Component for shelving, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements and related manufacturing method

Abstract

Described is a component (100, 200) for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements comprising a template (101, 201), which defines the profile of the component (100, 200). The template (101, 201) extends along an axis (X) and is suitable for being made in at least two parts (110, 120, 210, 220, 230, 240) - a first part (110, 210) and a second part (120, 220) - which can be coupled to each other. Each of the two parts (110, 120, 210, 220, 230, 240) has at least one electrified channel (111, 112, 121, 122, 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224) for conducting electricity. At least one portion of the template (101, 201) is suitable for being accessible inside it. A method for making the component (100, 200) in this way is also described.

Description

[0001] Component for shelving, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements and related manufacturing method DESCRIPTION

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to a component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements and to the method for producing the component.

[0004] Background art

[0005] According to the prior art, it is possible to find on the market furnishing elements which have profiles made of aluminium recessed in the covers where LED strips are housed inside a channel to which access is gained from a locking structure positioned between the cover and the base.

[0006] On account of the dimensional opening ratios between the mouth of the channel and its maximum depth, these profiles are made on wooden or laminar elements.

[0007] The existence is also known of a component for shelving provided with a pair of laminar elements and metal cross-members, in which channels are defined for the passage of electrical cables.

[0008] This solution is described in patent application WO2023218416(A1 ).

[0009] Also in this case, the technical problem of how to electrify an extruded profile is resolved, providing special channels for the passage of electrical cables and wires.

[0010] Moreover, that technique is not applicable to profiles made by coextrusion, that is to say, by means od an industrial process used mainly in the processing of plastic which consists in the simultaneous extrusion of two or more different materials, for example plastic and copper, which are fused and then forced through a same mould. Coextrusion makes it possible to obtain an end product which combines the properties of the various materials, such as, for example, strength and flexibility, or different aesthetic characteristics.

[0011] Using a coextruded profile, there is a very severe limitation on the depth of the track, linked with the impossibility of controlling the correct coextrusion of the plastic with the copper. In effect, continuous control of the processing process inside the channel is required and, consequently, the opening mouth of the channel must always remain open.

[0012] In practice, it is not currently possible to be sure of the alignment of the conductor in an objective manner, if it is positioned deep relative to the mouth of the profile.

[0013] For this reason, shelving of this kind has production limitations with regard to coextruded materials which make it impossible to control over a large depth and it very difficult to make slim tracks with multi-conductors.

[0014] Lastly, as mentioned, the components of electrified shelving present on the market suffer from restrictions linked to dimensional ratios, such as the opening of the opening of the track mouth and the maximum depth.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] The aim of the invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of known types of components for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements which allows the coextrusion of the plastic and copper to be better regulated, in such a way as to allow the production.

[0017] In the context of the above-mentioned purpose, an aim of the invention is to achieve a coextruded material with several conductors for each side of the template keeping the dimensions of the component compact, that is to say, without widening the mouth of the profile.

[0018] Another aim of the invention is to provide a component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements, with extremely thin tracks in such a way as to obtain coextruded elements with multi-conductors.

[0019] This purpose, as well as these and other aims, which are described in more detail below, are achieved by component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements according to the invention comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention. In particular, according to a first aspect, this invention relates to a component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements, which comprises a template, which defines the profile of the component. The template, as well as the profile of the component, extends along an axis. The template is also suitable for being made of at least two parts which can be coupled to each other: a first part and a second part.

[0020] At least one between the first and the second part has at least one electrified channel for conducting electricity, in such a way that by inserting an LED, for example, this can operate easily.

[0021] Preferably, both the parts have electrified channels.

[0022] Moreover, at least one portion of the template is suitable for being accessible inside it from the outside.

[0023] In other words, there is a window for access to the electrified channel, or to the electrified channels, from the outside.

[0024] In a first solution the template consists of only two parts: the first and the second, in such a way as to allow control of the alignment of the conductors even if they are positioned deep relative to the mouth of the profile.

[0025] Advantageously, the first part has a first pin for engaging in a respective second recess formed on the second part, and, conversely, the second part comprises a second pin for engaging in a respective first recess formed on the first part.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, a fourth part and a fifth part are added together with the above-mentioned first and second parts. These two parts, fourth and fifth parts, are advantageously positioned peripherally relative to the first and second parts, so that they can contain the template, resting on its ends.

[0027] Preferably, for this purpose, both the fourth and the fifth parts are configured to simultaneously engage the first and the second parts.

[0028] In other words, the fourth part engages the first and second parts and, at the same time, the fifth part engages the first and second parts.

