ITFI20120191A1 - "MULTIFUNCTIONAL FORM" - Google Patents

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL MODULE

Scope of the invention

The technical field of the present invention relates to the realization of a Multifunctional Module consisting of a load-bearing body - which can be assembled by bending its components - and by sub-modules of various types interconnected to it.

The Module can be made of various materials and assume various shapes and various sizes; its volume - indicatively - can vary from 10 cubic decimeters to 10 cubic meters.

The functions of the module are many, as it can be easily integrated with a wide range of sub-modules equipped with various functions. In the small / medium sizes they are that of container and display, but - as we will see later - in the larger ones they expand to become an â € œhabitableâ € module.

Brief notes on the known art

There is an extensive range of containers and displays on the market whose shape is constituted by the assembly by folding of its components.

Just think - in small / medium sizes - of all the product displays in shopping centers or, with smaller sizes, of counter or showcase packaging.

The reference sectors of these articles concern almost all of the product categories: ranging from food to pharmaceutical products, from publishing to housewares, from cosmetics to crafts.

Their constructive logic responds to the need to contain or display a certain product, but it inevitably undergoes radical changes in shape and shape as the type or size of it varies.

Structurally they are often equipped with a load-bearing structure that integrates other components with specific functions - such as display floors, containment compartments, sides, etc., but they are not very versatile to integrate others with different functionality: for example the structure of a potted plants display does not lend itself to integrating a table top with seats.

Furthermore, the current containers / displays, especially in the presence of considerable dimensions, are forced to resort to gluing or jointing systems of various kinds for the assembly of their components, making their assembly impractical by unskilled personnel. , and compromising its reuse.

On the other hand, as regards the field of â € œhabitableâ € modules, the most significant presences are those of playhouses for children, with solutions that favor lightness and ease of assembly, to the detriment of structural stability and the possibility of equipping them with accessories. fixed.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an innovative multifunctional module which solves the aforementioned technical drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional module which is versatile in being able to integrate other modular elements and which does not require the use of gluing during the assembly phase.

These and other objects are therefore achieved with the multifunctional module according to claim 1.

The multifunctional module according to the invention comprises a body (A, B) and one or more sub-modules (D, F1, E1, E2) which can be inserted inside the body (A, B). In particular, the body has one or more corner pieces (B) in the form of a sheet folded in such a way as to form a closed trapezoidal section. Each corner piece (B) is coupled in succession to a wall (A), also in the form of a foldable sheet. The coupling takes place through the insertion of a lateral flap (a8) of the wall (A) into a slot obtained in the sheet that constitutes the corner piece (B), the flap (a8) providing a hole where a fixing pin that connects the wall (A) to the corner (B). Each sub - module (D, F1, E1, E2) that can be inserted in the body is such that, individually (D, F1) or combined with others (E1, E2), it forms at least one end of it (D, E1, E2) trapezoidal that can be modularly interlocked within the space with a complementary trapezoidal section generated by two corner pieces (B) in succession.

The Module adopts a constructive logic that makes it extremely versatile, being able to assume various shapes and sizes.

The load-bearing structure is entrusted to the body, whose assembly takes place through the use of simple pins.

It is integrated with various types of sub-modules that extend the functionality of the module in various application fields.

All the sub-modules are interconnected by their own shape by interlocking with the body, thus being inextricable after assembly, with a guarantee of stability, safety and durability.

The Module can use the same body to meet different needs, using different functional sub-modules.

The types of flat sheets used for the realization of its components are many, making possible a great variety of colors and finishes.

The functional area is twofold: that of the display and containment of various articles and artifacts, in small / medium sizes; that of the “housing” module in the major ones.

In its small size, the module is suitable for containing all kinds and types of objects, such as gifts, cosmetics, perfumes, potted plants, gadgets, etc.

In the medium size the Module can validly exhibit artifacts and articles that need particular prominence, such as fine wines, fashion items, museum exhibits, jewelry, perfumes, etc.

As the volume increases, the module can accommodate more complex and articulated functions.

One of the most interesting applications - described later - is that of â € œcasetta for childrenâ €, equipped with seats, table top, equipped wall and ceiling.

By increasing the volume, you enter the living space, with possible solutions such as study modules, relaxation cabins, vegetable garden in the house, etc.

A large Information Point - described below - to be used in the context of trade fairs, congresses, shopping centers, etc. is also conceivable.

