WO2012035563A1

WO2012035563A1 - Modular structure for surface elements, surface element for said structure, and coupling system for supported elements

Info

Publication number: WO2012035563A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000392
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alessandro Belli
Original assignee: Mazzetti, Giulio
Priority date: 2010-09-15
Filing date: 2010-09-15
Publication date: 2012-03-22

Abstract

A modular structure comprising a bearing structure (1) with longitudinal housings or seats (5) provided with anchoring means (7) and surface elements (15), comprising elastic coupling profiles (17) between said longitudinal housings (5) and said surface elements (15) to couple them reciprocally in a snap manner.

Description

"MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR SURFACE ELEMENTS, SURFACE ELEMENT FOR SAID STRUCTURE, AND COUPLING SYSTEM FOR

SUPPORTED ELEMENTS"

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for anchoring a plurality of facade or surface elements to a wall of a building or the like, such as the so called shading or ventilated walls generally used for decorative purposes, to unify different volumes or for solar shading, both on new and restructured buildings.

More in general, the present invention relates to a system or structure comprising surface elements and seats for coupling said surface elements, to be used for example in the field of building, for producing walls, coatings and the like, in interior design, for arranging exhibition stands or display structures or the like; more in general, the invention relates to an anchoring system comprising elements and coupling seats for said elements for use in industrial sectors in the field of the so- called industrial fasteners, such as cable channels and the like.

State of the art

Shading walls of known type generally comprise a bearing structure which is formed by crossbars and uprights and receives and holds the facade or surface elements, which are usually constituted by plates of various materials.

The shading or ventilated walls of the known type are expensive due to the complex operations required for their installation.

Furthermore, the surface elements are particularly heavy and make all the structure heavy, and it is therefore necessary to use uprights and crossbars of considerable dimensions. Moreover, replacement of the facade elements following damages, or for the purpose of changing the appearance of the wall, can be difficult.

EP-A-1.203.856 describes a mechanism for coupling a covering element to a crossbar or housing seat by means of an intermediate elastic coupling element. The seat has a U-shaped cross section with grooved lateral walls, cooperating with wings provided on the opposite outer surfaces of the intermediate elastic coupling element. This latter includes ribs in the inside thereof, which cooperate with an expansion provided on the covering element. Once the covering element has been connected to the crossbar by means of one or more intermediate elastic coupling elements, it is possible to remove the covering element with a movement of rotation of the intermediate element, and this allows to remove the covering element with a movement substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal development of the housing seat.

The coupling and releasing movement is complex and difficult, but at the same time the mutual constraint between covering element and crossbar or seat of the bearing structure is not reliable.

Summary of the Invention

Object of the present invention is to provide a modular structure to produce a sectional or modular wall or other structure, of the type indicated above, which completely or partially overcomes the drawbacks of the known structures.

According to a different aspect, the object of an improved embodiment of the invention is to provide a modular structure, particularly, although not exclusively, a shading wall, which allows to obtain a greater flexibility in the composition of the same structure, thus allowing to obtain variable effects, for example creating hollow areas, i.e. areas devoid of surface or modular elements, or arranging the elements according to a pitch which is variable from area to area of a same structure or of the facade, with a simplicity of change in the composition of the structure also after installation.

A further object of a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention is to provide modular structures of the above mentioned type, that allow to easily and fast perform changes in the configuration and the arrangement of surface elements, for example of a facade, as well as replacement of damaged elements without the need for long and expensive operations.

The modular structure according to the present invention is substantially characterized in that each of the surface elements has a longitudinal projection for coupling to a respective longitudinal housing or seat. The invention also provides elastic, i.e. elastically deformable, coupling profiles for snap coupling each of the surface elements to the respective seat or crossbar. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling profiles are of the irreversible type, i.e. they prevent the surface elements from being disengaged with a movement opposite the coupling movement. This feature makes the structure particularly safe, as, once the surface element has been coupled, it cannot be released accidentally, for example due to a thrust from the inside towards the outside of the structure. Anchoring of the individual elements remains however easy and fast, thanks to the presence of coupling profiles.

