US20240229500A1

US20240229500A1 - Tentered multifunctional decorative element

Info

Publication number: US20240229500A1
Application number: US18/287,985
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl-Heinz Köhler
Original assignee: Berliner Seilfabrik GmbH and Co
Current assignee: Berliner Seilfabrik GmbH and Co
Priority date: 2021-05-19
Filing date: 2022-05-11
Publication date: 2024-07-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional decorative element. It is formed by a support structure and at least two tension rods, which are inserted into corresponding receptacles of the support structure. The at least two tension rods are connected to a sheet element and tenter it in a planar manner after being inserted into the corresponding receptacles of the support structure. In this way, a multifunctional decorative element is provided which can be transported in a dismantled and thus compact form and can be set up at the place of use. Possible areas of application are shading from the sun, providing privacy, or just providing a decorative function.

Description

The invention relates to a multifunctional decorative element comprising a support structure and at least two tension rods, which are inserted into corresponding receptacles of a support structure and thereby tenter a sheet element connected thereto.
Various kinds of decorative elements are known. Many of them also have another function in addition to their decorative purpose, such as providing privacy and/or shading from the sun. Decorative elements of this kind often have to cover large areas, and therefore they are difficult to handle and transport. It would therefore be advantageous if multifunctional planar decorative elements could be available in a form which allows for easy handling and transport.
The object of the invention is therefore to propose a multifunctional decorative element of this kind which can be transported and provided in a compact form. Preferably, it should be possible to put it into its use form in a rapid and simple manner.
The object of the invention is achieved by a multifunctional decorative element according to Claim 1. Further preferred configurations of the invention are clear from the remaining features set out in the dependent claims.
A multifunctional decorative element according to the invention is formed by a support structure, at least two tension rods, two spaced-apart receptacles, and a sheet element, wherein

- the receptacles are formed as part of the support structure and/or are arranged thereon,
- the at least two tension rods are longer than the spacing between the two spaced-apart receptacles,
- the receptacles are formed to receive the at least two tension rods,
- the at least two tension rods are connected to the sheet element, and
- the sheet element is tentered in a planar manner by the arrangement of the at least two tension rods in the receptacles.

