DESCRIPTION

[0001] This invention relates to a door for a piece of furniture and a corresponding piece o f furniture .

5 [0002] Modular units are known in the art for the composition of box-shaped modules j oined together to form pieces of furniture such as kitchens , bookcases , or display furniture for the home or of f ice .

[0003] Typically, such solutions involve wooden modules

10 that the end user or a speciali zed installer may j oin together to form the final piece of furniture . Subsequently, the corresponding doors are installed on the wooden modules for access to each compartment of the wooden module .

15 [0004] However, there are some problems with the known solutions .

[0005] First , the composition of a whole piece of furniture requires the transport of bulky and heavy modular elements or panels to the place of installation and the

20 consequent need to predict and plan in advance the weight and volumes occupied for the transport .

[0006] Furthermore , once the type of furniture has been defined, it is not possible to rearrange the modular components to change their final appearance .

25 [0007] Moreover, in the systems of the prior art , it is generally not possible to vary the outer finishes of the furniture at will , nor is it possible to vary the finishes of each face of the box-shaped module that defines the basic modular element after the final installation of the furniture .

[0008] In other words , it is not possible to change over time , in a simple and immediate way, the shape and/or color of the walls that make up a compartment of the furniture .

[0009] According to a further aspect , moreover, j ust as it is not possible to change the outer finish of the furniture over time , it is also not possible to change the finish of each door over time , without having to replace the entire door .

[0010] In addition, the modular compositions of the prior art are found to have modules with considerable thickness that are not suitable for making furniture with a light and linear aesthetic character, as well as being particularly heavy to move .

[0011] This is especially true for doors , which are often heavy to move , so that their strength is ensured over time . Otherwise , when the doors are lightweight , they are subj ect to deformation or bending due to the inherent structure of the door, especially in the case of certain dimensions . [0012] Therefore , there is a strong need to propose a door for a piece of furniture and a piece of furniture that are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, that allow the final composition to be made variable and modular in terms of the finish of the piece of furniture and the door, without sacri ficing the features of linearity, lightness , and strength of the door or piece of furniture .

[0013] This need is satis fied with a door for a piece of furniture and a piece of furniture according to the attached independent claims . The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments .

[0014] The features and advantages of the door and of the piece of furniture will become apparent from the description below of its preferred embodiments , given by way of non-limiting example , with reference to the attached figures , wherein :

[0015] Fig . 1 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a box-shaped module for a piece of furniture according to one embodiment of this invention;

[0016] Fig . la shows an enlargement of a detail of Fig . 1 ;

[0017] Fig . lb shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a box-shaped module for a piece of furniture according to an embodiment of this invention, which di f fers substantially from the embodiment of Fig . 1 in the absence of a finishing element on the bottom panel ;

[0018] Fig . 1c shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a box-shaped module for a piece of furniture according to an embodiment of this invention, which di f fers with respect to the embodiment of Fig . 1 in that it includes a top covering finishing element and a bottom finishing element ;

[0019] Fig . 2 shows an axonometric view of a metal sheet for making a modular unit in an unfolded configuration;

[0020] Fig . 2a shows an axonometric view of a modular unit obtained as a result of folding the metal sheet in Fig . 2 ;

[0021] Fig . 3 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a box-shaped module for a piece of furniture according to a second embodiment of this invention;

[0022] Fig . 3a shows an axonometric view of the modular unit comprised in the box-shaped module for a piece of furniture of Fig . 3 ;

[0023] Fig . 4 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a piece of furniture according to an embodiment of this invention, made by j oining two modular units and coupling at least two finishing elements ;

[0024] - Fig . 5 is an enlarged detail of Fig . 4 ;

[0025] Fig . 5a shows an axonometric view of a module fixing element according to an embodiment of this invention; [0026] Fig . 5b shows an axonometric view of a module fixing element according to a second embodiment of this invention;

[0027] Fig . 5c shows an axonometric view of a module fixing element according to a third variant embodiment of this invention;

[0028] Fig . 6 shows a detail of a finishing element and a fixing element according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0029] Fig . 7 and 7a each show a configuration of a fixing element inserted into an elastic element according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0030] Fig . 8 shows a plan view from above of a section of a portion of a right panel of a modular unit and of an elastic element inserted into the right panel , in accordance with an embodiment according to this invention;

[0031] Fig . 9 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a finishing element according to an embodiment of this invention and a door according to an embodiment of this invention when the finishing element is coupled to a finishing support frame made of metal sheet ;

[0032] Fig . 10 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a finishing element according to another embodiment of this invention and a door according to another embodiment of this invention when the finishing element is coupled to a finishing support frame 45 made of aluminum;

[0033] Fig. 10a shows an axonometric view of a door according to an embodiment of this invention when the finishing element is coupled to a finishing support frame, preferably made of aluminum;

[0034] Fig. 10b shows an exploded axonometric view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0035] Fig. 10c shows an assembled axonometric view of the door in Fig. 10b;

[0036] Fig. lOd shows a cross-sectional view of the door in Fig. 10c along a cross-sectional plane passing through a finishing support frame;

[0037] Fig. lOe shows an enlarged detail Q of Fig. lOd;

[0038] Fig. lOf shows an exploded axonometric view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0039] Fig. 10g shows a cross-sectional view of the door in Fig. lOf when assembled, along a cross-sectional plane passing through a finishing support frame;

[0040] Fig. lOh shows an enlarged detail Q' of Fig. 10g;

[0041] Fig. 101 shows an exploded axonometric view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0042] Fig. 11 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a finishing element according to a further embodiment of this invention and a door according to a further embodiment of this invention when the finishing element is coupled with a finishing support frame made of metal sheet ;

[0043] Fig . 12 shows an axonometric view of an exploded drawing of a finishing element according to another embodiment of this invention and a door according to another embodiment of this invention when the finishing element is coupled with a finishing support frame made of aluminum .