One embodiment the invention provides a modular structure comprising a bearing structure with at least one longitudinal seat, for coupling at least one surface element, and at least one elastic coupling profile which can be interposed between said longitudinal seat and said surface element for snap coupling reciprocally the surface element to the longitudinal seat; wherein each elastic coupling profile has a concave housing suitable to engage said surface element, said concave housing having at least two elastically deformable side walls, and one outer profile defining undercuts suitable to engage, by means of positive locking, with corresponding shapes of the longitudinal seat; wherein the expansion of the elastic coupling profile in the longitudinal seat of the bearing structure after its insertion fixes the elastic coupling profile and the surface element to the respective longitudinal seat; extraction of the elastic coupling profile from the longitudinal seat, by means of a movement opposite to the insertion movement, being prevented by the presence of the surface element or of a part thereof inside the concave housing of the elastic coupling profile.

In practical embodiments, the longitudinal seat is channel shaped (for example with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section) developing according to a longitudinal direction and the elastic coupling profile is shaped so as to snap into the longitudinal seat with a movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; and said coupling profile can be disengaged from said longitudinal seat by a movement parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The coupling profile can be advantageously irreversible, avoiding disengagement of said surface element from said coupling profile with a movement opposite to the coupling movement.

The coupling profile can be applied, by means of shape locking, on a longitudinal projection of the surface element.

Although the use of a single coupling profile for a plurality of surface elements is theoretically possible, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention an independent coupling profile is provided for each surface element. This allows a simpler replacement of the single element. Providing that the coupling profiles are shorter than the surface elements, it is possible to replace each single element easily even if the single elements are arranged on the structure mutually in contact with each other. In fact, in this case it is possible to make the coupling profile slide along the longitudinal seat until it is disengaged from the the corresponding surface element that can be removed and replaced.

Uprights and crossbars can be advantageously provided, e.g. made of extruded material, typically, although not necessarily, aluminum, on which the modular structure can be connected.

The coupling profiles can be advantageously made of plastic or also of metallic material of adequate thickness, suitable to allow the profile to be deformed elastically during assembly.

In a possible embodiment, each transverse seat and each coupling profile has a substantially C-shape with wing-shaped ends so that the profile can be pressed inside the seat irreversibly, preferably through a bayonet or snap joint.

To obtain such irreversible insertion, on the wing-shaped ends of the seat at least one inwardly oriented projection or undercut is advantageously provided, engaging with respective outwardly oriented protuberances or edges on the wing- shaped ends of the coupling profile once it has been coupled to the crossbar.

To make press fitting easier, flared surfaces can be advantageously provided, suitable to facilitate the pressure insertion of the profile inside the seat.

The invention also relates to a particular surface element made of blown glass, particularly suitable to be used in a structure of the described type.

The anchoring system according to the invention can be therefore used to produce temporary or semi-permanent structures such as exhibition stands, theater sets, display structures, as well as to prepare walls for shops, false ceilings, coverings, or shielding walls for buildings in general.

Further advantageous characteristics and embodiments of the structure according to the invention are set forth in the appended claims and will be described in greater detail hereunder with reference to some embodiments.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a coupling and supporting system, in particular, although not exclusively, for sectional structures, comprising at least one bearing element provided with at least one longitudinal seat for the engagement of at least one supported element, characterized by comprising an elastic coupling profile between the longitudinal seat and the supported element so as to snap couple them reciprocally. In some preferred embodiments, the elastic coupling profile is shaped so as to irreversibly engage said supported element to said longitudinal seat. This can be advantageously obtained by providing that the elastic coupling profile has a shape suitable to surround a portion of the supported element, for example a projection (just by way of example a longitudinal projection), and externally shaped so as to engage, by means of shape locking, with the longitudinal seat, so that, once the reciprocal coupling position has been achieved, the extraction of the elastic coupling profile from the seat is prevented by the impossibility to obtain a movement opposite to the insertion movement. This can be obtained for example by providing that the coupling profile can be deformed by compression when it is inserted in the seat, whilst a compression for the extraction from the seat with movement opposite to the insertion movement is prevented by the presence of the supported element.