The Multifunctional Module - despite the variety of application solutions, preserves and expresses a structural logic and an innovative volumetric aspect that make it easily distinguishable, and therefore able to offer an innovative solution in the field of communication and image projects coordination of corporate brands.

Brief description of the technical drawings

Figure 1: Shows the various shapes that the Module can take: Irregular prisms - Regular prisms - Regular truncated pyramids - Oblique truncated pyramids. Regular shapes generate equal faces and intersection angles between constant faces, and therefore are preferable as they generate fewer components. From now on, all the schemes, drawings, considerations and descriptions will be aimed at containers with a regular prismatic or truncated pyramid shape, but should be understood as extending also to irregular and oblique ones;

Figure 2: Shows the body of the Module and its components.

It is made up of "n" pairs of components Wall A Angular B, with "n" variable according to the solid chosen to make the container. 3 volumes are shown here: the first is a triangular prism (n = 3); the second is a hexagonal prism (n = 6); the third is a truncated pyramid (n = 4);

Figure 3: With reference to a pentagonal prism volume, it shows the exploded view of the A-Wall component, and of the B-Angular component;

Figure 4: It shows how the interconnection between the two components A and B occurs at two different heights of the Module: upper and intermediate. In detail (4a) (horizontal section at a higher level) we highlight the insertion of the two flaps (a8) inside component B, with an internal pin to be tightened. In detail (4b) (horizontal section at intermediate height) the two edges (b5) come out through component A, with an external pin to be tightened;

Figure 5:

It shows in plan the 2 final stages of the body assembly

The â € œopen bodyâ € comes with the 5 pairs of components (A + B) already interconnected but not yet â € œclosedâ €.

The â € œclosedâ € shell creates a pentagonal prism volume, and â € œincatchesâ € some functional modules inside.

Below are represented the same modules before their insertion;

Figures 6A and 6B:

They show the assembly steps of the module â € œKidboxâ €, children's playhouse 120x120x120;

Figure 7A:

Show the module â € œKidboxâ €, playhouse for children - 120x120x120 â € “Plants / section / elevations;

Figure 7B:

Show the â € œShowBoxâ € module, exhibitor - 120x120x120 â € “Plans / section / prospectuses;

Figure 8:

Show the â € œGreenBoxâ € module, container / display for olive seedlings - cm 24x24x24;

Figure 9:

Show the Module â € œExpoBoxâ €, exhibition information point -cm 300x300x300;

Description of some preferred embodiments

As shown in figure 1, the module object of the invention can take the form of a prism (regular or irregular) or a truncated pyramid (regular or oblique).

The measures of the module can be various, depending on the material used and the use for which it is intended.

However, minimum (10 cubic dm) and maximum (10 cubic m) volumes can be assumed.

The materials used for the construction of the body are plates or flat sheets that are sufficiently flexible to be folded according to predefined lines, and can be of various types: plastic materials, polypropylene, fibrous materials, resins, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, etc.

The connection between the components of the body takes place through the insertion of simple pins, excluding the use of joints of any kind, as well as the use of heat-sealing, adhesives, double scotch tape, adhesive scretch, nuts and bolts, screws, tie rods, pliers , clothespins, bands, laces, cables, ropes, magnets and so on.

The module therefore consists of the following elements detailed below:

a) 1 load-bearing body;

b) Functional sub-modules inserted in the body;

c) Accessory sub-modules;

a) Body

As for example shown in figure 2, the load-bearing body of the module is made up of "n" pairs of components which include a Wall (A) and a Corner (B) and with "n" variable according to the chosen solid.

Again as shown in figure 2, component A can have a continuous surface (see for example wall A3), or have openings of various shapes depending on the specific function performed by the module (see for example wall A2 in figure 2).

The Angular component B has - in general - a continuous surface.

As shown in figure 3, originally both components (A, B) are flat in shape (i.e. in the form of a sheet of any material as mentioned above). However, the sheet is equipped with fold lines which divide them into various sectors and which allow their subsequent modeling into final three-dimensional shapes.

By way of example only, therefore not limiting for the present invention, figure 3 shows in a succession from I to III the folding phase of the angular component B so that starting from a flat sheet, the angular component is obtained Three-dimensional B. Figure 3 therefore shows sectors (b1, b2, b3, b4) to be folded and which make up angular B. The sheet naturally has a symmetry with respect to its longitudinal axis and has slots in the central sector b1 whose function is ̈ explained immediately below.