[0044] With reference to the aforesaid figures , according to one aspect of this invention, the reference number 1 is used to collectively refer to a modular unit 1 for the composition of a box-shaped module 100 , 101 for a piece of furniture , for example for a modular kitchen or a bookcase or a cabinet or for bathroom furniture and the like .

[0045] Said modular unit 1 comprises a bottom panel 10 , a right panel 20 , and a left panel 30 , made of thin metal sheet and coupled together to define an inner cavity I with an open box shape .

[0046] Each panel of these right 20 and left 30 panels comprises an inner panel face 20 ' , 30 ' , facing the inner cavity I and an outer panel face 20 ' ’ , not facing the inner cavity I . Further, each right 20 or left 30 panel extends mainly according to a first extension direction X and a second extension direction Y perpendicular to the first extension direction X and, to a much lesser extent , in a third extension direction Z perpendicular to the first X and the second extension direction Y . In other words , each right 20 or left 30 panel has a small thickness in the third extension direction Z . Preferably, the thin plate is a thin sheet of steel , less than 2 millimeters thick in the extension direction Z , even more preferably less than 1 millimeter .

[0047] Each of said right 20 and left 30 panels comprises at least one upper panel edge 21 , 31 and one lower panel edge 22 , 32 that delimit the panel extens ion along the first extension direction X .

[0048] Further, in the vicinity of said upper edge 21 , 31 and lower edge 22 , 32 , each right or left panel 20 , 30 comprises a fold 210 , 220 of the metal sheet comprising a locking wall 210 ' , 220 ' ; 310 ' extending along the first extension direction X in a manner much less than the extension of the entire panel along the same first extension direction X and being spaced apart from the outer panel face 20 ' ’ . In other words , the locking wall 210 ' , 220 ' , 230 ' is a lip spaced apart from the outer panel face 20 ' ’ . Preferably, said lip extends along the first extension direction X by a length of less than 10% with respect to the extension of the entire panel along the same first extension direction X, even more preferably by a length of less than 5% with respect to the extension of the entire panel along the same first extension direction X .

[0049] On said locking wall 210 ' , 220 ' ; 310 ' fixing openings 211 , 221 , 311 are obtained for removably fixing a finishing element 4 or an equal modular unit 1 .

[0050] The bottom panel 10 also comprises an inner panel face 10 ' facing the inner cavity I and an outer panel face 10 ' ’ , not facing the inner cavity I . Further, the bottom panel 10 also preferably extends primarily according to a first extension direction X and a second extension direction Y perpendicular to the first extension direction X and, to a much lesser extent , in a third extension direction Z perpendicular to the first X and second extension direction Y .

[0051] In other words , each bottom 10 , right 20 , or left 30 panel has a small thickness in the third extension direction Z .

[0052] Further, preferably, each panel 10 , 20 , 30 has a square or rectangular plan shape .

[0053] Also each bottom panel 10 comprises at least one top panel edge 11 and one bottom panel edge 12 that delimit the panel extension along the first extension direction X.

[0054] According to a variant embodiment, near said top edge 11 and bottom edge 12, each bottom panel 10 comprises a fold of the metal sheet comprising a locking wall 110' extending along the first extension direction X in a manner much less than the extension of the entire panel along the same first extension direction X and being spaced apart from the outer panel face 10'' , in a manner entirely analogous to that previously described for the right panel 20 or the left panel 30. Therefore, in a similar manner, fixing openings 111 are provided on the locking wall 110' of the bottom panel 10 for removably fixing a finishing element 4 or an equal modular unit 1.

[0055] Preferably, the fixing openings 111, 211, 221, 311 are through openings .

[0056] According to an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the modular unit 1 comprises a reinforcing panel, joined to the bottom panel 10 and/or the right panel 20 and/or to the left panel 30 along the outer panel face 10' ' , 20' ' , 30' ' , preferably joining by sandwiching or bonding. Preferably, in this variant, the reinforcing panel is sandwiched between the locking wall 110' , 210' , 220' ; 310' and the outer panel face 10' ' , 20' ' , 30' ' . Preferably, the reinforcing panel is received in the U-shaped seat formed between the locking wall 110' , 210' , 220' , 310' and the outer panel face 10' ' , 20' ' , 30' ' . Preferably, the reinforcing panel is only sandwiched between the locking wall 110' , 210' , 220' , 310' and the outer panel face 10' ' , 20' ' , 30' ' , without any additional bonding. Preferably, the reinforcing panel is made of a non-metallic material. For example, it is a multilayer material with synthetic resins, such as laminate or melamine multilayer or chipboard material, or it is plastic resin or melamine resin or honeycomb PET.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bottom panel 10, the right panel 20, and the left panel 30 are made in one piece and obtained by folding a single sheet 1' , preferably along weakenings 12' , 13' of the sheet 1' , as for example shown in Fig. 1 to 2a.

