direction parallel to D1 is greater than about ¼, preferably greater than about ½ of the extension of each female member 90 along the direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0067] More preferably, each male member 50 has an elongated extension along a direction parallel to D1 that is greater than about ¾ of the elongated extension of each female member 90 along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0068] More preferably, each male member 50 has an elongated extension along a direction parallel to D1 which may be approximately equal to the elongated extension of each female member 90 along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

[0069] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 comprises a plurality of (i.e., two or more) male members 50, which are spaced uniformly apart from each other along a direction D2 that is perpendicular to D1.

[0070] Preferably, the first connecting means 15 protrude from a flat (or substantially flat) surface which extends along said perpendicular directions D1 and D2.

[0071] In a possible and preferred embodiment (see fig. 13 - 17 and fig. 18 - 21), the male member 50 (or each male member 50) protrudes laterally / radially outwards and has a more elongated extension along the section of the fins 13' and 13" that grabs the stem of the foot, while each female member 90 has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1 and is configured to receive and mechanically engage inside it a corresponding male member 50. More preferably, the male member 50 (or each male member 50) can protrude laterally / radially outwards and can have a more elongated extension that follows (for at least a part or - preferably - for the most part or entirely) a curved profile, ideally following a substantially semicircular profile. Preferably, the fins 13' and 13" comprise respective curved parts which, in plan view, define a substantially "C"-shaped configuration to thus externally grab a substantially cylindrical stem of the foot and, along each of said curved parts of fins 13' and 13" which are configured to grab the stem, a corresponding male member 50 is provided which protrudes radially outwards and has an elongated extension which follows - for at least a part, preferably for the majority or entirely - the profile of the corresponding curved part.

[0072] Advantageously, in this way it is possible to obtain a stable engagement between the first element 12 and the second element 8 with a wide tolerance on the angle with which the second element is approached to the first element, thus allowing greater assembly flexibility.

[0073] Conveniently, the second connecting means 82 as illustrated in fig. 9 or fig. 22 can cooperate with first connecting means 15 as illustrated in fig. 6 (cf. embodiment of figs. 1 - 4), and also with first connecting means 15 as illustrated in fig. 17 (cf. embodiment of figs. 15 - 16) or in figures 20 and 21.

[0074] Preferably, the second connecting means 82 comprise a plurality of (i.e., two or more) female members 90, which are spaced apart in a uniform and constant way from each other along a direction E2 that is perpendicular to E1.

[0075] In a possible and preferred embodiment, each male member 50 is defined by a rib 51 that protrudes radially outward and is elongated, extending mainly along a direction D1. More preferably, the rib 51 extends along a substantially rectilinear profile parallel to the direction D1. More preferably, the first connecting means 15 comprise a plurality of ribs 51, which extend longitudinally so as to be parallel to each other and also to a direction D1 and which are spaced uniformly from each other along a direction D2 which is perpendicular to the direction D1. Preferably, each rib 51 is defined by a substantially laminar wall that protrudes in height along a direction parallel to a direction D3 (which is perpendicular to D1 and D2) and with a longitudinal extension along the direction D1 that is continuous and constant.

[0076] In a possible and preferred embodiment, a single male member 50 may be provided, which is defined by a single rib 51 with an elongated extension that follows at least a part - preferably most or all - of the curved profile of the portion of the elastic fin 13', 13" that grabs the stem of the foot. Preferably, the rib 51 extends radially outward and, furthermore, has an elongated extension, along a substantially semicircular curved profile, with an extension greater than about ¼ of a circumference and lesser than about ½ of a circumference.

[0077] The height extension of the first element 12 (i.e. the extension along a direction parallel to D2) can vary appropriately and, for example, can be more compact (see fig. 17) to satisfy more skirting board heights.

[0078] The width of the second flared area (which is defined between the free ends of the fins 13' and 13") can vary appropriately and, for example, can be wider (see fig. 17) to facilitate the insertion of the foot.

[0079] In a possible embodiment (see fig. 18 - 21), each male member 50 comprises a laminar-shaped rib 51 which: protrudes laterally outwards from the fins 13', 13", it has a more elongated extension along the section of the fins 13', 13" which grabs the stem of the foot, it is provided with at least one protuberance 69 which protrudes from (at least) one face of said laminar-shaped rib 51.

