Background art It is known that, for manufacturing curtains or similar bidimensional structures, drapes or cloths made of textile or paper material are used. Such materials may have a wide range of physical/structural and aesthetic features, as a function of the specific use. When needs for structural reinforcement, fire-proof and/or water- proof properties arise, in the prior art such materials are subject to specific preliminary treatments which turn out to be relatively costly and lengthy, due to their own intrinsical characteristics, and due to the fact that each of them can satisfy only one of the above mentioned needs, and therefore in most cases two or more different treatments must be carried out in succession. Besides, as a general rule, such treatments imply a worsening of the aesthetic features of the basic material.

Unexpectedly, it has now been found out an article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures, which can be obtained in a simple and cost- saving manner thanks to a single elementary treatment, and is capable of effectively complying with requirements of

strength, washability, resistance to wear, water and fire, all unachievable by the common textile and paper materials. The above, not only without worsening the specific aesthetic features of said materials, but even achieving a surprisingly peculiar ornamental result, which in turn devises a number of possible, at present unexplored, uses.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention, a panel-like article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures is provided, said article comprising a sheet made of textile or paper material, characterized by the fact that said sheet is lined on the two faces thereof by respective sheets made of transparent PVC, thereby the aesthetic properties of the panel are chiefly a function of the features of said textile or paper intermediate sheet, and said PVC sheets, besides providing an aesthetic contribution, perform a strengthening and protection function of the intermediate sheet.

In a first embodiment, the panel is obtained by mutually connecting the PVC sheets along the periphery thereof so as to form an envelope in which the intermediate sheet is reversibly inserted. As an alternative, a peripheral connection is directly applied on the three sheets, mutually superimposed, and in this case the intermediate sheet can be permanently linked to the PVC lining sheets.

Brief description of the drawings Features and advantages of the panel-like article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures, and of the process for obtaining such article according to the present invention will be made clearer

hereinafter with the following description of embodiments thereof, made as an example and not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which: -figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the panel according to a first embodiment of the invention; -figures from 2a to 2c show an angle portion of the panel of figure 1, macroscopically enlarged and partially stripped of the outer sheets, according to respective different constructions; -figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a panel according to a second embodiment of the invention; and -figures from 4a to 4c show an angle portion of the panel of figure 3, macroscopically enlarged and partially stripped of the outer sheets, according to respective different constructions.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention As mentioned, the invention essentially entails the use of a couple of sheets made of a transparent PVC, preferably smooth-faced and with a thickness and a weight that vary according to the specific functional and aesthetic needs, for forming a lining of an intermediate sheet made of a textile or paper material. A panel-like article is thus obtained, which can be used for manufacturing curtains and similar furnishing fittings having decorative and/or functional value, the aesthetic properties of the panel being essentially determined by the characteristics, namely color (plain or fancy), weft and superficial quality, of the intermediate sheet.

The PVC lining, besides providing an aesthetic contribution by forming a smooth and shiny surface,

strengthens and protects the intermediate sheet, both from mechanical stresses and from the deterioration caused by the atmospheric agents. In particular, the sheet made of textile or paper material can be effectively protected by the solar radiation. Moreover, the article is substantially stain-proof and in any case easily washable.

If the lining is sealingly closed, as will be shown hereinafter, the intermediate sheet is made perfectly water-proof. Finally, when a PVC of suitable features is used, the article can be made fire-proof.

Referring to figure 1, according to a first embodiment of the invention two sheets 1 made of a transparent PVC, for instance and typically having a quadrilateral outline, cut to the same size, are mutually connected along three consecutive edges so as to form an envelope 2, in which an intermediate sheet 3 is inserted, sheet 3 having the same outline of sheets 1 but obviously with a slightly smaller size. In such embodiment intermediate sheet 3 remains free with respect to sheets 1, and thus it is reversibly associated to envelope 2. Such feature may be used for removing intermediate sheet 3 and replacing it with another one having different properties.