The multifunctional decorative element is therefore formed by separate elements which, when assembled, form the decorative element in its use form. First, a support structure is provided which forms the basis for the decorative element. It can be formed in one piece or in several pieces, as will be demonstrated.
The decorative element comprises two receptacles, which are spaced apart. This spacing defines the size of the decorative element. The receptacles can be part of the support structure, i.e. can be formed therefrom and/or therein, or can be arranged thereon, i.e. can be subsequently detachably or non-detachably connected thereto, for example. For instance, the receptacles can for example be made of or formed by a metal material and, if the support structure is also made of or formed by a metal material, can be welded thereto. Fitting and fixing by means of a screw makes it possible to arrange receptacles on the support structure. The receptacle can be an injection-molded part made of or comprising a fiberglass reinforced plastics material, for example.
The decorative element is also formed by at least two tension rods. These tension rods are inserted into receptacles, which receptacles thus receive the at least two tension rods. To accomplish this, each receptacle has to have enough openings, holes, bushes, or the like (also called receiving regions in the following) that one end of the at least two tension rods can be inserted into the receptacle in each case. In addition, the receptacles have to be oriented such that the at least two tension rods can be retained or received by both receptacles simultaneously.
The at least two tension rods are longer than the spacing between the receptacles. Therefore, they deform during and after insertion into the receptacles and bulge apart in the direction of least resistance. This direction can be influenced by the orientation of the receptacles and the individual receiving regions for each of the tension rods. Therefore, it is also advantageous for the at least two tension rods to be made of a sufficiently flexible material.
The at least two tension rods are further connected to a sheet element. This is understood to be an element having a substantially planar extension and a very low thickness in comparison therewith. In this case, the sheet element in particular does not have to be flat in the use position, but instead can be in any form resulting from the interaction of the components of the decorative element according to the invention. The tension rods are preferably each connected to the edge regions of the sheet element, wherein the connection can be formed to be detachable or non-detachable.
By inserting the at least two tension rods into the two receptacles, the sheet element connected to the tension rods is tentered or spread apart in a planar manner. In this case, it extends between the at least two tension rods and thus forms a sheet. In order for it to be possible to tenter this sheet element, it therefore has to be formed to be sufficiently flexible and optionally resilient so that it can be inserted into the decorative element when it is assembled.
When assembled, the thus formed decorative element forms a planar decorative element, which can be used for shading from the sun and/or providing privacy, inter alia. The sheet element can be printed or dyed as desired in order to provide the desired decorative effect but also to ensure shading from the sun and/or privacy.
In a first preferred configuration of the decorative element according to the invention, the receptacles are each formed at at least one angle relative to the support structure, which specifies the orientation of the at least two tension rods. Each of the receptacles receives at least two tension rods. Therefore, one or more angles can be provided at which the at least two tension rods are intended to be received and which then influence the extension of the at least two tension rods between the receptacles. The receptacles, by way of their orientation as a whole relative to the support structure, as well as the receiving regions, i.e. the openings, holes, bushes, or the like, into which the at least two tension rods are inserted, can therefore each form at least one angle relative to the support structure, which then specifies the orientation of the at least two tension rods.
Optionally, one or both receptacles can be configured such that the at least one angle is adjustable, i.e. modifiable. This can be accomplished for example in that a receptacle comprises at least one hinged bush for receiving at least one tension rod and this hinged bush can be locked at the desired angle.
If the decorative elements according to the invention are used outdoors, they are subjected to wind loads. Other external influences can also result in deformations which can damage the decorative element, for example it not being transported properly when assembled.
In order to accommodate these movements and deformations, the receptacles should be movably mounted. This can in particular include hinged mounting of the receptacles, but also displacements. This allows the tension rods and the sheet element to have a certain amount of movement relative to one another and a certain amount of deformation owing to wind or other influences, such that the tension rods can be prevented from breaking and/or the sheet element can be prevented from tearing.
For example, the movable mounting can be designed such that a receptacle comprises at least one hinged bush for receiving at least one tension rod, which also remains movable, i.e. rotatable and/or displaceable, after the tension rod or tension rods is/are inserted. Preferably, this can be combined with the above-mentioned configuration of the invention in which an angle of the receptacle(s) is formed and in particular can be set for the tension rod(s).
If the decorative element is to be modeled on the shape of a leaf, for example, in which the support structure forms the leaf stem and two tension rods delimit and contour the leaf at the sides, the angle at the tip of the leaf could be formed to be less than 45° relative to the support structure and the angle on the underside of the leaf could be formed to be greater than 45°.
Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the at least two tension rods used can be determined by their length. The longer the at least two tension rods, the more they bulge apart in the use position of the decorative element. The length of the at least two tension rods can therefore predetermine the degree to which the sheet element is spread apart.
In this case, the at least two tension rods can be the same length, but can also be different lengths.
In particular by way of the combination of the at least one angle of the receptacles and the length of the at least two tension rods, the shape or contour of the decorative element can be adjusted in a targeted manner. By means of a suitable selection of the length of the at least two tension rods, the spacing between the receptacles, and the material of the at least two tension rods, the outer shape, i.e. the contour, can be very accurately predefined and influenced. On the basis of the material and the material stiffness of the sheet element, the extension of the tentered sheet of the decorative element occurs, which can accordingly also be varied on the basis of these parameters.
