DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a furniture element. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a table, preferably having at least one support base made of plastic.

Nowadays, many pieces of furniture are made of recyclable materials, such as plastic.

Although these materials used for making furniture have several advantages, such as being recyclable and cost-effective, they also suffer from some disadvantages.

In particular, generally, plastic furniture items are made by molding. This manufacturing methodology involves the injection of molten plastic material into a closed mold at high pressure, which is then opened and removed after the material has solidified.

However, during cooling, the molten material tends to deform and create unwanted protrusions or shapes.

The problem of deformation of plastic furniture items is amplified when they are intended for use in open or outdoor environments. In fact, weather events, and in particular exposure to sunlight, cause the material in which the furniture items are made to deform. These deformations can negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of the furniture item, but can also compromise its structural integrity and function.

For example, in the case of tables intended to be placed in an outdoor environment and having a plastic support surface, preferably made of polypropylene, atmospheric agents and in particular sunlight can cause deformations in the support surface itself. These deformations, in addition to negatively affecting the product's aesthetic appearance, can compromise its structural integrity and function. In fact, these deformations, in addition to weakening the structure of the support surface, can prevent objects from being placed on the table.

The problem of deformation, particularly of support surfaces, such as tables, is further amplified when the thicknesses of the support surfaces themselves are particularly thin, for example, between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm, such as 0.8 cm.

The present disclosure aims to provide a furniture element, specifically a table, and a method for producing a furniture element, specifically a table, that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with the known technique and/or achieve further advantages. This is achieved through a furniture element and a method as defined in the respective independent claims. Secondary features and particular embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The present disclosure is based on the recognition by the author of the present disclosure that support surfaces made of recyclable or recycled material, such as polypropylene, for pieces of furniture, especially tables, intended for use outdoors, require the presence of supporting and reinforcing structures, for example located below the support surface itself, that are configured to limit deformations of the support surface due, for example, to exposure to sunlight. However, these support structures have aesthetic drawbacks and limit the shapes and sizes that the table, especially the support surface, can have.

The furniture element according to the present disclosure comprises a plastic support base configured, in use, to support an object. The support base extends along a main plane parallel or substantially parallel to a support surface of the furniture element. The latter further comprises a retaining element associated with a peripheral portion of the support base and configured to counteract deformations of the support base at least along the aforementioned main plane. In detail, the support base and the retaining element define a flat surface or a continuous surface configured, in use, to support an object.

In other words, the furniture element, preferably a table, includes a retaining element configured to surround the support base in such a way as to prevent deformations of the latter, for example following exposure of the furniture element to sunlight or, more generally, atmospheric agents. In other words, the retaining element is an element configured to hold the support base in the main plane, advantageously counteracting any deformations or expansions of the same. To put it differently, the retaining element is configured to oppose any deformations of the support base, at least along the main plane, thus maintaining the support base in its original shape and dimensions even after the use of the furniture element in open environments or exposed to atmospheric agents.

Moreover, advantageously, the fact that the support base and the retaining element define a flat or continuous surface for supporting an object allows the definition of a single, flat or uninterrupted surface. In other words, the support base is surrounded by the retaining element in such a way as to define a single, flat or level surface suitable, when in use, for supporting objects. In yet another way, the retaining element extends the support base of the furniture element, creating a single flat or continuous surface for support, without any protrusions, steps, or protuberances. This is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, the retaining element prevents deformations of the support base, and on the other hand, the support surface it creates together with the support base is continuous or flat, without protuberances or steps.

Such a support base is particularly advantageous, both for supporting objects in use and for cleaning the support surface itself, since there are no surface discontinuities or steps that would make the support surface less functional both in its function of supporting objects and in the cleaning operations of the furniture element and in particular of the support base.

In particular, unlike known furniture elements that may include an element surrounding a support base, in which such element protrudes at least partially with respect to the support base, in particular above the latter, in order to associate the element surrounding the support base with the support base itself, the furniture element according to the present finding is characterized by a retaining element that surrounds the support base in such a way as to create a support surface, together with the support base, that is completely flat and continuous. This significantly improves the functionality of the furniture element compared to the known technique, both in the function of supporting objects and in relation to the cleaning operations of the support base itself, which, being completely flat and continuous, allows any dirt not to accumulate in correspondence with the protrusions of the element surrounding the support base and facilitates the cleaning of the support base itself.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element includes an upper edge, adjacent to the support base. In other words, the upper edge of the retaining element surrounds the support base, laterally extending the configured surface, used to support objects, of the furniture element.

