EP2453076A1

EP2453076A1 - Professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like

Info

Publication number: EP2453076A1
Application number: EP11189163A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo Turri
Original assignee: Starpool Srl
Current assignee: Starpool Srl
Priority date: 2010-11-16
Filing date: 2011-11-15
Publication date: 2012-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2031-11-15
Also published as: EP2453076B1; IT1403487B1; ITVR20100215A1

Abstract

A professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like, comprising an access wall (2) fitted with a door (3), allowing access to the inside of the cabin (1), a plurality of lateral walls (4) coupled to each other and to the access wall (2), and a roof (5) in turn being coupled to the lateral walls (4) and to the access wall (2); at least one of the lateral walls (4) comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules (14) mounted on top of each other, each module forming a horizontal band in the wall and substantially forming the entire thickness of the related wall; each module also comprises a first finishing layer (9) at a first face of it which is towards the inside of the cabin (1); the roof (5) in turn comprises a plurality of prefabricated components (27) which are drawn near each other, each substantially forming the entire thickness of the roof (5) and comprising a second finishing layer at a lower face of it which is towards the inside of the cabin (1).

Description

This invention relates to a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like.
The cabins to which this invention relates are mainly those intended for insertion in wellbeing centres (health spas). In general they are closed structures forming a compartment in which it is possible to create the desired environmental condition (for example, intense dry heat for saunas, etc.).
Therefore, the cabins normally comprise an access wall fitted with a door, a plurality of lateral walls connected to the access wall and to each other, and a roof. In some cases they may also comprise their own floor, whilst in others they use the floor of the room in which they are installed. At present, professional cabins are mainly made by assembling five prefabricated parts, the four lateral walls and the roof.
It is easy to imagine how this construction method had significant disadvantages in particular regarding relatively large cabins, whose transportation to the installation site may be difficult, if not impossible. Consequently, in the case of relatively large walls, the various companies which make the product are currently obliged to divide the walls into two or more pieces which must then be drawn near each other vertically during installation.
However, consequently, to guarantee a good end result, each installation requires the presence onsite of highly specialised personnel who are perfectly familiar with the construction technique for the cabins so as to guarantee correct assembly of the various pieces.
Second, such a construction method means that for the makers it is almost impossible to standardise cabin production and assembly operations. Each unit is entirely designed and built to measure.
In this context the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
In particular, the technical purpose of this invention is to provide a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like which allows simplification of cabin production and assembly procedures, allowing greater standardisation of them.
A further technical purpose of this invention is to provide a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like which allows simplification of cabin installation at the premises of the end customer, making this possible even using personnel who are not particularly specialised, at the same time guaranteeing a certain ease of transportation.
The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like as described in the appended claims.
Further features and the advantages of this invention are more apparent in the detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several preferred, nonlimiting embodiments of a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view, without the roof, of a cabin made in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the cabin of Figure 1 with the roof;
Figure 3 is a schematic front view from inside the cabin, of the left lateral wall of the cabin of Figure 1, also showing the bench positioned inside the cabin and with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;
Figure 4 is a view of only the lateral wall of Figure 3 as it actually appears;
Figure 5 is a schematic front view from inside the cabin, of the right lateral wall of the cabin of Figure 1, also showing the bench and counter positioned inside the cabin and with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;
Figure 6 is a view of only the lateral wall of Figure 5 as it actually appears;
Figure 7 is a schematic front view from inside the cabin, of the back lateral wall of the cabin of Figure 1, also showing the bench and counter positioned inside the cabin and with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;
Figure 8 is a view of only the lateral wall of Figure 7 as it actually appears;
Figure 9 is a schematic front view from inside the cabin, of the access wall of the cabin of Figure 1, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;
Figure 10 is a view of the access wall of Figure 9 as it actually appears;
Figure 11 is a plan view, in cross-section just below the roof, of an alternative embodiment of the cabin of Figure 1;
Figure 12 is a plan view, in cross-section just below the roof, of a second cabin made according to this invention;
Figure 13 is a plan view, in cross-section just below the roof, of a third cabin made according to this invention;
Figures 14 and 15 are two different embodiments of the roof of the cabin of Figure 13;
Figure 16 is an axonometric three-quarter view, partly in cross-section, of a first part of a wall of a cabin made according to this invention;
Figure 17 is an axonometric exploded view of a module which can be used in the first part of the wall illustrated in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a side view of the first part of the wall of Figure 16;
Figure 19 is an enlarged view of a detail from Figure 18;
Figure 20 is an axonometric view of a second part of a wall of made according to this invention;
Figure 21 shows only a first portion of the second part of the wall of Figure 20; and
Figure 22 shows only an exploded view of a second portion of the second part of the wall of Figure 20.

