FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an outdoor furnishing element and to a manufacturing process thereof. The outdoor furnishing element of the invention is preferably, although not exclusively, used as urban furnishing element which can be simultaneously used as a vehicle traffic deterrent or delimiter element.

BACKGROUND ART

Outdoor furniture is a broad category of products generally comprising furnishing elements intended to be used in private or public outdoor spaces, such as for example, benches, tables, planters, waste containers, noticeboards or support elements for headers, information or advertising panels, etc. Such furnishing elements are made in various shapes and with various materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, stone, concrete, or a combination thereof, according to functional and/or aesthetic needs.

There is often also the need in public environments to prevent vehicles from accessing, or stopping in given areas, i.e. to protect pedestrians, buildings or structures in general from accidental or voluntary vehicle collisions. Specific fixed or movable/removable vehicle traffic deterrent or delimiter elements may be used for this purpose, such as metal poles, concrete or stone blocks, so-called“Jersey” barriers, etc. Alternatively, it is also known to use urban furnishing elements as traffic deterrents, for example planters or benches, which have adequate structural features (weight, sturdiness, etc.) to perform such a function.

Today, outdoor furnishing elements, as traffic deterrent elements, typically are manufactured in series by means of various conventional processes selected according to the type of element to be manufactured and the materials used.

Generally, the manufacturers make available a certain number of models for each type of outdoor furnishing element or traffic deterrent element, the models having different structural, functional and/or aesthetic features but in any case defined beforehand by the manufacturers themselves. The possibility of customizing the outdoor furnishing elements or traffic deterrent elements currently available on the market to meet specific user needs is minimum or entirely lacking, in particular with regard to aesthetic aspects such as shape and outer finish.

This is a limitation of the known outdoor furnishing elements or traffic deterrent elements because there are multiple environmental contexts in which they may be used and it is not always possible to obtain the product that best adapts to a specific environmental background according to the user requirements.

Another drawback of the furnishing elements of known type is the difficulty in handling them. In most cases, the placement, handling and removal of the furnishing elements requires the use of hoisting means, such as for example platform cranes or lift trucks of movable type (forklifts). This aspect is very critical in terms of costs and managing the furnishing elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main task of the present invention is to make available an outdoor furnishing element which allows the above-indicated drawbacks to be overcome. It is an object within the scope of this task to provide a furnishing element which may be easily placed, handled and removed without the use of complicated hoisting means.

It is another object to provide a furnishing element which outer configuration may be defined individually for each individual element produced and which in any case may be manufactured industrially with a same process in a simple and affordable manner.

It is another object of the invention to make available an outdoor furnishing element of the aforesaid type, adapted to also be used as a vehicle traffic deterrent or delimiter element.

According to the invention, such objects are achieved by means of an outdoor furnishing element having the features listed in attached claim 1. Preferred aspects of such outdoor furnishing element are the object of respective dependent claims.

In a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore relates to an outdoor furnishing element comprising a base plate for resting the outdoor furnishing element on a surface, and a solid structure which is carried and delimited at the bottom by said base plate. According to the invention, the furnishing element comprises a passive handling system installed in said base plate or in a frame which is removably associable with said base plate. Such a handling system comprises a plurality of castors and a locking device which prohibits or allows the rotation of the castors and therefore the handling of the furnishing element.

The prearrangement of a passive handling system allows a direct, manual handling of particularly heavy outdoor furnishing elements, such as for example, benches or planters, to temporarily move them from a usual location or arrange them in an environment for example, without the need of auxiliary means, such as lift trucks or mobile cranes, which would result in increased economic and logistic burdens and also wait times for the intervention thereof.

The possibility of handling the outdoor furnishing element of the invention without the use of auxiliary means is particularly advantageous when it is used as a traffic deterrent element, in particular in all the circumstances in which a more or less frequent temporary movement of the traffic deterrent element is to be provided to allow the access of vehicles in an area where traffic is otherwise banned.

In this regard, it is worth noting that especially within the urban public field, it is often required to ensure a relatively quick possibility of access in case of emergency also in vehicle-traffic banned areas, for example for emergency or law enforcement means. Thus, when such areas are delimited with fixed urban furnishing elements and/or traffic deterrent elements, it is usual today to create access points in which the passage of vehicles is only hindered and not completely banned, for example by arranging fixed urban furnishing elements and/or traffic deterrent elements in a staggered manner to create a meandering path therebetween. However, such access points often are to be guarede by law enforcement to ensure they are not also used by unauthorized vehicles. Alternatively, it is known to use folding traffic deterrent elements in these cases, which in general are less sturdy with respect to heavy fixed traffic deterrent elements and/or urban furnishing elements or retractable traffic deterrent elements, which are significantly more costly to install and maintain with respect to fixed traffic deterrent elements and/or an urban furnishing element.

