Decoration panel
Seamless decorative panels with integrated reinforcement structures address the aesthetic and maintenance issues of outlets and switches, offering a clean, durable, and safe solution for modern interiors.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024091031
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Conventional outlets and switches have noticeable seams at the junctions of their components, which detract from aesthetic appeal, collect dust, and are difficult to clean.
Decorative panels with seamless, flat surfaces and integrated reinforcement structures that cover outlets and switches, featuring pre-holes for plugs or buttons, and frames for durability and safety, manufactured from materials like plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic.
The decorative panels seamlessly integrate with interior designs, are easy to clean, and enhance durability and safety, providing a sophisticated look while minimizing dust accumulation.
Smart Images

Figure 2024180312000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative panel, and more particularly to a decorative panel having a seamless, flat surface. [Background technology]
[0002] An outlet is a type of electrical device used to connect electrical devices to a power source. An outlet usually consists of a base, plug, pins, and fuses. Outlets are classified into residential, industrial, and special-purpose according to their shape, current capacity, and environmental use. Among them, residential outlets are the most common and are mounted on the wall and used to connect household electrical devices such as televisions, computers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines.
[0003] 1A to 1C, Fig. 1A shows a conventional outlet 10, Fig. 1B shows an outlet body 12, and Fig. 1C shows a housing panel 11. The housing panel 11 has a rectangular hole 11H into which a central rectangular portion 12A of the outlet body 12 fits. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] With modern aesthetics and interior design becoming more and more important, every detail must be carefully considered. However, at the boundary 11J between the central rectangular portion 12A and the rectangular hole 11H, a step may occur and a noticeable seam may detract from the overall aesthetic appeal. This joint may easily accumulate dust and dirt, making cleaning more difficult.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved solution that addresses these issues and simplifies maintenance while seamlessly integrating with the interior. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The present invention aims to provide a decorative panel that can be easily integrated into various interior design styles, and has a clean and sophisticated surface that is less susceptible to dust and dirt accumulation and is easy to clean.
[0007] The decorative panel of the present invention is designed to be assembled with an outlet that has multiple body slots, and the decorative panel itself has multiple pre-holes corresponding to each body slot to ensure a seamless and flat surface.
[0008] The trim panel's edges include a frame that surrounds the outlet, designed without any parting lines or locking points, and the panel incorporates a reinforcing structure that contacts the top surface of the outlet for added durability and structural integrity.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a decorative panel designed for assembly with a switch unit having multiple buttons is provided. The panel has button holes corresponding to each button and maintains a seamless and flat surface. As with the outlet version, the edge of the panel includes a frame that surrounds the switch unit, has no parting lines or locking points, and also includes a reinforcing structure that contacts the top surface of the switch unit.
[0010] Decorative panels can be manufactured from materials such as plastic, metal, glass and ceramic, each offering durability and aesthetic compatibility with a variety of interior designs. Effect of the Invention
[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that it can seamlessly blend into a variety of interior designs and is easy to clean, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1A] A schematic diagram of an outlet 10 is shown. [Figure 1B]A schematic diagram of the main body portion 12 of the outlet is shown. [Figure 1C] A schematic diagram of a housing panel 11 is shown. [Figure 2A] 1 shows perspective views of a decorative panel 21 for an outlet from various angles. [Figure 2B] A perspective view of the outlet 22 is shown. [Figure 2C] A schematic diagram of a decorative panel 21 assembled to an outlet 22 is shown. [Figure 3A] A perspective view showing another embodiment of the decorative panel 31 is shown. [Figure 3B] A perspective view of the outlet 32 is shown. [Figure 3C] A schematic diagram of a decorative panel 31 assembled to an outlet 32 is shown. [Figure 4A] A perspective view of a decorative panel 41 is shown. [Figure 4B] A perspective view of the switch unit 42 is shown. [Figure 4C] A schematic diagram of a decorative panel 41 assembled to a switch unit 42 is shown. [Figure 4D] A perspective view of the decorative panel 41 from a different angle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] 2A to 2C, FIG. 2A shows perspective views of a decorative panel 21 from various angles, FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an outlet 22, and FIG. 2C shows the decorative panel 21 assembled to the outlet 22. In FIG.
[0014] In this embodiment, the decorative panel 21 is assembled to an outlet 22 that includes a number of body slots 22S. These body slots 22S function as an interface for providing electrical connections, such that a plug can be inserted into the body slots 22S to provide power to an external electrical device.
[0015] The decorative panel 21 has a number of slot pre-holes 21H and a reinforcing structure 21R. Each slot pre-hole 21H corresponds to an individual main body slot 22S, so that a plug can pass through and connect for power acquisition.
[0016] The decorative panel 21 can be made of materials such as plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, etc. Primarily, these panels are often made of plastics such as flame-retardant ABS for cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture. Additionally, the surface of the decorative panel 21 can be electroplated to improve the overall texture.
[0017] Additionally, high-quality decorative panels use metals such as copper and stainless steel for their increased durability and corrosion resistance. Design-oriented panels may also be manufactured with glass, known for its aesthetic appeal and excellent heat resistance. Additionally, ceramics are used in some panels, as ceramic materials have excellent fire resistance and insulating properties.
[0018] In this embodiment, the surface of the decorative panel 21 is seamless and flat, covering the outlet 22 almost completely except for the slotted holes 21H. This design is much smoother compared to the conventional outlet 10, adding a sophisticated look to the interior decoration. The simple and modern appearance of the decorative panel 21 blends seamlessly with various interior design styles, enhancing the aesthetic and fashionable appeal of the space. It not only meets the requirements of daily use, but also enriches the home decoration experience for users.
