BE1024451B1 - Device and method for demonstrating interior design - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior device element for use in buildings, the device comprising a support structure (2) corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior device element, the support structure being adapted to be removable for several finishing elements (3) to be arranged so that the appearance of the interior design element is simulated by the combination of the support structure (2) with the plurality of finishing elements (3). The device (1) further comprises at least two sets (4) of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be mounted on the support structure (2), the finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets being different in shape , dimensions, color and / or surface texture.

Description

(73) Holder (s):

ROMANYA private limited company

3550, HEUSDEN-ATTIC

Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

DILLISS Marc

3550 HEUSDEN-ATTIC

Belgium (54) Apparatus and method for demonstrating interior furnishings (57) An apparatus (1) for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings, the apparatus comprising a supporting structure (2) corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element the support structure being adapted to removably apply a plurality of finishing elements (3) so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the support structure (2) with the plurality of finishing elements (3). The device (1) further comprises at least two sets (4) of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the support structure (2), the finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differing in shape , dimensions, color and / or surface texture.

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024451 Filing number: BE2016 / 0187

Intellectual Property Office

International Classification: A47F 7/00 E04F 11/025 E04F 11/09 Granted Date: 22/02/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 23/12/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report alleging a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

ROMANYA private limited liability company, Mijnwerkerslaan 42 bus 1, 3550 HEUSDEN-ZOLDER Belgium;

represented by

CONI NX Jan, Odigo lawyers - Spoorwegstraat 105, 3500, HASSELT;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual fees as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: Furnishing and working method for demonstration of interior furnishing.

INVENTOR (S):

DILISSEN Marc, Mijnwerkerslaan 42, 3550, HEUSDEN-ZOLDER;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application:

Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 22/02/2018,

With special authorization:

BE2016 / 0187

DEMONSTRATION DEVICE AND METHOD

INTERIOR INTERIOR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of interior furnishing of buildings, for example with structural interior furnishing elements such as stairs. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for demonstrating and / or simulating interior furnishing elements for use in buildings and a corresponding method.

Background of the invention

It is known in the art that interior furnishing elements, in particular fixed interior furnishing elements such as stairs, can be demonstrated by means of showroom arrangements, graphical visualisations, such as by means of computer simulations, and / or by making use of references to previously executed furnishing works.

Interior furnishing elements, for example, fixed elements with a structural function such as stairs, are typically available in many different embodiments. For example, such an element may be available as a combination of a spatial structural configuration, for example by selecting a model, sizing according to the space where the installation of the interior furnishing element is envisaged and / or design features, such as a selection of materials and / or finishing coatings, for example such that a choice can be made from different colors and / or textures. This creates a wide variety of possible embodiments. Such a mim offer of possible embodiments will in many cases correspond to the expectations of a potential client in his desire to dress a space of a building according to his specific functional requirements and aesthetic preferences.

While computer simulations, such as three-dimensional models of an equipped room, can provide a wide variety of configuration options to easily visualize a desired embodiment from a wide range of possibilities, it is a drawback of computer simulations that

BE2016 / 0187 can only offer a limited spatial image of a physical realization, for example when the furnishing elements have a major influence on the experience of a furnished room, as can be the case for a staircase, a floor covering or a wall covering.

Given the wide range of comparable interior furnishing elements that can be offered, it can also be difficult to find a suitable reference to previously executed furnishing works with the desired combination of properties. The use of reference addresses can become further complicated when other criteria are also considered, such as willingness and availability of the client of the previously executed works to grant access for a demonstration, availability of the interested party to view the product of the previously executed works and / or the distance to the location where the previously executed works can be viewed.

Therefore, in many cases the provider of interior furnishing elements relies to a large extent on showroom arrangements to enable the interested party to form an accurate spatial picture of the influence of finishing options and / or structural configurations of the interior furnishing element, such as a staircase. For example, Belgian Patent Publication 1021831 B1 describes a stair selection device, this device comprising a number of steps differing from each other by size and / or type. Each staircase consists of a number of steps, whereby the device allows a person to test the different stairs and to choose from the different stairs.