For each component, the bends are functional to the achievement of two results: the first is to obtain greater rigidity of the component itself, the second is to allow the interconnection of the components.

These two technical effects are obtained structurally as immediately described below. With reference to figure 4, the interconnection between the wall (A) and the corner piece (B) is actually shown. The wall has a flap (a8) - See also figure 3- which is inserted between two halves of the folded corner (B) and is fixed by inserting a pin into the through holes of the flaps (See plan upper part of figure 4). In the intermediate area (see â € œIntermediate dimensionâ € in figure 4) an excess flap (b5) is inserted into the appropriate slot of the sheet (A) and is blocked with a pin.

Blocking is therefore carried out by inserting some peripheral sectors (flaps) of component A inside corresponding openings (slots) present in component B, with subsequent simple insertion of pins to retain the flaps inside the slots.

Both components have some flaps and their own slots to allow the â € œholdingâ € of their own three-dimensional shape; similarly to the interconnection flaps and slots, the use of simple pins is foreseen to guarantee the tightness of the insertion.

The body has a plan - corresponding to components A - of trapezoidal "compartments", where the insertion of functional sub-modules with a corresponding trapezoidal plan is foreseen (see figure 5).

The trapezoidal compartment, again as shown in the section of figure 5, also highlights the logic of coupling between the folded upright and the sheet. In particular, to have trapezoidal-shaped sub-modules receiving compartments, then component B is trapezoidal in shape.

Basically, with reference to the section of figure 5, the space (in horizontal section) between a component B and a subsequent component B is of a trapezoidal shape to allow the complementary insertion of a sub-module also of a trapezoidal shape.

The trapezoidal or "dovetail" shape makes it possible to fit the sub-modules inside the compartments.

In general, the insertion of the sub-modules takes place simultaneously with the assembly of the body, which, once assembled, are immovable, contributing to the solidity of the Module.

In detail, therefore, the body assembly procedure provides for the following:

As mentioned, both the sheets of A and B are divided into sectors of their shape, some of which are peripheral ones responsible for interconnection and are defined as flaps.

The bending of the components is functional to stiffen them and to allow their interconnection.

The stiffening of component A takes place by folding the upper and lower sectors (a2), (a3), (a4), (a5), with the exit of (a5) in A1 and subsequent pinning, to form two elements of the upper beam and lower (see the succession from I to IV of figure 4 relative to sheet A).

Again with reference to figure 3, the stiffening of sector B takes place by folding the right and left lateral sectors (b2), (b3), (b4), (b5) with the flap (b5) coming out through the slot corresponding central element present in (b1) and insertion of a pin in the hole present in b5 to prevent its coming out, to form an angular element (see sequence from I to III of figure 4 relating to B).

The interconnection between the two components takes place through: - the insertion of the flaps (a8) of component A inside the slots present in sector (b1) of component B, by inserting a pin into the slot in the flaps to counteract its leakage (see also reference figure 6A - succession II, III and IV);

- the insertion of the flaps (a6) of component A inside the slots present in sector (b2) of component B (see figure 4).

Once interconnected, the two components are placed side by side, and in horizontal section they have the shape of a regular trapezoid, both with the same height, bases of different sizes and axes of symmetry converging to the center of gravity of the Module

While in component B this shape remains constant for its entire height, in component A it belongs only to the lower and upper parts corresponding to the two â € œtravelsâ €, while in the middle part there is only the thickness of the sector (a1 ).

The compartment in the shape of a prism with a trapezoidal base, contained in a horizontal section by the sides (b2) of two successive modules (B) and by the sector a1 of the component (A) connected to these modules and in a vertical section by the sectors (a4) of this component (A), is the one responsible for inserting the sub modules.

b) Functional sub-modules inserted in the body

As described above, the functional sub-modules remain embedded in the body by their own shape: it is therefore not necessary for them to have flaps or slots to connect to the body components.

Therefore the sub-modules can also be made with techniques and materials different from those adopted for components A and B.

The sub-modules can be used both from the inside of the container and from the outside.

In plan, the shape of the sub-modules can correspond to the trapezoidal compartment housing the body, or protrude towards the inside of the container, or towards the outside, or in both directions.

Regardless of their shape, all the sub-modules must keep in plan a portion corresponding to the trapezoidal housing compartment, so as to maintain the logic of the joint.