[0080] Conveniently, the rib 51 has a laminar shape wherein the extension along directions D1 and D3 (perpendicular to each other) is greater than the thickness corresponding to the extension along direction D2 (which is perpendicular to D1 and D3).

[0081] Preferably, said at least one protuberance 69 extends along a direction parallel to D2. Preferably, said at least one protuberance 69 is configured to fit into the spaces defined between two adjacent pins 92, as will become clearer below. More preferably, the rib 51 comprises at least one protuberance 69 on both of its opposing faces. Conveniently, the protuberances of the two opposing faces of the rib can be aligned along a direction parallel to D2 to fit between proximal pins 92 of the second element 8, 8'. Preferably, the external profile of the laminar-shaped rib 51 comprises at least two substantially rectilinear and intersecting external edges 77' and 77", so as to define an edge 79.

[0082] Preferably, each female member 90 is defined by a corresponding elongated groove 91 that extends longitudinally along a direction E1. Preferably, each groove 91 can extend along a direction parallel to E1 for a length substantially equal to the length of the plate along the same direction. More preferably, along its longitudinal extension, each groove 91 is defined between two rows of pins 92 that protrude (in particular along a direction parallel to a direction E3 that is perpendicular to E1 and E2) from a face of the second element 8 and which are arranged in sequence, one next to the other, along respective directions parallel to each other and to the direction E1. Preferably, the pins 92 can be arranged in an ordered sequence, one next to the other, also along respective directions parallel to the direction E2.

[0083] Ideally, each rib 51 has a rounded protruding end to facilitate its insertion into the groove 91. Ideally, the pins 92 have at least partially rounded protruding ends to facilitate the insertion of each rib 51 into a groove 91 delimited and defined between two rows of pins 92.

[0084] Conveniently, each groove 91 is shaped to receive and engage by interlocking and / or interference a corresponding rib 51. Conveniently, each groove 91 has a depth (i.e. an extension along a direction parallel to E3) that is greater than or equal to the height (i.e. an extension along a direction parallel to D3) of the ribs 51.

[0085] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection of the first element 12 with the second element 8 is obtained by inserting and engaging at least one rib 51 of the first connecting means 15 inside a groove 91 of the second connecting means 82 and, ideally, by inserting and engaging two or more ribs 51 inside respective grooves 91.

[0086] In a possible and preferred embodiment (see fig. 19 - 22), the rib 51 fits inside a groove 91 defined between two rows of pins 92 and, furthermore, at least one protuberance 69 of the rib 51 fits into the spaces defined between two adjacent pins 92.

[0087] In another possible embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 may comprise at least one female member 90 (and correspondingly the grooves 91), while the second connecting means 82 may comprise at least one male member 50 (and correspondingly the ribs 51).

[0088] In another possible embodiment, the first connecting means 15 of the first element comprise a part made of magnetic metallic material 19, preferably ferromagnetic, while the second connecting means 82 of each second element 8, 8' comprise a magnet, or vice versa, to thus define a magnetic connection system 29.

[0089] Preferably, the first fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are made in a single piece with the hooking portion 13 and with the first connecting means 15 of the first element itself.

[0090] Preferably, the first element 12 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the first element 12 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the first element 12 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0091] Preferably, the second connecting means 82 of the second element 8 are made in a single piece with the mounting means 80 of the second element itself.

[0092] Preferably, the second element 8 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the second element 8 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the second element 8 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0093] The connecting element 3 comprises a profile which, in cross-section, comprises: an external wall 31 which, in use, is intended to be visible and comprising a portion which is intended to come into contact with, and / or cover, the external surface 41 of a skirting board 4, 4', at least one internal wall 32 which is connected to said external wall 31 and which, in use (i.e. when the skirting boards are mounted), is hidden from view.

[0094] The further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 - which cooperate with the fastening means 14 to thus fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12 - are arranged and / or obtained on said at least one internal wall 32.

[0095] Preferably, said further fastening means 39 are defined and / or obtained at a free terminal section of the internal wall 32.

