WO2018015361A1

WO2018015361A1 - Architectural element and corresponding enhancing method

Info

Publication number: WO2018015361A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/068081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giannantonio DALLA CIA
Original assignee: Eral S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-07-18
Filing date: 2017-07-18
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: EP3485195B1; IT201600074988A1; EP3485195A1; ES2810982T3

Abstract

Architectural element comprising a support body (11) associable with a wall (100) and provided at least with a surface portion (13), during use external with respect to the wall (100). The architectural element comprises at least one layer (14; 16) applied at least on said surface portion (13) and defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material, or gypsum.

Description

"ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT AND CORRESPONDING ENHANCING

METHOD"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an architectural element used in the field of furnishing, or in the building trade, for various uses, for example structural, or for protecting parts such as edges, for closing cavities, or containing components.

Possible applications of the architectural element, although not exclusive, are for lighting devices or to support lamps, spotlights, luminous profiles, shelves, uprights or cross-pieces, or other aesthetic or functional elements.

The architectural element according to the present invention can be attached to, or embedded in, a wall or ceiling, and the wall or ceiling can normally be painted.

Hereafter, the term wall includes all applications, both internal and external.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to use section bars to support and/or contain, for example but not only, lighting elements or other elements, or to protect or close cavities.

Such section bars are usually attached to or embedded in a wall, and have at least one portion directly in sight.

The portion may be flat, shaped, or have one or more recesses.

It is also known to make the section bars in a metal material such as aluminum, copper, brass, or suchlike, or with a polymer material such as polyethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, in itself or as a compound.

It is also known to enhance the walls which have the above architectural element with suitable substances, for example by painting.

One disadvantage that is often encountered is that the painting substances do not adhere to the architectural element, as desired or required, because of the material with which the latter is made.

This is because the painting substance does not adhere to the architectural element so that, both immediately and also later in time, rings are created, missing paint, color variations, which make this painting unsatisfactory.

Document US 2009/0068406 describes the use of veneer panels made of composite or polymer material and having a front surface that reproduces reliefs, textures, or colors to embellish walls or surfaces or protect them from sunlight, water or dirt in general. This document provides to use polymers such as high- density polyethylene, polypropylene or suchlike, for making such veneer panels to obtain both the desired aesthetic effect and also characteristics of strength and structural stability. The solution proposed in this document does not apply in the context of architectural elements for lighting, nor does it perform the function of providing good adhesion capabilities to a painting substance applied to the architectural element.

Document US 6,489,037 describes a coating to inhibit the formation of stains on floor coverings.

Document WO 02/100955 describes a paint containing ground particles of cellulose that improve the properties of the paint itself.

Document WO 2015/090616 describes a thermal insulation panel provided with at least one surface coating layer.

Document US 2016/0009597 describes a protection against corrosion for cast iron pipes.

One purpose of the present invention is to obtain an architectural element that can be enhanced, that is, that can be painted with the same substances that are used to paint the wall to which the architectural element is attached, so as not to create discontinuities with respect to the wall.

Another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that simplifies painting operations.

Another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that is economical and simple to make, and easily integrated in the general or particular context in which it is located.

Yet another purpose is to obtain an architectural element that can guarantee a durable finish over time, at least comparable to that of the wall in which it is located.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, an architectural element according to the present invention comprises a support body able to be attached to or inserted in a wall and provided with at least a surface portion which, during use, faces toward the outside with respect to said wall, or disposed directly in view.

The support body is made of a high-density material, that is, at least higher than 500 kg/m⁵. This renders the support body extremely resistant to possible knocks.

In accordance with a possible variant embodiment, the support body is made of a metal material. This allows to define even very complex shapes, while still ensuring an extremely high mechanical resistance in every part.

According to one aspect of the present invention, at least on the surface portion at least one layer is deposited defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material, or gypsum.

