WALL CLADDING ELEMENT AND KIT CONTAINING AT LEAST ONE SUCH ELEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a wall cladding element (1) comprising a base (2) having four foldable edges (4 to 7), said base forming a parallelepiped when its edges (4 to 7) are folded at right angles, and a cover (8) having four foldable edges (11 to 14), said cover (8) forming a parallelepiped when its edges (11 to 14) are folded at right angles, this cover (8) removably closing the opening of the parallelepiped formed by the base (2), and in that the assembly, base (2) and cover (8), is removably inserted into the opening (16) of a parallelogram-shaped frame (15) two parallel edges (19, 20) of which are triangular. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one such element (1). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: WALL CLADDING ELEMENT AND KIT COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH ELEMENT

[0001] The invention relates to a wall cladding element and to a kit comprising at least one such element. Here, the term "wall" refers to a vertical or inclined wall, or even a purely horizontal wall, regardless of its nature, whether it is made of concrete, cinder block, brick, wood, metal, or any other material. Such a wall may be a structural part, external like a wall or internal like a partition, of a building, whether for domestic, commercial, industrial, or other use. It may also be an isolated wall such as a boundary wall, partition wall, or other. For ease of reading, the invention will be described more specifically in the case of a vertical exterior wall forming part of a structure such as a building. Such walls are frequently referred to as a facade, which will be used interchangeably with the terms "wall" or "facade."

[0002] In the field of construction, devices for cladding walls are known, particularly greening systems. These devices, in addition to their aesthetic effect, purify the air entering a building, maintain a temperature around the wall lower than the external temperature, and regulate the building's temperature. These devices contribute to biodiversity and building insulation. FR-A-2 982 732 relates to a flexible net with pockets for plants. EP-A-0708 208 discloses stacks of trays open at the top for plants. WO-A-2017 146 628 relates to cassettes for plants with perforated walls that allow air entering the building to be filtered through the plants as it passes through the cassettes.Existing systems are more or less complex to implement and only allow for the creation of fully vegetated walls, in a non-modular manner. The invention proposes a new solution for creating a vegetated wall that is easy to install, modular, and allows for a wall with varying levels of vegetation depending on the needs.

[0003] To this end, the invention relates to a wall cladding element, characterized in that the element comprises a flat, solid parallelogram-shaped base with four foldable edges, said base forming a parallelepiped when its edges are folded at right angles to the main plane of the base, and a flat parallelogram-shaped cover with four foldable edges, said cover forming a parallelepiped when its edges are folded at right angles to the main plane of the cover, the latter removably closing the opening of the parallelepiped formed by the base and in that the whole, base and lid, is inserted in a removable manner into the light of a parallelogram-shaped frame whose two parallel edges are triangular in shape.

[0004] Thus, thanks to the invention, we have a solution allowing us to easily produce, by folding, a wall covering element offering a receiving volume, for example for plants, while being easy to hang and detach from a wall thanks to the hanging devices.

[0005] According to advantageous, but not mandatory, aspects of the invention, such an element may comprise one or more of the following features:

[0006] The triangular edges are each equipped with at least one attachment device for removably attaching the element to a wall.

[0007] The lid is, at least in part, perforated.

[0008] The lid is completely full.

[0009] The cover is equipped with a photovoltaic panel.

[0010] A plant cultivation means is inserted into the volume defined by the folded bottom and held in place by the lid.

[0011] Mulch is placed on the growing medium and under the lid and flush with the plane of the frame when the lid and the bottom are inserted into the frame.

[0012] The element receives a sound system or a light signal.

[0013] The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one dressing element formed by a base, a lid with cutouts, a frame, a growing medium for plants, mulch and plants.

[0014] The kit also includes at least one load-bearing structure formed by at least two uprights and one cross member.

[0015] The kit also includes at least one other cladding element chosen from among the cladding elements provided with a solid cover, the cladding elements provided with a cover receiving a photovoltaic panel.