[0096] Preferably, the external wall 31 comprises two portions each intended to come into contact with, and / or cover, the respective external surfaces of two adjacent skirting boards at the ends of said two skirting boards.

[0097] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the external wall 31 comprises two sections 31', 31" arranged at an angle to each other and connected at a corner 33 (which may be more or less rounded or sharp). The internal wall 32 extends from the corner 33 at an angle to each of the two sections 31 and 31'. In a possible embodiment, the corner 33 may comprise a joint configured for the articulation of the two sections 31', 31" so as to be able to vary the angle defined between them, advantageously in order to hide the thickness of skirting boards 4, 4' of different thicknesses or of new replacement skirting boards of different thicknesses.

[0098] Conveniently, the inner wall 32 may extend directly from the outer wall 31 or may be connected to the outer wall 31 by further portions, walls or sections.

[0099] Preferably, in a possible embodiment illustrated in the figures, the two sections 31' and 31" are arranged in an "L" shape so as to define an angle of approximately 90° between them. Preferably, in a possible embodiment illustrated in the figures, the internal wall 32 can define an angle of approximately 45° with respect to each of the two sections 31 and 31', however the internal wall 32 could define with the section 31 a different angle than that which the same internal wall defines with the other section 31'.

[0100] Conveniently, in another possible embodiment not illustrated, the external wall 31 comprises at least or only one curved section.

[0101] Conveniently, in another possible embodiment not illustrated, the external wall 31 may comprise at least or only one straight section.

[0102] Preferably, the connecting element 3 can be made of plastic. Preferably, the connecting element 3 can be made of polymeric material, more preferably thermoplastic material. Ideally, the connecting element 3 is made entirely or at least partially of recycled / regenerated polymeric material.

[0103] Preferably, the connecting element 3 is made by extrusion, thus obtaining a profile which is then cut to obtain connecting elements of a height substantially corresponding to the height of the skirting boards that it is intended to cover once in use.

[0104] Preferably, the fastening means 14 of the first element 12 are interposed between first connecting means 15 of the first element itself.

[0105] Preferably, the fastening means 14 are positioned on the first element 12 in an opposite position, more preferably in a substantially opposite position, with respect to the hooking portion 13. More preferably, the fastening means 14 are obtained on the side of the connecting section 17 which is opposite to the one facing the area delimited by the fins 13' and 13".

[0106] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the fastening means 14 of the first element 12 comprise a receiving seat 20 which is defined between two facing walls, respectively 21' and 21", while the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 comprise an insertion section 35 which is defined by the free terminal section of the internal wall 32 of the connecting element itself. Conveniently, the receiving seat 20 is configured to receive and engage inside it by shape coupling, interlocking, interference and / or friction the insertion section 35 defined by the free terminal section of the internal wall 32.

[0107] In another possible embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the configuration of the fastening means 14 and of the further fastening means 39 may be reversed with respect to that illustrated in the figures; in particular, the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element may comprise the receiving seat 20 while the fastening means 14 comprise the insertion section.

[0108] Preferably, the insertion section 35 comprises (at least in part) a shaped (for example knurled, corrugated, serrate or equivalent) and / or rough external surface which is configured to cooperate with a counter-shaped and / or rough surface of the receiving seat 20, to thus improve the friction between the surfaces in mutual contact, ensuring a stable and secure fixing of the connecting element 3 to the first element 12.

[0109] More preferably, the insertion section 35 comprises a knurled surface which is configured to cooperate with a counter-knurled surface of the receiving seat 20, or vice versa, to allow the fixing of the connecting element 3 to the first element 12 to be adjusted in successive steps.

[0110] Preferably, at least one relief 67, and preferably at least two reliefs 67, can be provided at the second face (the one facing the skirting board) of the second element 8, which reliefs are intended to cooperate with the internal surface of the skirting board, in order to counteract the relative sliding of the second element within the channel 40, once the shaped protrusion 81 of said second element has been inserted and rotated inside the channel.

[0111] Preferably, the plate of the second element 8 comprises at least one lobe 68, ideally two lobes 68, provided with a through hole 70 for fixing the support element itself to a wooden skirting board 4 or similar by means of suitable dedicated fixing members (not shown) of a traditional type, such as for example one or more screws or other equivalent fixing members.