In these circumstances, the outdoor furnishing elements of the invention provided with the passive handling system advantageously allow affordably creating heavy barriers which completely ban the vehicle traffic, and therefore do not require guarding by law enforcement, in which temporary access points may however be easily and quickly created in case of emergency.

The locking device preferably can be controlled by means of a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic security key. Thereby, the handling of the outdoor furnishing and traffic deterrent element may advantageously be allowed only to authorized persons who have the security key, such as for example, law enforcement, emergency personnel or residents in the traffic banned area.

Preferably, the locking device can be controlled by a mechanical, electromechanical or an electronic security key. As a result, only authorized persons provided with security key (e.g. law enforcement, rescue persons o citizen resident in the area close to vehicle traffic) are allowed to move the outdoor furnishing and deterrent traffic element.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking device of the handling means can be controlled by means of an electronic code key, preferably a remote key.

In particular, a locking device may be provided in such an embodiment, the device comprising a wireless receiver which may receive a control signal generated and emitted by a suitable electronic user device, possibly following the introduction into the latter of a control code known only to the authorized persons. A particularly preferred technical solution here provides using a Bluetooth® receiver as wireless receiver in the locking device, and a smartphone or other suitable dedicated device as electronic user device. Alternatively, RFID-based technical solutions may be considered.

It is convenient to select electronic user devices to control the locking device of the handling system, especially when the outdoor furnishing element is to be used as a traffic deterrent element, not only which are capable of generating and emitting a control signal for the locking device, but are also capable of performing additional handling monitoring and/or user authorization management functions, such as for example, recording data relating to moments a user sends lock/release commands, sending such data to a command center at preset time intervals or in real time, setting the duration of a released status of the locking device, enabling/disabling users on said electronic user device. Such functions may be implemented in the electronic user device by means of a specific software, for example a smartphone application.

Due to this, the outdoor furnishing element of the invention not only may serve as movable deterrent element for creating temporary passages in traffic deterrent barriers, but also as a system for automatically monitoring and managing the passages through such barriers.

According to a possible embodiment, the locking device of the furnishing element comprises a first operating element which is integral in rotation with one or more of said castors, and a second operating element which takes on a neutral configuration and an action configuration. The neutral configuration is such that the first operating element is free to rotate in integral manner with the wheels; in the action configuration, the second element locks the rotation of the first operating element and therefore the rotation of said one or more castors which are integral in rotation with the operating element. The locking device also comprises switching means for switching the position of said second operating element between said neutral position and said action position.

According to a possible embodiment, the structure of the furnishing element comprises a relatively lightweight shaped outer shell and a solid core, which is heavier than the outer shell, that substantially fills a cavity of the outdoor furnishing element delimited by the outer shell and the base plate.

Within the scope of the present description and of the successive claims, the term “substantially filling” referring to the solid core and to the cavity delimited by the outer shell and by the base plate means that the solid core occupies the whole volume of the cavity, less gaps naturally present due to the possible inconsistent/granular nature of the material forming the solid core.

The parts which incorporate the product design into the outdoor furnishing element, i.e. the outer shell, and the parts serving an essentially structural function, i.e. the inner solid core and the base plate, are structurally separated and may be made independently from one another and with the most appropriate features for the respective function.

The outer shell advantageously may be made with production materials and processes which make it easily possible to “personalize” it on the basis of individual requests and user specifications relating to the shape and outer finishing of the outdoor furnishing element, without this constituting a limitation for the configuration of the structural parts. Vice versa, the inner solid core and the base plate may be configured and made in a more convenient manner to give the outdoor furnishing element the most appropriate structural features in relation to the type and function thereof, substantially independently of the specific desired outer appearance for the outdoor furnishing element.

In particular, the structure of the outdoor furnishing element of the invention also allows outdoor furnishing elements usable as a vehicle traffic deterrent or delimiter elements to be easily obtained. Indeed, the structural parts of the outdoor furnishing element, particularly the inner solid core made of heavier material, may be configured and sized so as to give the outdoor furnishing element itself a weight and sturdiness which are adapted to the traffic deterrent function, independently of the specific outer shape and finishing of the outer shell.