However, it is a drawback of conventional showroom arrangements as known in the art that space constraints make it difficult to display the wide variety of available modeiles and finishing options. A showroom can, for example, offer enough space to display twelve different staircases, for example with different colors and / or different fashioniles. To allow a customer to choose from a wider range of colors and / or textures for the finish of the stairs, samples can be used, such as, for example, plank-shaped samples of limited dimensions, such as 15 cm x 30 cm, in different sizes. finishes and materials, for example different types of wood. For an element that has a strong influence on the

BE2016 / 0187 experience of a space, such as a staircase, the potential buyer can expect a demonstration of the desired model with its preferred finish. Where appropriate, the provider is again dependent on a referral of the potential buyer to a corresponding reference address. In addition to the drawbacks of using references mentioned above, this has the additional drawback that a potential purchase cannot be completed during the visit to the showroom. The potential customer is furthermore forced to make an additional effort.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a good and efficient demonstration and / or simulation of interior furnishing elements for use in buildings, such as stairs.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a solution to an aforementioned drawback or other drawback of demonstration capabilities as known in the art is solved.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that referring a customer to reference addresses to view previously performed works can be largely avoided and / or reduced.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a large number of variations of an interior furnishing element, such as a staircase, can be displayed and / or simulated in a limited space.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a potential buyer can actively participate in the interior furnishing element configuration according to his preferences, so that a richer experience of the potential buyer is created in the selection process, where this selection process in a traditional approach, as known in the art, offers only a more passive participation of the potential buyer.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an adjustable lighting allows to evaluate the appearance of the interior furnishing element under different lighting conditions, such as at different color temperatures of white light.

BE2016 / 0187

The above object is achieved by an apparatus and method according to the present invention.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element, such as a staircase, for use in buildings. The device comprises a support structure corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, the support structure being adapted to removably apply a plurality of finishing elements so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the supporting structure with the plurality of finishing elements. The device further comprises at least two (disjoint) sets of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the support structure. The finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differ in shape, size, interior and / or surface texture, for example to be able to simulate interior furnishing elements, such as stairs, with the same basic structure, e.g. as determined by the supporting structure, with different finishes.

The present invention also relates to a method for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings, such as a staircase. The method comprises providing a support structure corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, wherein the supporting structure is adapted to removably apply multiple finishing elements so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the supporting structure with the plurality of finishing elements. The method also includes providing at least two sets of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the support structure. The finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differ in shape, size, interior and / or surface texture. The method also includes placing the finishing elements of one of the at least two sets on the support structure based on a choice of the corresponding shape, dimensions, interior and / or surface texture to simulate the interior furnishing element.

BE2016 / 0187

Specific and preferred aspects of the invention are included in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and optionally of other dependent claims, as appropriate, and not merely as expressly set out in the claims.

Brief description of the figures

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of multiple support structures in an exemplary showroom arrangement according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of multiple support structures in an exemplary showroom arrangement according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows side views of racks that include support elements for storing the finishing elements in an apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a rack comprising support elements for storing the finishing elements in an apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

The figures are only schematic and not limitative. In the figures, the dimensions of some parts can be exaggerated and not to scale for illustrative purposes. Reference numbers in the claims should not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. In the different figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same or analogous elements. Detailed description of the embodiments

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, however the invention is not limited thereto but is limited only by the claims.

Reference in the present description to "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "embodiments" means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. So,

BE2016 / 0187 occurrence of the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout the specification may not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but they can. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes described and / or shown in group in relation to a single embodiment, for the purpose of streamlined presentation of the disclosure and aiding in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. In any event, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the invention requires more features than stated explicitly in any claim. As the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may be situated in less than all of the features of a single prior disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby explicitly incorporated into this detailed description, with each standalone claim as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein contain some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute various embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art . For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments can be used in any combination.

It is to be noted that the term included, as used in the claims, is not to be construed as limited to the means described in the ema; this term does not exclude other elements or steps. It can therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated characteristics, values, steps or components to which reference is made, but excludes the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, values, steps.

BE2016 / 0187 or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the term a device comprising means A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, A and B are the only relevant components of the device.

Numerous specific details are presented in the description provided here. In any event, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to keep this description clear.