Generally speaking, the insertion of the sub-modules takes place simultaneously with the assembly of the body, but there are 2 aspects to consider: the first is that the insertion of the larger submodules performed simultaneously with the assembly of the body can make this last too complex; the second is that any future displacement, removal or replacement of the sub-components would oblige the partial disassembly of the body.

To overcome this, in some cases smaller sub-modules have been conceived to be inserted side by side, each with a plan corresponding to a portion of the trapezoidal housing surface, and therefore extractable see module II - figure 5.

In height, the sub-modules can be of different sizes; they can "saturate" the entire useful height of the trapezoidal housing compartment, or have smaller measurements.

c) Sub accessory functional modules

All those sub-modules that do not respond to the logic of the interlocking in the body of the container are considered accessories.

They can be connected in various ways both to the body and to the functional sub-modules inserted in it, favoring the use of pins.

Similarly to the functional sub-modules inserted in the body, the accessory sub-modules can also be made with techniques and materials different from those adopted for the components.

Multifunctional module: assembly

Module assembly involves a first phase - assembly of the body - and a second phase - assembly of the sub-modules.

The description is provided with reference to the first of the 4 embodiments of the following chapter

Multifunctional Module - Examples of realization

Among the many possible applications, prototypes of 4 types of modules have been developed, all with volumes referable to the cube but of different sizes:

- 1) KidBox - 120x120x120 cm

- 2) Showbox - 120x120x120 cm

- 3) GreenBox - 24x24x24 cm

- 4) ExpoBox - cm 300x300x300

It should be noted that KidBox and ShowBox use the same body, but adopting different functional sub-modules

1) KidBox module

With reference to figure 7a, KidBox can have a prismatic shape with a square, pentagonal or hexagonal plan, but here is presented the version with a square plan and with a height equal to the base side - therefore in the shape of a cube - measuring 120x120x120 cm.

The material chosen to make all its elements - shell-inserted modules and accessory modules - is 7 mm thick corrugated cardboard, which responds well to the required flexibility requirements, as well as those of ductility, lightness, availability, economy, eco-sustainability, fireproofing and printability.

Designed for the elementary / middle school age group, it can be equipped inside with 1 table top, 4 seats, 1 equipped wall and a pyramid-shaped ceiling.

KidBox is very resistant, and can be easily moved by pushing it; if it were to be overturned on its side, its modules would remain integral with the body and would not suffer damage

The surfaces of the components A of the body have a passage space, windows and other slots functional to its use

Kidbox has various application areas: public and private schools, educational areas, educational laboratories, sports environments such as swimming pools and gyms, airport waiting rooms, pediatric hospitals, banks, hotels, museums, private homes, etc.

KidBox consists of the following elements:

- Body: n ° 4 components A n ° 4 components B

- Sub-modules inserted in the body: Equipped wall D, Seats E, Table top F1.

- Accessory sub-modules: Floor C, Table frame F2, Celino G.

The assembly steps are explained in Figure 6A and Figure 6B.

With reference to figures 6a and 6b: the 2 components A are prepared by bending the sectors a2 a3 a4 and a5 pushing the extreme edges from the outside â € “so as to form 2 â € œbeamsâ €, one upper and one lower â € "(6a I).

The 2 components A are placed side by side, by bending the respective edges a8 at 90 ° and making them fit together - (6a II).

An angular component B is superimposed on the 2 components A, inserting the 2 pairs of flaps a8 in the 2 vertical slots present in b1, pinning them from the insideâ € “(6a III).

The corner B is closed on itself - giving it stiffness - by bending the sectors b2, b3 and b4, and then making its matching edges b5 come out from the central vertical slot in b1 and then pinning them from the outside - ( 6a IV).

In this way, all the angles and walls are linked together - (6a V) - taking care to insert the edges a6 into the horizontal slots present in b2.

The last connection between 2 contiguous components A and component B cannot take place as described above, but by inserting the 2 pairs of flaps a8 in the slots of the already "closed" component B, and then pin these pairs by inserting â € “from the ™ top and bottom - the hand and arm inside the corner.

Before the last connection, the equipped wall D sub-modules and 4 seats E - (6a VI) are inserted. It should be noted that the sub-modules (for example table F1) have a trapezoidal connection appendix (D) that fits perfectly with the trapezoidal shape in plan of the insertion seat, thus avoiding accidental spillage while not using glues or other adhesives. permanent.