The outer shell preferably is made of plastic material. Such a material allows relatively lightweight shells shaped with the most disparate shapes to be easily and affordably made by means of conventional subtractive or additive processing processes. Moreover, if the outdoor furnishing element of the invention is also used as a traffic deterrent element, an outer shell made of plastic material advantageously allows the impact in case of collision of a vehicle to be at least partially dampened in order to protect the integrity of the outdoor furnishing element itself, and also of the colliding vehicle.

A particularly preferred plastic material for making the outer shell is polystyrene foam (EPS) due to the forming facility, durability and with affordable cost.

The outer shell preferably has a monolithic structure to avoid joining areas which could weaken and/or compromise the aesthetics thereof.

The outer shell may have locally different thicknesses along the extension thereof, which may vary by a few millimeters up to some tens of centimeters according to the aesthetic and structural needs and also to the type of material and manufacturing process used to make it. In the case of an outer shell made of polystyrene foam for example, the thicknesses may preferably be comprised between 20 mm and 400 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 200 mm. To improve the mechanical features of the outer shell, especially if it is made of a relatively soft material, and to protect it with respect to the weather agents, it may be convenient to cover it externally with at least one resin layer, preferably a polyurethane resin having increased mechanical resistance. Such a resin layer may have a thickness of a few millimeters, e.g. about 3 mm.

Reinforcing fibers, such as e.g. glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, may also be incorporated in the resin layer.

The resin layer may conveniently also extend over the base plate or over portions thereof. This allows the base plate to be structurally bound to the outer shell in a direct and autonomous manner, thus facilitating the formation of the cavity intended to house the solid core during the manufacturing steps of the outdoor furnishing element, and contributing to the structural cohesion of the outdoor furnishing element.

A finishing of various type may be applied on the outer surface of the outer shell, i.e. on the resin layer if present, such as for example a cementitious finishing, a gritting, a paint and/or adhesive films.

The solid core preferably is made of an at least temporarily pourable material. This advantageously allows the solid core to be directly created in contact with the outer shell by filling the cavity of the outdoor furnishing element delimited by the outer shell itself and by the base plate with the pourable material and then possibly letting it solidify.

Also the solid core has a monolithic structure, in a preferred embodiment of the outdoor furnishing element of the invention.

The solid core preferably superficially adheres to the outer shell, thus forming a single body therewith.

The solid core preferably is made of a cementitious material. Such a material advantageously combines processability and pourability in fluid step, mechanical features and specific weights upon solidification which are adapted to obtain also heavy structural parts as desired when the outdoor furnishing element is used as a traffic deterrent element, and affordable cost. A particularly preferred cementitious material for making the solid core is aerated concrete due to the optimal fluidity in pouring step, the adhesion capacity to the outer shell and the specific weight features once solidified.

In alternative embodiments, the solid core may also be formed by cohesionless material, such as for example, sand, gravel or other suitable solid pourable material.

The solid core may have a volume comprised between about 10% and about 50%, preferably between about 20% and about 40%, of the total volume of the outdoor furnishing element.

The cavity delimited by the outer shell and by the base plate and filled by the solid core preferably is a closed cavity and the outer shell comprises, preferably in a top position, an opening in communication with such a cavity to allow the introduction therein of the at least temporarily pourable material intended to form the solid core. The base plate preferably comprises at least one portion incorporated in the solid core to improve the anchoring of the base plate to the solid core.

The portion of base plate incorporated in the solid core may consist of a specific structure, for example a grid or an assembly of elongated and/or plate-like elements conveniently arranged, protruding from the inner face of the base plate, or simply by convex portions of the inner face corresponding to functional cavities formed in the outer face of the base plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the outdoor furnishing element of the invention and of the related manufacturing process will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given hereinbelow by way of non-limiting, indicative examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of an outdoor furnishing element according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective diagrammatic bottom view of the outdoor furnishing element in Fig. 1 , without a handling system;

Fig. 3 is a perspective diagrammatic bottom view of the outdoor furnishing element in Fig. 1 , with a handling system; Fig. 4 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a portion of the handling system of the outdoor furnishing element in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of the handling system of the outdoor furnishing element in Fig. 1 , in a locked configuration;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the handling system of the outdoor furnishing element in Fig. 1 , in a released configuration;

Fig. 7 is a perspective diagrammatic bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the base plate of the handling system of the outdoor furnishing element;

Fig. 8 is a perspective diagrammatic top view of the base plate in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic top view, with parts partially removed, of the base plate of the handling system in Fig. 7, in a locked configuration;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic side view, with parts partially removed, of the base plate of the handling system in Fig. 7, in a locked configuration;

Figures 1 1 and 12 are a diagrammatic views, with parts partially removed, of a possible embodiment of the base plate and of the handling system of a furnishing element according to the invention;

Figures 13 and 14 are a diagrammatic views, with parts partially removed, of a further possible embodiment of the base plate and of the handling system of a furnishing element according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

Figures 1 to 6 show a preferred embodiment of an outdoor furnishing element according to the present invention, indicated as a whole with numeral 100. Furnishing element 100 shown is in particular an urban furnishing element which can be used as a vehicle traffic deterrent or delimiter element.