[0019] In addition, the surface texture and pores of the decorative panel 21 are exquisite, eliminating the step-like gaps found in the joints 11J of conventional outlets 10, which makes it less likely for dust and dirt to accumulate, minimizes visible scratches, and makes cleaning and maintenance easier. The exquisite surface texture and pore design provide a more comfortable user experience and provide excellent tactile feedback.
[0020] 2C again, the reinforcing structure 21R is located on the side of the decorative panel 21 facing the outlet 22, and surrounds the preliminary hole 21H. In this embodiment, the reinforcing structure 21R is in contact with the upper surface of the outlet 22. This arrangement effectively improves the overall strength of the decorative panel 21. Furthermore, even when an external force is applied, the decorative panel 21 is less likely to be deformed or damaged, and its durability and protective performance are greatly improved.
[0021] Additionally, each of the four sides of the decorative panel 21 includes a frame 21F, which encloses the outlet 22. The top surface of the decorative panel 21 and each of the frames 21F are provided with a matte texture design. It should be noted that it is difficult to maintain the same matte texture on all sides, because as the density of the matte material increases, the grains become larger, which can cause damage to the grains during release, resulting in a phenomenon known as "drag marks." Therefore, many prototypes are required to maintain the same matte pattern on all five sides.
[0022] Moreover, the main purpose of the frames 21F is to beautify and protect the outlets 22 within the wall, making the decorative panel 21 look more orderly and attractive. The four frames 21F also provide certain safety protection functions, helping to prevent electric shock and short circuit.
[0023] 3A to 3C, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a decorative panel 31, FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an outlet 32, and FIG. 3C shows the decorative panel 31 assembled to the outlet 32. In FIG.
[0024] The decorative panel 31 is similarly assembled to the outlet 32, which includes a number of body slots 32S serving as an interface for electrical connection. The decorative panel 31 also includes a number of slot pre-holes 31H, one for each body slot 32S. Moreover, the surface of the decorative panel 31 is seamless and flat. Therefore, the decorative panel 31 can be easily integrated into various interior design styles and is easy to clean.
[0025] The difference between decorative panels 31 and 21 lies in the arrangement of the slotted pre-holes 31H. The arrangement of the three slotted pre-holes 31H in decorative panel 31 is different from that in decorative panel 21, which can prevent a plug designed for decorative panel 31 from being inserted into decorative panel 21, and vice versa. Because the designs of decorative panels 31 and 21 are intended to meet different needs and application scenarios, the choice between decorative panel 31 or 21 should be based on the type of plug and its physical configuration.
[0026] 4A to 4C, FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a decorative panel 41, FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a switch unit 42, and FIG. 4C shows the decorative panel 41 assembled to the switch unit 42. The decorative panels 21 and 31 are mainly applied to the outlets 22 and 32, respectively, but in other embodiments, the decorative panels can also be applied to switches. The embodiment applied to a switch will be described in detail below. The decorative panel 41 is assembled to a switch unit 42 including a plurality of buttons 42S, and the decorative panel 41 is provided with a button preliminary hole 41H and a reinforcing structure 41R. The button preliminary hole 41H corresponds to these buttons 42S. More specifically, the overall cross-sectional area of the buttons 42S is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the button preliminary hole 41H. Furthermore, the buttons 42S are designed with aesthetic and functional considerations in mind to ensure a more refined appearance and excellent tactile feedback when pressed.
[0027] It should be noted that the surface of the decorative panel 41 is also smooth and seamless, so the decorative panel 41 can be easily integrated into various interior decoration styles and is convenient to clean.
[0028] 4D, which is a perspective view showing the decorative panel 41 from another angle, the reinforcing structure 41R is located on the side of the decorative panel 41 facing the switch unit 42 and is in contact with the upper surface of the switch unit 42. This configuration makes the decorative panel 41 less susceptible to dents and damage, and significantly improves its durability and protective performance.
[0029] In summary, the decorative panel of the present invention blends seamlessly into various interior decoration styles, and its surface is easy to clean as it does not easily accumulate dust or dirt.By transforming complexity into a simple, sophisticated and delicate design, it provides a unique product not available in the market, bringing additional benefits to the work of interior designers. [Explanation of symbols]
[0030] 10 Traditional Outlets 11H rectangular hole 11 Housing Panel 12 Outlet body 12A Central rectangular part 21,31,41 Decorative panels 21H slot spare hole 22,32 Outlet 41R Reinforced structure 41H Spare button hole 42 Switch unit 42S button
Claims
1. 1. A decorative panel for assembly with an outlet having a plurality of body slots, comprising: The decorative panel is a plurality of spare holes, each of the spare holes corresponding to one of the body slots; a reinforcing structure in contact with a top surface of the outlet; A decorative panel, characterized in that the surface of the decorative panel is seamless and flat.
2. The decorative panel of claim 1, wherein each of the four sides of the decorative panel includes a frame, the frame surrounds the outlet, and there are no dividing lines or locking points on the surface of the decorative panel.
3. A decorative panel for mounting to a switch unit having a plurality of buttons, the decorative panel comprising: a button preparation hole, the button preparation hole corresponding to the button; Including, A decorative panel, characterized in that the surface of the decorative panel is seamless and flat.
4. Each of the four sides of the decorative panel includes a frame, and the frame surrounds the switch unit; The decorative panel according to claim 3, characterized in that there are no parting lines or locking points on the surface of the decorative panel.
5. The decorative panel further includes a reinforcing structure in contact with an upper surface of the switch unit.
6. 4. The decorative panel according to claim 1, wherein the material of the decorative panel is selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, glass and ceramic.
Citation Information
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