[0029] A configuration is not excluded wherein the fourth part only engages the first part and, at the same time, the fifth part engages only the second part (or vice versa).

[0030] For that purpose, a pair of couplings are advantageously made on the first and on the second part, positioned at the end sides of the template relative to the axis of extension, which can engage with corresponding openings defined in the fourth and fifth parts.

[0031] Protection is also requested for a method for making a component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements which comprises the following steps.

[0032] The first part and the second part are coupled, each having at least one electrified channel for conducting electricity, in such a way as to form the template defining the profile of the component. In order to do this, a first pin protruding from the first part is inserted in a respective second recess formed on the second part and, similarly, a second pin protruding from the second part is inserted in a respective first recess formed on the second part.

[0033] A lateral portion of the template is eliminated, so as to form an access window inside the electrified channel.

[0034] The following steps for making the above-mentioned variant can be added to these operations.

[0035] The template formed in this way engages at its opposite ends by means of a fourth part and a fifth part, respectively. Each of these parts fits simultaneously with both the first and the second parts.

[0036] Brief description of drawings

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent from the description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements, illustrated by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a front view of a first variant of the shelving component 100, inserted in a shelving unit M, composed of two parts 1 10 and 120; Figure 2 is a front view of a second variant of the shelving component 200, inserted in a shelving unit M, comprising four parts 210, 220, 230 and 240; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the component 200;

[0039] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the shelving component 200, in which there are four pairs of electrified channels 21 1 and 221 , 212 and 222, 213 and 223, 214 and 224.

[0040] The above-mentioned drawings show a preferred embodiment of a component for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements, according to the invention, which is identified in its entirety with the reference numeral 100 or 200 and which comprises a template 101 or 201 which defines the profile of the component 100 or 200. The template 101 or 201 extends along an axis X, which is defined by the extension of the template 101 or 201 .

[0041] In a first embodiment, the template 101 of the component 100 is made in two parts 1 10 and 120 which can be coupled to each other: a first part 1 10 and a second part 120. The two parts 1 10 and 120 both have electrified channels 1 1 1 , 1 12, 121 and 122 for conducting electricity, for example for LEDs L, which extend substantially along the axis X.

[0042] Method of making the invention

[0043] With reference to Figure 1 , the template lacks a lateral wall to allow access to the electrified channels from the outside towards the inside. In other words, the first part 110 and the second part 120 are without a portion making a window for access to the electrified channels 11 1 , 1 12, 121 and 122.

[0044] The two parts 1 10 and 120 are symmetrical relative to the axis X.

[0045] The first part 1 10 comprises a first pin 1 15 for engaging in a respective second recess 126 defined on the second part 120, and, similarly, the second part 120 comprises a second pin 125 for engaging in a respective first recess 1 16 defined on the first part 1 10. Thus, the two parts 1 10 and 120 are solidly associated with each other thanks to the system of pins 1 15- 125 / recesses 1 16-126. This association is advantageously removable.

[0046] According to a second variant, the component 200 has a template 201 , defining a profile extending along the axis X, composed of four parts: a first part 210 and a second part 220, similar to the first and second parts 1 10 and 120.

[0047] The two parts 210 and 220 both have two electrified channels 21 1 , 212, 221 and 222 (Figures 2 and 3) for conducting electricity, for example for LEDs L, which extend substantially along the axis X, or also four electrified channels 21 1 , 212, 213, 214 and 221 , 222, 223, 224 (Figure 4).

[0048] In this solution, there is also a fourth part 230 and a fifth part 240 positioned peripherally relative to the first part 210 and to the second part 220. The parts 230 and 240 advantageously form lateral containment for the template 201.

[0049] In practice, both the fourth part 230 and the fifth part 240 simultaneously engage the first part 210 and the second part 220.

[0050] For this purpose, the first part 210 and the second part 220 comprise a pair of couplings 217 and 227, positioned at the end sides of the template 201 relative to the axis X. The couplings 217 and 227 are made to engage with corresponding openings 237 and 247, respectively formed in the fourth part 230 and fifth part 240.

[0051] The first part 210 and the second part 220 comprise two protuberances 218 and 228 for engaging with an inner wall 230a, 240a of the fourth part 230 and of the fifth part 240, to limit the pressure surface (and the friction) between the various parts in play.

[0052] In order to make the component 100, the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120, in such a way as to form the template 101 which defines the profile of the component 100 and which extends along an axis X. For this coupling, the first pin 1 15 is inserted in the respective second recess 126 and the second pin 125 is inserted in the respective first recess 1 16. Therefore, the lateral portion of the template 101 is eliminated in such a way as to make a window for access to the electrified channels 11 1 , 1 12, 121 and 122.