Here, the outdoor furnishing element 100 typically has an overall weight comprised between about 300 kg and about 1800 kg. The specific average weight preferably is comprised between about 300 kg/m ³ and about 1200 kg/m ³ , more preferably between about 500 kg/m ³ and about 900 kg/m3.

The following description in any case also applies to other types and/or intended uses of the outdoor furnishing element 100, such as for example benches or any seats, tables or any resting surfaces, planters, support elements for various types of structures (information or advertising boards, lighting devices, sun shade devices, etc.), waste containers or also objects with simply decorative function.

As shown in particular in Fig. 1 , the outdoor furnishing element 100 comprises a solid structure 1 , 2 and a base plate 3 which carries and delimits the solid structure. The term“solid structure” means a body formed in a single piece or in several pieces serving an essentially structural function, i.e. capable of giving the furnishing element sufficient weight and volume to perform the function for which it is intended. Therefore depending on use, those skilled in the art will be able to define the weight and the volume that is to characterize the solid structure.

According to the invention, the furnishing element 100 comprises a passive handling system 5, 15 installed on the base plate 3 or a frame 4 which is removably associable with the base plate 3. The handling system 5, 15 comprises a plurality of castors or wheels 50, 150 and a locking device which prohibits or allows the rotation of the wheels and therefore the handling of the furnishing element 100.

According to a possible embodiment, the solid structure is made of concrete, even more preferably through a 3D concrete printing process.

According to another embodiment, the solid structure comprises an outer shell 1 and a solid core 2. The outer shell 1 preferably consists of a shaped monolithic body. The outer shell 1 is relatively lightweight and is made of plastic material, preferably polystyrene foam (EPS). The outer shell 1 has thicknesses preferably comprised between 20 mm and 400 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 200 mm. The thickness of the outer shell 1 may also vary locally.

The shape of the outer shell 1 may be freely selected in substantially independent manner from the rest of the structure of the outdoor furnishing element 100 according to the type of furnishing element and also according to specific requirements of the individual users within the scope of a given type. In particular, the outer surface of the outer shell 1 , which in the drawings is depicted with a generic, purely illustrative shape, may be formed by an individual continuous curvilinear surface or by a plurality of curvilinear or flat surfaces which join at corners, and may have hollow or projecting portions according to functional and/or aesthetic requirements of the outdoor furnishing element 100. In any case, the outer shell 1 comprises at least one hollow portion adapted to delimit, together with the base plate 3, a cavity 10 for accommodating the solid core 2.

Cavity 10 delimited by the outer shell 1 and by the base plate 3 preferably is a closed cavity. Here, the outer shell 1 comprises, preferably in a top position, an opening 1 1 in communication with cavity 10 to allow the introduction, into cavity 10 itself, of at least temporarily pourable material intended to form the solid core 2, as described in greater detail later with reference to the manufacturing process of the outdoor furnishing element 100.

The solid core 2 typically is the heaviest structural part of the outdoor furnishing element 100 and gives the latter the required features of robustness, stability and inertia. In particular, the solid core 2 is heavier than the outer shell 1.

The solid core 2 substantially fills cavity 10 and preferably superficially adheres to the outer shell 1 so as to form a single body therewith.

The solid core 2 preferably is made of an at least temporarily pourable solid or solidifiable material.

In the preferred embodiment herein illustrated in particular, the solid core 2 has a monolithic structure and is made of cementitious material, preferably aerated concrete.

In alternative embodiments, the solid core 2 may also be formed by cohesionless material, such as for example, sand, gravel or other suitable solid pourable material.

In any case, the outer shape and the sizes of the solid core 2 are determined by the shape and the sizes of cavity 10, and in particular are independent of the outer shape of the remaining portions of the outer shell 1. Fig. 1 depicts the solid core 2 diagrammatically as a parallelepiped by mere way of example.

The solid core 2 preferably occupies a volume comprised between about 10% and about 50%, more preferably between about 20% and about 40%, of the total volume of the outdoor furnishing element 100.