It may be desirable for the decorative element to have an organic shape. For example, this can be achieved by the support structure forming a hyperbolic axis for the decorative element and/or the sheet element forming a hyperbolic paraboloid surface between the receptacles and the highest points of two tension rods.
In the first alternative of this configuration of the decorative element according to the invention, it is therefore provided that the support structure extends in the shape of a hyperbola. A hyperbola of this kind is considered to be an organic shape by the observer. Positioning the receptacles and the position of the sheet element relative to the hyperbolically shaped support structure thus results in an organic shape of the decorative element, which may correspond to a leaf, for example. In this case, the sheet element can be arranged such that it is tentered between the end points or two points along the hyperbola by means of the receptacles and the maximum hyperbola is directed away from the sheet element. The sheet element can, however, also be arranged by means of the receptacles such that it is deformed or hyperbolically shaped simply by the hyperbolic shape of the support structure.
In the second alternative, the positions and orientations of the receptacles and the shaping of two tension rods, in particular the highest points thereof in their bending direction, result in a hyperbolic paraboloid surface. In this case, this alternative is applicable to a configuration having two tension rods. Hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces are also known as saddle surfaces. Owing to their curved appearance, a surface shaped in this way is perceived as being organic and harmonious. This is achieved by the selection of the angles at which the two tension rods are oriented away from the support structure at both receptacles and the resulting highest points of the bulging-apart tension rods. In the same way, the length of the tension rods and the spacing between the receptacles on the support structure need to be selected accordingly. Advantageously, the configuration of the shape of this surface can be assisted by the sheet element being arranged such that a hyperbolically pre-shaped support structure influences the shaping of the sheet element. It is also beneficial for the tension rods to be connected to the sheet element over almost their entire length, so that the outer edge of the sheet element follows the shape of the tension rods as closely as possible.
An alternative or additional influence on the shaping of the decorative element and in particular the sheet element occurs if the sheet element is to be guyed against the receptacles. As already stated, the sheet element needs to be flexible in order to be inserted into the decorative element. In order to compensate for this flexibility or even elasticity and to prevent the sheet element from sagging, but primarily to influence the shaping of the tentered sheet element, the sheet element is intended to be guyed against the receptacles. The receptacles form the fixing points for the at least two tension rods and thus also the sheet element. Therefore, they are suitable as an anchor point for the guying of the sheet element. This can in particular be implemented by means of at least one rope and one corresponding tension screw and/or by means of at least one rope and one corresponding eye, wherein the at least one rope is part of the sheet element.
Here, in the region close to the receptacle, the sheet element is intended to comprise a rope, which can be sewn, welded, or bonded to the sheet element and thus becomes a part thereof. Corresponding to the at least one rope, a tension screw is intended to be provided on the receptacle, around which the rope is guided. In this process, the tension screw comes into engagement with the rope such that, when the tension screw is turned, the rope is tightened or slackened depending on the turning direction, and therefore so is the sheet element. The sheet element can comprise more than one rope, but a corresponding tension screw should be provided for each rope.
Alternatively, the receptacle can also comprise an eye corresponding to the rope, wherein a plurality of ropes are certainly also able to be guided through an appropriately dimensioned eye. The at least one rope is guided through the eye and is tightened and then locked in place, for example by knots or a locking clamp. In this way, the sheet element can also be tentered.
This configuration is also advantageous if the sheet element is made to yield more by solar radiation and/or a long service life, such that the original form can be restored by re-tightening the sheet element.
The sheet element is preferably formed by a textile material, in particular canvas, or a film. Textile materials have a high level of versatility. They can be manufactured in any shape and size, and, particularly if canvas is selected, they are extremely durable. Canvas is usually a densely and tightly woven fabric which is then impregnated and is thus also stabilized. This therefore makes canvas highly dimensionally stable and tear-resistant. Canvas is likewise usually weather-resistant and UV-resistant, which makes a positive contribution to the suitability of the decorative element for providing privacy and/or shading from the sun.
Other textile materials can also be used. Their selection is dependent on the requirements placed on the decorative element. For instance, the weave density and/or the thickness of the textile material can influence how opaque the sheet element is or how much shading from the sun it can provide. Impregnation may be useful for increasing the weather protection of the sheet element.
Textile materials also have the advantage that they can be dyed or printed as desired. This also applies to films. In the same way as textile materials, films can be provided in any shape and size. Depending on the conditions in which the decorative element is used, fiber reinforcement can be provided to increase the stability and optionally also the longevity of the sheet element.
According to a preferred configuration of the decorative element according to the invention, irrespective of the material selected for the sheet element, the connection of the sheet element to the at least two tension rods and/or on the support structure can be established by means of a hook-and-loop fastener and/or snap fasteners. In this case, the sheet element is intended to be formed to have hook-and-loop fasteners, by means of which tension rods and sheet elements can be interconnected, for example by the sheet element surrounding or at least partially surrounding the tension rods by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. In the same way, the sheet element can be connected and thus fixed to the tension rods in this way by means of snap fasteners. In this case, the hook-and-loop fasteners and/or snap fasteners can be provided over the entire length of the connection, but also in the form of tabs, which only surround the tension rods in regions and thus produce a connection in regions.
Alternatively or additionally, the sheet element can be connected to the support structure by means of hook-and-loop fasteners and/or snap fasteners. In this way, the position of the sheet element is influenced and/or fixed relative to the support structure.
The sheet element can further be designed to be reinforced