[0112] In a different embodiment not illustrated, the second element 8 may be without said lobes 68 and / or holes 70. In a possible embodiment not illustrated, the second element 8 may be mounted on the skirting board 4 only by means of dedicated fastening elements, such as screws, which pass through respective holes 70 obtained on the second element 8 and then screw or penetrate inside the skirting board itself.

[0113] The present invention also relates to a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 to thus cover / hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to thus cover and hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein said connecting element 3 comprises further fastening means 39 which are configured to cooperate directly with fastening means 14 provided on a first element 12 (provided with a hooking portion 13 configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar), to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0114] The present invention also relates to an element 12 provided with a hooking portion 13 configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, and wherein said element 12 comprises fastening means 14 which are configured to cooperate directly with further fastening means 39 which are envisaged / obtained on a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover / hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, thus directly and removably fastening the connecting element 3 to the first element 12, and / or vice versa.

[0115] The assembly method of system 2 clearly derives from the above description of the same.

[0116] The first element 12 is applied to the foot 6. In particular, by applying a suitable pressure, the fins 13', 13" of the hooking portion 13 are elastically deformed to allow the hooking of the foot 6.

[0117] According to the methods described above, the second element 8 is applied to the first skirting board 4 by suitably inserting the shaped protrusion 81 into the longitudinal channel 40 obtained in the skirting board itself. Subsequently, the second element 8 is slid along the channel of the skirting board 4 to bring it approximately (i.e. "more or less" and with a good margin of tolerance) to the desired position, which is appropriately aligned with / facing the foot 6 of the piece of furniture to which the skirting board 4 is intended to be joined. Then, once the desired position has been approximately reached, the user activates the bayonet coupling by rotating the support element 8 by 90° inside the channel 40 of the skirting board 4.

[0118] Conveniently, the above mentioned operating steps are to be repeated identically, mutatis mutandis, to connect the further second element 8' to the further skirting board 4'.

[0119] Conveniently, the first element 12 is applied to the foot 6, and / or is subsequently rotated with respect to it, so that the first connecting means 15 are facing, oriented and substantially parallel to the corresponding first skirting board 4 or second skirting board 4' to be joined. In the case in question, the foot is positioned at a corner of the piece of furniture and the first connecting means 15 are advantageously angled to each other so that they are both parallel to two skirting boards 4, 4' which will be associated with two corresponding and distinct sides of the piece of furniture.

[0120] Thus, the skirting board 4 thereby prepared is brought close to the first element 12 so that the first connecting means 15 of the first element 12 hooked to the foot 6 cooperate with the second connecting elements 82 of the second element 8 mounted on the skirting board 4, to thus connect the skirting board to said foot and also maintain such connection stably.

[0121] Advantageously, once the first element 12 has been applied to the foot 6, the connecting element 3 can be fixed directly to the first element 12. In particular, the connecting element 3 is brought closer and associated with the first element 12 so that the further fastening means 39 of the connecting element 3 cooperate with the fastening means 14 of the first element 12, thus fastening the connecting element 3 to the first element 12.

[0122] Conveniently, when the connecting element 3 is fixed to the first element 12, a corresponding portion of the external wall 31 of the connecting element 3 comes into contact with and / or in any case covers the external surface of the skirting boards 4, 4' at their ends, thus hiding the thickness of the skirting boards themselves from view.

[0123] Conveniently, if necessary, when the connecting element 3 is fixed to the first element 12, the skirting boards to be joined 4, 4' can be brought close to the connecting element 3 so that a corresponding portion of the external wall 31 of the connecting element 3 is in contact with and / or in any case covers the external surface of the skirting boards 4, 4' at their ends, thus hiding the thickness of the bases themselves from view.

[0124] The described system 2 according to the invention achieves the intended purposes and, in particular, proves to be particularly advantageous in that it: simplifies the assembly process of a skirting board to a table foot, speeds up the whole operation, is easy to install and uninstall, allows for quick replacement of components, allows to adapt the assembly to skirting boards of different thicknesses in an intuitive and immediate way, can be used by virtually anyone, without requiring the use of tools or measuring instruments, ensures stable fastening between the different elements even when the mutual positioning of the elements is partially misaligned, is simple, quick and economical to manufacture, helps create a pleasant aesthetic result of the installation.