In advantageous embodiments of the support system and of the modular structure according to the invention, the elastic coupling profile has a concave housing suitable to engage a supported element, said concave housing being provided with at least two elastically deformable side walls, and an outer profile defining undercuts suitable to engage, through shape locking, with corresponding shapes of the longitudinal seat, the expansion of the elastic coupling profile in the seat, after its insertion, connecting the elastic coupling profile and the supported element to the seat, the extraction of the elastic coupling profile from the seat by means of a movement opposite to the insertion movement being prevented by the presence of the supported element inside the concave housing of the elastic coupling profile.

Hereinafter the coupling system will be described as a part of a modular or sectional structure, comprising surface elements, for example for producing walls or the like. However, it will be understood that all the characteristics of the elastic coupling profile and of the longitudinal seat, in which it is snap-anchored engaging the supported element to the seat, can be realized also in contexts different from those of a modular structure. For example, the coupling system described here, which is constituted in its simplest configuration by a longitudinal seat and by an elastic coupling profile, can be used for applying accessories to a wall, for example bathroom accessories, coat hooks or the like, or for producing single shelves or shelves combined to form a bookcase or any other complex system.

When the elastic coupling profile has a core and two side wings, each of said wings can comprise an elastic projection to engage a projection of the surface element. Each elastic projection is preferably arranged opposite the corresponding recess on the respective wing of the coupling profile. Each lateral wing preferably comprises, on the outer surface, a projection and a recess, each projection being arranged in an intermediate position between the corresponding recess of the lateral wing and said central core, each recess cooperating with a respective shaped end of the longitudinal seat, and each projection cooperating with a respective projection of the longitudinal seat. Furthermore, each wing of the elastic coupling profile can be elastically deformed, at least in the portion comprised between the respective projection and the respective recess. Furthermore, for each recess a projection facing the inside of the elastic coupling profile can be arranged, which is inserted in a corresponding cavity of the surface element. The two projections can be hollow inside.

Advantageously, according to some embodiments, when assembled the two projections engage with a projection of said surface element, said projection preventing a deformation of the ends of the wings towards the inside, so as to prevent an extraction of the elastic coupling profile, together with the surface element coupled to it, from the longitudinal seat with a movement opposite to the insertion movement. The projection of the surface element has preferably such an outer dimension to allow a deformation of the wings towards the inside during the insertion phase of the elastic coupling profile, together with the surface element coupled to it, in the longitudinal seat.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention shall be better understood by following the description and accompanying drawing, which shows non-limiting embodiments of the invention. More in particular, in the drawing:

figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a portion of facade of a building with a bearing structure applied to it and a series of surface elements according to an embodiment of the invention; figures 2 and 3 show a front view and, respectively, a view according to III-III of figure 2 of a surface element;

figure 3 A shows a back view of the surface element of figures 2 and 3;

figure 4 shows a side view of a portion of an upright of the bearing structure of figure 1;

figure 5 shows a section according to V-V of figure 4;

figures 6, 7, and 8 show, in cross section, the coupling operations of a single surface element to the corresponding seat or housing by means of a respective coupling profile;

figure 9 shows a cross section of a modified embodiment of the longitudinal coupling seat for the elastic profiles.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

In the following detailed description and in the respective drawings a modular structure is illustrated with a bearing structure formed by uprights and crossbars, which is fixed to the facade of a building and to which surface or facade elements are fixed. However, as already indicated above, with similar components and exploiting the same inventive criteria modular structures for other uses can be designed, where in particular the shapes of the bearing structure and of the surface elements can be different.

In figure 1, P indicates the outer wall of a generic building, to which a shading or ventilated wall is applied, comprising a bearing structure 1 defined by uprights 3 and by longitudinal housings or seats 5, forming a substantially C-shaped crossbar. The uprights 3 are fixed to the wall P of the building by means of brackets 7.