The present invention relates to a device for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device 1 according to embodiments of the present invention. The device 1 comprises a support structure 2 corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element.

The support structure 2 is adapted to apply a plurality of finishing elements 3 in a removable manner, thereby simulating the appearance of the interior furnishing element, for example being demonstrated to a user of the device 1, by combining the supporting structure 2 with the multiple finishing elements 3 .

For example, in an apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, the interior furnishing element to be simulated and / or demonstrated may comprise a fixed furnishing element of a building. In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the interior furnishing element to be simulated and / or demonstrated may comprise a wall covering element, such as a paneling, a floor covering, such as a floor covering built from tile elements, or a structural part of the building design, such as a staircase . Other examples of customizable interior furnishing elements to which embodiments of the present invention may relate may include, for example, bathroom and / or kitchen furnishings.

BE2016 / 0187 δ

Where reference is made in the present description and / or figures to a staircase, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to only simulation and / or demonstration of stairs, but may equally relate to other interior furnishing elements such as the aforementioned examples, without being limited to such specific examples.

In an exemplary device 1, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1, the interior furnishing element to be demonstrated and / or simulated may comprise a staircase, for example the interior furnishing element may be a staircase. The support structure can thus be adapted to provide such stair treads, in a removable manner, so that the appearance of a staircase is simulated by the combination of the support structure 2 with the plurality of finishing elements 3. The support structure can thus be constructed as an under-stair structure, and the spatial configuration may refer to model features of a staircase type, for example a floating staircase, a straight staircase, a staircase with bottom or top quarter, a staircase with several quarters, a spiral staircase, a spiral staircase, or other staircase types known in the art. The supporting structure can further demonstrate fixed features, for example spatial structure-determining elements, of a staircase type, such as the presence or absence of one and / or two railings, the construction of such railings, the presence or absence of one or two stair stringers, the construction of such stair stringers, the presence or absence and / or specific design of a balustrade, for example with a typical design of columns, bars and / or balusters, and similar shape-determining elements of a staircase. The supporting structure may furthermore be representative of a specific dimensioning and / or proportioning of characteristics of a staircase type, such as a width of the steps, a rise, a step and / or a slope.

The multiple finishing elements can herein comprise 3 steps, for example, each finishing element can comprise an individual stair step. For example, each finishing element may comprise, in addition to a stair tread, a riser and / or wellat. The multiple finishing elements may be substantially identical, or at least one of the multiple finishing elements may differ in shape or dimensions from others of the multiple finishing elements. For example, such

BE2016 / 0187 deviating finishing element can be representative of a weltrede of the tap to be simulated and / or demonstrated.

The support structure 2 can be adapted to provide at least four stair steps removably. The supporting structure 2 can be adapted to removably fit exactly four steps, for instance no more than and no less than four steps. Furthermore, each of the sets of finishing elements may comprise four steps, for example no more and no less than four corresponding steps.

However, as already mentioned above, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to stair demonstrators. For example, the support structure may include a suspension for installing paneling or wall cladding panels, or a grating for separating tiles or other floor cladding elements. For example, such grating can be representative of a spatial structure of a floor by defining a joint width, joint design or a laying bond of tiles. Similarly, the support structure can define the shape of a worktop or countertop, which can be modified with transferable and / or slidable finishing elements to simulate the character of a specific implementation.

Where reference is made to the finishing elements, such as finishing elements comprising stair treads, it is not implied that these finishing elements necessarily lead to a functional structure formed by the simulated and / or demonstrated interior furnishing element. For example, a finishing element may have a substantial appearance of a stair tread (for example optionally with riser and / or well), without necessarily having the structural integrity that such a stair tread would be required in practical applications, for example to be able to support a substantial mass support without deformation and / or breakage damage.

For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the finishing element may include a stair tread, such as a stair element useful for cladding a bottom stair or for renovation of an existing stair by covering it. This can offer an advantage in terms of production and availability. In other embodiments of the present invention, it is possible

BE2016 / 0187 finishing element are only superficially similar to the proposed part of the simulated and / or demonstrated interior furnishing element. For example, the finishing element may comprise a stair section, comprising a stair step, wherein this stair section may have a hollow structure or comprise a light-weight structure. For example the finishing element can comprise a foam model, for instance provided with a laminated surface. It is an advantage that the finishing element, in such embodiments, can be easily handled when placed on the support structure and / or stowed away, while still providing a substantially similar appearance as the corresponding portion of the simulated interior furnishing element would provide.