[0058] Preferably, each of said right 20 and left 30 panels comprises at least one left panel edge 23, 33 and one right panel edge 24, 34 that delimit the panel extension along the second extension direction Y. In the vicinity of at least the left edge 23, 33 each left and right panel comprises an auxiliary fold 230, 330 of the metal sheet comprising an auxiliary locking wall 230', 330' extending along the second extension direction Y much less than the extension of the entire panel along the same second extension direction Y. This auxiliary locking wall 230 ' , 330 ' is spaced from the outer panel face 20 ' ' ,

30 ' ' . In addition, auxiliary fixing openings 231 , 331 are provided on said auxiliary locking wall 230 ' , 330 ' for removably fixing a finishing element 4 or an equal modular unit 1 .

[0059] Preferably, the auxiliary locking wall 230 ' , 330 ' extends along the second extension direction Y by a length of less than 10% with respect to the extension of the entire panel along the same second extension direction Y, even more preferably by a length of les s than 5% with respect to the extension of the entire panel along the same second extension direction Y .

[0060] It is clear that , in a variant embodiment , the bottom panel 10 also comprises an auxiliary fold 130 and an auxiliary locking wall 130 ' , which is entirely analogous to that which is described in the preceding paragraph for the right panel 20 or left panel 30 .

[0061] Preferably, the fixing openings 111 , 211 , 221 and the auxiliary fixing openings 131 , 231 , 331 are eyelets comprising a reduced cross-sectional region 222 with respect to a normal cross-sectional region 223 to allow a head of a screw or nail 5 to pass through the normal cross-sectional region 223 and to prevent the screw or nail 5 from emerging from the region with a reduced cross-section 222 , as for example shown in Fig . la . [0062] According to an embodiment, behind the locking wall 110' ; 210' , 220' ; 310' and/or behind the auxiliary locking wall 130' , 230' , i.e., on the side of the locking wall or auxiliary locking wall facing the outer panel face 20' ’ , in the vicinity of one or more of the fixing openings 111, 211, 221 or auxiliary fixing openings 131, 231 at least one elastic element 6 is positioned, which is adapted to undergo elastic deformation and to "snapfix" onto the screw or nail 5, as for example shown in Fig. 7, 7a, and 8. This is done in such a way that the translation of the screw or nail 5 along a direction K perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the screw/nail into the fixing openings or auxiliary fixing openings is prevented. Said screw insertion direction is essentially parallel to the third extension direction Z.

[0063] According to an embodiment, for example shown in Fig. 7 and 7a, the elastic element 6 comprises an eyelet of elastic element having a reduced cross-sectional region 222’ with respect to a normal cross-sectional region 223' to allow a head of a screw or nail 5 to pass through the normal cross-sectional region 223' and prevent the screw or nail 5 from emerging from the reduced cross-sectional region 222’ .

[0064] According to an embodiment, for example shown in Fig. 1c, the right panel 20 and/or the left panel 30 and/or the bottom panel 10, in the vicinity of the top panel edge 21, 31 or the bottom panel edge 22, 32 comprises a horizontal locking wall 115, 215, 315, 225 extending in a plane parallel to the third extension direction Z and possibly perpendicular only to the first extension direction X.

[0065] On said horizontal locking wall 115, 215, 315, 225 fixing openings 215' , 315' are obtained for removably fixing a finishing element 4 or an equal modular unit 1. As shown in Fig. 1c, in this variant, the finishing element 4, when secured by the fixing elements 51 in the fixing openings 215' , 315' , constitutes a top covering finishing element 4' , such as a kitchen top element or the like, or a bottom finishing element 4' ’ .

[0066] As may be appreciated from the above description and figures, all finishing elements are therefore preferably fixed in a removable manner by means of the fixing elements 51 and, therefore, without the use of permanent fixing elements such as screws or nails or glues, which, if removed, would compromise the integrity of the finishing element or of the modular unit and, in any case, would require longer assembly/disassembly times.

[0067] According to a further aspect of this invention, a box-shaped module 100, 101 for a piece of furniture, for example shown in Fig. 1, lb, and 3, comprises a modular unit 1 , described in the preceding paragraphs , and at least one finishing element 4 on which fixing elements 51 are anchored that are inserted into one or more fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or one or more auxiliary fixing openings 231 of the modular unit 1 .

[0068] The finishing element 4 is also to be considered per se an aspect of this invention and is for example shown in its variant embodiments in Fig . 9 to 12 . It should be noted that , in said figures , the finishing element 4 and a door 7 , subj ect of this invention, formed by j oining the finishing element 4 with a finishing support frame 45 , are represented at the same time . Thus , the finishing element 4 when coupled with the finishing support frame 45 results in a door according to this invention while when coupled with a modular unit 1 it serves as a finishing element per se of the modular unit , constituting a box-shaped module 100 , 101 .