The structure of each upright 3 is shown in detail in figures 4 and 5; in this latter the system for fixing the upright to the wall P of the building is also shown. Substantially, the upright 3 has in cross section a profile with a longitudinal groove 3 A, in which the head 11 A of a bolt 11 engages, through which the upright 3 is fixed to a respective bracket 7 fixed to the wall P by means of screw anchors or in other known manner. Along the development of the single upright 3 several brackets 7 will be provided, with respective lock bolts depending upon the length of the upright.

In addition to the groove 3A, the upright 3 has a portion 3B forming a longitudinal profile with a substantially H-shaped cross section, in the central portion or core of which elongated windows 3C (figure 4) are provided, to which the crossbars 5 are firmly connected. The windows 3C are shaped with an aperture defined by edges 3D and 3E on the terminal wing 3F of the upright 3. Through the aperture delimited by the edges 3D, 3E the end of the corresponding crossbar, that must be anchored to the upright, is inserted. The height H of each window 3 C in the uprights 3 is greater than the height of the respective housing or crossbar 5, which can be in this way inserted and firmly fixed through the front aperture defined by the edges 3D, 3E along the wing 3F of the upright 3.

It is clear that this anchoring system between the uprights 3 and the crossbars

5 is indicated just by way of example, and it can be of any other suitable type.

The configuration of the crossbar 5 is shown clearly in the sections of figures

6 to 8. It is shaped with a longitudinal seat or housing provided in a substantially C- shaped main body 5A having longitudinal holes 5B to align by means of pins, one crossbar 5 to the next during assembly of the bearing structure 1. At the lower end of the main body 5 A of the crossbar 5 a channel or notch 5C is advantageously provided for resting to the edge 3D of the corresponding window 3C (in assembled arrangement, figure 4) of the upright 3 to which the crossbar 5 is coupled.

The cross section of the crossbar 5 is provided, in a position opposing the position of the channel or notch 5C, another rest channel or notch 5D with which the crossbar rests against the edge 3E of the upright 3 (in assembled arrangement, figure 4).

The cross section of the crossbar 5 furthermore has opposite ends in the shape of lateral longitudinal wings 5E and 5F, respectively, forming a U-shaped concavity (facing upwards in figures 6 to 8) defining the actual seat for the engagement of the surface elements as described below.

In some embodiments, the single surface or facade elements, indicated with number 15, are manufactured preferably (as illustrated by way of example in figures 2, 3, and 3A) in the shape of blown glass bodies. Each surface element has a neck 15A closed for example by a cap 15B, that can be a simple crown cap, to avoid the entrance of humidity and therefore the formation of condensation water inside the hollow body of the surface element 15. Along the surface of the surface element 15 facing the bearing structure a projection 15C is provided, the section of which (figures 3, 3 A, 6 to 9) has a profile with a double undercut, for engagement with the bearing structure 1 in the manner described below. The base of each surface element 15, opposite to the neck 15 A, has a cavity 15D (figure 3 A). Said cavity allows to arrange the facade elements 15 one adjacent to the other on the crossbars 5, making the neck 15A of a facade element 15 enter into the cavity 15D of the adjacent element.

To attach each surface element 15 to the respective crossbar 5 an elastic coupling profile is provided, indicated as a whole with reference number 17 and shown in figures 6 to 8.

The coupling profile 17 has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, with a central core 17A, from which opposite lateral walls or wings 17B and 17C extend, the form of which is suitable to be press-fitted between the side wings 5E and 5F of the longitudinal seat formed in the crossbar 5. The wings 17B, 17C can be deformed elastically so as to snap in the seat formed by the cavity or concavity of the crossbar 5.

In some embodiments, at the end of each wing 17B and 17C a respective protuberance or undercut 17E and 17F is provided, suitable to be inserted through interference between the wings 5E and 5F of the longitudinal seat formed by the crossbar 5 and to couple stably with the projection 15C of the surface element 15.

This undercut 17E and 17F is advantageously shaped with a recess 17G and 17H respectively, forming an undercut and suitable to house (in assembled arrangement) a shaped end 5G and 5H of the corresponding wing 5E and 5F, respectively, of the crossbar 5 and with a projection 171 and 17L formed by two elastic foils or diaphragms suitable to couple stably (in assembled arranged) with the projection 15C of the surface element 15.