The device 1 further comprises at least two sets 4 of finishing elements, for example two or more mutually disjoint sets, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the supporting structure 2, for example, a user can select one of the sets and the finishing elements which form part of this collection, apply to the supporting structure 2 so as to simulate an interior furnishing element with the spatial structure determined by the supporting structure and the finish determined by the finishing elements.

The finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets of finishing elements 4 differ in shape, size, color and / or surface texture, for example, so that different of these sets can be used to give the supporting structure 2 a substantially different visual character.

On the other hand, the finishing elements of each set of the at least two sets 4 of finishing elements (e.g., the finishing elements of one and the same set) can have substantially the same shape, size, color and surface texture.

The device 1 according to embodiments of the present invention may further comprise one or more racks 10 with brackets, shelves, shelves or similar support elements 11 for storing the at least two sets of finishing elements. The term "rack" is not intended herein to be limiting to a particular type of storage device, and may include, for example, a cabinet, a shelf,

BE2016 / 0187 include a trestle device, a tray, a table, a wall suspension and / or alternative storage systems. Specific embodiments may include further optional elements of storage devices, as known in the art, for example drawers, sliding systems, transparent or non-transparent doors and / or tiltable storage devices.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a rack 10 may include support elements 11 to support the finishing elements so that a corresponding surface of each finishing element is aligned in the same plane when supported by these support elements 11. Preferably, this plane may be a substantially vertically oriented plane relative to a horizontal floor plane on which the rack rests in use. For example, in a device according to embodiments of the present invention to demonstrate and / or simulate a staircase, the corresponding surfaces of each finishing element may be formed by a stair step or riser of that finishing element. It is an advantage of such a configuration that the appearance of the materials, coatings, textures and / or colors corresponding to the different sets of finishing elements can be presented so that they are visible in one plane. It is a further advantage of a vertical orientation of such a surface that floor space can be used efficiently by storing several of the supporting elements one above the other, while they can also be easily accessible for placing on the supporting structure 2.

The device 1 may further comprise an adjustable light source 7 which is arranged above the supporting structure 2. This adjustable light source can be controllable so that different light spectra can be selected to illuminate the multiple finishing elements 3 when applied to the support structure 2. The different light spectra can include, for example, different color choices, for example, by selectable red, green, blue (RGB) color components, or other complementary color components. For example, the different light spectra may include different white light spectra corresponding, for example, to different white light temperatures.

The device 1 according to embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a base surface 5 on or above which the supporting structure 2 is placed.

BE2016 / 0187

The base plane 5 can for instance be at a distance in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm above a floor level 6. For example, the device may include support elements, such as cabinet members, legs or supports, disposed below the base surface, so that this base surface is spaced in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm above a floor level when these support elements are placed in a supportive relationship. floor surface that is at this floor level.

It is an advantage of such an elevated arrangement of this base surface with respect to a floor level that the finishing elements 3 can be applied to and removed from the support structure without requiring significant effort and / or without requiring a deep bending movement.

The base surface 5 can for instance be a horizontal plane, for instance parallel to the ground level, which comprises at least a free surface of 50 cm by 50 cm next to the supporting structure 2, such that floor covering elements can be laid next to the supporting structure on the horizontal plane around a connection of a floor covering with the interior furnishing element.

For example, the supporting structure 2 may be arranged above the base surface 5 such that, when the finishing elements are arranged on the supporting structure, a distance between on the one hand the supporting structure and the finishing elements and on the other hand the base surface of at least 4 mm, such as for instance of at least 6 mm such as, for example, of at least 1 cm, but not more than 2 cm, for example, so that floor covering elements can be laid under the supporting structure on the horizontal plane to simulate a connection of a floor covering with the interior furnishing element.