Various constructive solutions can be used for mutually connecting PVC sheets 1. Three of them-to be considered as preferred ones-are described hereinafter, with reference to figures from 2a to 2c. In a first solution, shown in figure 2a, a welding 5 is made along the edges of the panel, e. g. an electric arc welding which can be obtained by means of a commercial machine.

With such a solution, envelope 2 seals intermediate sheet 3 along three sides, and this can be sufficient for complying with certain water-proof requirements. On the

other hand, a suitable closure also along the side for inserting intermediate sheet 3 will result in the accomplishment of a complete sealing thereof. The same substantially applies also as far as the fire-proof requirement is concerned; in any case, in order to comply with this requirement, a fire-proof PVC must be used.

When no water-proof and fire-proof properties are required, the two solutions shown in figures 2b and 2c, respectively, can be chosen. In one case a peripheral stitch 6 is formed, whereas in the second one a reversible connection via automatic buttons 7, made of plastic or metal, is adopted. Also these solutions can be accomplished by using machines of a commercial type. Other than the connection along the periphery of the panel, nothing prevents from adding further connection points in non-peripheral areas. However, at least with the welding and stitch systems, this prevents the possibility of slipping intermediate sheet 3 off. It will also be appreciated that, in this embodiment, a transparent setting 4 is formed between the peripheral path of the mutual connection of sheets 1 and the free edge of the panel, this resulting in a further ornamental element.

Referring to figure 3, in a second, alternative embodiment the two transparent PVC sheets, indicated at 11, are connected not only to each other but also to the intermediate sheet 13. With reference to figures from 4a to 4c, such connection is arranged along the edges of the sheets in a manner which is substantially analogous to that described for the first embodiment.

Therefore, a welding 15 can be used, as in figure 4a, and as a result the panel is made perfectly water-proof and also, when a suitable PVC is employed, fire-proof.

Alternatively, a stitch 16 or buttons 17 can be provided, according to what shown in figures 4b and 4c,. respectively. Also in this case-and especially with the welding and stitch systems in which the intermediate sheet 3 can not be removed anyway-there is nothing preventing the addition of other connection points in non-peripheral areas of the panel.

The panel obtained in this way, once equipped with suitable fixing means, of a known type and therefore neither described nor shown, is fit for the widest range of possible uses as a curtaining element, a partition element also for setting up permanent or temporary exhibitions, as a screen for displaying video projections, and more generally as a decorative element. For instance, a number of panels, extended vertically between the floor and the ceiling may be arranged in a public place, or in a commercial or expositive environment, even merely for creating a scenographic perspective effect. In this respect, it must be noticed that such a result cannot be obtained if, for instance, a simple paper rag according to the prior art is made use of, if nothing else due to the insufficient strength of this material. Other advantageous possible uses of the article may spring from its sound- absorbing properties, due to the intrinsical nature of the textile or paper material of the intermediate sheet, as well as to the fact that when the latter is lined, a certain amount of air is necessarily trapped between the two PVC sheets.

The process for obtaining the article according to the invention, as above described, is very simple and cost- saving. Actually, with a single elementary working step (the mutual connection of-at least-PVC sheets 1), the

intermediate sheet 3 can be protected and reinforced, and contemporarily made water-proof and fire-proof. As already mentioned, these last two properties will be ensured only with a construction comprising the sealed welding between sheets 1. In the absence of particular requirements in this respect, the other described solutions may be chosen, and even other equivalent ones, according to the aesthetic and decorative result one wishes to obtain.

The material of intermediate sheet 3 is a textile one, considering this term in its most general meaning, including also the so-called non woven fabrics, or a paper one. The thickness of the PVC sheets may vary according to the specific needs, namely to the strength to be accomplished. In any case this strength is such that the resulting panel is less easily foldable than the basic intermediate sheet. A transparent PVC which is chemically stable, odorless and opaque to the ultraviolet solar radiation is available on the market in different fire- proof qualities, and also in this case the choice will be based on the particular requirement. As to this material, it will be appreciated that in the drawing, for the sake of clarity, the transparency does not appear.