[0016] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] is an exploded top view of the various constituent parts of a a trim element conforming to an embodiment of the invention, before folding the edges and manufacturing the element,

[0018] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from the visible face when the element is in place on a wall and, at a larger scale, of the element of [Fig.1] once produced,

[0019] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, at the same scale, of the element in the figure from the non-visible rear face of the element,

[0020] [Fig.4] is a view, in perspective and at another scale, of part of a wall equipped with cladding elements according to various embodiments and

[0021] [Fig.5] is a partial, larger-scale side view of an organ attaching the element to a wall, according to an embodiment of the invention, before mounting on the wall.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates the various component parts of a trim element 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, before assembly of element 1. The different parts are made of a lightweight, resistant material that is insensitive to weather conditions. For example, they are made of stainless steel, aluminum, or another metal alloy. Alternatively, they are made of a composite material or polymers. In the example illustrated in the various figures, element 1 has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, it may be square and / or of another dimension. In all cases, element 1 is, in its operating configuration, a parallelepiped. Element 1 is formed of three independent parts that are removably connected to each other.

[0023] The first part, to the right of [Fig. 1], is the base 2, initially parallelogram-shaped, and therefore rectangular here. It is in its pre-assembly configuration, namely the configuration allowing for easy transport and storage because it occupies minimal space in this configuration. It comprises a main body 3, which is flat and solid. The body 3 defines a principal plane P2 of the base 2. All edges 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the body 3 are foldable at right angles to plane P2. Thus, once edges 4 to 7 are folded, the base 2 is configured as a parallelepiped. It is understood that the width of the edges can differ from that illustrated in order to vary the height of the base 2, and therefore its internal volume. The same applies to the dimensions of the base 2.

[0024] The second part is shown in the central section of [Fig. 1]. This is the lid 8. As with the base 2, the lid 8 is initially parallelogram-shaped, hence rectangular in this case. It is in its pre-assembly configuration, namely the configuration allowing for easy transport and storage because it occupies minimal space in this configuration. Here, the main body 9 of the lid 8 is flat and perforated, with cutouts 10 of complex shapes and varying dimensions. The body 9 defines a main plane P8 of the lid 8. All the edges 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the body 9 are foldable at right angles to the plane P8, similarly to the edges 4 to 7 of the base 2. Thus, once the edges 11 to 14 are folded, the lid 8 is also configured as a parallelepiped. It is understood that the width of the edges may be different from that illustrated in order to vary the height of the lid 8, and therefore its internal volume.The same applies to its dimensions.

[0025] The third part of the trim element 1 is shown in the left part of [Fig. 1]. It is a frame 15. The latter may be made of a material other than the base 2 and / or cover 8. The opening 16 of frame 15 is shaped and sized to match those of cover 8, so that the cover is flush with and coplanar to the main plane P15. Two edges 17, 18 are parallel, straight, and of constant width. These edges 17, 18, like edges 4 to 7 of base 2 and edges 11 to 14 of cover 8, are foldable at right angles, the frame 15 being, like base 2 and cover 8, initially flat and forming a planar element. Here, edges 17, 18 define the width of frame 15. Alternatively, they could be the edges defining the length of frame 15, when the latter is rectangular.

[0026] The two other edges 19, 20 of the frame 15 are flat, identical, and parallel, but with variable widths, regularly and along their entire length. In other words, they are configured in a triangle along their lengths. In another embodiment, the variability in the width of the edges 19, 20 is not regular along their length, so that the edges are in the shape of a double triangle, or even more. In all cases, the edges 19, 20 are also foldable at right angles and define at least inclined edges, exhibiting at least one inclination depending on whether they are in the shape of a simple triangle or a complex triangle. The edges 19, 20 are each provided, on their free external areas 21, respectively 22, with at least one attachment member 23. Here, each edge comprises three identical members 23 regularly distributed along the length of each area 21, 22. Alternatively, the number and / or distribution of the attachment members are different.Similarly, they may not all be identical.