[0069] According to one aspect of this invention, for example with particular reference to Fig . 9 and 10 , the finishing element 4 comprises an outer panel 41 made of a transparent or translucent material and a printed sheet 44 comprising a representation or decoration . The printed sheet 44 is stably anchorable between the outer panel 41 and the locking wall 211 , 221 and/or the auxiliary locking wall 231 . Additionally, one or more fixing elements 51 , such as nails or screws , adapted to be inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or in the auxiliary fixing openings 231 are fixed on the outer panel 41 .

[0070] Preferably, the printed sheet 44 comprises anchoring openings 441 adapted to be crossed by the fixing elements 51 .

[0071] Preferably, the printed sheet 44 is removably retained between the outer panel 41 and the locking wall 211 , 221 , without any further definitive fixing means , such as glue or screws , but is retained only by being trapped between the outer panel 41 and the locking wall 211 , 221 and/or the auxiliary locking wall 231 , and possibly supported by the fixing elements 51 .

[0072] According to an advantageous embodiment , the outer panel 41 comprises a support element 43 , preferably a support frame j oined to the outer panel 41 , preferably by an adhesive layer 42 . In this variant , the one or more fixing elements 51 , e . g . , pegs or double-headed pegs or screws or nails , are fixed to the support element 43 and the printed sheet 44 is anchored to the support element 43 by the one or more fixing elements 51 . This provides adequate strength to the finishing element 4 while ensuring interchangeability of the printed sheet .

[0073] It is clear that in this di scussion, decoration or representation or finish means any figurative element or even a simple solid color or texture or pattern.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment, a lighting element (not shown) , e.g., an LED strip, is housed on the support element 43, in the space between the printed sheet 44 and the outer panel 41, or on the finishing support frame 45, so as to backlight the outer panel 41.

[0075] According to a variant embodiment, the lighting element is housed behind the locking wall 210' , 220' ; 310' and/or behind the auxiliary locking wall 230' , i.e., on the side of the locking wall or auxiliary locking wall facing the outer panel face 20' ’ .

[0076] In general, preferably, the finishing element 4 has a thickness of less than or equal to twenty-five millimeters, even more preferably less than or equal to eight millimeters or less than or equal to five millimeters .

[0077] According to a further aspect of this invention, for example shown in Fig. 11 and 12, the finishing element 4 comprises an outer panel 41 directly comprising an embodiment or decoration. Fixed to said outer panel 41 are one or more fixing elements 51, e.g., double-headed pegs, nails, or screws, for removably anchoring to the locking wall 211, 221 and/or to the auxiliary locking wall 231. As already said in general, and therefore also in this variant , the outer panel 41 has a thickness of less than or equal to 25 millimeters or more preferably less than or equal to 8 millimeters , even more preferably less than or equal to 5 millimeters .

[0078] Preferably, the finishing element 4 is made of stone , or metal , or stoneware , or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) , or polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) , or polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) , or glass , or HPL (high pressure laminate ) , or polycarbonate , or wood, plastic, cement , resin, marble , ceramic, or quartz .

[0079] As will be understood from the preceding paragraphs , it is therefore an obj ect of this invention to provide a door 7 for a piece of furniture , preferably anchorable in a rotatable manner to the piece of furniture or in any case to a modular unit 1 of a piece o f furniture .

[0080] It is clear that the door 7 of this invention is preferably anchorable to a piece of furniture or a modular unit 1 described herein, but it is also clear that the door 7 is anchorable to any piece of furniture of the prior art , for example made with wooden modules , for example by means of suitable hinges . Therefore , the door 7 of this invention, is not to be considered strictly bound to engage with a modular unit 1 described herein . The door 7 comprises a finishing element 4 , according to the previously described variants, and a finishing support frame 45 preferably made of thin metal sheet or aluminum section bar or plastic material or glass or carbon fiber. Said finishing support frame 45 comprises a finishing locking wall 211' , 221' and/or an auxiliary finishing locking wall 231' . One or more fixing elements 51, e.g., pegs, double-headed pegs, screws or nails, of the outer panel 41 removably fix the outer panel 41 to the finishing locking wall 211' , 221' and/or the auxiliary finishing locking wall 231' .

[0081] In the variant wherein the finishing element 4 comprises the printed sheet 44, said printed sheet 44 is anchored between the outer panel 41 and the finishing locking wall 211' , 221' and/or the auxiliary finishing locking wall 231' , preferably being crossed by the fixing elements 51, which allow it to be held in place and prevent it from slipping.

[0082] It is clear that, according to one embodiment, similarly to the modular unit 1, behind the finishing locking wall 211' , 221' and/or the auxiliary finishing locking wall 231' , in the vicinity of one or more finishing fixing openings 211a, 221a, or auxiliary finishing fixing openings 231a, at least one elastic element 6 is positioned, adapted to undergo elastic deformation and to "snap-fix" onto one or more fixing elements 51, e.g., a nail or screw 5. This is done in such a way that translation of the screw or nail 5 along a direction K perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the screw/nail into the finishing fixing openings or auxiliary finishing fixing openings is prevented.