Preferably, in detail, the upper edge of the retaining element is flush with the support base. In other words, the retaining element, and in particular its upper edge, and the support base define, or form, a continuous or discontinuity-free support surface, such as protrusions, projections, or steps. In other words, the support base and the upper edge of the retaining element are aligned in a vertical direction, or substantially orthogonal to a main development plane of the support base. In other words, the retaining element, particularly the upper edge of the retaining element, and the support base are associated so as not to define protrusions, steps, or discontinuities, in order to define a single support surface, without height differences, particularly in the region where the retaining element is associated with the support base. In other words, the retaining element, and in particular the upper edge of the retaining element, laterally extends from the support base continuously or without protrusions or projections.

The retaining element may be made of material with greater deformation resistance than the material used for the support base. The retaining element is preferably made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, and may further include other materials, such as glass or fiberglass. Such additional materials can advantageously improve the properties of the retaining element and contribute to improving the retaining element's ability to counter any deformations of the support base.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the perimeter zone of the support surface comprises a perimeter edge that develops orthogonally, or substantially orthogonally, to the main plane. In other words, the perimeter edge is orthogonal, or substantially orthogonal, to the support base. Substantially, the perimeter edge defines the boundary, or the support surface, of the support base. According to this aspect, the retaining element is associated with the perimeter edge of the furniture element. In other words, the retaining element is associated with an edge of the support base and is configured to hold it from such edge or lateral surface of the support base. Advantageously, furthermore, the retaining element does not protrude beyond the perimeter edge, in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to that of the main plane, thus not negatively affecting the aesthetic appearance of the furniture element and not compromising its functionality or ease of use. The arrangement of the retaining element in correspondence with the perimeter edge of the support base favors the retaining of any expansions or deformations of the latter.

According to a further preferred aspect, the support base and the retaining element are coupled by means of a shape coupling. Consequently, advantageously, there are no coupling means such as screws or nails that could compromise the structural integrity of the support base or the retaining element or that could compromise the aesthetic appearance of the furniture element. In fact, coupling means such as screws and nails could compromise the functionality and structural integrity of the support base, especially if it is made of plastic.

Preferably, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, one of the retaining element and the support base comprises at least a first coupling element configured to at least partially accommodate a first counter-coupling element of the other between the retaining element and the support base. In other words, the shape coupling between the support base and the retaining element is a male-female type coupling. According to a preferred aspect, the retaining element comprises a first coupling element shaped as a recess, or cavity, configured to at least partially accommodate a first counter-coupling element of the support base. Such first counter-coupling element of the support base is a protruding element, preferably from the perimeter edge of the support base itself. In other words, the first counter-coupling element is a protruding element, or one that protrudes, from the perimeter edge of the support base, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane. Such first counter-coupling element is configured to be at least partially accommodated in the recess, or cavity, of the retaining element. Therefore, this recess is preferably facing, in use, towards the perimeter edge of the support base. Consequently, advantageously, the retaining element and the support base are coupled, or bonded, also in a direction orthogonal to the support base itself. Furthermore, according to this aspect, advantageously, the retaining element contributes to contrasting deformations of the support base in directions orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the main plane.

Preferably, furthermore, the first connecting counter-element of the support base, or protruding element, develops along the main plane, or parallel to said plane. Additionally, preferably, the first connecting counter-element of the support base, or protruding element, develops along the entire perimeter edge of the support base. In other words, the protruding element develops parallel to the main plane and protrudes from the perimeter edge of the support base, preferably around the entire perimeter of the support base. Advantageously, the protruding element is at least partially received within the recess, or concavity, of the retaining element for its entire length. In this way, a stable coupling between the support base and the retaining element is guaranteed in all directions, promoting the contrast of any deformations of the support base.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element comprises a second connecting element shaped as a protrusion of the retaining element itself, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane. Such a second connecting element is configured to at least partially support the support base. Advantageously, therefore, the vertical coupling, or orthogonal to the main plane, between the retaining element and the support base is further improved.

Preferably, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support base and the retaining element are made of polypropylene. Additionally, advantageously, the retaining element may comprise additional elements configured to improve the structural characteristics of the retaining element itself, thereby improving its ability to contain deformations of the support base. For example, the retaining element may further comprise glass fibers.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the support base has a circular or substantially circular shape. According to this aspect, the retaining element is an annular element. In other words, the retaining element surrounds and envelops the support base, at its perimeter edge. Alternatively, the support base may have a square or rectangular shape and the retaining element may have a corresponding square or rectangular shape, and be a square or rectangular annular element configured to surround the support base.