Furthermore, at the base of each wing 17B and 17C near the main body or core 17A a shaped projection or tooth 17M and 17N respectively is provided, forming a respective undercut and suitable to engage (in assembled arrangement) a respective shaped projection or tooth 51 and 5L of the longitudinal seat provided in the crossbar 5.

Advantageously, both the outer surface 170 and 17P of the wings 17B and 17C respectively, and the inner surface of the wings 5E and 5F of the crossbar 5 are slightly curved or conical so as to facilitate the pressure insertion of the profile 17 inside the crossbar 5 during installation of the structure.

It should be noted that the core 17A of the coupling profile 17 can have a limited thickness, suitable to give the coupling profile 17 the necessary rigidity, and it can be therefore deformed when in assembled arrangement.

The coupling profiles 17 have preferably a longitudinal development lower than (nearly equal to the half of) the longitudinal development of the surface elements 15. This allows fast and easy replacement of the single surface elements 15 both in the case of damage and in the case that one wants to modify the configuration of the wall formed by the surface elements 15, by replacing single elements, or removing part thereof to thin their distribution.

Anchoring of the single surface elements 15 to the respective seat formed in the crossbar 5 occurs as shown in figures 6 to 8.

The length of the crossbars 5, as well as the pitch according to which the uprights are arranged, can be chosen adequately depending upon the configuration of the wall to be obtained, the weight of the surface elements 15, the structure to which the wall must be fixed and other suitable parameters. In fact, the crossbar 5 can be fixed to one or more uprights at its ends or at any other intermediate position.

Undercut joining of the crossbars 5 on the uprights 3 makes the construction of the bearing structure 1 extremely simple.

Once the crossbars 5, defining the longitudinal seats for coupling the surface elements 15, have been applied to the uprights 3 with the desired arrangement and pitch, the assembly of the single surface elements 15 occurs in a snap or bayonet manner as indicated below.

The projection 15C of each surface element 15 is inserted (see figure 6) in the respective elastic coupling profile 17. The insertion can be a snap insertion, thanks to the deformability of the elastic coupling profile 17, and in particular to the flexural deformability of the core 17A. Once the surface element 15 has been coupled to the elastic coupling profile 17, the latter is manually pressed (according to the arrow Fl) on the crossbar 5 so that a recess thereof (the recess 17G in figure 6) is inserted in a shaped end (the end 5G in figure 6) of the crossbar 5, this shaped end extending longitudinally along the channel formed by the U-shaped or C-shaped section of the section 5. A thrust (arrow F2) is then impressed to the elastic coupling profile 17, so that a shaped projection or tooth thereof (the tooth 17N in figure 7) passes on the opposite wing (the wing 5F in figure 7) overcoming the interference with a shaped end (the end 5H in figure 7) of the seat formed in the crossbar 5. Subsequently, a further pressure (arrow F3 in figure 8) allows the profile 17 to enter in the crossbar 5 until the shaped tooth 17N is inserted with undercut below the shaped tooth 5L of the crossbar 5, blocking the profile 17 inside the crossbar 5 irreversibly. With this final movement the elastic coupling profile 17 and the surface element 15 integral to it practically rotate around a hinge formed by the shaped end 5G and by the recess 17G. This rotary motion also brings the tooth 17M below the tooth 51. Therefore, coupling of the surface element 15 to the crossbar 5 forming the longitudinal coupling seat occurs by means of a movement orthogonal to the longitudinal development of the crossbar 5 forming the U-shaped seat for engaging the elastic profile 17.

Figure 7 also shows that the difference in dimension between the cross section of the elastic coupling profile 17 and the projection 15C allows the lateral wing 17C to be deformed flexurally to pass beyond the shaped end 5H that, at the end of the insertion movement (figure 8), is stably inserted in the cavity or recess 17H.