[0083] Preferably, therefore, the features of the locking walls 210' , 220' ; 310' and auxiliary locking walls, as well as the fixing openings 211, 221, 311 and auxiliary fixing openings and their interactions with the fixing elements 51, are to be considered equally understood and valid in the finishing locking wall 211' , 221' , in the auxiliary finishing locking wall 231' , and in the finishing fixing openings 211a, 221a, or auxiliary finishing fixing openings 231a. This ensures full interchangeability compatibility between finishing elements 4 applicable to the right, left, lower, and bottom panels of the modular unit, as well as the finishing support frame 45 for the door 7.

[0084] Preferably, the door 7 comprises a release button (not shown) , adapted to activate or deactivate the elastic element 6, i.e., mechanically interfering therewith, so as to allow the release of the outer panel 41.

[0085] It is also clear that for the person skilled in the art, the term "support frame" means any frame or a simple profile or a more complex metal structure.

[0086] For example, according to an advantageous embodiment, e.g., shown in Fig. 10a, the finishing support frame 45 is a metal bar or plate, e.g., a metal bar or plate in one piece or obtained by bending a sheet, preferably made of aluminum or plastic material or glass fiber or carbon fiber, having preferential extension in the first direction of extension X and having no additional supporting components, i.e., not shaped, e.g., as a frame, as shown by way of example in the other variant embodiments. In this variant, preferably, the support element 43 joined to the outer panel 41, preferably by an adhesive layer 42, is a thin metal sheet in the form of a frame or in the form of an entire thin metal sheet. Furthermore, in this variant, preferably the one or more fixing elements 51 are fixed to the thin metal sheet, for example they are welded or press-fit or glued. This results in a lightweight, extremely thin, strong door for a piece of furniture with all the advantages provided by a finishing element. It is clear that all of the previously described outer panel 41 and printed sheet 44 variants are applicable to this variant of support element 43 and finishing support frame 45; moreover, all of the finishing element 4 variants described in this discussion are applicable with the difference that the support element 43 is either a thin metal sheet in the form of a frame or in the form of a whole thin metal sheet.

[0087] For example, according to a further advantageous embodiment, e.g., shown in Fig. 10a, the finishing support frame 45 is a metal bar, e.g., , a metal bar in one piece or obtained by bending a sheet, preferably it is an aluminum bar, having preferential extension in the first extension direction X and does not have any further support components, i.e., it is not shaped, e.g., as a frame, as for example shown in other variant embodiments. In this variant, preferably, the support element 43 joined to the outer panel 41, preferably by an adhesive layer 42, is a thin metal sheet in the form of a frame or in the form of an entire thin metal sheet. Furthermore, in this variant, preferably the one or more fixing elements 51 are fixed to the thin metal sheet, for example they are welded or press-fit or glued. This results in a lightweight, extremely thin, strong cabinet door with all the advantages provided by a finishing element 4. It is clear that all of the previously described outer panel 41 and printed sheet 44 variants are applicable to this variant of support element 43 and finishing support frame 45; moreover, all of the finishing element 4 variants described in this discussion are applicable with the difference that the support element 43 is either a thin metal sheet in the form of a frame or in the form of a whole thin metal sheet.

[0088] For example, according to a further advantageous embodiment, e.g., shown in Fig. 10b to lOh, the present invention pertains to a door 7 comprising the outer panel 41 comprising a representation or decoration or finish, and the finishing support frame 45, preferably made as a bar or plate having preferential extension in the first direction of extension X and having no further support components, i.e., not shaped, for example, as a frame, as shown by way of example in the other variant embodiments. Preferably the finishing support frame 45 in the form of a bar or plate is a metal bar or plate, such as a metal bar or plate in one piece or obtained by bending a metal sheet, preferably made of aluminum or made of plastic material or glass or carbon fiber, or otherwise a thin bar or profile of aluminum or plastic material or glass fiber or carbon fiber.

[0089] Such a finishing support frame 45 comprises, as already described for the other variants, a finishing locking wall 211' .

[0090] As described in the other variants, the door 7 comprises a finishing element 4 that comprises the outer panel 41 comprising a representation or decoration or finish and a support element 43 j oined to the outer panel 41 .

[0091] One or more fixing elements 51 , such as pegs or nails or screws , are fixed to the outer panel 41 or support element 43 , which removably fix the finishing element 4 to the finishing locking wall 211 ' , so that in order to separate the finishing element 4 from the finishing support frame 45 , it is not necessary to remove the one or more fixing elements 51 from the finishing element 4 . This allows for quick engagement and disengagement of the finishing element 4 while ensuring adequate strength of the door . Speci fically, according to an embodiment already extensively described in this discussion with reference to the finishing element 4 and valid in an entirely analogous way also for the door 7 , the fixing elements 51 engage removably with one or more finishing fixing openings 211a, obtained on the finishing support frame 45 on the finishing locking wall 211 ' . It is clear that the details of these finishing fixing openings 211a, and of their interaction with the fixing elements 51 described in this discussion for the finishing element or box module with reference to the fixing openings 111 , 211 , 221 , also apply equally to the door 7 .

[0092] The outer panel 41 comprises a panel support face 411 facing the finishing support frame 45 .