The layer allows to promote the adherence of painting substances that subsequently can be deposited on the wall to cover also the surface portion of the architectural element itself.

In accordance with a possible embodiment the architectural element comprises a first layer applied directly on the surface portion and defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and at least a silicon-based inert material.

In possible solutions, the silicon-based inert material can comprise quartz, and/or marble dust.

The application of the first layer increases the capacity of the subsequent layers to adhere, both layers of paint and screeds or layers of gypsum that are normally deposited on the walls.

The painting substances can for example include paints, such as water paints, silicates or elastomeric paints.

In accordance with a possible other solution of the invention, the profile comprises a second covering layer deposited on the first layer and defined by a mixture of at least a second acrylic resin and gypsum. This solution allows to further increase the adherence capacity of the painting substances normally used, preventing the generation of rings or zones which have been insufficiently covered by the painting substances.

The first layer and, if present, the second layer, define a base suitable to allow the adhesion of a further third finishing layer.

It is possible to deposit screeds, sanding and painting in correspondence to the joint zone between several adjacent section bars, or in correspondence to points of discontinuity on the surface.

In accordance with another variant, the layer deposited on the surface portion is defined by the mixture of the acrylic resin and by the silicon-based inert material, and also at least by gypsum. With one single deposition operation this allows to obtain the architectural element in its finished form.

The present invention also concerns a method to enhance the architectural element, which provides to deposit on at least one surface portion of a support body of the architectural element at least one layer defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material or gypsum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a section view of an architectural element in accordance with one embodiment;

- fig. 2 is an enlarged detail of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 is a section view of an embodiment of the architectural element.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described here, with reference by way of example to figs. 1 and 2, concern an architectural element 10 that can be used in the furnishing field or in the building trade.

The architectural element 10 can be used as a support element or integrating part of lighting devices such as lamps, spotlights, luminous profiles, or with shelves, uprights or cross-pieces or other elements.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the architectural element 10 can be made of metal material. The metal material can be chosen from a group comprising at least one of either aluminum, copper, brass, or suchlike.

According to one solution, the density of the material of the support body 1 1 is greater than 1,600 kg/m³.

In accordance with variant embodiments the architectural element 10 can be made with a polymer material. The polymer material can be selected from a group comprising at least one of either polyethylene, poly amide or polycarbonate.

In accordance with the variant embodiments, the polymer material is a non- foamed compact material with high mechanical resistance to impacts. This makes the architectural element 10 particularly suitable for building applications, for example embedded, or to complete traditionally made walls or with buffer panels, such as plasterboard.

According to a preferred solution, the polymer material has a density greater than 700 kg/m\ preferably greater than 900 kg/m\

According to one solution, the density of the material of the support body 1 1 is comprised between 900 and 1,500 kg/m^J.

The architectural element 10 can be obtained by molding, profiling or extrusion.

The architectural element 10 comprises a support body 11 which can be attached to a wall 100.

Here and hereafter in the description and claims, by the term "wall" we mean, without any limitation to the present invention, any interior or exterior wall, or floor, or ceiling or edge.

The support body 1 1 has a geometric conformation suitable for the purpose of its application, for example, in the case shown here, the support body 11 has an omega conformation.

The support body 1 1 can be defined by a section bar with an oblong development having the desired cross-sectional shape according to the specific application. Furthermore, the oblong development of the support body 11 can have a straight or also curvilinear development.

In accordance with variant embodiments, the support body 11 has a box-like conformation.

In the case shown by way of example in fig. 1, the support body 11 is associated with the wall 100 in correspondence with a hollow seating 12.

The support body 1 1 is provided with at least one surface portion 13, visible with respect to the wall 100 during use.

The architectural element 10 comprises at least a first layer 14 applied at least on the surface portion 13 and defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and at least one silicon based inert material.

However, it is not excluded that in possible variant embodiments the first layer 14 is deposited on the entire surface of the architectural element 10.