The supporting structure 2 may be arranged above the base surface 5 such that, when the plurality of finishing elements 3 are arranged on the supporting structure, a distance between on the one hand the lowest applied finishing element on the supporting structure and on the other hand the base surface remains free of at least 4 mm, such as for instance of at least 6 mm, such as, for example, of at least 1 cm, but not more than 2 cm, for example, so that floor covering elements can be placed under the lowest applied finishing element to simulate a connection of a floor covering with the interior furnishing element.

BE2016 / 0187

For example, in a device for demonstrating and / or simulating a staircase, a first step, for example a bottom step, may be higher than the proposed floor, represented by the base plane 5, in order to place a floor part under this first step. Thus, in application of the device, such as in a showroom, a user, for example a potential customer, can bring one or more tiles or floor parts to form in the showroom a substantially truthful visualization of a staircase configuration with a chosen finish in combination with the floor covering of the space where installation of the visualized staircase is intended.

Where reference is made in the present description to a showroom, such as a showroom or showroom device, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this is not necessarily limited to the use of such a showroom device. For example, the device can be substantially suitable for use in a showroom, but can be just as useful as a temporary display at a trade fair or similar event.

Embodiments of the present invention may further relate to a showroom device comprising a plurality of devices 1 according to any preceding claim, said plural devices being adapted for demonstrating and / or simulating similar interior design elements for use in buildings, such as for demonstrating and / or simulate different stair models.

The showroom arrangement may further comprise one or more partitions 12,13, for example as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, to separate the supporting structures 2 from different devices 1. Corresponding features of the spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, determined by the supporting structures 2 of the different furnishing, can be further mirrored on each other by the dividing walls 12, 13.

For example, two stair models, represented by the support structures 2, can be arranged so that both stair models rise to a highest step level adjacent to the partition wall 12, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 13. For example, two stair models, represented by the supporting structures 2, can be arranged so that both stair models rise equally on either side of the

BE2016 / 0187 dividing wall 13, for example rising from a lowest to a highest step level, as shown in FIG. 3.

Each support structure can be separated by two mutually perpendicularly spaced partition walls 12,13 from respectively two support structures of adjacent devices 1. It is an advantage of such a showroom arrangement that an efficient use of floor space is obtained, while each support structure uses separately from adjacent support structures and / or can be viewed. For example, each device 1 may include a separately controllable adjustable light source 7, the dividing walls 12, 13 substantially preventing the light from the light source 7 of one device from affecting the visual perception of an adjacent device.

In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings, such as, for example, a staircase. The method comprises providing a support structure corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, the support structure being adapted to removably apply multiple finishing elements so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the supporting structure with the plurality of finishing elements. For example, the spatial structure of the interior decoration element can include a staircase model. For example, the support structure may include a bottom stage.

The method further comprises providing at least two sets of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the support structure, and the finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differing in shape, dimensions, spacing and / or surface texture. For example, the at least two sets of finishing elements can be provided as sets of finishing elements comprising stair treads.

The method further comprises placing the finishing elements of one of the at least two sets on the support structure based on a choice of the corresponding shape, dimensions, interior and / or surface texture to simulate the interior furnishing element, e.g. the staircase. Placing the

BE2016 / 0187 finishing elements on the supporting structure can thus be adapted to simulate the appearance of a staircase by combining the supporting structure with the multiple finishing elements.

A method according to embodiments of the present invention may further include placing a floor covering element under the lowest step stair to simulate the combination of the simulated step with a floor covering.

A method according to embodiments of the present invention may include exposing the finishing elements placed on the support structure with a light spectrum selected from a plurality of predetermined reference light spectra. The predetermined reference light spectra may include, for example, using a control circuit, a continuum or substantial continuum, or multiple discrete light spectra that may be selected, for example, through a circuit. For example, in an apparatus or method according to embodiments of the present invention, in addition to a spectral choice, a light intensity can be chosen.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be clear, however, however detailed the foregoing appears in text, that the invention can be applied in many ways. It should be noted that the use of certain terminology in describing certain features or aspects of the invention is not to be construed as implying that the terminology is redefined herein to be limited to specific features of the features or aspects of the invention by which this terminology is linked.