[0093] Further, a support seat 412 is obtained on that panel support face 411 which extends for a smaller surface than the entire extension surface of the panel support face 411 . Further, the support element 43 is accommodated and fixed in the support seat 412 . In this variant , preferably, the outer panel 41 has a thickness of less than or equal to 25 millimeters , preferably less than or equal to 8 millimeters .

[0094] It is clear that all previously described variants of the outer panel 41 are applicable to this variant of the support element 43 and the finishing support frame 45 ; further, all the variants of the finishing element 4 described in the present discussion are applicable .

[0095] It is clear that the support element 43 and the outer panel 45 form the finishing element 4 .

[0096] Preferably, the support seat 412 is obtained in one piece in the outer panel 41 .

[0097] Preferably, the support seat 412 is milled in the outer panel 41 .

[0098] According to an embodiment , for example shown in Fig . 10b to l Oe , the support seat 412 occupies at least 50% of the entire extension surface of the panel support face 411 , preferably more than 80% of the entire extension surface of the panel support face 411 , so as to leave only an edge of small thickness unoccupied by the support element 43, e.g., an edge of maximum thickness of less than 10 millimeters.

[0099] According to one embodiment, for example shown in Fig. lOf to lOh, the support seat 412 occupies at most 50% of the entire extension surface of the panel support face 411, preferably it occupies less than 20% of the entire extension surface of the panel support face 411. For example, the support seat is a cavity with a rectangular cross-section.

[00100] Preferably, the support element 43 is completely accommodated and by shape coupling in the support seat 412.

[00101] Preferably, the support seat 412 is a blind cavity made in one piece in the outer panel 41, and the support element 43 is completely accommodated and by shape coupling in the support seat 412 and in such a way as to create a continuous surface with the panel support face 411, i.e., so as not to create a step with the panel support face 411.

[00102] Preferably, there is an interspace 413 between the support element 43 and the support seat 412.

[00103] Preferably, at least a portion of the fixing elements 51, e.g., a screw or nail or peg, is accommodated in said interspace 413, as is visible, for example, in Fig. lOe.

[00104] Preferably, the finishing support frame 45 protrudes from the support element 43. Preferably, the finishing support frame 45 is thin, preferably has a thickness of its lower-extension dimension less than 20 millimeters, preferably less than 15 millimeters, even more preferably between 3 and 15 millimeters.

[00105] Preferably, the transverse thickness of the outer panel 41, i.e., the thickness along the lower- extension dimension of the outer panel 41, is less than or equal to 22 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 22 millimeters, even more preferably between 3 and 12 millimeters, even more preferably between 3 and 8 millimeters .

[00106] For example, according to a further advantageous embodiment, e.g. shown in Fig. 101, the present invention pertains to a door 7 comprising a finishing element 4 comprising an outer panel 41 comprising a representation or decoration or finish and a supporting element 43 joined to the outer panel 41. The door 7 also comprises a finishing support frame 45, e.g., made as a bar or a metal plate or made of a plastic material or glass fiber or carbon fiber. The finishing support frame 45 comprises a finishing locking wall 211' . One or more fixing elements 51, such as pegs or nails or screws , being fixed onto the outer panel 41 or to the support element 43 , which removably fix the finishing element 4 to the finishing locking wall 211 ' without requiring to remove the one or more fixing elements 51 from the finishing element 4 to separate the finishing element 4 from the finishing support frame 45.

[00107] Speci fically, according to an embodiment already extensively described in this discussion with reference to the finishing element 4 and valid in an entirely analogous way also for the door 7 , the fixing elements 51 engage removably with one or more finishing fixing openings 211a, obtained on the finishing support frame 45 on the finishing locking wal l 211 ' .

[00108] The support element 43 is a sheet folded along the peripheral edges thereof , so as to form containment walls 431 , 432 , 433 , 434 defining a finishing seat 435 in which the outer panel 41 is accommodated by shape coupling, so as to be surrounded by the containment walls 431 , 432 , 433 , 434 . The finishing element 4 has a thickness of less than or equal to 25 millimeter, preferably less than or equal to 8 millimeters , preferably between 3 and 8 millimeters , ends included .

[00109] Preferably, the thickness of the outer panel 41 along its direction of least extension is equal to the depth of the finishing seat 435 , so that the outer panel fills the finishing seat 435 up to the outermost edge of the containment walls 431 , 432 , 433 , 434 .

[00110] Preferably, the folded sheet has a thickness in its lower-extension dimension of less than 3 millimeters , preferably between 0 . 5 and 3 millimeters .

[00111] According to one embodiment , the outer panel 41 is completely accommodated in the finishing seat 435 .

[00112] Preferably, there is an interspace between the outer panel 41 and the finishing seat 435 .

[00113] Preferably, at least a portion of the fixing elements 51 , such as a screw or nail or peg, is accommodated in said interspace .

[00114] Preferably, the support element 43 comprises a handle 436 obtained in one piece with the support element 43 by bending the folded metal sheet .

[00115] It is clear that all previously described variants of the outer panel 41 are applicable to this variant of the support element 43 and the finishing support frame 45 ; further, all the variants of the finishing element 4 described in the present discussion are applicable .