In accordance with a possible solution, the silicon-based inert material can comprise quartz, and/or marble dust.

In accordance with possible solutions, the silicon-based inert material can have a grain size comprised between 0.02 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.06 mm and about 0.1 mm.

According to one embodiment, the mixture of the first layer 14 comprises about 80-90% in weight of the first acrylic resin and about 10-20% in weight of the silicon-based inert material.

According to another embodiment, the first acrylic resin can comprise a pigmented water-soluble acrylic resin or other similar substance.

The first acrylic resin is configured to promote the adhesion of the silicon- based inert materials on the surface portion 13.

In accordance with embodiments described here, the first layer 14 has a thickness comprised between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm, for example 0.2 mm.

According to a preferred solution, the architectural element 10 can comprise at least a second covering layer 15 defined by a mixture of a second acrylic resin and gypsum. The second layer 15 is applied above the first layer 14 at least on the surface portion 13.

The combination between the first layer 14 and the second layer 15 allows to increase the adherence capacity of the painting substances that are normally applied on the walls 100 to which the architectural element 10 according to the present invention can be installed.

This combination allows to obtain a high covering effect of the support body 1 1 already with one coat of the painting substance.

In the case shown by way of example in fig. 2, the first layer 14 and the second layer 15 are applied to the surface portion 13.

In accordance with embodiments described here, the second layer 15 has a thickness comprised between about 0.3 mm and about 0.8 mm, for example 0.5 mm.

The second layer 15 confers strength and adherence capacity on the painting substance and/or any other finishing operations, for example gypsum screeds which are applied above the second layer 15 to obtain surface uniformity between the surface portion 13 and the wall 100.

In accordance with possible solutions, the second acrylic resin has a bonding function for the gypsum and the additional layers that will be applied above the second layer 15.

In accordance with possible variant embodiments the second acrylic resin can be substantially the same resin used for the first acrylic resin.

According to one embodiment, the architectural element 10 can comprise a third finishing layer 16 applied at least on said surface portion 13 above the second layer 15.

The third finishing layer 16 can be the same that is deposited on the wall 100.

In accordance with possible solutions of the present invention, the wall 100 is painted with a painting substance selected from a group comprising at least one of either tempera, a water-based paint, a pigmenting and protective substance of the wall 100 itself.

In accordance with possible solutions, the support body 1 1 can define at least one cavity 17, which in the case where the support body 11 is a section bar extends for the entire length of the support body 1 1.

According to other solutions, a light source 18 can be installed in the cavity 17 to emit a light beam.

The walls of the cavity 17 can be suitably shaped to obtain the desired light diffusion effect.

In particular, a diffuser element 20 can be installed in correspondence with the opening of the cavity 17 to diffuse the light emitted by the light source 18.

If the support body 1 1 functions as a support for the light source 18, it is advantageously made of a metal material to promote the thermal dissipation of the heat generated by the light source.

With reference to figs. 1 and 3, a possible application of the architectural element 10 embedded in the wall 100 (fig. 1) or attached to the surface of the wall 100 (fig. 3) is shown.

With reference to fig. 1, the support body 1 1 can be provided on its outer surface with reference portions 19 suitable to define an abutment for the application of possible buffer panels, such as plasterboard. This allows to make the recess of the architectural element 10 partly hidden in the wall 100.

The present invention also concerns a method for enhancing the architectural element 10, which provides a preliminary step of cleaning the architectural element 10, or at least the surface portion 13 to be enhanced.

The preliminary cleaning step can be carried out by means of solvents selected from a group comprising at least one of either acetone, paint thinner, or suchlike.

In possible variant embodiments, possibly combinable with the embodiments described here, the preliminary cleaning step can provide a mechanical cleaning action, for example by means of brushes or rotating disks.

In accordance with one aspect of the method according to the present invention, it is provided to deposit the first layer 14 at least on the surface portion 13.