The present disclosure further relates to a furniture element, preferably a table, comprising a support base and a retaining element associated with the support base and configured to contrast deformations thereof at least in the main plane. The support base and the retaining element are made of plastic.

Furthermore, a method for making a furniture element is described, which comprises a support base and a retaining element associated with said support base and configured to counteract deformations of the support base itself at least in a main plane of development of the support base. The support base and the retaining element are made of plastic. Specifically, the method includes a step of molding the support base and a step of molding the retaining element. Additionally, the method includes a step of assembling the retaining element and the support base by coupling the retaining element to a peripheral portion of the support base through a form coupling.

Advantageously, the method allows for a simple creation of a furniture element, preferably a table, in which any deformations of the support base can be prevented.

According to a further preferred aspect, the method further comprises a step of cooling the support base after the molding step thereof, and a step of cooling the retaining element after the cooling step thereof. According to this aspect, the step of assembling the retaining element and the support base occurs during the cooling step of the support base and during the cooling step of the retaining element. In this way, advantageously, the timing of making the furniture element is reduced.

Preferably, the cooling step of the support base involves a contraction, or reduction in size, of the support base itself. Similarly, the cooling step of the retaining element involves a contraction, or reduction in size, of the retaining element itself. In particular, this contraction step is preferably a natural contraction due to the solidification of the melted material required during the molding step for the creation, respectively, of the support base and the retaining element. Advantageously, it is possible to exploit the natural contraction of the material used to make the support base and the retaining element in order to obtain a stable coupling between these two elements. In other words, the contraction, which occurs after molding, of the material that makes up the support base, and in particular the material that includes the retaining element, is exploited in such a way as to couple and adhere the latter to the edge portion of the support base.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the assembly phase involves partially inserting a first connecting counter-element of a perimeter edge of the support base into a first connecting element of the retaining element. Preferably, the assembly phase may further involve supporting the support base through a second connecting element of the retaining element, wherein such second connecting element protrudes or extends from the retaining element, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane.

Further advantages, features, and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative purposes only and not limiting.

However, it is evident that each embodiment of the object of the present disclosure may present one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not required that each embodiment simultaneously presents all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a portion of a support base and a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a support base and a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of a support base coupled to a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of a support base coupled to a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a portion of a support base coupled to a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a detailed sectional view of a portion of a support base coupled to a portion of a retaining element of a furniture element according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

With reference to the attached figures, an embodiment of a furniture element is indicated by reference number 100. Preferably, such furniture element 100 is configured for use in an outdoor environment. Furthermore, the furniture element 100 is preferably a table.

With particular reference to Figure 1 , the furniture element 100 according to the present disclosure comprises a support base 10, configured, in use, to support an object. In other words, the support base 10 is configured to hold or support an object placed on the support base 10 itself. To this end, the support base 10 extends along a main plane A, parallel or substantially parallel to a supporting surface, in use, of the furniture element 100. Preferably, the support base 10 is a plate-like or substantially plate-like element.

Preferably, at least the support base 10 of the furniture element 100 is made of recycled and/or recyclable material. Even more preferably, at least the support base 10 of the furniture element 100 is made of plastic, preferably polypropylene. This material is advantageously inexpensive and completely recyclable.

The furniture element 100 further comprises a retaining element 20. This retaining element 20 is configured to counteract any deformations of the support base 10, at least in the main plane A. In particular, advantageously, the retaining element 20 is configured to surround and tighten around the support base 10, holding it and preventing any deformations of the latter.

For example, such deformations may be due to exposure of the furniture element 100 to atmospheric agents, particularly to sunlight. In order to counteract any deformations of the support base 10, the retaining element 20 is associated with a perimeter portion 11 of the support base 10. In other words, the retaining element 20 is configured to surround, preferably completely, the support base 10, holding it and thus countering any expansions or deformations of the latter, at least in the main plane A.

According to the present disclosure, the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 define a flat or continuous surface, configured, in use, to support an object. More specifically, the retaining element 20 is associated with the perimeter portion 11 of the support base 10, so as to surround the latter. In this sense, advantageously, the retaining element 20 is associated with the support base 10 so as to extend it externally, along the main plane A, without interruption, that is, without protrusions or protuberances. In other words, the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 together define a single flat supporting surface, or substantially flat, free of steps, or protuberances, or in general, a continuous supporting surface. In other words, the retaining element 20 is associated with the support base 10 so as not to define protrusions or steps, particularly in correspondence with the perimeter portion 11 of the support base 10.