[00116] According to an embodiment , the finishing support frame 45 integrally houses or directly supports ( e . g . , is fixed to ) one or more hinges for the movement of the door 7 . For example , the finishing support frame 45 comprises one or more hinge seats , suitable for accommodating one or more hinges .

[00117] Preferably, the one or more finishing fixing openings 211a, are slots , preferably keyhole shaped, formed on the finishing locking wall 211 ' , 221 ' of the finishing support frame 45 .

[00118] Preferably, the one or more hinge seats are arranged on a face opposite to the finishing locking wall 211 ' , 221 ' of the finishing support frame 45 on which the finishing fixing openings 211a are obtained .

[00119] Due to the configuration of finishing fixing openings 211a and hinge seats , the assembly and disassembly of the finish 4 is extremely easy, and there is no need to remove the hinges .

[00120] Additionally, it is an obj ect of this invention to provide a piece of furniture 1000 , for example shown in Fig . 4 comprising at least two modular units 1 , 1A described in the preceding paragraphs , j oined together by module fixing elements 52 inserted into one or more fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or one or more auxiliary fixing openings 231 of each modular unit 1 , 1A. The module fixing elements are preferably pins or nails having a double head, as for example shown in Fig . 5 . In other words , pins or nails comprise a left head 521 and a right head 522 j oined together by a central connecting member 523 having a reduced cross-section with respect to the cross-section of the head . The left head 521 is adapted to be inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or auxiliary fixing openings 231 of one 1 of the two modular units 1 , 1A, while the right head 522 is adapted to be inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or auxiliary fixing openings 231 of the other 1A of the two modular units 1 , 1A, adj acent to the first . In this way, it is possible to obtain a quick, simple , and ef fective coupling of the modules , without requiring to provide for onerous screw fixing operations that would, moreover, ruin the modular units .

[00121] According to a variant embodiment , for example shown in Fig . 5a to 5c, the module fixing elements 52 comprise a fixing frame 530 , comprising a right frame face 530 ' and a left frame face 530 ' ’ , which are opposite each other . One or more pins or nails , preferably having an enlarged head, and adapted to be inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or auxiliary fixing openings 231 of one 1 of the two modular units 1 , 1A are fixed or formed into each right frame face 530 ' and left frame face 530 ' . In particular, when the fixing frame 530 is installed between two modular units 1 , 1A, the pins or nails fixed to the right frame face 530 ' are inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or auxiliary fixing openings 231 of one of the two modular units 1 , 1A, while the pins or nails fixed to the left frame face 530 ' ’ are inserted into the fixing openings 211 , 221 and/or auxiliary fixing openings 231 of the other of the two modular units 1 , 1A. In this way, a quick, simple , and ef fective coupling of the modules is obtained, without requiring to provide for onerous screw fixing operations , and at the same time it is possible to meet any need for padding between the modules , also ensuring greater flexibility in the design and filling of spaces wherein the piece of furniture is housed .

[00122] Further, an aspect of this invention is a method for making a modular unit 1 , previously described . [00123] The aforesaid method is best understood in reference to Fig . 2 and 2a and comprises the following operational steps :

[00124] - providing a metal sheet 1 ' , preferably having weakenings 12 ' , 13 ' extending along the first extension direction X, and comprising an upper edge 21 and a lower edge 22 , wherein in the vicinity of said lower edge 22 and upper edge 21 , said metal sheet 1 ' comprises a fold 210 , 220 of the metal sheet comprising a locking wal l 210 ' , 220 ' ; 310 ' extending along the first extension direction X in a manner much les s than the extension of the entire metal sheet 1 ' along said first extension direction X and being spaced apart from an outer sheet face 1 ' ' ;

[00125] - folding the metal sheet 1 ' , preferably along the weakenings 12 , 13 ' , to obtain the modular unit 1 so that the bottom panel 10 ends up between the right panel 20 and the left panel 30 and, preferably, between two weakenings 12 ' , 13 ' .

[00126] It is clear that in the case of the presence of weakenings in the metal sheet , such as incisions , notches , holes or micro-holes or the like , it is easier to fold the metal sheet at the site of installation . In the case of the absence of such weakenings , however, it is preferable to carry out the bending or at least a partial bending of the metal sheet at the factory, before transport to the place of installation .

[00127] It is clear that the aforesaid construction method refers to a variant embodiment wherein the modular unit 1 is made from a one-piece sheet 1 ' . However, it is clear that , according to another construction method, the modular unit 1 may also be made by j oining together three distinct bottom panels 10 , right panels 20 , and left panels 30 , as for example shown in Fig . 3 and 3a .

[00128] Moreover, after making the modular unit 1 , the method comprises the step of coupling one or more finishing elements 4 to the modular unit by inserting the fixing elements 51 into one or more fixing openings 211 , 221 or auxiliary fixing openings 231 , so as to make a box-shaped module .

[00129] Innovatively, this invention overcomes the drawbacks of the doors and pieces of furniture of the prior art .

[00130] In an extremely innovative way, this invention allows manufactured articles to be redesigned and customi zed according to the particular final destination, due to the easy versatility of the doors and to their simultaneous strength of construction and lightness .