[0027] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the various figures, the attachment members 23 are formed by an L-shaped cutout, thus defining a solid, hook-shaped portion formed in the external areas 21, 22 of the edges 19, 20. Alternatively, the cutouts may be elongated and corrugated, thus defining a groove of variable width for clipping. They may be of another shape, more or less complex, bearing in mind that the members 23 must allow the frame 15 to be attached and detached quickly, easily, and repeatedly without affecting the mechanical and structural characteristics of the frame 15 and the support on which the element 1 is mounted. Therefore, the shape chosen for the members 23 is the preferred, but not exclusive, shape, while also being quick and easy to manufacture.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a ready-to-install trim element 1. Here, the cover 8 fits over the base 2. The cover 8 is flush with the opening 16 of the frame 15 in which it is placed. Thus, the principal planes P8 and P15 of the cover 8 and the frame 15 coincide. It should be noted that the overall dimensions of the element 1 correspond to the overall dimensions of the frame 15 when the edges 17 to 20 are folded, because the cover 8 and the base 2 are housed within the opening 16 of the frame 15.

[0029] Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 2 and illustrates the rear of element 1. The edges 11 and 12 of the cover 8 are visible. Note that the assembly formed by the base 2 and the The lid 8 is integrated into the volume formed by the folded edges 17 to 20 of the frame 15. In other words, the frame completely conceals the base 2 and the lid 8, with only the cut-out body 9 of the lid being visible from the front face of the frame 15. With this configuration, it is easy to install the cover element using the fastening devices 23, provided the frame can be mounted on a wall. Note the presence of a cable or conduit, referenced as 24, exiting the base 2. The conduit 24 may be an irrigation pipe, an electrical cable, an audio or video cable, or any other sheath or conduit, depending on the nature of the lid 8 and / or the contents housed in the base 2. Alternatively, the number and / or nature of the conduit may differ from what is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a portion of a wall covered by several cladding elements 1. Some of the cladding elements correspond to the elements 1 described in Figures 1 to 3. As noted for the elements 1 located on the left of Figure 4, these serve as a tray for plant growth. For this purpose, a growing medium, for example potting soil, sphagnum moss, or similar, is inserted into the volume defined by the base 2 once the edges 4 to 7 have been folded. The openings 10 in the lid 8 allow the plants to grow outside and remain visible. In one embodiment, to prevent any loss of the growing medium and to retain its moisture, mulch is placed under the lid 8 and is flush with the plane P15 of the frame 15 when the lid 8 and the base 2 are inserted into the frame 15. The plants grow through the mulch via the openings.Such mulch can, for example, be plant-based, hair-based, synthetic foam-based, or other.

[0031] Element 1, located to the right of [Fig. 4], is empty, or at least no vegetation has yet grown on it. In such a case, the cover 8, thanks to the cutouts 10, serves a purely aesthetic function. In the central part of the wall section of [Fig. 4], two IA elements, according to another embodiment of the invention, are fixed. Here, the cover 8A of each IA element is solid and flat. The IA elements can accommodate various components such as technical modules, sound systems, or others. Depending on the smooth or textured appearance and / or color of the covers 8A, it is possible to vary the appearance of each IA element. Element IB, illustrated at the bottom right of [Fig. 4], represents an IB element whose cover 8B is equipped with a photovoltaic panel.

[0032] In [Fig. 4], the presence of IC elements, similar to IA elements but smaller in size, is also noted. Thanks to the invention, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], it is possible to clad a wall with elements 1, IA, IB, IC having various appearances and / or dimensions, according to the user's wishes and in a modular manner, starting from so-called standard elements, it being understood that, for the same element 1, IA, IB, IC, it is possible to obtain a different appearance by changing the cover 8, 8A, 8B and / or the nature of what is contained in element 1, IA, IB, IC, for example plants, light signaling equipment, sound equipment, energy production equipment or other.

