WO2025013103A1

WO2025013103A1 - Self supporting structure

Info

Publication number: WO2025013103A1
Application number: PCT/IT2024/050135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrizio Baldini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-07-12
Filing date: 2024-07-02
Publication date: 2025-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-12
Also published as: IT202300014619A1

Abstract

The invention is related to a self supporting structure (100) comprising a plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and a plurality of horizontal piles (2) connected to each other and made integral with each other by means of joints (3) inserted into and secured in said plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and horizontal piles (2), wherein said self supporting structure (100) comprises a plurality of adjusting elements (7) connected to said plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and said plurality of horizontal piles (2), capable of exerting pressure on the walls, ceiling and floor of a room, so as to keep said self supporting structure (100) stationary and in a stable position in the environment.

Description

SELF SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a self supporting structure.

Field of the invention

The invention is inserted in the technical field of architectural structures for furniture, and particularly in the technical field of roofing and cladding structures for furniture and room design.

Prior art

Nowadays, various types of interior wall coverings and coatings are known such as wallpaper and films, plasterboard, wood lath, etc.

Wallpaper and film coverings serve only aesthetic purposes, have no functional utility, and when they are removed, it is necessary to restore the wall underneath.

Plasterboard panels are generally used to cover sound absorbing and heat insulating panels applied to existing walls and require fasteners, typically screws and nails. In addition, their exposed surface must be finished with stucco and paint, and they cannot be removed or repositioned.

Covers made of wooden slats also require fasteners and are not easy to remove or reposition.

The invention refers to a structure that is generally used to cover the walls of interiors or other rooms.

Specifically, according to the prior known art, elements such as tiles or panels are connected or attached to such structures that are to cover a wall or a wall.

In fact, such structures are often used to make window displays, exhibition spaces and temporary structures, but also to make walls for stores, restaurants and other businesses.

This cladding is used to increase the aesthetic greatness of the room or to create a particular environment characteristic of a particular chain of stores or businesses.

This choice can also be influenced not only by aesthetic decisions but also by functional decisions such as the need to create insulating or protective wall coverings.

A disadvantage of such structures, however, is that they are not self- supporting. In fact, in the market, existing structures require drilling holes in the wall or performing other masonry or building operations that would compromise the integrity of the walls and the environment.

Disadvantageously, drilling or damaging the walls is not always possible, especially in case one is renting or the environment is of special historical or artistic interest.

In these cases, regulations do not allow drilling or damaging the wall or even creating masonry structures with the disadvantage of not being able to fix and install any type of wall coverings.

There is a need felt in the industry for an innovative solution that allows walls or walls to be clad without damaging or modifying them in any way since there is no such solution in the market.

The relevant prior art also comprises patent documents US3834549A and CN107724570A.

Aim of the invention

Thus, the aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure capable of solving the above-mentioned drawbacks and critical issues.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure under pressure.

Further aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure that is thermally and acoustically insulating.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure that is easy to install and assemble without any drilling operation.

Further aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure that can be installed and used in any environment.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure that is removable at any time without leaving any damage to the environments.

Further aim of the present invention is to provide a self supporting structure that is customizable at will and interchangeable at any time.

These and other aims are achieved by a self supporting structure according to the attached independent claim.

Further detailed technical features are given in the attached dependent claims.

Brief description fo the figures The present invention will now be described, by way of example but not limitation, according to some of its preferred embodiments, and with the aid of the attached figures, in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of the self supporting structure according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a side view of self supporting structure of figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a top view of the self supporting structure in figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the self supporting structure according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the self supporting structure in figure 3;

- Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the self supporting structure in figure 3;

- Figure 7A shows the attachment clips of the self supporting structure attached to a roof tile, according to the invention;

- Figure 7B shows the attachment clips of figure 7A attached to the horizontal tubes of the self supporting structure, according to the invention;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of an end joint with the adjustable feet of the self supporting structure, according to the invention.

Detailed description

Referring to the figures mentioned above, a preferred embodiment form of a self supporting structure according to the invention is shown.

Referring to the above figures, the self supporting structure that is the object of the invention is indicated by the numerical reference 100, and in a first embodiment thereof, according to the present invention, the self supporting structure 100 is a modular structure, with an adjustable pressure system.

The self supporting structure 100 is designed for covering or covering walls or walls of particular environments such as, for example, store interiors or commercial activities.

With reference to the figures 1 , 2 and 3, the self supporting structure 100 comprises a plurality of vertical piles or posts 1 that serve as support for a plurality of horizontal piles or posts 2. As visible in the figures, vertical piles 1 and horizontal piles 2 are cylindrical in shape, but it is to be understood that they may take other shapes and sizes according to requirements and needs.

Advantageously, vertical piles 1 and horizontal piles 2 can be drilled to allow the attachment of joints 3 and adjusting elements 7 as will be better described below.

More specifically, as can be seen in figures 1 and 4, the self supporting structure 100 has joints 3 inserted and attached in the vertical piles 1 and suitable for holding the horizontal piles 2 in place.

In other words, joints 3 allow the vertical piles 1 to be connected and made integral with the horizontal piles 2.

As visible in figure 4, these joints 3 are positioned at the ends of the horizontal piles 2.

Advantageously, to increase the stability of the horizontal structure 100, as visible for example in figure 6, joints 3 can also be placed along the entire extension of horizontal piles 2.

In a special embodiment, joints 3 can be attached to vertical piles 1 and/or horizontal piles 2 with appropriate fastening means at the respective holes of vertical piles 1 and/or horizontal piles 2.

Depending on the size of the self supporting structure 100 and piles 1 and 2, joints 3 can be added or removed to achieve the number of piles 1 , 2 required to achieve the desired stability.