With reference to the accompanying drawings the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like, made in accordance with this invention.
Similarly to the prior art cabins, the cabin according to this invention comprises an access wall 2 fitted with a door 3, allowing access to the inside of the cabin 1, a plurality of lateral walls 4 coupled to each other and to the access wall 2, and a roof 5 in turn being coupled to the lateral walls 4 and to the access wall 2.
Figures 1 and 2, for example, illustrate the case of a cabin 1 for saunas which has a square plan, in which several pieces of furniture are mounted comprising a two-step bench 6 opposite the access door 3 and a counter 7 connected to the upper step of the bench 6 (with which it is superiorly coplanar) located on the right upon entering the cabin 1. The counter 7 also forms an open-topped housing in which the stove 8 is inserted which, during operation, heats the inside of the cabin 1.
Figures 4, 6, 8 and 10 show each wall (lateral or access) of the cabin 1 seen from inside the cabin 1 itself. As can be seen, the back lateral wall 4 (opposite the door 3) and the left lateral wall 4, and the access wall 2 (the latter except for the doorway for the door 3) are almost entirely covered with a first finishing layer 9 which, preferably, comprises a set of strips 10 of wood which are positioned according to a predetermined pattern. In contrast, in the case of the right lateral wall 4, two parts can be identified, a first part 11 (on the left in Figure 6) covered like the other walls, and a second wall 12 (on the right in Figure 7) which is covered, but not completely, with a covering layer 13 made of a different material. In the preferred embodiment that material is glass.
Figures 3, 5, 7 and 9 show the same walls respectively as Figures 2, 4, 6 and 8 but in them on one hand the furniture inside the cabin 1 is also shown, and on the other the structure of the various walls according to this invention is highlighted. The various strips 10 of the first finishing layer 9 are in fact substituted with a set of panels each having a shape and size corresponding to that of an underlying prefabricated module 14.
Indeed, according to this invention, at least one of the lateral walls 4 of the cabin 1, but advantageously all of them, as in Figure 3 to 10, comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules 14 mounted on top of each other in such a way that each module 14 forms a horizontal band in the related wall (Figures 3, 5, 7 and 9).
Figures 3 to 10 also show how in the embodiment illustrated each wall also comprises a stiffening frame 15 forming its lateral edges and the upper edge. The frame 15 comprises three rigid bars which are connected to each other at the ends so as to form a sort of portal around the various modules 14. In any case, in a further preferred embodiment, the stiffening frame 15 may even not be present. In that case, stiffening of the various walls 2, 4 is guaranteed by their fixing to each other and to the roof. Finally, in other embodiments, the stiffening frame 15 may comprise exclusively vertical bars or horizontal bar. Moreover, advantageously, if present, the stiffening frame 15 is also used for connecting the various walls to each other. Returning to the portion of wall comprising the prefabricated modules 14, a further example according to a different embodiment is illustrated in Figures 16 to 19. That embodiment differs from the one in Figures 3 to 10 solely as regards the shape and arrangement of the strips 10 of the first finishing layer 9.
Figure 16 shows a portion of wall which may correspond for example to the first part 11 of the wall of Figure 6. It is obtained by joining three prefabricated modules 14 which are all identical and mounted on top of each other.
Figure 17 shows the structure of a module 14 which can be used for example in the portion of wall of Figure 16. First, it comprises a rigid supporting structure 16 comprising for example four beams mounted to form a framework. To increase the mechanical strength, the ends of the vertical beams are coupled to a side of the horizontal beams. Inserted within the framework there is a layer of thermal insulation 17 which in Figures 16 and 17 is shown to be narrower than the framework but which may also have a width equivalent to it, as shown for example in Figures 11 to 13. Coupled to the two main faces of the framework there is the first finishing layer 9 described above and a cladding layer 18 on the outside.
Moreover, advantageously, each module 14 comprises coupling means 19 for coupling to the other modules 14. In the embodiment in Figures 16 to 19, the rigid structure 16 comprises along its entire outer perimeter a groove 20 which in practice acts as a female element, into which male elements 21 may be inserted, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, where the male elements 21 are inserts which are separate from both modules 14. During installation, said male elements 21 either may or may not be fixed to one or both of the modules 14. However, in other embodiments the male elements 21 may have been fixed in advance in the upper or lower groove 20 of each rigid structure 16.
Moreover, as shown in Figure 17, it is also possible to insert in each module 14 tubes 22 designed to allow the laying of any type of system (electric, sound, etc.). At each tube, the rigid structure 16 may comprise suitable cavities 23 at the perimetric groove 20.
As shown in Figure 9, in the preferred embodiment the access wall 2, like the lateral walls 4, also comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules 14 mounted on top of each other, each module forming a horizontal band in the access wall 2.