[0053] Similarly, in order to make the component 200, the first 210 and the second part 220 are coupled, in such a way as to form the template 201 which defines the profile of the component 100 and which extends along an axis X, inserting the first pin 215 in the respective second recess 226 and the second pin 225 in the respective first recess 216.

[0054] The lateral portion of the template 201 is then eliminated in such a way as to make a window 230 for access to the electrified channels 211 , 212, 221 , 222 (213, 214, 223, 224).

[0055] In this case, the template 201 will be engaged, at its opposite ends, by a fourth part 230 and a fifth part 240, respectively. Each of these parts 230 and 240 will connect simultaneously both with the first part 210 and with the second part 220 by inserting the pair of couplings 217 and 227 in the corresponding openings 237 and 247.

[0056] From the above description it may be seen how the invention achieves the preset purpose and aims and in particular it should be noted that a component is made for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements which allows the correct adjustment of the coextrusion of plastic and copper in such a way as to allow it to be made.

[0057] In particular, the breakdown of the coextruded material into several parts allows the production of conductors for each part of the template, keeping the dimensions of the component for shelving very compact.

[0058] This also offers the added advantage of being able to make coextruded elements using slim tracks but provided with multi-conductors.

[0059] The invention can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0060] Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

[0061] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be of any type, depending on requirements, provided that they are consistent with their production purposes.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A component (100, 200) for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements comprising: a template (101 , 201 ) defining the profile of the component (100, 200), extending along an axis (X) and suitable for being made in at least two parts (1 10, 120, 210, 220, 230, 240) which can be coupled to each other; a first part (1 10, 210) and a second part (120, 220) each having at least one electrified channel (1 11 , 1 12, 121 , 122, 21 1 , 212, 213, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224) for conducting electricity; at least one portion of the template (101 , 201 ) being suitable for being accessible inside it.2) The component (100, 200) according to claim 1 , wherein at least the first part (110, 210) and / or the second part (120, 220) have an access window (230) to said at least one electrified channel (1 1 1 , 1 12, 121 , 122, 211 , 212, 213, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224).3) The component (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein each electrified channel (1 11 , 1 12, 121 , 122, 21 1 , 212, 213, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224) extends substantially along the axis (X).4) The component (100, 200) according to claim 3, wherein the first part (1 10, 210) and the second part (120, 220) are symmetrical relative to the axis (X).5) The component (100, 200) according to claim 4, wherein the first part (1 10, 210) comprises a first pin (1 15, 215) for engaging in a respective second recess (126, 226) defined on the second part (120, 220); and the second part (120, 220) comprises a second pin (125, 225) for engaging in a respective first recess (1 16, 216) defined on the first part (1 10, 210).6) The component (200) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a fourth part (230) and a fifth part (240) positioned peripherally relative to the first part (210) and to the second part (220), for containing said template (201 ); preferably, the fourth part (230) and the fifth part (240) being each suitablefor simultaneously engaging the first (210) and the second part (220).7) The component (200) according to claim 6, wherein the first part (210) and the second part (220) comprise a pair of couplings (217, 227), positioned at the end sides of the template (201 ) relative to the axis (X), which can engage with corresponding openings (237, 247) formed in the fourth part (230) and fifth part (240).8) The component (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first part (210) and the second part (220) comprise two protuberances (218, 228) for engaging with an inner wall (230a, 240a) of the fourth part (230) and the fifth part (240).9) A method for making a component (100, 200) for shelving, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furnishing elements, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps:- coupling a first part (110, 210) and a second part (120, 220) each having at least one electrified channel (1 11 , 1 12, 121 , 122, 21 1 , 212, 213, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224) for conducting electricity, in such a way as to form a template (101 , 201 ) defining the profile of the component (100, 200); said profile extending along an axis (X), inserting a first pin (1 15, 215) protruding from the first part (1 10, 210) in a respective second recess (126, 226) defined on the second part (120, 220) and inserting a second pin (125, 225) protruding from the second part (120, 220) in a respective first recess (1 16, 216) defined on the second part (120, 220);- eliminating a lateral portion of the template (101 , 201 ) in such a way as to form an access window (230) to said at least one electrified channel (1 1 1 , 1 12, 121 , 122, 21 1 , 212, 213, 214, 221 , 222, 223, 224).10) The method according to claim 9, comprising the step of engaging the template (201 ) at its opposite ends, respectively by means of a fourth part (230) and a fifth part (240), each simultaneously coupling both with the first part (210) and the second part (220).

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