Even though reference has been made in the examples to sheets, and consequently panels, having a generally quadrilateral shape, it is obvious that the invention can also be applied to different shapes, when appropriate for the specific use. In fact, it has to be stressed that the use of the invention will be advantageous not only in the field of curtainings and similar furnishing fittings, but also in the field of gifts, e. g. for manufacturing table- cloths, document holders and portfolios formed by a couple of small panels hinged to each other, and even

shielding/reflecting lamp-caps formed by bending a panel to a cone or a cylinder. Another possible use is that of advertising posters or boards. More generally, the invention may be used whenever a need arises for treating a textile or paper material in order to achieve the properties repeatedly mentioned above.

Variations and/or modifications can be brought to the panel-like article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures, and to the process for obtaining such article according to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention itself.

CLAIMS 1. A panel-like article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures comprising a sheet (3, 13) made of textile or paper material, characterized by the fact that said sheet (3,13) is lined on the two faces thereof by respective sheets (1, 11) made of transparent PVC, thereby the aesthetic properties of the panel are chiefly a function of the features of said textile or paper intermediate sheet (3,13), and said PVC sheets (1, 11), besides providing an aesthetic contribution, perform a strengthening and protection function of the intermediate sheet.

2. The article according to claim 1, in which said PVC sheets (1) are mutually connected along the periphery thereof so as to form an envelope (2) in which said intermediate sheet (3), having a suitably smaller size than said PVC sheets (1), is reversibly inserted.

3. The article according to claim 1, in which said PVC sheets (11) are connected at least along the periphery thereof, mutually and also to said intermediate sheet (13), of which the outline matches that of said PVC sheets (1), whereby said PVC sheets (11) can be permanently linked to the said intermediate sheet (3).

4. The article according to any of the previous claims, in which a welding (5,15) connects at least said PVC sheets (1,11).

5. The article according to claim 4, in which said welding (5,15) is formed along the whole periphery of said sheets (1,11), so as to seal said intermediate sheet (3,13).

6. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, in which a stitch (6,16) connects at least said PVC sheets (1, 11).

7. The article according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, in which button means (7,17) connect at least said PVC sheets (1, 11).

8. The article according to any of the previous claims, in which the outer face of said PVC sheets (1,11) is smooth.

9. The article according to any of the previous claims, in which said PVC is opaque to the ultraviolet solar radiation and/or fire-proof.

10. A process for obtaining a panel-like article for manufacturing curtains and similar bidimensional structures, said article comprising an intermediate sheet (3,13) made of textile or paper material, characterized by the fact that a couple of sheets (1,11) made of transparent PVC are mutually connected so as to form a lining of said intermediate sheet (3,13), thereby the aesthetic properties of the panel are chiefly a function of the features of said textile or paper intermediate sheet (3,13), and said PVC sheets (1, 11), besides providing an aesthetic contribution, perform a strengthening and protection function of the intermediate sheet.

11. The process according to claim 10, in which said PVC sheets (1) are mutually connected along the periphery thereof so as to form an envelope (2), and subsequently said intermediate sheet (3), having a suitably smaller size than said PVC sheets (1), is reversibly inserted in said envelope (2).

12. The process according to claim 10, in which said PVC sheets (11) are connected at least along the periphery thereof mutually and also to said intermediate sheet (13), of which the outline matches that of said PVC sheets (1),

whereby said PVC sheets (11) can be permanently linked to the said intermediate sheet (3).

13. The process according to any of the claims from 10 to 12, in which a welding (5,15) connects at least said PVC sheets (1,11).

14. The process according to claim 13, in which said welding (5,15) is formed along the whole periphery of said sheets (1,11), so as to seal said intermediate sheet (3,13).

15. The process according to any of the claims from 10 to 12, in which a stitch (6,16) connects at least said PVC sheets (1, 11).

16. The process according to any of the claims from 10 to 12, in which button means (7,17) connect at least said PVC sheets (1, 11).

17. The process according to any of the claims from 10 to 16, in which the outer face of said PVC sheets (1,11) is smooth.

18. The process according to any of the claims form 10 to 17, in which said PVC is opaque to the ultraviolet solar radiation and/or fire-proof.