BE2016 / 0187

Claims (18)

Conclusions 1. - A device (1) for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings, the device comprising: - a supporting structure (2) corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, the supporting structure being adapted to removably apply several finishing elements (3) so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the supporting structure (2) with the multiple finishing elements (3); - at least two sets of finishing elements (4), each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the supporting structure (2), the finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differing in shape, dimensions, color and / or surface texture, wherein the multiple finishing elements (3) comprise stair treads, and the support structure is adapted to provide the stair treads removably so that the appearance of a staircase is simulated by the combination of the support structure (2) with the multiple finishing elements ( 3). The device according to claim 1, wherein the finishing elements of each set of the at least two sets (4) of finishing elements have substantially the same shape, dimensions, color and surface texture. The device of claim 1, wherein the support structure (2) is adapted to removably accommodate no more than and no less than four steps, and each of the sets of finishing elements comprises four corresponding steps. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more racks (10) with support elements (11) for storing the at least two sets (5) of finishing elements. The device according to claim 4, wherein the support elements (11) are adapted to support the finishing elements such that a corresponding surface BE2016 / 0187 of each finishing element is aligned in the same plane when supported by these supporting elements (11). The device according to claim 5, wherein said surface is a vertically oriented surface relative to a horizontal floor surface on which the rack (10) rests in use. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of finishing elements (3) comprise stair treads and / or risers, and wherein the corresponding surfaces of each finishing element are formed by a stair tread or riser of the corresponding finishing elements. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises an adjustable light source (7) disposed above the support structure and adjustable so that different light spectra can be selected to illuminate the plurality of finishing elements (3) when applied to the carrying structure (2). The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a base surface (5) on or above which the support structure is placed. The device of claim 9, wherein the base plane (5) is spaced in the range of 50 cm to 150 cm above a floor level (6). The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the base surface (5) is a horizontal plane comprising at least a free area of 50 cm by 50 cm next to the supporting structure (2) such that floor covering elements can be laid next to the supporting structure the horizontal plane to simulate a connection of a floor covering with the interior furnishing element. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting structure (2) is arranged above the base surface (5) such that, when the multiple finishing elements (3) are arranged on the supporting structure, a distance between the lowest applied finishing element on the one hand the supporting structure and, on the other hand, the base surface remains free of at least 4 mm, such that floor covering elements can be placed under the lowest applied finishing element in order to simulate a connection of a floor covering with the interior furnishing element. BE2016 / 0187 A showroom device comprising a plurality of devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said multiple devices are adapted for demonstrating and / or simulating similar interior design elements for use in buildings. The showroom device according to claim 13, further comprising one or more partition walls (12; 13) to separate the support structures (2) of different devices (1) from the one or more devices. The showroom arrangement according to claim 14, wherein features of the spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element determined by the support structures (2) of the different arrangements (1) are mirrored to each other by the partition walls (12; 13). 16. - A method for demonstrating and / or simulating an interior furnishing element for use in buildings, the method comprising: - providing a supporting structure (2) corresponding to a spatial configuration of the interior furnishing element, wherein the supporting structure is adapted to removably apply several finishing elements (3) so that the appearance of the interior furnishing element is simulated by the combination of the supporting structure ( 2) with the multiple finishing elements (3); - providing at least two sets (4) of finishing elements, each set of finishing elements being adapted to be applied to the supporting structure (2), the finishing elements of different sets of the at least two sets differing in shape, dimensions, color and / or surface texture; and - placing the finishing elements of one of the at least two sets (4) on the support structure on the basis of a choice of the corresponding shape, dimensions, color and / or surface texture to simulate the interior furnishing element, the at least two sets ( 4) are provided with finishing elements as sets of finishing elements comprising stair treads, and the placement of the finishing elements on the support structure is adapted BE2016 / 0187 to simulate the appearance of a staircase by combining the supporting structure (2) with the multiple finishing elements (3). The method according to claim 16, further comprising placing a floor covering element under the lowest step of the stair to provide the 5 simulate combination of the simulated stairs with a floor covering. The method of any one of claims 16 to 17, further comprising exposing the finishing elements placed on the support structure with a light spectrum selected from a plurality of predetermined reference light spectra. BE2016 / 0187