The base plate 3 preferably is made as a metal structural element, e.g. steel, and is used to close the bottom of the concave portion of the outer shell 1 intended to house the solid core 2 and to define a sturdy base for the outdoor furnishing element 100.

The base plate 3 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 comprises a plate 30, on the face facing cavity 10, provided with a structure intended to be incorporated in the solid core 2. As shown in Fig. 1 , such a structure in particular is formed by a pair of profiled elements 31 which extend perpendicular from plate 30 and are connected to each other by a transverse connection element 32, preferably a plate-shaped element, at the respective distal ends. The profiled elements 31 preferably are hollow and communicate with the outer face of plate 30 by means of respective openings 33 formed in plate 30 itself. The base plate 3 may also advantageously comprise hooking portions or elements (not shown) for hooking external hoisting means.

The outer shell 1 is externally covered by a resin layer (not shown), in particular polyurethane resin having increased mechanical resistance. Such a resin layer contributes to improving the mechanical features of the surface of the outer shell 1 , if required, in particular the resistance to impacts, scratches and abrasion, and also to protecting it with respect to the weather agents. Moreover, the resin layer may be useful for making the surface of the outer shell 1 more uniform for the successive application of further finishings.

Reinforcing fibers, such as e.g. glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, may also be incorporated in the resin layer.

The at least one resin layer preferably extends up to wholly or partly covering also the base plate 3. Thereby, the base plate 3 is structurally bound directly to the outer shell 1 , i.e. also when the solid core 2 is not yet in cavity 10. Alternatively or additionally, the base plate 3 may be directly fastened to the outer shell by means of glues or other appropriate fastening means.

A finishing of various type (not shown) may finally be applied on the at least one resin layer, such as for example a cementitious finishing, a gritting, a paint and/or adhesive films.

As indicated above, according to the invention, the outdoor furnishing element 100 comprises a passive handling system 5, 15, that is without its own drive means. The handling system 5, 15 allows the outdoor furnishing element 100 to be directly manually handled on the respective resting surface, also when it has an increased weight, for example to move it from a given location or to arrange it in the environment. The passive handling system 5 is particularly useful for quickly handling outdoor furnishing elements 100 used as traffic deterrent elements without the use of special handling means when there is a need to temporarily open a passage in a traffic deterrent barrier made with one or more of such elements to allow the access by authorized vehicles to a given area.

Again according to what is indicated above, the handling system 5, 15 comprises castors 50, in particular four castors 50 here, arranged in pairs, and a locking device by means of which the rotation of the castors 50, and therefore the operation of the handling system 5, may be prohibited or allowed.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the handling system 5 is in particular installed in a frame 4 which is removably associable with the base plate 3.

As shown in particular in Fig. 1 , according to a possible embodiment, frame 4 is formed by a plurality of profiled elements assembled to one another so as to form a planar base portion 40, and by a pair of further profiled elements 41 which extend perpendicular from the base portion 40 and are intended to be inserted, preferably with shape coupling, into the hollow profiled elements 31 of the base plate 3, through the openings 33.

Certain profiled elements of the base portion 40, such as for example the transverse profiled elements 42, may be open towards the lower face of the base portion 40 in order to accommodate rubber buffers (not shown) which increase the friction of the outdoor furnishing element 100 on the respective resting surface, a particularly advantageous feature when the outdoor furnishing element 100 is used as a traffic deterrent element.

The castors 150 of the handling system 5 are also rotatably assembled in the base portion 40. The castors 150 are accommodated in the base portion 40 so as not to project or at most to be flush with respect to the lower, substantially flat, face of the base portion 40. A first pair of castors 50 in particular is assembled at an articulated element 43 of the base portion 40, which here also constitutes the locking device of the handling system 5. A second pair of castors 50 is assembled at a side of the base portion 40, opposite to the one comprising the articulated element 43. As better shown in Fig. 4, the articulated element 43 is connected by a pin to the base portion 40 of frame 4 along a pin axis 45 parallel to the rotation axes of the castors 50. The articulated element 43 comprises a shaped engagement seat 44, in which a corresponding shaped end 60 may be unequivocally engaged, the end being of a specific handling lever 6 of the outdoor furnishing element 100 (shown in Figures 4 to 6), which here also constitutes a mechanical security key for controlling the locking device of the handling system 5. The engagement seat 44 preferably is configured so as to define a positively inclined coupling direction with respect to a horizontal plane containing the rotation axis of the castors 50 associated with the articulated element 43, for example an engagement direction forming an angle a comprised between about 30° and about 45° with respect to said horizontal plane (see Fig. 5).