The deposition of the first layer 14 can be performed by one and/or the other of spray techniques, with a brush, and/or by immersion of at least part of the support body 1 1.

A preferred solution of the present invention provides deposition of the first layer 14 by spraying, for example, with compressed air. This technique allows to make the deposition operations quicker.

The method can comprise a subsequent step of drying the first layer 14.

The drying of the first layer 14 can occur directly in the air, thus simplifying the complexity of the plant and the management of the process. However, in possible variants, a forced drying of the first layer 14 is not excluded, for example by means of streams of forced air, possibly heated.

Before depositing the first layer 14, a step of preparing the mixture defining the first layer 14 can be provided, during which it is provided to reciprocally mix the first acrylic resin with at least one silicon-based inert material. The mixing operation can be carried out, for example, by mechanical stirrers of a known type.

Subsequently, the method provides to apply the second layer 15 on top of the first layer 14 as described above.

Prior to the application of the second layer 15, a step can be provided during which the mixture defining the second layer 15 is prepared by mixing the second acrylic resin with the gypsum.

The second layer 15 can also be applied by one or other of the techniques described above with reference to the first layer 14.

In this case too, it is possible to provide a natural and/or forced drying of the second layer 15, as for the first layer 14.

The method can also comprise the deposition of the third finishing layer 16 on top of the second layer 15.

The deposition of the third finishing layer 16 can be carried out by one or the other technique of spray, brush or roller.

In accordance with possible solutions, the third finishing layer 16 can be deposited on the architectural element 10 before it is installed on the wall 100.

According to variant embodiments, it can be provided that the third finishing layer 16 is applied on the architectural element 10 after it has been attached to the wall 100.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the architectural element 10 and the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

For example, in the case of an application of the architectural element 10 outside, it can be provided that the surface portion 13 is coated only with the first layer 14. This because the application of a gypsum layer would lead to a rapid deterioration of the enhancing layer, that is, the third finishing layer 16, which is applied during the finishing step. According to an alternative and in the case where the architectural element 10 is installed outside, it is possible to provide that the first layer 14 is deposited in the surface portion 13 and the second layer 15 is applied on top of it.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of architectural element 10 and method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Architectural element comprising a support body (11) made of a high-density material, higher than 500 kg/m³, said support body (1 1) being associable with a wall (100) and provided at least with a surface portion (13), during use external with respect to said wall (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one layer (14; 15) applied at least on said surface portion (13) and defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material, or gypsum.

2. Architectural element as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first layer (14) applied at least on said surface portion (13) and defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and a silicon-based inert material.

3. Architectural element as in claim 2, characterized in that said mixture of said first layer (14) consists of about 80-90% in weight of said first acrylic resin and about 10-20% in weight of said silicon-based inert material.

4. Architectural element as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said first acrylic resin is a pigmented water-soluble acrylic resin.

5. Architectural element as in any of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises at least a second, covering layer (15) applied on said first layer (14) and defined by a mixture of at least a second acrylic resin and gypsum.

6. Architectural element as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said silicon-based inert material comprises quartz, and/or marble dust with a grain size comprised between about 0.02 mm and about 0.25 mm.

7. Architectural element as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said support body (11) is made of a metal material.

8. Architectural element as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said support body (1 1) is provided with a cavity (17) in which a light source (18) is housed.

9. Method to enhance an architectural element (10), characterized in that it provides to deposit on at least one surface portion (13) of a support body (1 1) of said architectural element (10) at least one layer (14; 15) defined by a mixture of an acrylic resin and at least one inert material comprising at least one of either a silicon-based inert material or gypsum.

10. Method as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises depositing on said surface portion (13) a first layer (14) defined by a mixture of a first acrylic resin and a silicon-based inert material.

1 1. Method as in claim 10, characterized in that it comprises depositing on said surface layer (14) a second layer (15) defined by a mixture of at least a second acrylic resin and gypsum.