WO2011070307A1

WO2011070307A1 - Furniture element, in particular for commercial furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2011070307A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/052673
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pascal Lafon
Original assignee: Lacoste
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2010-12-10
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: FR2953702A1; FR2953702B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a furniture element (10) comprising at least one planar outer surface, said furniture element being characterized in that the planar surface is created by means of a fitting (14) that is removably attached onto a frame (12). The invention is in particular suitable for creating commercial furniture.

Description

FURNITURE ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR COMMERCIAL FURNITURE

The present invention relates to an item of furniture, including commercial furniture. The invention is particularly suitable for the realization of furniture items for the presentation of objects or products in sales or exhibition venues, such as shops, lounges, etc.

Currently, almost all furniture intended for the exhibition of products in sales areas, is manufactured with rigid and relatively heavy materials such as wood, metal, plastics ... There is a problem of congestion and of weight, in particular for the transport of such furniture (even in disassembled form) from their place of manufacture to the place of use, in particular when such furniture is imported from distant areas. For example, a piece of furniture may be formed of a structure to be assembled to form a frame, which will be dressed with raw or decorated panels, including wood panels (chipboard, plywood, etc.). Such panels, which can reach several square meters of surface and several tens of millimeters thick, have a significant weight and a size that can not be reduced, even the time of transport. It is therefore understood that the transport of such furniture remains expensive because of their weight and because of their size which limits the amount of transportable units in a given space such as a container.

In addition to the costs of transport, there is also a negative impact on the carbon footprint of the corporate sponsor, a parameter on which companies are today more and more demanding.

There is therefore a great interest in having furniture elements that can fulfill the desired functions, namely the exhibition of objects or products, their development through an elaborate decoration and design, but having a weight and a very small footprint when dismantled. For furniture intended for commercial premises, there is also a need for furniture whose appearance and design can be modified or renovated quickly and inexpensively, without having to change the entirety of this furniture. The present invention proposes to meet this double demand. Thus, the invention relates to a furniture element comprising at least one flat outer surface, characterized in that the flat surface is formed by a liner removably attached to a frame.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises an assembly of profiles, for example metal or plastic.

In one embodiment, the liner comprises a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises a peripheral groove adapted to cooperate with at least one tongue equipping the liner.

In one embodiment, the frame includes one or more accessory attachment members such as support members.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment element comprises a perforated upright adapted to cooperate with hooks provided on the accessories.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment member is a grooved post.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment element (s) is (are) disposed on the outer contour of the frame.

In one embodiment, the attachment elements of accessories are integrated into the frame.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment elements comprise at least one substantially flat magnetized surface, disposed on the non-visible side of the lining, adapted to cooperate with a portion of a magnetic or ferrous material of an accessory.

In one embodiment, the furniture element comprises a support leg so that the element is self-supporting.

In one embodiment, the furniture element comprises two lining disposed respectively on a front face and a rear face of the frame.

In one embodiment, the furniture element comprises a three-dimensional frame and a plurality of liners.

In one embodiment, the contiguous edges of two adjacent fittings are attached to a common frame post. The invention also relates to a wall or freestanding structure comprising a plurality of furniture elements as defined above juxtaposed or superimposed.

In one embodiment, this structure comprises a single fastening element between each piece of furniture.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, description made with reference to the figures among which:

- Figures 1a and 1b show an embodiment of a wall furniture element according to the invention, respectively in an assembled view and exploded view;

- Figure 1c shows a detail of the assembly of the element of Figures 1a and 1b;

- Figure 2a shows a wall display made by means of a plurality of furniture elements of Figure 1a;

- Figures 2b and 2c represent another possible embodiment of a wall display;

FIG. 3 represents an exploded view of the element of FIG. 1a provided with luminous support elements;

- Figures 4a and 4b respectively show an assembled view and an exploded view of a self-supporting furniture element according to the invention;

- Figures 5a and 5b respectively show an assembled view and an exploded view of a furniture element according to the invention provided with magnetic support member;

- Figures 6a and 6b respectively show an assembled view and an exploded view of a three-dimensional furniture element according to the invention.

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show an element 10 of high wall furniture, intended in the example to serve as a display for objects or products such as shoes. The element 10 comprises a frame 12, in the rectangular example, on which is fixed removably a liner 14 made of a flexible or semi-rigid material. The outline of this lining comprises hooking means cooperating with complementary fastening means arranged on the periphery of the frame 12. In the example of Figures 1a and 1b, the attachment means comprise a groove 120 traversing partially or integrally the outline of the frame 12, this groove being adapted to cooperate with tabs 141, 142 disposed on the edges of the liner 14. In the example, there are two vertical tabs 141 and two horizontal tabs 142. These tabs have the shape, dimensions and deformability necessary to ensure the desired retention and tension of the liner 14. Thus, once attached to the frame 12, the liner 14 has a flat surface and uniformly tensioned. All types of soft or semi-rigid (or even rigid) materials may be used to produce the lining 14: synthetic or natural fabric, canvas, plastic material, leather, etc.