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates, on a larger scale, a fastening member 23, according to a preferred embodiment, in a pre-assembled position. This is member 23 located at the top left in Figure 3. Part of the folded edge 19 and the edge 6 of the bottom 2 are visible, as well as a portion of the sheath 24, which, in the illustration, is a drip irrigation sheath. The L-shaped configuration of the cutout 25 of member 23 defines a solid tab 26 which, together with the cutout 25, forms a hook for attaching the element 1 to a wall.

[0034] To perform the attachment, as shown in [Fig. 5], the wall 27, for example a building facade, is fitted with a metal mesh comprising parallel and regularly spaced vertical uprights 28 to which parallel and regularly spaced crossbeams 29 are attached. The assembly thus defines a mesh fixed to the wall. The means of attaching the uprights 29 and the crossbeams 29 to each other and to the wall 27 are known per se, for example, screws, rivets, or the like. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], it is easy to attach, along arrow F, the component 23 by its tab 26 to a crossbeam 29. The number and / or position of the uprights 28 and crossbeams 29 can be adapted, on the one hand, to the configuration of the wall 27 and, on the other hand, to the number and / or dimensions and / or configurations of the elements 1.Thanks to the invention, the cladding of a wall can be carried out in an easy and easily modifiable manner, without affecting the wall, once the uprights 28 and the crossbeams 29 are in place.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, a cladding kit is provided. Such a kit comprises at least one load-bearing structure formed by at least two uprights 28 and a cross member 29, at least one cladding element formed by a base 2, a perforated cover 8 with cutouts 10, a frame 15, a growing medium for plants, mulch, and plants. As an advantageous alternative, such a kit also comprises at least one other cladding element selected from among the IA elements with solid covers 8A, the IB elements equipped with a photovoltaic panel 8B, or the 8C elements with dimensions other than those of the 1, IA, and IB elements. It is understood that, depending on the number and type of cladding elements composing the kit and of the uprights and cross members, various, modifiable claddings of a wall can be obtained.

[0036] Advantageously such kits have dimensions suitable for transport by container.

Claims

Demands

1. A wall cladding element (1, IA, IB, IC), characterized in that the element (1, IA, IB, IC) comprises a flat, solid parallelogram-shaped base (2) having four foldable edges (4, 5, 6, 7), said base (2) forming a parallelepiped when its edges (4, 5, 6, 7) are folded at right angles to the principal plane (P2) of the base (2), and a flat parallelogram-shaped cover (8, 8A, 8B) having four foldable edges (11, 12, 13, 14), said cover (8, 8A, 8B) forming a parallelepiped when its edges (11, 12, 13, 14) are folded at right angles to the principal plane (P8) of the cover (8), the latter being removably closed. the opening of the parallelepiped formed by the base (2) and in that the whole, base (2) and cover (8, 8A, 8B), is inserted in a removable manner into the light (16) of a frame (15) in the shape of a parallelogram, two parallel edges (19, 20) of which are triangular in shape.

2. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the triangular edges (19, 20) are each equipped with at least one attachment member (23) for removably attaching the element (1, IA, IB, IC) to a wall (27).

3. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (8) is, at least in part, perforated (10).

4. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (8A, 8B) is totally solid.

5. Element according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover (8B) is equipped with a photovoltaic panel.

6. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that a means for growing plants is inserted into the volume defined by the bottom (2) folded and held in place by the lid (8).

7. Element according to claim 6, characterized in that a mulch is placed on the growing means and under the cover (8) and flush with the plane (P 15) of the frame (15) when the cover (8) and the bottom (2) are inserted into the frame (15).

8. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that it receives a sound system or a light signal.

9. Kit comprising at least one covering element according to claim 6 formed by a base (2), a perforated cover (8) with cuts (10), a frame (15), a growing medium for plants, mulch and plants.

10. Kit according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises at least one load-bearing structure formed by at least two uprights (28) and a cross member (29).

11. Kit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it also comprises at least one other cladding element selected from the cladding elements (IA, IC) provided with a solid cover (8A), the cladding elements (IB) provided with a cover (8b) receiving a photovoltaic panel.

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