Referring to figure 1 , the self supporting structure 100 comprises three vertical piles 1 and eighteen horizontal piles 2 but it is to be understood that the number of vertical piles 1 and the number of horizontal piles 2 can be chosen as appropriate.

The horizontal piles 2 can be arranged with each other at fixed or variable distances depending on the requirements and the cladding to be used.

Advantageously, these features allow for high modularity and customization possibilities of the self supporting structure 100.

Also referring to the figures, the self supporting structure 100 comprises an adjustable pressure system for securing and stabilizing the self supporting structure 100 itself without puncturing or damaging the walls of the room on which it is installed. Specifically, the adjustable pressure system exerts pressure on the walls, ceiling, and floor so as to keep the self supporting structure 100 firm, stable, and in place without the need to drill holes and/or damage the walls.

In more detail, the adjustable pressure system includes adjusting elements 7 with screw feet 4 intended to contact the ceiling, walls, and floor.

Such adjusting elements 7, visible for example in figure 8, can be placed in the ends of vertical piles 1 and/or horizontal piles 2 and allow said self supporting structure 100 to be held in a stable position.

In particular embodiments, adjusting elements 7 can also be placed anywhere else along the full extent of vertical piles 1 and/or horizontal piles 2.

As visible in figure 8, these elements allow the insertion of vertical piles 1 and horizontal piles 2.

Again with reference to figure 8, it can be seen how the screw feet 4 have a first end designed to go against the wall, floor or ceiling and a second threaded end designed to fit inside a hole in the adjusting element 7 to allow adjustment of the extension of the same screw feet 4.

In more detail, by screwing or unscrewing the feet 4 onto the adjusting elements 7, it is possible to adjust the extension of the feet 4 so that the self supporting structure 100 can reach the wall to be clad in any situation.

Advantageously, said adjusting elements 7 can also be removable and repositionable so as to give modularity to the self supporting structure 100.

Referring to figures 7A and 7B, attachment clips 5 attached to horizontal piles 2 are attached to tiles or panels 6 suitable for covering the self supporting structure 100 and providing an aesthetically pleasing character to it.

Specifically, the clips 5 are removable and repositionable and can be placed anywhere on the horizontal piles 2.

The ability to remove and reposition clips 5 provides even greater modularity to the self supporting structure 100.

As visible in figures 7A and 7B, clips 5 are attached to tiles or panels 6 and then attached to horizontal piles 2 of the self supporting structure 100.

The tiles or panels 6 allow the entire self supporting structure 100 to be covered so that it is not visible and achieves the purposes intended by the invention. Advantageously, depending on preference and need, the tiles or panels 6 can be tiles of MDF, polyurethane foam, of or any other material, including recycled materials, in cut panel.

Even more advantageously, tiles or panels 6 can be customized with any decorative element, coating, direct engraving, decoration, or any other system required.

In fact, with the self supporting 100 structure, it is possible to improve the appearance of a room or space without the use of pressure screws for fastening, or building modifications on existing walls where for reasons of historicity, safety, or permits it is not possible to achieve.

An additional advantage is the possibility of changing the tiles or panels 6 to a different finish without removing the self supporting structure 100 in its entirety but only by removing and repositioning the attachment clips 5 to which the tiles or panels 6 are connected.

In a special embodiment, the self supporting structure 100 is made of aluminum or iron, with modular elements attached and connected by means of repositionable joints.

Advantageously, self supporting structure 100 can be made with standard or customized sizes and elements.

In particular, any type of roofing or cladding element can be connected and/or attached to the attachment clips 5.

Still advantageously, the self supporting structure 100 is spaced from the wall so as to allow the passage of electrical cables, water pipes, or to insert insulating or moisture-resistant material.

In a special embodiment, material for sound insulation or thermal insulation can be inserted.

In such a way is also possible use in an advantageous manner the space created between the self supporting structure 100 and the wall it covers.

Again advantageously, the self supporting structure 100 can also be designed to be installed on to corner walls through the use of special corner joints connected to two horizontal piles, one for each of the walls forming the corner.

From the description given, the characteristics of the self supporting structure and its method, which are the object of the invention, are clear, as are its advantages. Finally, it is clear that numerous other variations may be made to the device in question, without departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, shapes and sizes of the details illustrated may be any as required and the same may be substituted for equivalent ones.

Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks have been appended for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, accordingly, such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims

1. A self supporting structure (100) comprising a plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and a plurality of horizontal piles (2) connected to each other and made integral with each other by means of joints (3) inserted into and secured in said plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and horizontal piles (2), wherein said self supporting structure (100) comprises a plurality of adjusting elements (7) connected to said plurality of vertical piles (1 ) and said plurality of horizontal piles (2), capable of exerting pressure on the walls, ceiling and floor of a room, so as to keep said self supporting structure (100) stationary and in a stable position in the environment, said self supporting structure (100) being characterized by the fact that said adjusting elements (7) comprise screw feet (4) configured to contact said ceiling, said walls and said floor.

2. Self supporting structure (100) according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that said screw feet (4) have a first end suitable for engaging with said ceiling, said walls and said floor and a second threaded end suitable for engaging within a hole of said adjusting elements (7) so as to adjust the extension of said screw feet (4).

3. Self supporting structure (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by comprising clips (5) for attaching tiles or panels (6) to said horizontal piles (2) of said supporting structure (100).

4. Self supporting structure (100) according to claim 3 characterized by the fact that said clips (5) are attached to said tiles or panels (6).

5. Self supporting structure (100) according to claim 3 characterized by the fact that said clips (5) are removable and repositionable.

6. Self supporting structure (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that said joints (3) and said adjusting elements (7) are removable and repositionable.

7. Self supporting structure (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that said vertical piles (1 ) and said horizontal piles (2) are drilled to allow the attachment of said joints (3) and/or said adjusting elements (7).