Depending on the embodiments, the door 3 of the access wall 2 (only visible in Figure 11, while the other figures only show the doorway for the door 3) may be mounted either on one side of the access wall 2 (Figures 11 and 12) or at an intermediate portion of it (Figures 1 and 13). In the former case the access wall 2 comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules 14 on only one side of the access door 3; in the latter case on both sides. Moreover, advantageously, each module 14 has a length substantially equal to the related portion of wall positioned to the side of the access door 3, that is to say, substantially equal to the distance between the door 3 and the corner of the cabin 1.
Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 8, at least one of the lateral walls 4 is practically entirely covered with the first finishing layer 9. In this case each module 14 has a horizontal length which substantially corresponds to the length of the entire wall (see Figures 3 and 7).
However, as already indicated, at the same time preferably at least one of the walls (lateral or access) comprises at least a first part 11 and a second part 12 which are positioned side by side vertically (Figure 6 shows the case of a lateral wall 4). As seen, the first part 11 has a structure similar to that of the other walls, since it comprises a plurality of vertically superposed modules 14, each with a length substantially equal to the horizontal length of the first part 11. In contrast, the second part 12 is at least partly covered by a covering layer 13 which is advantageously made of glass. The stove 8 is positioned at and in front of the second part 12. The second part 12 in turn forms a single element whose height substantially corresponds to the height of the cabin 1, and which advantageously also substantially forms the entire thickness of the related wall located at it.
Some aspects of the second part 12 are illustrated in Figures 20 to 22. In particular, Figure 20 shows an assembled view of it, while Figures 21 and 22 show several pieces of it. In fact, similarly to the modules 14, the panel which forms the second part 12 comprises a framework structure 24 (Figure 22) on which an infill panel 25 is mounted (advantageously made of plasterboard) coupled to the covering layer 13. Insulating material can be fitted inside the framework.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 10, the modules 14 of each wall or portion of wall are all identical. In contrast, in the case of the embodiment of Figure 16, although all having the same size the various modules 14 differ regarding the shape and arrangement of the various strips 10. In the embodiment in Figures 3 to 10, advantageously, the upper and lower side of each module 14 substantially coincide with a line for drawing near the strips 10 according to the related pattern, so that the joints 26 between the various modules 14 are substantially hidden from view from inside the cabin 1. In contrast, in the case in Figure 16, the same result is obtained by preparing a partial co-penetration of the first finishing layers 9 of the various modules 14 (for example, with male - female coupling), which covers the underlying joint 26.
According to a further aspect of this invention, the roof 5 of the cabin 1 in turn comprises a plurality of prefabricated components 27 which are drawn near each other, each prefabricated component substantially forming the entire thickness of the roof 5 and comprising a second finishing layer at a lower face of it which is towards the inside of the cabin 1.
The structure of the individual components 27 of the roof 5 is not illustrated in detail, since it is similar to that of the modules 14 of the walls previously described.
Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2, 14 and 15, the components 27 of the roof 5 are positioned side by side according to a direction parallel with one of the walls of the cabin 1, and each component is mounted bridge-style on two opposite walls which are located on either side of the wall with which it is parallel. Moreover, preferably the components 27 of the roof 5 are all identical.
Depending on requirements, the number of components 27 (like that of the modules 14 in the walls) may vary as necessary. By way of example, Figures 14 and 15 show how the same roof 5 can be obtained using three or four components 27.
It should also be noticed that in the preferred embodiment in which the cabins are saunas, both the first and the second finishing layers are made of wood.
Finally, depending on requirements, the cabin 1 may be mounted on the floor of the room in which it is installed, or it may be equipped with its own floor (solution not illustrated). In the latter case, the floor may advantageously be obtained by joining two or more modular platforms having a shape similar to that of the components 27 of the roof 5.
This invention brings important advantages.
First, thanks to this invention it was possible to simplify cabin production and assembly procedures, allowing their greater standardisation.
Second, even cabin installation operations at the premises of the end customer are absolutely simplified, so that installation can be performed quite rapidly even using personnel who are not particularly specialised. However, at the same time transportation of the various pieces of which the cabin is composed is easy even in existing buildings.
Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementing the invention is not very high.
The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.