[0125] The present invention has been illustrated in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be made in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present industrial invention patent.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]As can be seen from the figures, the solution according to the invention concerns a system 2 for joining, to a foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, at least one skirting board 4, and preferably of two adjacent skirting boards 4 and 4'.

[0041]The system 2, according to the invention, comprises:

a first element 12 comprising a hooking portion 13 which is configured to removably hook the stem of the foot 6 of a piece of furniture or similar, a second element 8 which is configured to be mounted, preferably in a removable manner, on said skirting board 4, a connecting element 3 which is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably it is configured and intended to be arranged in contact with said skirting board 4 and also with a further adjacent skirting board 4' to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards.

[0042]Conveniently, the s...

Claims

1. System (2) for joining of at least one skirting board (4), and preferably two adjacent skirting boards (4, 4'), to a foot (6) of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system (2) comprises: - a first element (12) comprising a hooking portion (13), which is configured to removably hook the foot (6), and also comprising first fastening means (14) and first connecting means (15), - at least one second element (8, 8') which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board (4, 4'), said at least one second element (8, 8') comprises second connecting means (82), - a connecting element (3) which comprises further fastening means (39) and which is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board (4) to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of the skirting board itself, preferably is configured and intended to be placed in contact with said skirting board (4) and also with a further adjacent skirting board (4') to cover and thus hide from view the thickness of both skirting boards, and wherein: - the first fastening means (14) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the further fastening means (39) of said connecting element (3), to thus directly and removably fasten the connecting element (3) to the first element (12), and / or vice versa, - the first connecting means (15) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means (82) of each second element (8, 8') so as to connect the first element (12) to each second element (8, 8'), thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board (4, 4') on which the corresponding second element (8, 8') is installed.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein: - the fastening means (14) of the first element (12) comprise a receiving seat (20) and the further fastening means (39) of the connecting element (3) comprise an insertion section (35), or vice versa, - said receiving seat (20) is configured to receive and engage inside it the insertion section (35) by means of a form-fit, by interlocking, by interference and / or friction.

3. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the insertion section (35) comprises at least in part a shaped and / or rough external surface which is configured to cooperate with a counter-shaped and / or rough surface of the receiving seat (20).

4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (3) comprises a profile which, in cross-section, comprises: - an external wall (31) which, in use, is intended to be visible and comprising a portion which is intended to come into contact with, and / or cover, the external surface (41) of a skirting board (4, 4'), - at least one internal wall (32) which is connected to said external wall (31) and which, in use, is hidden from view, and wherein: - said further fastening means (39) of the connecting element (3), which cooperate with the fastening means (14) to thus fasten the connecting element (3) to the first element (12), are arranged and / or obtained on said at least one internal wall (32), - the fastening means (14) are positioned on the first element (12) in an opposite position, more preferably in a substantially counterposed position, with respect to the hooking portion (13) of the first element itself.

5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the external wall (31) of the connecting element (3) comprises two sections (31', 31") arranged at an angle to each other and connected at a corner (33), - the internal wall (32) extends from the corner (33) at an angle to each of the two sections (31, 31'), - said further fastening means (39) are defined and / or obtained at a free terminal section of the internal wall (32).

6. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first connecting means (15) and the second connecting means (82) are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a removable mechanical connection which is obtained by form-fitting, by interlocking, by interference, by friction and / or by a snap-fit mechanism, and / or - the first connecting means (15) and the second connecting means (82) are configured to cooperate with each other so as to define a magnetic connection (29).

7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first connecting means (15) comprise at least one male member (50) and the second connecting means (82) comprise at least one female member (90), or vice versa, - each male member (50) is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member (90), and wherein each male member (50) has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction D1, each female member (90) has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1, and the extension of each male member (50) along a direction parallel to D1 is greater than about ¼, preferably greater than about ½ of the extension of each female member (90) along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

8. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first connecting means (15) comprise at least one male member (50) and the second connecting means (82) comprise at least one female member (90), or vice versa, - each male member (50) is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member (90), and wherein the hooking portion (13) comprises two fins (13', 13") having at least in part a curved profile to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot, and each male member (50) protrudes radially outwards from the respective fin (13', 13") and has a more elongated extension which follows, for at least a part or preferably for the most part, the curved profile of a part of the respective fin which is intended to surround and grab the stem of the foot.