Figures 5 and 6 show the handling system 5 in a locked operating configuration and in a released operating configuration, respectively.

In Fig. 5, the base portion 40 of frame 4, which is under the effect of the weight of the whole outdoor furnishing element 100, is in contact with the resting surface on which the outdoor furnishing element 100 itself is. In this condition, the castors 50, which do not project or at most are only flush with respect to the lower face of the base portion 40, do not take hold, or do not sufficiently take hold, on the resting surface. The handling system 5 is thus automatically in a locked operating configuration and the outdoor furnishing element 100 acts in all respects as a fixed outdoor furnishing element, in particular capable of validly performing the function of traffic deterrent element.

The passage of the handling system 5 to the released operating configuration (shown in Fig. 6) occurs by inserting the handling lever 6, with the shaped end 60 thereof, into the specific engagement seat 44 provided in the articulated element 43 and pushing the handling lever 6 itself downwards, as indicated by arrow F. Due to the effect of the lever and the articulated connection between articulated element 43 and the rest of frame 4, such an action simultaneously causes a downwards thrust on the castors 50 associated with the articulated element 43, which act as a fulcrum, and a raising of the base portion 40 of frame 4 at the articulation area of the articulated element 43. Subsequent to the raising, the whole base portion 40 of frame 4 tilts towards a side opposite to the articulated element 43, where the second pair of castors 50 of the handling system 5 is accommodated, which are thus also pushed into contact with the resting surface. In this condition, all the castors 50 take hold on the resting surface of the outdoor furnishing element 100 and also constitute the only contact points therewith. The handling system 5 is thus in the released operating condition and the outdoor furnishing element 100 may be manually moved by pulling or pushing by means of the handling lever 6.

The handling system 5 remains in the released operating configuration as long as a sufficient force is exerted on the handling lever 6 to keep the base portion 40 of the frame tilted and the castors 50 in contact with the resting surface. When the action of such a force stops, the handling system 5 automatically returns to the locked operating configuration due to the effect of the weight of the whole outdoor furnishing element 100.

When the outdoor furnishing element 100 is used in a public context, for example an urban context, and in particular as a traffic deterrent element, the handling lever 6 required to release the above-described handling system 5 is made available only to the persons authorized with handling the outdoor furnishing element 100 itself. For this purpose, the outdoor furnishing element 100 advantageously may comprise a housing 7 for the handling lever 6, from which the latter may only be taken by authorized persons. In the embodiment of the outdoor furnishing element 100 depicted in Figures 1 to 6, the cavity of a hollow profiled element of frame 4 (see Figures 1 and 3) advantageously is used as housing 7 for the handling lever 6, which cavity may be made accessible in a controlled manner by means of a hatch (not shown) which can be opened with a specific mechanical, electronic or electromechanical security key.

According to one embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 14, the locking device comprises a first operating element 152 which is integral in rotation with one or more of the castors 150, and a second operating element 153 which configuration is variable between a neutral configuration and an action configuration. In the neutral configuration, the second operating element 153 does not act on the first operating element 152, thus allowing the same to rotate together with the wheels. Contrarily, in the action configuration, the second operating element 153 acts on the first operating element 152, thus locking the rotation thereof.

The locking device also comprises switching means configured to switch the configuration of the second operating element 152 between said neutral configuration and said action configuration.

Embodiments of the handling system, and of the locking device in particular, are described with reference to Figures 7 to 12. The components functionally corresponding to the first operating element and to the second operating element are also indicated with the same numerals 152, 153 already used above.

With reference to Figures 7 to 10, the passive handling system 15 is directly installed in the base plate 13 without the interposition of a removable frame, and the base plate 13 is configured so as to directly accommodate all the components of the handling system 15 itself.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base plate 13 comprises a metal plate 130, e.g. a steel plate, provided with cavities facing the outer face of the base plate 13, which are intended to house the components of the handling system 15. If a fixed outdoor furnishing element 100 is desired, and therefore a handling system is not required, metal inserts provided with rubber buffers (not shown) may advantageously be applied in such cavities in order to improve the friction features of the outdoor furnishing element 100 on the respective resting surface. A structure, made here in particular as a metal reticular structure or cage 131 , intended to be incorporated in the solid core 2 is provided also in this case on the face opposite to the base plate 13. The base plate preferably also comprises hooking elements 132 for hooking external hoisting means.