The F1 table top sub-module can also be inserted with the shell closed, by rotating it along its longitudinal axis - (6b VII - VIII)

The assembly of the body has been completed - (6b IX - X - XI). When the body is â € œclosedâ €, the accessory modules Floor C, Table frame F2 and Ceiling G are connected (ref figure 7a).

2) ShowBoxBox module

Designed for the commercial sector - Figure 7b Available in corrugated cardboard sheets - cm 120x120x120

3) GreenBox module

Green sector - Figure 8

Available in cardboard with custom graphics - 24x24x24 cm

4) ShowBoxBox module

Designed for the exhibition sector (see figure 9).

Available in high thickness polypropylene sheets - 300x300x300 cm

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A multifunctional module comprising a body (A, B) and one or more sub-modules (D, F1, E1, E2) that can be inserted into the body (A, B) and characterized by the fact that the body includes one or more corner pieces (B) in the form of a sheet folded in such a way as to form a closed section of trapezoidal shape, each corner section (B) coupled in succession to a wall (A) in the form of a foldable sheet through the insertion of a lateral flap (a8 ) of the wall (A) within a slot obtained in the sheet that constitutes the corner piece (B), the flap (a8) providing a hole where a fixing pin is applied which connects the wall (A) to the corner piece (B ), and in which each sub - module (D, F1, E1, E2) that can be inserted in the body is such that, individually (D, F1) or combined with others (E1, E2), it forms at least one of its extremities (D, E1, E2) with a trapezoidal shape such that it can be modularly inserted into the space with a complementary trapezoidal section generated by two angles ri (B) in succession. 2. A multifunctional module, according to claim 1, in which the body defines a closed perimeter. 3. A multifunctional module, according to claim 1 or 2, in which a succession of corner-wall-corner connection is provided. 4. A multifunctional module, according to one or more preceding claims, in which the sheet (A) has upper and lower folding sectors (a2, a3, a4, a5) so as to form two upper and lower beam elements, the folding foreseeing the exit of (a5) from a slot of (a1) and subsequent pinning. 5. A multifunctional module, according to one or more preceding claims, in which the corner piece (B) includes a plurality of foldable sectors (b1, b2, b3, b4) and two external flaps (b5) arranged so that when the corner piece is folded back on itself to obtain the trapezoidal shape said two edges (b5) come out mating from a central vertical slot obtained in the central sector (b1) of the corner piece (B) and pinned by the external. 6. A multifunctional module, according to one or more preceding claims, in which the sub-modules are shaped in such a way as to take the form of a table and / or seats. 7. The use of a multifunctional module, according to one or more preceding claims from 1 to 6, to obtain: 1) A play house for children; 2) An exhibition box for objects and plants in general. 8. A method for composing a multifunctional module, comprising the operations of: a) Arrangement of one or more corner pieces (B) in the form of a folded sheet in such a way as to be able to form a closed section of trapezoidal shape each corner; b) Arrangement of one or more walls (A), each corner piece (B) coupled in succession to a wall (A) by inserting a side flap (a8) of the wall (A) into a slot obtained in the sheet which it constitutes the corner piece (B), the edge (a8) providing a hole where a fixing pin is applied which connects the wall (A) to the corner piece (B); c) Preparation and insertion within the body of one or more sub-modules, each sub - module (D, F1, E1, E2) being such that at least, individually or in combination with one or more sub-modules, a its extremity (D, E1, E2) assumes a trapezoidal shape such as to be modularly inserted within the space with a complementary trapezoidal section generated by two corner pieces (B) in succession. 9. A method, according to claim 8, in which the operations of: Preparation of two walls (A) next to each other and 90 ° bending of the respective edges (a8) making them fit together in contact with each other; Overlapping of a sheet of corner component (B) in such a way that the two pairs of flaps (a8) fit into the two vertical slots present in the corner sheet and insert the pins for fixing; Closing the corner piece (B) on itself by folding the sectors (b2, b3 and b4) and then letting its matching edges (b5) come out from the central vertical slot in (b1) formed by two sheets (A) placed side by side and insert of pins from the outside; Continuation of the connection by concatenating all the angles and walls together. 10. A method, according to claim 9, in which, after the step of preparing two side-by-side walls (A), the folding operation of their sectors (a2, a3, a4, a5) is further provided to constitute two beams, one of which is upper and one lower, the fixing foreseeing the insertion of pins from the outside into holes provided in the extreme edges of the last sector.