9. System (2) for joining at least one skirting board (4), and preferably two adjacent skirting boards (4, 4'), to a foot (6) of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system (2) comprises: - a first element (12) comprising a hooking portion (13), which is configured to removably hook the foot (6), and also comprising first connecting means (15), - at least one second element (8, 8') which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board (4, 4'), said at least one second element (8, 8') comprises second connecting means (82), and wherein: - the first connecting means (15) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means (82) of each second element (8, 8') so as to connect the first element (12) to each second element (8, 8'), thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board (4, 4') on which the corresponding second element (8, 8') is installed, - the first connecting means (15) comprise at least one male member (50) and the second connecting means (82) comprise at least one female member (90), or vice versa, - each male member (50) is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member (90), and wherein: - each male member (50) has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction D1, each female member (90) has a more elongated extension in a direction parallel to a direction E1, and the extension of each male member (50) along a direction parallel to D1 is greater than about ¼, preferably greater than about ½ of the extension of each female member (90) along a direction parallel to E1, or vice versa.

10. System (2) for joining at least one skirting board (4), and preferably two adjacent skirting boards (4, 4'), to a foot (6) of a piece of furniture or similar, wherein said system (2) comprises: - a first element (12) comprising a hooking portion (13), which is configured to removably hook the foot (6), and also comprising first connecting means (15), - at least one second element (8, 8') which is configured to be mounted, preferably removably, on a respective skirting board (4, 4'), said at least one second element (8, 8') comprises second connecting means (82), and wherein: - the first connecting means (15) of said first element (12) are configured to cooperate with the second connecting means (82) of each second element (8, 8') so as to connect the first element (12) to each second element (8, 8'), thus connecting the foot to the respective skirting board (4, 4') on which the corresponding second element (8, 8') is installed, - the first connecting means (15) comprise at least one male member (50) and the second connecting means (82) comprise at least one female member (90), or vice versa, - each male member (50) is configured to be removably inserted into a respective female member (90), and wherein the hooking portion (13) comprises two fins (13', 13") having at least in part a curved profile to surround and externally grab, at least in part, the stem of the foot, and each male member (50) protrudes radially outwards from the respective fin (13', 13") and has a more elongated extension which follows, for at least a part or preferably for the most part, the curved profile of a part of the respective fin which is intended to surround and grab the stem of the foot.

11. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - each male member (50) comprises a rib (51) which protrudes radially outwards and which is elongated extending mostly along a direction D1, - each female member (90) comprises at least one groove (91) which is elongated and which extends longitudinally along a direction E1, - each groove (91) is shaped to receive and engage by interlocking and / or interference a corresponding rib (51).

12. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - each male member (50) comprises at least one rib (51) which protrudes radially outwards and which has an elongated extension, along a substantially semicircular curved profile, with an extension greater than about ¼ of a circumference and a lesser than about ½ of a circumference, - each female member (90) comprises at least one groove (91) which is elongated and which extends longitudinally along a direction E1, - each groove (91) is shaped to receive and engage by interlocking and / or interference a corresponding rib (51).

13. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each male member (50) comprises a laminar-shaped rib (51) which: - protrudes laterally outwards from the fins (13', 13"), - has a more elongated extension along the section of the fins (13', 13") which grabs the stem of the foot, - it is provided with at least one protuberance (69) which protrudes from at least one face of said laminar-shaped rib (51) .

14. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each groove ( 91) is defined between two rows of pins (92) which protrude from a face of the second element (8) and which are arranged in sequence, one next to the other, along respective directions parallel to each other and to the direction E1.

15. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first connecting means (15) comprise at least two male members (50), preferably a plurality of male members (50), the second connecting means (82) comprise at least two female members (90), preferably a plurality of female members (90), or vice versa, - at least two male members (50) are configured to be removably inserted inside a respective female member (90), thus defining a stable and removable connection between the first and second connecting means.

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