- by a cap for encasing at least one of the receptacles,
- by bushings for the at least two tension rods and/or the support structure, and/or
- in the region of fastening regions and/or connection regions.

In order to protect one or both receptacles, for example from dirt and moisture, but also in order to protect persons from injury, a cap can be pulled over a receptacle to thus encase the receptacle completely or partially. In particular, this cap can be made of the same material as the sheet element. It can be attached, i.e. sewn, bonded, or welded, to the sheet element, but can also be shaped therefrom, such that the sheet element is formed in one piece with the cap. A detachable coupling, such as buttons, snap fasteners, or hook-and-loop fasteners, is also suitable for adding a cap to the sheet element. During assembly of the decorative element, the cap is put over the receptacle(s) while the tension rods and the receptacles are being put together or after they have been put together.
Another configuration of the sheet element is provided when it is formed to have bushings through which the at least two tension rods and/or the support structure, or parts of the support structure, can be guided before the support structure, receptacles, and tension rods are assembled to form the decorative element. Therefore, other connection means are unnecessary or can at least be reduced, and the tension rods or the support structure are protected from external influences. The connection between the tension rods and the sheet element can also be produced by a bushing of this kind, since, in this case, deformation of the tension rods also entails deformation of the tentered sheet element.
In order to reduce the risk of the sheet element pulling out in the region of fastening and/or connection regions, the sheet element can be designed to be reinforced in these regions. This kind of reinforcement can be provided by a denser weave of textile materials, double layers, and/or fiber reinforcement in sheet elements based on a film material. Fastening or connection regions of this kind can also include the above-mentioned bushings for tension rods and/or the support structure through the sheet element.
As already indicated, the support structure can be a rod, a preformed rod, a tube, a preformed tube, an assembled rod, an assembled preformed rod, an assembled tube, an assembled preformed tube, and/or a structure formed by at least two rods and/or tubes. In particular, the support structure can be a steel structure, in order to ensure sufficient stability and a sufficient load-bearing capacity.
Depending on the size of the decorative element and the region in which it is used, as well as its accessibility, a multi-part configuration may be required in order for it to be possible to transport and set up the decorative element at its intended site. An assembled support structure in the form of tubes or rods is suitable in this case. These can be straight or preformed, depending on what is required by the specific configuration. One-piece support structures can also be preformed, for example in the form of the hyperbola, which has already been produced.
An alternative to this configuration provides that the support structure is assembled from a plurality of individual elements which do not form an assembled tube or an assembled rod, but instead a free structure of individual support elements that form the support structure as a whole, wherein the receptacles for the at least two tension rods are able to be arranged or formed on different support elements. This further improves the flexibility of the decorative element in terms of its transport and setup.
As already explained, the at least two tension rods should be flexible enough that they do not break when inserted between the receptacles. Therefore, it is advantageous for a tension rod to be formed by a fiberglass reinforced plastics material. This composite material made up of plastics material and glass fibers is particularly suitable for components under high mechanical load and is suitable for use for the tension rods, in particular also because of its high elongation at break.
In addition to its decorative effect, the decorative element according to the invention also enables further functions, such as providing privacy and/or shading from the sun. By means of the proposed structure, it can be transported in individual elements and set up at the place of use. In this case, the following setup scenarios are applicable: First, the at least two tension rods are connected to the sheet element. The receptacles are already attached to the support structure or are part of the support structure. The at least two tension rods are then inserted into the receptacles, with them being bent and inserted into the receptacles. Alternatively, one of the receptacles is not yet mounted in its final position, but is movable. The at least two tension rods can then be inserted into the receptacles with little or no tension and the movable, unfixed receptacle can be moved toward and fixed to the fixed receptacle, wherein the at least two tension rods bulge apart and tenter the sheet element.
The design using individual components also allows different elements to be combined, such that the design effect can be altered. The assembled decorative elements can be attached to walls, pillars, posts, and/or any other sufficiently load-bearing substructures.
The different embodiments of the invention set out in this application are advantageously able to be combined with one another unless otherwise specified.

The invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments and on the basis of the associated drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a decorative element according to the invention, and shows a section,

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view having further details,

FIG. 3 shows a detail for guying the sheet element,

FIG. 4 shows an alternative configuration of the decorative element,

FIG. 5 shows a further alternative configuration of the decorative element, and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternative configuration of the receptacles.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary configuration of the decorative element 10 according to the invention. On the left of FIG. 1 , the decorative element 10 is shown only with its support structure 20, the two receptacles 40, which are each also shown in an enlarged manner, and two tension rods 30. The decorative element 10 is configured on the basis of the shape of a leaf.
The support structure 20 is constructed as a one-piece steel tube. It forms the stem of the leaf. In particular, the shape of the support structure 20 can correspond to a hyperbola. A receptacle 40, constructed as welded tabs by way of example, is provided at each end region of the support structure. Each of these receptacles 40 receives the ends of two tension rods 30. Since they are longer than the spacing between the two receptacles 40, they bend outward. This is in particular encouraged thereby and influences how the receiving regions of the receptacles are oriented. They are each oriented at an angle pointing away from the support structure 20, such that the tension rods are guided outward and also upward to a lesser extent. In the region of the tip of the leaf, the angle is rather small and can be 35°, for example. The angle at the base of the leaf is considerably larger; it could be approximately 80°. Outside the influencing region of the receptacles 40, the tension rods 30 follow a curve.
As shown in the middle of FIG. 1 , the two tension rods 30 are connected to a sheet element 50. The section A-A, shown on the right in FIG. 1 , primarily shows that the tension rods 30 are guided in bushings 60 of the sheet element 50 and thus form the connection to the sheet element 50. The support structure 20 is also guided through such a bushing 60. It therefore has to be at least wide enough for the support structure 20 having the receptacles 40 welded thereto to be able to pass through it. As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet element 50 has been tentered in a planar manner by the insertion of the at least two tension rods 30 into the receptacles 40. So that the tension rods do not break when they are inserted into the receptacles and bend as a result, they are made of fiberglass reinforced plastics material.
By way of example, the sheet element 50 is formed as a canvas and can be dyed green to enhance the leaf-like impression. To protect the tip of the leaf, a cap 62 which encases the receptacle 40 in this region is provided in the same material as the sheet element 50. It is subsequently pushed onto the tip of the leaf and fixed by snap fasteners.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration like that in FIG. 1 , and this is why only the differences are described in detail. The decorative element 10 is again configured on the basis of a leaf. However, in this case, the guying 52 of the sheet element 50 against the receptacles 40 is additionally provided, as can be seen from the details. In this case, the guying 52 is configured to be doubled on both receptacles 40, namely on either side of the support structure 20. It is formed by a rope 54 and an eye 57 in each case. The rope 54 is sewn to the sheet element 50 made of canvas in each case and is guided through the corresponding eye. At this point, the rope is tightened and fixed, for example by a knot.
An alternative configuration of the guying is shown in FIG. 3 . Here, the rope is not pulled through an eye, but is guided around a tension screw 56. When this is turned, as indicated by the arrow, the rope 54 and thus also the sheet element 50 are tightened.
FIG. 4 shows an alternative configuration of the decorative element 10. The decorative element 10 in the form of a leaf is shown in the middle of the figure and three details A, B, and C are labeled. The decorative element 10 is also formed by a support structure 20 in the form of the leaf stem here. However, the receptacle 40 on the tip of the leaf is formed as a fitting element, which is slid into the steel tube of the support structure 20 and is fixed by means of a set screw (see arrow in detail B). This makes it possible to connect the tension rods 30 to the sheet element 50 and to insert the tension rods 30 into the receptacles 40 without tension when they are only inserted into and fixed in the support structure 20 afterwards. Only then are the tension rods 30 and thus the sheet element 50 tentered.
It is also apparent from FIG. 4 that the sheet element 50 is designed to have hook-and-loop fasteners 58 both at the tip of the leaf and the leaf base (detail C). These serve to encase the receptacles 40 and thus make them invisible to an observer. In addition, the sheet element 50 is further fixed in this way and can also be re-tightened to a certain extent thereby.
FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the decorative element 10 according to the invention. In this figure, the support structure 20 is formed by two upright steel tubes 20.1 and 20.2. A receptacle 40, which receives two tension rods 30, is arranged on each of the steel tubes 20.1, 20.2. They are connected to the sheet element 50 and tenter it between the steel tubes 20.1, 20.2 of the support structure 20. A central element in the leaf axis, as shown in the preceding figures, is neither present nor necessary here.
FIG. 6 then shows an alternative configuration of the receptacles 40 of the decorative element 10. It is formed on the basis of the decorative element 10 according to FIG. 1 , but can be combined with any other variant shown by way of example in the drawings. Therefore, only the essential differences with regard to the receptacles 40 are highlighted.
As shown in FIG. 6 , the receptacles 40 are hinged. They are formed as bushes, which each receive a tension rod 30. They are, however, rotatably mounted at the fastening points of the receptacles 40 on the support structure 20, for example by means of a hinge or rotatable pin (reference sign 40 a), and therefore the receptacles 40 are not locked or fixed at this angle.
If wind loads or deforming forces then arise, the tension rods 30 and the sheet element 50 can move and the decorative element 10 can thus deform as a whole without being damaged by the forces acting thereon.