The arrangement achieved in figure 8 is an arrangement of stable equilibrium, wherein the profile 17 is engaged almost completely inside the seat provided in the crossbar 5 with the teeth 17M and 17N engaging below the teeth 51 and 5L, respectively, of the seat in the crossbar 5, whilst the protuberances 17E and 17F of the profile 17 act against the projection 15C of the surface element 15 blocking it, and the cavities or recesses 17G, 17H engage on the shaped ends 5G and 5H, respectively, of the wings 5E and 5F of the crossbar 5.

Under these conditions the surface element 15 cannot be removed with a movement orthogonal to the longitudinal development of the crossbar 5, i.e. with a movement opposite to the coupling movement. This makes the assembly particularly safe, as the surface elements 15 cannot be accidentally pushed from the inside towards the outside of the wall, i.e. they cannot be released following a thrust coming from the side of the wall P. Furthermore, as it is clearly apparent in figures 6 to 8, the assembly of each single surface element 15 is extremely fast.

Replacement or removal of the single surface element 15 occurs simply by making the elastic coupling profile 17 slide along the longitudinal seat formed in the crossbar 5. This sliding movement allows to remove longitudinally the profile 17 and the projection 15C of the surface element 15 from the seat provided in the crossbar 5, thanks to the longitudinal development of the elastic coupling profile 17 which is smaller than the longitudinal development of the crossbar 5. Alternatively, the sliding movement can occur between the projection 15C and the elastic profile 17, which will be then removed separately from the seat provided in the crossbar 15.

Figure 9 shows a cross section of a modified embodiment of the crossbar 5 forming the longitudinal seat for coupling and retaining the elastic coupling profiles 17. The same numbers indicate the same or equivalent parts to those in the previous embodiment. A detailed description of the profile of figure 9 is omitted, as the operation is qualitatively equal to that described above and can be easily understood by comparison between equal or equivalent parts of the two embodiments of the crossbar 5. In figure 9 the elements for coupling the crossbar to the uprights or other bearing structure are produced in substantially different manner, said elements being indicated again with 5C and 5D.

It is understood that the drawing merely shows an example provided purely as a practical embodiment of the invention, which may vary in forms and arrangements without however departing from the scope of the concept on which the invention is based. Any reference numbers in the appended claims are provided for the sole purpose of facilitating reading of claims with reference to the description and the drawing, and do not in any manner limit the scope of protection represented by the claims.

Claims

1. A modular structure comprising a bearing structure (1) with at least one longitudinal, seat (5) for coupling at least one surface element (15) and at least one elastic coupling profile (17) which can be interposed between said longitudinal seat (5) and said surface element (15) for snap coupling the surface element to the longitudinal seat reciprocally; wherein each elastic coupling profile (17) has a concave housing suitable to engage said surface element (15), said concave housing having at least two elastically deformable lateral walls (17B, 17C) and an outer profile defining undercuts (17G, 17H; 17N, 17M) suitable to engage, by means of shape locking, with corresponding shapes (5G, 5H; 51, 5L) of the longitudinal seat; wherein the expansion of the elastic coupling profile (17) in the longitudinal seat (5) of the bearing structure (1) after the insertion thereof fixes the elastic coupling profile (17) and the surface element (15) to the respective longitudinal seat (5); the extraction of the elastic coupling profile from the longitudinal seat (5), by means of a movement opposite to the insertion movement, being prevented by the presence of the surface element (15) or of a part thereof (15C) inside the concave housing of the elastic coupling profile (17).

2. Structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said longitudinal seat (5) has a channel shape developing according to a longitudinal direction and wherein the elastic coupling profile (17) is shaped so as to snap into the longitudinal seat with a movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; and wherein said coupling profile can be released from said longitudinal seat (5) by means of a movement parallel to the longitudinal direction.

3. Structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said coupling profile (17) is irreversible, avoiding said surface element (15) being released from said coupling profiles (17) with a movement opposite to the coupling movement.

4. Structure as claimed in claim 1, or 2, or 3, wherein said coupling profile (17) is applied, by means of shape locking, to a longitudinal projection (15C) of said surface element (15).

5. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said surface element (15) can slide or be released laterally from the coupling profile (17).

6. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said coupling profile (17) has a longitudinal development shorter than the longitudinal development of the surface element (15).

7. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said longitudinal seat (5) is a substantially C-shaped and has lateral wings (5E, 5F)

> inside which said coupling profile (17) can be inserted by means of irreversible shape locking.

8. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said coupling profile (17) is substantially C-shaped with a central core (17A) and lateral wings (17B, 17C) which can be inserted into said longitudinal seat (5) by

I means of irreversible shape locking.

9. Structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of said wings (17B, 17C) of said coupling profile (17) comprises at least one outwardly facing shaped projection (17M, 17N), which engages with respective inwardly facing shaped projection (51, 5L) of said longitudinal seat (5) for snap coupling.

10. Structure as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein each of said wings (17B, 17C) of said coupling profile (17) comprises a protuberance or undercut (17E, 17F) suitable to be press-fitted to a corresponding shaped projection (15C) of said surface element (15).

11. Structure as claimed in claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein each of said wings (17B, 17C) comprises a recess (17G, 17H) open towards the outside and suitable to engage a shaped end (5G, 5H) of said longitudinal seat (5).

12. Structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said wings (17B, 17C) comprises an elastic projection (171, 17L) suitable to engage a projection (15C) of said surface element (15).

13. Structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein each elastic projection (171, 17L) is arranged opposite the corresponding recess (17G, 17H) on the respective wing (17B, 17C) of the coupling profile (17).

14. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said coupling profile (17) comprises flared surfaces (170, 17P) suitable to facilitate the snap insertion of said coupling profile (17) into said longitudinal seat (5).

15. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said longitudinal seat (5) comprises at least one constraining member (5C, 5D) for coupling to corresponding support elements (3) with which said longitudinal seat (5) engages.

16. Structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein each lateral wing (17B, 17C) comprises, on the outer surface, a projection (17M, 17N) and a recess (17G, 17H), each projection being arranged in an intermediate position between the corresponding recess (17G, 17H) of the lateral wing (17B, 17C) and said central core (17A), each recess (17G, 17H) cooperating with a respective shaped end (5G, 5H) of the longitudinal seat (5), and each projection (17M, 17N) cooperating with a respective projection (51, 5L) of the longitudinal seat (5).

17. Structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein each wing (17B, 17C) of said elastic coupling profile (17) can be elastically deformed, at least in the portion comprised between the respective projection (17M, 17N) and the respective recess (17G, 17H).

18. Structure as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein at each recess (17G, 17H) a projection (171, 17L) is arranged, facing the inside of the elastic coupling profile (17) which is inserted in a corresponding cavity of the surface element (15).

19. Structure as claimed in claim 18, wherein said two projections are hollow inside.

20. Structure as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein in assembled arrangement said two projections engage a projection (15C) of said surface element (15), said projection (15C) avoiding a deformation of the ends of the wings towards the inside, so as to prevent an extraction of the elastic coupling profile (17), with the surface element (15) coupled to it, from the longitudinal seat (5) with an inverse movement relative to the insertion movement.

21. Structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein said projection (15C) has such an outer dimension to allow a deformation towards the inside of the wings (17B, 17C) in the phase of insertion of the elastic coupling profile (17), together with the surface element (15) engaged to it, in the longitudinal seat (5).

22. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said at least one surface element (15) comprises a body with a first base and a second base, a neck (15 A) projecting from one of said first and second bases, and at least one projection (15C) being provided along a lateral surface of said body (15), the cross section of said projection (15C) having a profile with a double undercut for engaging with the elastic coupling profile.

23. Structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein said at least one surface element (15) comprises at least one cavity (15D) on the base opposite that on which said neck (15 A) is provided, to arrange a plurality of surface elements (15) one adjacent to the other, making said neck (15A) of a surface element (15) enter into said cavity (15D) of another adjacent surface element (15).

24. Structure as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said at least one surface element (15) is made of blown glass.