More specifically, the retaining element includes an upper edge 25 adjacent to the support base 10, particularly adjacent to the peripheral portion 11 of the support base 10. In this sense, the upper edge 25 of the retaining element, in use, acts as an extension of the support base 10. In other words, the upper edge 25 of the retaining element 20 is a flat element adjacent to the peripheral portion 11 of the support base 10, in such a way as to extend it along the main plane A, thereby defining a flat and continuous supporting surface between the support base 10 and the retaining element 20. Specifically, in this sense, the upper edge 25 of the retaining element 20 is flush with the support base 10, particularly with its peripheral portion 11.

For example, the support base 10 has a circular or substantially circular shape. In this sense, the retaining element 20 can be an annular element configured to surround the support base 10 and retain it, preventing or limiting any deformations of the latter. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the furniture element 100 is a table. The support base 10 of such a table is configured for supporting objects and can be circular or round, with the retaining element 20 configured as a circular ring surrounding it. The support base can also be of other shapes, such as rectangular or square. In this sense, the retaining element 20 is an annular element having a shape corresponding to that of the support base, particularly rectangular or square, and configured to define together with it a flat and continuous surface.

Preferably, the retaining element 20 is made of recycled and/or recyclable material. Even more preferably, the retaining element 20 is made of plastic, particularly polypropylene. In order to improve the structural characteristics of the retaining element 20 and ensure effective resistance to deformations of the support base 20, the retaining element, in addition to plastic, particularly polypropylene, may include other elements, such as fiberglass.

Preferably, the retaining element 20 is associated with the support base 10 so as to define a continuous or substantially uninterrupted surface, aimed at supporting or resting objects in use.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the peripheral portion 11 of the support base 10 includes a peripheral edge 12. In other words, this peripheral edge 12 defines the boundaries of the support base 10. The peripheral edge 12 preferably develops orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the main plane A.

According to this aspect, the retaining element 20 is preferably associated with this peripheral edge 12 of the support base 10.

Stated differently, the perimeter edge 12 is a side of the support base 10, preferably vertical, or perpendicular to the main plane A, on which the retaining element 20 is associated. Accordingly, according to this aspect, the retaining element 20 surrounds and contains the support base 10.

Preferably, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 are coupled via a form-coupling. More specifically, preferably, the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 are coupled by means of a male/female type coupling. Advantageously, therefore, there are no connecting means such as screws or nails, or other similar connecting means, between the support base 10 and the retaining element 20.

Specifically, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, one of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10 comprises at least a first connecting element configured to at least partially receive a first counter-connecting element of the other of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10.

In particular, with particular reference to figures 2 to 5, the retaining element 20 may comprise a first connecting element 21. This first connecting element is preferably a recess or cavity of the retaining element 20.

The first connecting element 21 of the retaining element 20 is configured to at least partially receive a first counter-connecting element 13 of the support base 10. This first counter-connecting element 13 may be, for example, a protruding element of the support base 10. Preferably, this protruding element protrudes, or extends, from the perimeter edge 12 of the support base 10, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane A.

Preferably, moreover, the first counter-connecting element 13 extends along the main plane A along the entire perimeter edge 12 of the support base 10. According to this aspect, preferably, the first connecting element 21 also extends along the entire length of the retaining element 20, so as to receive the first counterconnecting element 13 along its entire length.

Advantageously, such a connection between the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 allows for a coupling between these two elements in a vertical direction, or substantially orthogonal to the main plane A. In other words, the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 are constrained, or joined, vertically. This advantageously allows the retaining element 20 to counteract any deformations of the support base 10 even in different directions, such as orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the main plane A.

Preferably, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, with particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, the retaining element 20 comprises a second connecting element 22. Preferably, the second connecting element 22 is an element that protrudes from the retaining element 20. In particular, preferably, the second connecting element 22 protrudes from the connecting element 20 by developing along the main plane A parallel or substantially parallel to a support surface of said furniture item 100, or, in other words, parallel to the support base 10. Preferably, the second connecting element 22 extends along the entire length of the retaining element 20. This second connecting element 22 is configured to support, at least partially, the support base 10. Consequently, advantageously, the second connecting element 22 allows for a stable connection between the support base 10 and the retaining element 20 in a vertical direction, or orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction of development of the main plane A. Preferably, the second connecting element 22 comprises a support element configured to support a portion of the support base 10. More specifically, preferably, such a support element of the second connecting element 22 extends parallel to the main plane A and is configured to support a portion of the support base 10 located in proximity to, or contiguous with, the perimeter edge 12. In other words, the support element of the second connecting element 22 is configured to come into contact with a portion of the underside of the support base 10, supporting it. Said differently, a lower portion of the support base 10, preferably near or coincident with the perimeter edge 12, is configured, in use, to rest on, or be supported by, the second connecting element 22 of the retaining element 20, preferably on a support element of the second connecting element 22 of the retaining element 20.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the furniture element 100 is a table. Said table comprises a support base 10, a retaining element 20, and one or more legs 16 configured to support the support base 10.