Preferably, as shown in the figures, the tongues 141, 142 are continuous and extend over the entire length and / or the width of the lining 14. These tongues 141, 142 are formed by a folded edge of the liner 14 on which has been sewn an elastic band, for example rubber, having a thickness greater than the width of the groove 120. To fix the lining 14 to the frame 12, is inserted by force the strip inside the groove 120, so that when the tab 141, 142 is compressed the retainer 14 will be retained inside the groove 120, thereby keeping the packing 14 taut on the frame 12.

As shown in Figure 1b, the frame 12 is formed by the removable assembly of uprights 123, in the example four aluminum alloy profiles. These profiles can of course be made in any material with appropriate mechanical characteristics: metal, plastic material, composite material, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element 10 comprises accessory fixing elements arranged at the periphery of the frame. In the example, two vertical lateral fastening elements were placed on either side of the frame 12. These lateral elements take the form of profiles 121, whose height is substantially identical to that of the frame 12. As required, the elements lateral fixing 121 may be removable or be an integral part of the frame 12. They comprise a plurality of attachment means 122 for accessories such as supports. In the example, the profiles 121 are perforated uprights adapted to receive fastening hooks (we can however consider any alternative method of attachment, such as for example those using nuts "T" cooperating with a "T" groove fastening profile). The attachment means 122 thus comprise a plurality of perforations 122 spaced apart and adapted to cooperate with suitable hooks. FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show a first example of accessories that can be used according to the invention: support elements 16 that can be removably attached to the perforated uprights 121. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1c, the support elements 16 comprise a central portion 160 adapted to serve as a support for various products, in the example a shoe. The central portion 160 comprises at each of its ends a horizontal arm 161, each of these arms having a substantially vertical upright 162. Each upright 162 carries at least one hook 163 adapted to cooperate with any of the perforations on the uprights perforated 121. In the example, each upright 162 includes two hooks 163. Thus, it is possible to fix on the furniture element a plurality of these support elements 16, ensuring proper positioning of the products in front of the lining 14, as visible in particular on Figures a and 2a.

Figures 1a and 1b also show an alternative embodiment of the support elements: in this variant, the support elements 17 take the form of a plate or a shell 170, for example molded plastic. The surface intended to be visible from the plate 170 is provided with a substantially perpendicular support surface 171. The support element 17 finally comprises hooks 172 similar to the hooks 163. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 1a, such a support element 17 has a very advantageous visual and decorative appearance: it has a large visible flat surface, suitable for to be decorated or proposed in many colors.

An advantageous embodiment of this support element is also shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, it is provided that the support element is at least partially made of a translucent material, especially a colored plastic material, in order to pass light from a light source. In the example of FIG. 3, this light source is placed behind the lining 14 (which must therefore itself be at least partially translucent) opposite the support element 17. The light source comprises in example two luminous tubes 173 fixed to the frame 12 by means of a fastening element 174 of the plate or shell type. This fixing element is fixed on the frame 12, for example by means of screws. The combination of a support element comprising a surface at least partially translucent with a light source thus makes it possible to achieve very attractive lighting and decorative effects.

FIG. 2a shows a possible example of arrangement of several furniture elements identical to that of FIG. 1. The arrangement of Figure 2a therefore comprises a plurality of juxtaposed frames 12, each associated with a corresponding lining 14, so as to form a wall panel. It should be noted that the wall panel of Figure 2a could alternatively be made by means of a single element 10 comprising a frame and a trim of appropriate width. In the example of Figure 2a, the realization of a wall panel by means of several furniture elements allows to provide between each frame 12 one (or more) element (s) side (s) securing 121, to fix various elements, such as support members 16, 17. Any type of element having hooks adapted to be fixed to the perforated uprights 121 may thus be adapted to the wall panel. FIG. 2 thus shows two types of support elements 16. 17 It is also possible to hang purely decorative accessories, for example carrying logos. It is also conceivable that in the configuration of Figure 2, the support elements or the decorative elements have a width greater than that of a furniture element 10, for example a width corresponding to two elements 0 or more.