[00131] The extreme modularity and interchangeability of the finishing elements and doors , together with a light , thin, and traditional screwless structure results in a piece of furniture with unique and distinctive features in the sector .

[00132] In particular, for example , the finishing element 4 of the door is easily repositionable on the finishing support frame 45 , and at the same time the door is thin while providing adequate strength over time , avoiding deformation, precisely because of the coupling between the outer panel 41 and the support element 43 .

[00133] Advantageously, the fixing elements 51 , permanently fixed only to the finishing element , ensure easy repositioning of the finishing element to the finishing support frame .

[00134] Further, in the embodiment wherein the fixing elements are pegs trapped between outer panel 41 and the support element 43 (passing through the support element 43 the strength of the finishing and the door is further ensured, while maintaining very small thicknesses .

[00135] Additionally, the variant with the finishing support frame 45 in the form of a single bar or plate that occupies only a minimal portion of the entire surface of the finishing element 4 , less than 50% or even less than 20% of the entire surface , ensures that the weight of the overall door is kept low and maintains a linear and delicate appearance for the entire door .

[00136] Advantageously, the variant that envisages the support element 43 made of folded metal sheet makes it possible to obtain light , strong, and long-lasting doors because the edges of the finish are protected by said metal sheet .

[00137] Moreover, in the variants that envisage the printed sheet , for example , it is possible at any time to rearrange the arrangement of the printed sheets on the door or in the finishing elements without any decoration or gluing operations or without any marks or holes remaining in the panels .

[00138] Moreover, it is possible to obtain multicolor modular units , variable at will in the same piece of furniture . In particular, in the same box-shaped module it is possible to have faces with di f ferent colors and/or materials , as well as doors with di f ferent colors and materials without special and complex maintenance operations .

[00139] It is clear that each finishing 4 or door 7 element may also cover only partially or completely the support frame or the right panel 20 , left panel 30 , or bottom panel 10 . This allows for a variability of decorations to be obtained even in the same door or in the same side of the box-shaped module .

[00140] In addition, in a particularly advantageous way, the modular unit , the finishing element , or the door, for the parts made of metal sheet , are environmentally friendly, completely recyclable , nonflammable , and water-resistant . In particular, being made of metal sheet such as steel or aluminum, they are recyclable , as well as being solid, durable , and easily washable .

[00141] In particular, the presence of a folded sheet equipped with fixing openings allows an ef fective and simple coupling between the modular unit and the finishing element , as well as between adj acent modular units or between the finishing element and the support frame for constructing the door .

[00142] This further allows for a rapid installation of an entire piece of furniture without requiring costly fixing operations using screws of di f ferent si zes and pins .

[00143] Moreover, due to the possibility of repositioning the finishing elements on the modular unit in a simple way, it is possible to change the outer finish of the furniture over time , as well as vary the type of decoration of said piece of furniture , with the possibility of obtaining various shapes and di f ferent colors .

[00144] In addition, the possibility of changing only the printed sheet of the finishing element is advantageous , as it allows the aesthetic appearance of the furniture to be modi fied at will over time , without having to change an entire side panel or even an entire module . Furthermore , the same benefit applies to the door .

[00145] Also advantageously, making the modular unit in metal sheet of small thickness allows an agile and easy transport , as well as an agile assembly operation, being extremely light compared to the wooden modular units of the prior art .

[00146] In addition, the variant of a modular unit made by means of the metal sheet in a single body folded along the weakenings further facilitates the storage and transportation operations of the modular units . In ef fect , unfolded sheets may be easily stacked and stored in extremely small spaces with respect to a pre-assembled box-shaped modular unit that is typical of the prior art . Similarly, it is also possible to collect and as semble numerous panels to make a piece of furniture .

[00147] The operator installing the modular unit according to this invention need only transport the unfolded sheets to the installation site of the module and proceed with the folding operation on site to obtain the box-shaped module along the weakenings on the metal sheet .

[00148] Thus , in an extremely innovative way the modular unit allows manufactured items to be redesigned and customi zed according to the particular final destination, without having to make custom pieces or decorations and allowing the space of the room to be used in a simple and optimal way . The extreme modularity and interchangeability of the finishing elements and doors , together with a light , thin, and screwless structure , is unique in the industry .

[00149] Moreover, it is possible at any time to rearrange the arrangement of the printed sheets without any decorating or gluing operations or without any marks or holes remaining in the panels .

[00150] Moreover, it is possible to obtain multicolor modular units , variable at will in the same piece of furniture . In particular, it is possible to have faces in the same box-shaped module with di f ferent colors and/or materials .

[00151] It is clear that each finishing element 4 may also cover only partially or completely the support frame or the right panel 20 , left panel 30 , or bottom panel 10 . This allows for a variability of decorations to be obtained even in the same door or in the same side of the box-shaped module .

[00152] Also advantageously, the possibility of making finishing elements of limited thickness , for example down to dimensions of less than 8 millimeters , allows an easy transportability of panels and doors and therefore an easy distribution in many places , even at a great distance .

[00153] A person skilled in the art may, in order to meet speci fic needs , make several changes to the embodiments of this invention or substitutions of elements with other functionally equivalent ones .

[00154] These variants are also contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .