HANDRAIL AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM THEREOF

Technical field

The present invention relates to a handrail and a related production system. Prior art

In this context, handrail means a bar of variable shape applicable to the top of a railing, or fixed in the wall of a staircase or to the walls or ceiling of a transport vehicle on which to lean or for support. The handrail is applied inside buildings or vehicles, but also outside. Various handrail models are available on the market, which differ in shape, size and materials.

The production processes of the handrails are equally numerous, in particular they strongly depend on the type of material being processed. Within the context of the furniture supply chain, it is therefore essential to have large warehouses designed to contain such a multiplicity of products. Sometimes, the products are manufactured on request, i.e., against an order, however there is still the need to have blocks of unfinished material to be processed in stock, of different sizes and finishes to meet the different needs of the customer. Object of the invention

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a handrail and a production system of a handrail which overcomes the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a handrail production system which is versatile, i.e., easily and quickly adaptable to the type of furniture requested from time to time by a customer.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a handrail production system which allows to simplify inventory management.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a particularly pleasant handrail of high aesthetic impact, while being perceived as less invasive than the currently known solutions.

The stated technical task and specified aims are substantially achieved by a handrail, comprising:

- a solid body having an elongate extension, made of polymethylmethacrylate, the solid body having at least one internal cavity which extends for the length of the solid body, which is obtained by removal of material and is shaped in such a way as to simulate the three-dimensional shape of an internal core of the handrail;

- a light source disposed in such a way as to emit light radiation into the internal cavity.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the internal cavity originates from a first access opening which is made at a first end of the solid body. The handrail further comprises a first cover element engageable in the first access opening in order to protect the internal cavity.

In accordance with an embodiment, the internal cavity terminates in a second access opening which is made at a second end of the solid body, opposite the first end. The handrail further comprises a second cover element engageable in the second access opening in order to protect the internal cavity.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the solid body has a slot which extends along the length thereof and opens into the internal cavity. The handrail comprises a third cover element engageable in the slot in order to protect the internal cavity.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light source comprises an LED module, an LED strip or a COB-type LED.

In accordance with an embodiment, the solid body is a symmetrical longitudinal bar having an axis of symmetry. For example, the internal cavity defines a symmetrical volume which is coaxial or off-centre relative to the axis of symmetry of the solid body.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the solid body has shiny or opaque outer surfaces.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the internal cavity is delimited by inner surfaces of the solid body which are shiny or opaque.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the internal cavity is shaped in such a way as to simulate the three-dimensional shape of an internal core having substantially the same outer shape as the solid body or a different shape.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a production system of a handrail starting from an unfinished block of polymethylmethacrylate, comprising:

- a machine tool configured to work the polymethylmethacrylate;

- a memory containing a plurality of three-dimensional images reproducing an equal number of shapes of internal cores of the handrail; - a user interface configured to enable a user to select an image from among the three-dimensional images present in the memory;

- a control unit which, in response to the image selected by the user, is configured to control the machine tool so that it performs at least the following steps: · obtaining the solid body from the unfinished block of polymethylmethacrylate;

• obtaining the internal cavity by removal of chips from the solid body or from the unfinished block.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the step of obtaining the internal cavity is carried out before or after having obtained the solid body or is carried out at least in part simultaneously with the step of obtaining the solid body.

In accordance with an embodiment, the control unit is configured to command the machine tool also to perform a step of polishing outer surfaces of the solid body.

In accordance with an embodiment, the control unit is configured to command the machine tool also to perform a sandblasting or micro shot peening or satinising step on inner surfaces delimiting the internal cavity.

In accordance with an embodiment, the control unit is configured to command the machine tool also to perform a step of painting inner surfaces delimiting the internal cavity.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a handrail and a production system of a handrail, as illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

- figures 1 and 2 illustrate a handrail, according to the present invention, respectively with the light source switched off and on;

- figure 3 illustrates a handrail, according to the present invention, in perspective view from above, in which the cover element has been removed;

- figure 4 illustrates the handrail of figure 3 applied to a wall, in perspective view from below;

- figures 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate two different handrail mountings, in sectioned side view;

- figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a production system of a furnishing complement, according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention The number 1 indicates a handrail in the figures, comprising a solid body 2 having an elongate extension, made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The solid body 2 has an internal cavity 3 which extends for the length of the solid body 2, i.e., longitudinally.

Advantageously, the internal cavity 3 is shaped in such a way as to simulate the three-dimensional shape of an internal core of the handrail 1. In particular, the internal cavity 3 is delimited by inner surfaces 12 of the solid body 2 which are shaped in such a way that the empty volume of the internal cavity 3 has the shape of a predefined internal core, which can have substantially the same outer shape as the solid body 2 (albeit with a different dimensional ratio) or a different shape.

In other words, the internal cavity 3 is a negative imprint of the predefined internal core which is to be made perceptible to the eye.

The internal cavity 3 is obtained by removal of material, in the form of chips. For example, the internal cavity 3 is obtained by cutting and/or turning and/or milling a block of PMMA.

The inner surfaces 12 delimiting the internal cavity 3 can be shiny or opaque, as will be better seen below. The outer surfaces 112 of the solid body 2 can also be shiny or opaque.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the solid body 2 is a longitudinal bar having a circular, or oval, or polygonal (obviously hollow) section.

In particular, the internal cavity 3 defines a coaxial (empty core) or off- centre volume relative to the axis of symmetry of the solid body 2. As mentioned above, the empty core can have the same or different section than the solid body 2.

For example, a parallelepiped-shaped bar can have an empty internal core in the form of a parallelepiped (of obviously small size) or a cylindrical shape.

In general, the solid body 2 is substantially symmetrical and the internal cavity 3 also defines a volume (empty) symmetrical to the solid body 2, which can be off-centre or coaxial.

In accordance with an embodiment, the internal cavity 3 has a helical extension.

In accordance with the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the internal cavity 3 originates from a first access opening 13 which is made at a first end of the solid body 2.

Preferably, a first cover element engageable in the first access opening 13 is present in order to protect the internal cavity 3.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the cover element consists of a layer of material applicable to edges delimiting the first access opening 13. For example, the cover element is an aluminium film.

In accordance with another embodiment, the cover element is an insert or a cap shaped in such a way as to partially insert into the internal cavity 3 or screw at the first access opening 13 in such a way as to obstruct it. For example, the insert is made of one of the following materials: metal, plastic, wood, PMMA, glass, rubber. In accordance with an embodiment, the internal cavity 3 terminates in a second access opening 13 which is made at a second end of the solid body 2, opposite the first end.

Preferably, there is a second cover element (e.g., layer of material or insert or cap) engageable in the second access opening 13 in order to protect the internal cavity 3.

Preferably, the solid body 2 has a slot 4 which extends along the length thereof and opens into the internal cavity 3.

In this case a third cover element is present (e.g., layer of material or insert) engageable in the slot 4 in order to protect the internal cavity 3.

Such a longitudinal slot 4 is visible for example in figure 5. In particular, in figure 5(a) it can be seen that the handrail 1 is applied to an L-shaped support S (fixed to the wall) precisely at the slot 4. Thereby, the handrail 1 has a mounting similar to that of a railing.

Figure 5(b) shows the handrail 1 having two internal cavities 3: a first cavity is facing outwards and opened by a longitudinal slot which is closed by a third cover element C (it is the part which can be grasped by a user). The other cavity 3 instead faces the support S, this time horizontal (fixed to the wall).

The cover elements are intended to combat the accumulation of dirt in the internal cavity 3. Furthermore, they protect the edges delimiting the access openings 13 and the slot 4 from wear.

In accordance with an embodiment, the internal cavity 3 is blind.

In accordance with another embodiment, the internal cavity 3 is through, i.e., between two access openings made in the solid body 2. Advantageously, the handrail 1 comprises a light source 5 disposed in such a way as to emit light radiation into the internal cavity 3.

In accordance with an embodiment, the light source 5 is housed in the internal cavity 3.

In accordance with another embodiment, the light source 5 is disposed on a portion of the third cover element (the one covering the longitudinal slot 4) facing the internal cavity 3. For example, the light source 5 is fixed to the third cover element by means of an adhesive.

In accordance with another embodiment, the light source 5 is an LED source produced on a layer which acts as a cover for the slot 4. For example, consider a cold-powered LED module which is produced on an electronic board in plastic material.

In accordance with another embodiment, several light sources 5 are provided, each disposed on one of the cover elements and facing the internal cavity 3.

In accordance with an embodiment, the light source 5 is an LED one and comprises a strip of LEDs, such as for example a silicone LED strip (i.e., provided with protective silicone).

In accordance with another embodiment, the light source 5 is an LED one and comprises a COB-type LED, where COB is the acronym for the expression “Chip On Board”. This is a unique module on which multiple LEDs are welded to the substrate.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the solid body 2 has several internal cavities 3 extending for the length of the solid body 2. Advantageously, the internal cavities 3 are shaped in such a way as to simulate three-dimensional shapes of an equal number of internal cores of the handrail 1.

Such shapes can have the same or different shape, as a function of how the handrail 1 is to be perceived by the eye from the outside.

Furthermore, such shapes can be separated or joined.

The number 100 indicates a production system of a handrail 1 from an unfinished block of polymethylmethacrylate.

Preferably, the unfinished block is PMMA cast into transparent solid bars. For example, these types of finished and externally polished or semi finished bars are already available on the market.

Such a production system 100 is schematically shown in figure 6.

The production system 100 comprises:

- a machine tool 101 configured to work the PMMA;

- a control unit 102 configured to control the machine tool 101.

In particular, the machine tool 101 is a numerically controlled machine capable of processing the PMMA for chip removal.

The processing of PMMA for chip removal is advantageous compared to extrusion, which has a production limit of pieces of about 15 mm in thickness. Furthermore, in addition to the thickness limit, extruded PMMA is qualitatively lower, for example it is less transparent than cast PMMA. The machine tool 101 is of the known type and will therefore not be further described.

The production system 100 allows a user to select a handrail 1 core shape from a plurality of images stored in a memory 103.

Such a memory 103 contains three-dimensional images reproducing as many shapes of furnishing supports.

The user selects an image from those present in the memory 103 through a user interface 104, for example a graphical interface on a display.

In response to the image selection made by the user, the control unit 102 is configured to command the machine tool 101 to perform the steps leading to making the furnishing complement 1.

In accordance with an embodiment, the user can directly upload a custom image into the memory 103. Such a custom image will be sent to the control unit 102 in such a way that the machine tool 101 uses it to make the handrail 1.

In particular, the solid body 2 is obtained from the unfinished block of polymethylmethacrylate, for example by cutting, turning or milling. The internal cavity 3 is obtained by removal of chips from the solid body 2 or from the unfinished block.

The unfinished block can be in the form of a full plate or full bar. The outer surface of the unfinished block can already be shiny (therefore transparent) or opaque.

In accordance with an embodiment, the internal cavity 3 can be obtained after obtaining the solid body 2.

In accordance with another embodiment, the internal cavity 3 can be obtained directly from the unfinished block, before obtaining the solid body 2.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the internal cavity 3 is obtained while obtaining the solid body 2. Processing steps can overlap in whole or in part.

The solid body 2 can be subjected to hot bending so as to imprint a shape which follows a desired path.

During these processing steps of the unfinished block, treatments can be carried out on the outer surfaces (therefore processing which will affect the outer surfaces 112 of the solid body 2) or inner surfaces (therefore processing on the inner surfaces 12 delimiting the internal cavity 3).

For example, a polishing of the outer surfaces 112 is carried out to facilitate control of the details of the internal shape which will be created. Alternatively, the outer surfaces 112 can be subjected to an opacification step with the aim of visually concealing mounting elements (e.g., threaded holes or other) which may be present at the internal cavity 3.

Once the chip removal process has been completed, the inner surfaces 12 delimiting the internal cavity 3 could be shiny (therefore transparent), for example in the case of the use of diamond tools. Alternatively, the inner surfaces 12 could be opaque.

In either case, a specific polishing step of the inner surfaces 12 can be included. This is particularly indicated in the presence of obvious final roughness defects. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a sandblasting or micro shot peening step of the inner surfaces 12 is included.

Sandblasting or micro shot peening is a mechanical surface treatment, preferably carried out with an abrasive material such as glass grit (which has the most jagged shapes, i.e., irregular and edgy shapes) or ceramic grit. The inner surfaces 12 thus treated give definition to the internal shape of the furnishing support and an illusory consistency to the view from the outside. The sandblasted (or micro shot peened) inner surfaces 12 allow a complete and uniform lighting, immediately softening the light emitted by the light source 5, while the transparent PMMA performs the function of both diffuser and/or conductor of the light and protection of the light source 5.

Furthermore, sandblasting makes the surfaces suitable for further treatments, such as painting.

It is also possible to modify the finish of the surfaces by performing a new sandblasting step which removes the paint or by performing a new polishing step which eliminates opacity.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, as an alternative to the sandblasting step, a satinising step of the inner surfaces 12 is included, for example by means of abrasive paper or cloth.

In accordance with another variant, the inner surfaces 12 are opacified by chip removal with a tool.

As a function of the specific application of the handrail 1 , a different treatment of the inner surfaces 12 and the outer surfaces 112 can then be carried out.

For example, in an embodiment the handrail 1 has the inner surfaces 12 sandblasted and the outer surfaces 112 shiny in such a way as to obtain total illumination with reflections of light given by the transparent PMMA.

In another embodiment, the handrail 1 has shiny inner surfaces 12 and the outer surfaces 112 sandblasted or provided with a translucent protective film, so as to have overall more diffuse illumination and to increase the non-slip properties of the handrail 1 itself.

From the description given, the features of a handrail and a production system of a handrail according to the present invention appear clear, as do the advantages thereof.

The system designed is versatile, as it adapts to the needs of the customer and also allows to reduce inventory. In fact, it is no longer necessary to store different handrail models in the warehouse (e.g., having various shapes and sizes). On the contrary, the system designed allows to quickly create the desired handrail on request, setting its shape and size through the control unit. The images to choose from are stored in a memory, which can also be supplemented by images provided directly by the user, thus allowing to create custom handrails.

Furthermore, unlike the handrails currently on the market, in which the choice of different external shapes involves a more laborious and expensive production process, in this case the variability of the perceived shape is given by the internal shape, which can be carried out by means of the specific sharpening of a cutter.

Therefore, a warehouse of unfinished PMMA blocks to be processed (also commercial) and a set of shaped or virgin commercial cutters to be shaped are sufficient.

Furthermore, the handrail thus produced is easily recyclable, as it can be disassembled and reprocessed several times with different cutters, if the visible internal shape is to be changed.

Furthermore, as a function of the application, it is possible to give the desired outer shape to the solid body by hot bending and multiple bars can be joined (e.g., by gluing) to create long or inclined paths, etc.

The same handrail can also be disassembled, straightened and reworked to obtain shorter handrails or adapt them to architectural changes. Furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the handrail has an internal (empty) shape or core surrounded by the PMMA of the solid body and closed by the cover element (aluminium film or cap), it is protected from external agents such as dust and humidity and from any contact, even unintentional, which could wear it. Furthermore, the handrail proposed herein can be easily customised by virtue of the different finishes to which both the outer surfaces of the solid body and the inner surfaces delimiting the internal cavity can be subjected, as well as by virtue of the placement of a light source in the internal cavity.

Furthermore, the handrail proposed herein is perfectly perceived by the eye but has a non-invasive aesthetic/visual impact compared to the known solutions.

The presence of a light source in the handrail, which illuminates the shaped internal cavity, plays a fundamental role in overcoming architectural barriers such as stairs, or for use in museums or galleries. In particular, in the version in which the light source is an LED strip arranged on the longitudinal cover element and facing the inside of the handrail, the light is diffused from the internal shape and exits the handrail substantially at 360 degrees by virtue of the transparency of the PMMA.

Furthermore, the proposed handrail is also used outdoors, for example in combination with transparent railings, which are generally not very visible, especially at night.

It should also be noted that the handrail designed, when it has outer light surfaces, is clearly visible even when the light is switched off and therefore meets the need for the contrast between the wall and the handrail and colours, which are useful design factors for the recognition of the handrail and the immediate perception thereof even by people with orientation and vision problems.

Furthermore, the handrail is obtained from a solid unfinished block of PMMA in which a shaped internal cavity is obtained, which is very different from having an empty tubular, as are some handrails on the market. Therefore, the proposed handrail is shockproof.