The handling system 15 comprises two pairs of castors 150 assembled on respective rotation pins 151 , and a locking device by means of which the rotation of the castors 150, and therefore the operation of the handling system 15, may be prohibited or allowed also in this case.

The castors 150 are accommodated in the base plate 13 so as to project with respect to the outer, substantially flat face thereof, and therefore are always in contact with the resting surface on which the outdoor furnishing element 100 (see Fig. 10) is. As shown in particular in Figures 9 and 10, the locking device comprises, as first operating element 152, one or more fins which radially project from each of the two rotation pins 151 of the castors 150 and longitudinally extending preferably for a limited stretch of the rotation pins 151 themselves. The locking device comprises, as second operating element 153, a pair of electro-pistons 153, each accommodated in the base plate 13 so as to interact with the fins 152 of one of the rotation pins 151 , respectively. The longitudinal stretches of the rotation pins 151 with the fins 152 and the electro-pistons 153 preferably are aligned with one another along a single direction. The electro-pistons 153 take on an action configuration for which a movable portion thereof interacts with said fins 152, thus preventing the rotation thereof and locking the rotation of pin 151. In this condition, the handling system 15 is in the locked configuration (shown in Figures 9 and 10). The electro-pistons 153 may also take on a neutral configuration following which they do not interact with the fins 152, therefore allowing the rotation of the wheels 150. Instead, in retracted condition, the stems of the electro-pistons 153 do not interfere with the fins 152 on the rotation pins 151 , whereby the latter and the respective castors 150 may freely rotate. In this condition, the handling system 15 is in the released configuration (not shown).

The electro-pistons 153 are controlled by the switching means 200 which vary the configuration thereof between said neutral configuration and said action configuration. In this regard, the switching means preferably comprise a wireless receiver 154, in particular a Bluetooth® receiver, capable of receiving a control signal from a suitable electronic user device, for example a smartphone or other dedicated device, and of sending suitable release or lock signals to the electro pistons 153. The control signal is emitted following the introduction of a control code into the electronic device, the code being known only to the persons authorized to handle the outdoor furnishing element 100, and which serves here as electronic security key for the locking device of the handling system 15.

Figures 1 1 and 12 refer to an alternative embodiment to the one shown in Figures 9 and 10, in which a crown wheel or a sector gear is provided on the rotation pins 151 as first operating element 152 and in place of said fins, and in which a lever susceptible to take on an engagement configuration with said crown wheel is provided as second operating element 152, following which the rotation of said crown wheel ring is prevented. Such a condition is shown in Figures 1 1 and 12. It in particular is worth noting how the lever has an end 153A which is susceptible to being placed, in the engagement configuration, between two teeth 152A of the crown wheel 152. The second operating element 152 in the shape of a lever may also take on a neutral (or disengaged) configuration following which the same does not engage in the crown wheel, which remains free to rotate integral with said rotation pin 151 (condition not shown in the drawings).

The switching means in this embodiment may comprise an electrolock 162 which varies the operating configuration of said lever between said neutral configuration and said action configuration. In particular, such switching means cause such a movement of the lever whereby the end 153 of lever 153 disengages from the teeth of the crown wheel 152. Such an electrolock 162 may be connected to a wireless receiver 154 in similar manner to what is provided for the embodiment shown in above-mentioned Figures 9 and 10.

Figures 13 and 14 refer to a further variant of the locking device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the first operating element 152 corresponds to the one provided for the solution in Figures 9 and 10, i.e. it is in the shape of fins 152 projecting from one of the rotation pins 151. The second operating element 153, as the switching means, instead take on the configuration shown in Figures 1 1 and 12. Namely, the second operating element 153 takes on the configuration of lever, while the switching means comprise an electrolock. The operating principle of the first operating element 152, second operating element 153 and switching means is similar to the one described above for the solutions in Figures 9 to 12.

The electronic user device, by means of which control signals for locking/releasing the locking device of the handling system 15, may conveniently also be configured to perform additional monitoring functions of the handling of the furnishing element 100 and/or managing functions of the user authorizations to perform such an operation. Such functions comprise for example, recording data relating to moments a user sends lock/release commands, sending such data to a command center at preset time intervals or in real time, setting the duration of a released status of the locking device, enabling/disabling users on said electronic user device. Such functions may be implemented in the electronic user device by means of a dedicated software.

A battery 155 is used to power the electro-pistons 153 (or the electrolock) and receiver 154. Additionally, conventional electric connection means (not shown), which are usable if battery 155 should go dead, may be provided for the connection to an external electric supply.