REFERENCE SIGNS

- 10 decorative element
- 20 support structure
- 30 tension rod
- 40 receptacle
- 50 sheet element
- 52 guying
- 54 rope
- 56 tension screw
- 57 eye
- 58 hook-and-loop fastener
- 60 bushing
- 62 cap

Claims

1. A multifunctional decorative element, formed by a support structure, at least two tension rods, two spaced-apart receptacles, and a sheet element, wherein

the receptacles are formed as part of the support structure and/or are arranged thereon,

the at least two tension rods are longer than the spacing between the two spaced-apart receptacles,

the receptacles are formed to receive the at least two tension rods,

the at least two tension rods are connected to the sheet element, and

the sheet element is tentered in a planar manner by the arrangement of the at least two tension rods in the receptacles.

2. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the receptacles are each formed at at least one angle relative to the support structure, which specifies the orientation of the at least two tension rods.

3. The decorative element according to claim 2,

wherein

the at least one angle is adjustable.

4. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the receptacles are movably mounted.

5. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the length of the at least two tension rods determines the spreading of the sheet element.

6. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the support structure forms a hyperbolic axis for the decorative element and/or the sheet element forms a hyperbolic paraboloid surface between the receptacles and the highest points of two tension rods.

7. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the sheet element is to be guyed against the receptacles, in particular by means of at least one rope and one corresponding tension screw and/or by means of at least one rope and one corresponding eye, wherein the at least one rope is part of the sheet element.

8. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the sheet element is formed by a textile material, in particular canvas, or a film.

9. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the sheet element is fastened to the at least two tension rods and/or the support structure by means of a hook-and-loop fastener and/or snap fasteners.

10. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the sheet element is designed to be reinforced

by a cap for encasing at least one of the receptacles,

by bushings for the at least two tension rods and/or the support structure, and/or

in the region of fastening regions and/or connection regions.

11. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

the support structure is a rod, a preformed rod, a tube, a preformed tube, an assembled rod, an assembled preformed rod, an assembled tube, an assembled preformed tube, and/or a structure formed by at least two rods and/or tubes.

12. The decorative element according to claim 1,

wherein

a tension rod is formed by a fiberglass reinforced plastics material.