Furthermore, a method of making a furniture element 100, preferably a table, is described. In describing this method, the elements of the furniture element 100 involved in the method and having the same function and structure as the elements previously described retain the same reference number and are not described again in detail.

The furniture element 100 comprises a support base 10 configured, in use, to support an object. The support base 10 extends along a main plane A parallel or substantially parallel to a supporting surface, in use, of the furniture element 100. The latter further comprises a retaining element 20 associated with the support base 10 and configured to counteract deformations of the latter at least in the main plane A.

The support base 10 and the retaining element 20 of the furniture element 100 according to the present disclosure are made of plastic, preferably recycled and/or recyclable, preferably polypropylene.

In particular, the method comprises a phase of molding the support base 10. Preferably, this phase of molding the support base 10 involves the introduction of material, preferably plastic, melted inside a mold, in order to give a desired shape to the support base 10 itself.

The method further comprises a phase of molding the retaining element 20. Preferably, this phase of molding the retaining element 20 involves, similarly to the phase of molding the support base 10, the introduction of material, preferably plastic, melted inside a mold, in order to give a desired shape to the retaining element 20.

Especially for shapes of the support base 10 and retaining element 20 different from the circular shape, for example for square or rectangular support bases and retaining elements, a pre-deformation phase of the retaining element 20 may be provided, in which this pre-deformation phase occurs before the molding phase of the retaining element 20. This pre-deformation phase is configured to compensate for any non-uniform shrinkage of the retaining element 20 during the cooling phase.

Subsequently, the method disclosed herein involves an assembly phase of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10, respectively printed during the molding phase of the retaining element 20 and the molding phase of the support base 10. More specifically, the assembly phase involves coupling the retaining element to a perimeter portion 11 of the support base 10, preferably to a perimeter edge 12 of the support base 10 itself. In other words, preferably, the assembly phase involves coupling the retaining element 20 around, or in a circumferential manner, to the support base 10. Furthermore, the coupling between the retaining element 20 and the support base is a shape coupling, preferably a male-female type coupling.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises a cooling phase of the support base 10, subsequent to the molding phase of the support base 10 itself. In other words, once the melted material, preferably plastic, preferably polypropylene, has been injected into the mold to form the support base 10, the method involves a cooling phase of the injected material inside the mold.

Preferably, the cooling phase of the support base 10 involves a shrinking or reduction in size of the support base 10 itself, mainly due to the characteristics of the material used for the production of the support base 10. Preferably, this shrinking occurs mainly along one or more principal directions of development of the support base 10, that is, along the main plane A. The extent of this shrinking varies considerably depending on the material used and the thickness of the support base. Generally, using polypropylene and assuming a thickness of the support base 10 between 0.5 cm and 1 cm, the extent of this shrinking is between 1.5% and 2%, relative to the dimensions of the mold.

The method further comprises a cooling phase of the retaining element 20, subsequent to the molding phase of the retaining element 20 itself. In other words, once the melted material, preferably plastic, preferably polypropylene, has been injected into the mold to form the retaining element 20, the method involves a cooling phase of the injected material inside the mold.

Preferably, the cooling phase of the retaining element 20 involves a shrinking or reduction in size of the retaining element 20 itself, mainly due to the characteristics of the material used for the production of the retaining element 20. The extent of this shrinking varies considerably depending on the material used and the thickness of the retaining element 20. Generally, using polypropylene and assuming a thickness of the retaining element 20 between 0.5 cm and 1 cm, the extent of this shrinking is between 1.5% and 2%, relative to the dimensions of the mold.

Preferably, the assembly phase of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10 occurs during the cooling phase of the support base 10 and during the cooling phase of the retaining element 20. In this way, advantageously, a stable coupling between these two elements is obtained, favored by the narrowing of the retaining element 20 placed around the support base 10.

Advantageously, therefore, the retaining element 20 is configured to surround and narrow around the support base 10, retaining it and preventing any deformations of the latter.

Furthermore, according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the assembly phase involves partially inserting a first connecting counter-element of one of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10 into a first connecting element of the other of the retaining element 20 and the support base 10.

In detail, this assembly phase preferably involves partially inserting a first connecting counter-element 13 of the support base 10 into a first connecting element 21 of the retaining element 20. The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described thus far with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments that pertain to the same inventive core may exist, all falling within the scope of the claims set forth below.