The locking device of the handling system 15 preferably also comprises manual control means which are usable for example, in the case of non-operation of receiver 154. As shown in particular in Fig. 9, in the preferred embodiment herein illustrated, such manual control means are configured as a rack system, in which a pair of parallel toothed rods 156, each operatively connected to one of the electro pistons 153, meshes with a common gear wheel 157. A rotation of the gear wheel 157 causes a simultaneous translation in opposite directions of the toothed rods 155 and therefore, a retraction or extraction of the stems of the electro-pistons 153 according to the rotation direction of the gear wheel 157. The gear wheel 157 may be operated by means of a lever 158 which is reachable by means of a specific socket wrench 159.

The manual control means, and lever 158 in particular, configure a mechanical activation key which replaces an electronic or electric activation key provided or in any case allowed by receiver 154. Essentially, the switching means may be activated through a key which may therefore be mechanical, electric or electronic. The peculiar features of the above-described handling system 15, in particular the locking device thereof, may also be implemented in embodiments of the outdoor furnishing element 100 in which the handling system is installed in a removable frame which is associable with the base plate of the outdoor furnishing element 100 itself, as in the case of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 6.

In particular reference to Fig. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a process for manufacturing the outdoor furnishing element 100 is now described.

The outer shell 1 of the outdoor furnishing element 100 is created in a first step of the process.

To allow the maximum configuration flexibility of the outer shell 1 within the scope of an industrial production process and at affordable costs, use in such a step is advantageously made of computer aided design (CAD) methods, computer aided manufacturing (CAM) methods and successive manufacturing by means of computer numerical control (CNC) equipment, preferably in an integrated manner therebetween.

In particular, a three-dimensional computer model of the outer shell 1 is initially created or purchased, for example in the shape of a CAD file. The three- dimensional computer model is then computationally converted, for example by means of a CAM software, into a set of processing instructions for carrying out a numerical control processing. Then the set of processing instructions thus obtained is sent to a numerically controlled manufacturing machine.

The real manufacturing of the outer shell 1 in particular provides shaping a heavy block of material, in particular polystyrene foam, by means of a subtractive processing process, e.g. milling, turning and/or drilling or other appropriate processing implemented by means of one or more numerically controlled machines.

The shaped outer shell 1 thus obtained is associated in a successive step with the base plate 3 or 13 of the outdoor furnishing element 100 prepared beforehand. The base plate 3 or 13 in particular is applied at a concave portion of the outer shell 1 specifically provided for delimiting, together with the base plate 3 or 13 itself, the closed cavity 10 intended to accommodate the solid core 2 of the outdoor furnishing element 100.

Then, at least one resin layer, in particular a polyurethane resin, is applied externally on the outer shell 1 to strengthen and/or protect it. The application of the resin layer may also conveniently occur in automated manner, for example by means of conventional robotic painting devices.

The resin layer is applied so as to preferably also extend over the base plate 3 or 13, or at least over portions thereof, so as to make the latter integral with the outer shell 1 also when solid core 2 is not yet present. Alternatively or additionally to the extension of the resin layer up to the base plate 3 or 13, the latter may be fastened to the outer shell 1 by means of glues or other appropriate fastening means.

In still a successive step, the solid core 2 is created directly in the intermediate product consisting of the outer shell 1 and the base plate 13, by filling cavity 10 with a solid or solidifiable material.

This step is implemented by pouring an at least temporarily pourable material, in particular aerated concrete or another cementitious material, into cavity 10, through opening 1 1 specifically provided during the processing of the outer shell 1. Such a material fills cavity 10, simultaneously incorporating anchoring structures of the base plate 3 preferably present at the inner face thereof, and once solidified, forms a heavy body having shape corresponding to the one of cavity 10 itself, preferably adhering to the surfaces of the outer casing 1 and the base plate 3 which delimit such a cavity. Opening 1 1 preferably is also completely filled with the at least temporarily pourable material, up to the level of the outer surface of the outer shell 1.

In still a successive step, a surface finishing treatment and/or a finishing layer of various kind, such as for example a cementitious layer, a layer of granule or a layer of paint and/or adhesive films, may be carried out on/applied to the outer shell 1 , i.e. on the at least one resin layer previously applied thereon.

A fixed finished outdoor furnishing element 100 having a desired outer shape is obtained at the end of the above-described steps.

If a movable solution is instead desired, the outdoor furnishing element 100 is again provided with a passive handling system, which may be directly installed in the base plate 13, as in the embodiment in Figures 7 to 10, or in a separate frame 4 which is associable with the base plate 3, as in the embodiment in Figures 1 to 6.