Figures 2b and 2c show a second embodiment of a wall panel. In this example, the furniture elements 10 constituting the panel are superimposed in a horizontal direction. Each element 10 composing the wall panel comprises at least one accessory fixing element forming a groove 125. In the example, the fixing elements are profiles 124 comprising a groove 125 of suitable dimensions for receiving and retaining accessories such as 19. The shelves 19 are in the form of boards thickness compatible with the dimensions of the grooves 125. Simply then insert each shelf to the bottom of one of the grooves 125 so that this tablet is properly attached to the wall panel, as shown in Figure 2b. In a variant, the grooves 125 will be made directly on one or more edges of the frame 12 of the furniture elements 10. Figures 4a and 4b show another embodiment of the invention: it is a self-supporting furniture element 20, intended in the example to serve as a display. This self-supporting element comprises a support or foot 21 which carries a frame 22. On the same principle as the element of Figures a, 1b, and c, a gasket 14 is stretched on this frame 22 which further comprises fixing elements the side members 221 making it possible to attach accessories such as support elements 16. FIGS. 4a and 4b also show an advantageous embodiment of the self-supporting element 20: this element has in fact a first lining 14 on its front face and a second liner 14 on its rear face. This configuration is achieved by providing two pairs of lateral fixing elements 221. Thus, such an element has a very practical appearance and a balanced design by allowing the exposure of products jointly on its front and rear faces. As for the other embodiments described in the present application, the frame 22 is advantageously completely removable, as shown in Figure 4b.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5a and 5b, there is provided, in addition or substitution of the lateral fastening elements, fastening means disposed behind the liner 14. These fastening means comprise one or more surface (s) magnetized (s) for fixing, through the liner 14, support elements 18. In the example, the fixing means comprise a vertical upright 321 having a plurality of magnets 322. Each of these magnets 322 makes it possible to fix a support element 18, at least a part of which is made of a ferrous or magnetic material in order to be subjected to the attractive force of the magnet concerned. Advantageously, the upright 321 and each support element 18 will be equipped with identical magnets, which, in addition to providing a large holding force, ensures an "automatic" centering of each support element 18 with respect to the upright 321.

Figures 6a and 6b show a three-dimensional furniture element 40 according to the invention. In the example, it was desired to make a support furniture having the general shape of a cube, but it is understood that any other form is feasible according to the invention. The three-dimensional furniture element 40 comprises a frame 42 comprising twelve uprights 422 assembled so as to form the twelve edges of a cube. Each 422 has one or two longitudinal grooves for fixing the lining 14. Thus, when one of the amounts 422 of the frame separates two adjacent fittings, this amount is provided with two grooves 420 to accommodate the respective tabs of these two adjacent fittings . Between the frame 42 and the packing intended to be positioned at the top of the piece of furniture, it is possible to provide a reinforcement plate 421 intended for the product support presented on the piece of furniture 40. In a variant (not shown), all types of attachment of accessories as described in the present application, for example magnetic fasteners, perforated or grooved, in particular fixed on uprights 422 of the frame 42. As shown in Figure 6b, the frame 42 is advantageously completely removable.

The present invention therefore makes it possible, as desired, to considerably reduce the weight of presentation and decoration furniture elements, as well as the bulk of such elements when they are dismantled: in fact, before assembly, the furniture elements according to the invention is in the form of a kit comprising the elements of the frame (light sections, for example aluminum), the packing in the form of a folded or rolled material, and possibly various fastening elements such as perforated uprights or grooved. In addition to these desired benefits, the invention has the great advantage of being able to offer a great modularity, particularly with regard to the easy change of the visual aspect, possible thanks to the change of lining which is done without any particular tool and takes only a few moments. Thus, in the context of the production of commercial furniture, it becomes possible, thanks to the invention, to change very quickly and inexpensively the decoration of the entire sales area by changing only the furniture fittings , without changing the structure of the furniture. This possibility is very significant in the context of chains of stores respecting a common visual charter.

Claims

1. Furniture element (10) comprising:

- a frame, and

at least one plane outer surface,

characterized in that

the flat surface is formed by a lining (14) removably attached to the frame (12), this lining (14) being equipped with at least one tongue (141, 142),

- the frame (12) comprising a groove (120) device capable of cooperating with the tongue (141, 142) of the liner (14),

the frame (12) further comprising one or more accessory attachment members (121, 124, 321, 322) (16, 17, 18, 19) such as support members (16, 17, 18, 19), these accessory attachment elements (121, 124) being integrated with said frame (12).

2. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the tongue (141, 142) is continuous and extends over the entire length and / or the width of the liner (14).

3. Furniture element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (10) comprises an assembly of sections, for example metal or plastic.

4. Furniture element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lining (14) comprises a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material.

5. Furniture element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accessory attachment element comprises a perforated upright (121) adapted to cooperate with hooks (163, 173) provided on the accessories. (16, 17).

The furniture element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the accessory attachment member is a grooved post (124).

7. Furniture element (0) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the element (s) (121, 124) for attaching accessories (16, 17) is (are) disposed (s) on the outer contour of the frame (12).

The furniture element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the accessory attachment elements (321, 322) comprise at least one substantially planar magnetized surface (322) disposed on the non-visible side of the trim (14), adapted to cooperate with a portion (180) of a magnetic or ferrous material of an accessory (18).

9. Furniture element (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a support foot (21) so that the element (20) is self-supporting.

10. Furniture element (20) according to claim 9, comprising two liners (14) respectively disposed on a front face and a rear face of the frame (12).

11. Furniture element according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a frame (42) of three-dimensional shape and a plurality of fittings (14).

The furniture element of claim 11 wherein the adjacent edges of two adjacent linings are attached to a common post of the frame (42).

13. Furniture element according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises:

a support element at least partially made of a translucent material, especially a colored plastic material, and

- A light source placed behind the lining (14) facing the support member (17).

Wall or freestanding structure comprising a plurality of furniture elements (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13 juxtaposed or superimposed.

15. Structure according to claim 14, comprising a single fastening element (121, 124) between each furniture element (10, 20) constituting the structure.