Claims

A professional cabin for wellbeing treatments such as saunas and the like, comprising an access wall (2) fitted with a door (3), allowing access to the inside of the cabin (1), a plurality of lateral walls (4) coupled to each other and to the access wall (2), and a roof (5) in turn being coupled to the lateral walls (4) and to the access wall (2), at least one of the lateral walls (4) comprising a plurality of prefabricated modules (14) mounted on top of each other, each module (14) forming a horizontal band in the wall and substantially forming the entire thickness of the related wall, characterised in that
each module (14) comprises a first finishing layer (9) at a first face of it which is towards the inside of the cabin (1), the first finishing layer (9) of each module (14) being positioned in such a way that the joints (26) between the various modules (14) are substantially hidden from view from the inside of the cabin (1).
The cabin according to claim 1, characterised in that the first finishing layer (9) of each module (14) comprises a plurality of strips (10) which are drawn near each other according to a predetermined pattern.
The cabin according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least each lateral wall (4) comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules (14) mounted on top of each other, each module (14) forming a horizontal band in the respective wall.
The cabin according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterised in that the access wall (2) also comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules (14) mounted on top of each other, each module (14) forming a horizontal band in the access wall (2).
The cabin according to claim 4, characterised in that the door (3) is mounted at one side of the access wall (2) or respectively at an intermediate portion of it, and also being characterised in that the access wall (2) in turn comprises a plurality of prefabricated modules (14) on only one side of the access door (3) or respectively on both sides of the access door (3), each module (14) having a length substantially equal to the related portion of wall located at the side of the access door (3).
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one of the lateral walls (4) is practically entirely covered with the first finishing layer (9) and also being characterised in that each module (14) has a horizontal length which substantially corresponds to the length of the entire wall.
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one of the walls also comprises at least a first part (11) and a second part (12) which are positioned side by side vertically, the first part (11) comprising the modules (14) each having a length substantially equal to the horizontal length of the first part (11), and the second part (12) being at least partly covered with a covering layer (13).
The cabin according to claim 7, characterised in that the second part (12) forms a single element whose height substantially corresponds to the height of the cabin (1), and forming substantially the entire thickness of the related wall located at it.
The cabin according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that it also comprises at least one stove (8) positioned inside it, at and in front of the second part (12).
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the first and/or the second finishing layers are made of wood.
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each wall also comprises a stiffening frame (15) forming at least its lateral edges and, if necessary, the upper edge.
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each module (14) comprises a rigid supporting structure (16), the first finishing layer (9) and at least one thermal insulation layer (17).
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each module (14) comprises coupling means (19) for coupling to the other modules (14).
The cabin according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the roof (5) in turn comprises a plurality of prefabricated components (27) which are drawn near each other, each prefabricated component (27) substantially forming the entire thickness of the roof (5) and comprising a second finishing layer at a lower face of it which is towards the inside of the cabin (1).
The cabin according to claim 14, characterised in that the components (27) of the roof (5) are positioned side by side according to a direction parallel with one of the walls of the cabin (1), and also being characterised in that each component (27) is mounted bridge-style on two opposite walls which are located on either side of the wall with which it is parallel.