EP0985550A1 - Planar decorative assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly consists of a series of polygonal components (6, 7) in at least two different shapes which can be assembled to give a three-dimensional interlaced effect. The components can be, for example, square and rectangular and set in rows and columns, or they can be hexagonal and parallelogram-shaped, with the parallelogram components fitted along the sides of the hexagons in lines which produce an interlaced effect. The components can be assembled, for example, inside a template of the required shape, and joined together by tongues in grooved edges.

Description

The present invention relates to a set decorative consisting of a juxtaposition of elements according to a planar assembly.

We know in the state of the art, several types of decorative elements assembled in plan, to manufacture floor coverings such as parquet floors. Most existing parquet floors match to patterns developed a long time ago, to a when the floors of large residences were mainly covered with wood. For this purpose, we left flat or level ground, and we fixed it, for example by collage, wooden elements, whose shape and juxtaposition produced an aesthetic motif. The reasons used were of a fairly wide variety, but mainly started with rectangular basic elements or diamond. In one of the most simple motives used, rectangular wooden blades were juxtaposed in a staggered manner, the variety of possibilities of shifting a line of blades relative to to neighboring lines providing a variety of effects possible aesthetics.

However, the aesthetic effects obtained remained in a plane, that is to say that the assembly of blades could never suggest a visual effect three-dimensional.

Therefore, the invention aims to provide a resolutely new plan decorative set, suitable for create a visual effect of relief, interlacing in three dimensions, cane, as well as a method of installing a such a decorative set.

More specifically, the invention aims to propose a new decorative structure can be used for floor coverings, furniture, or other flat surfaces, for example horizontal or vertical, and capable of creating an effect visual interlacing with a three-dimensional component.

The invention further aims to provide a fast and efficient process for manufacturing and installing the decorative unit.

a) au moins un élément de forme hexagonale, chaque côté de l'hexagone ayant une longueur déterminée C;

b) une pluralité d'éléments en forme de parallélogramme ayant chacun deux grands côtés opposés de longueur L et deux petits côtés opposés de longueur l, les angles opposés entre un grand côté et un premier petit côté étant de 60°, et les angles opposés entre ledit grand côté et un second petit côté étant de 120°, caractérisé en ce que chaque élément en forme de parallélogramme est disposé de façon que la moitié d'un grand côté qui est contigué à un angle de 60° soit disposée contre un côté d'un élément de forme hexagonale.

To this end, the invention relates to a flat decorative assembly comprising two types of elements, namely:

a) at least one element of hexagonal shape, each side of the hexagon having a determined length C;

b) a plurality of parallelogram-shaped elements each having two large opposite sides of length L and two small opposite sides of length l, the opposite angles between a large side and a first small side being 60 °, and the opposite angles between said long side and a second short side being 120 °, characterized in that each parallelogram-shaped element is arranged so that half of a long side which is contiguous at an angle of 60 ° is arranged against one side of a hexagonal element.

• la longueur de chaque grand côté L d'un élément en forme de parallélogramme est égale au double de la longueur C de chaque côté de l'élément de forme hexagonale, et est en outre égale au double de la longueur de chacun des petits côtés de longueur l;
• la longueur de chaque petit côté l d'un élément en forme de parallélogramme est égale à la longueur C de chaque côté de l'élément de forme hexagonale.
• l'ensemble décoratif comporte une pluralité d'éléments modulaires aptes à être juxtaposés pour former un ensemble décoratif de plus grande taille, chaque élément modulaire comportant un assemblage de 7 éléments hexagonaux et de 18 éléments en forme de parallélogramme.
• deux éléments modulaires juxtaposés sont reliés et positionnés respectivement au moyen d'un élément supplémentaire en forme de parallélogramme, faisant office de clé, disposé dans un espace laissé libre lors de la juxtaposition de deux éléments modulaires.
• les éléments hexagonaux sont d'une première couleur, et les éléments en forme de parallélogramme sont d'une seconde couleur différente de la première.
• ladite seconde couleur comporte des variations sous la forme d'une trame orientée sensiblement parallèlement aux grands côtés des parallélogrammes, de façon que les éléments en forme de parallélogramme s'entrecroisent avec un effet optique d'entrelacs.

According to other characteristics of the second embodiment of the invention:

• the length of each long side L of a parallelogram-shaped element is twice the length C of each side of the hexagonal-shaped element, and is also twice the length of each of the short sides of length l;
• the length of each short side l of a parallelogram-shaped element is equal to the length C of each side of the hexagonal-shaped element.
• the decorative assembly comprises a plurality of modular elements capable of being juxtaposed to form a larger decorative assembly, each modular element comprising an assembly of 7 hexagonal elements and 18 elements in the form of a parallelogram.
• two juxtaposed modular elements are connected and positioned respectively by means of an additional element in the form of a parallelogram, acting as a key, arranged in a space left free when two modular elements are juxtaposed.
• the hexagonal elements are of a first color, and the parallelogram-shaped elements are of a second color different from the first.
• said second color includes variations in the form of a frame oriented substantially parallel to the long sides of the parallelograms, so that the elements in the shape of a parallelogram intersect with an optical interlacing effect.

• Avantageusement, les éléments hexagonaux du revêtement de sol sont en pierre.
• En variante, utilisable notamment comme revêtement de mobilier, le revêtement décoratif comporte des éléments hexagonaux en un matériau de couleur uniforme, telle qu'une matière plastique ou un dérivé du bois, et les éléments en forme de parallélogramme sont en une matière plastique ou un dérivé du bois revêtu d'une imitation de fibres de bois.
• de préférence, les éléments hexagonaux et en forme de parallélogramme sont d'une épaisseur égale, et lesdits éléments ont une section transversale de forme sensiblement rectangulaire.
• de préférence, lesdits éléments comportent au niveau de leurs arêtes inférieures des chanfreins aptes à recevoir un cordon de colle pour fixer les éléments sur une surface de réception à décorer.

The invention also relates to a floor covering using a decorative assembly comprising the preceding characteristics, and characterized in that the parallelepipedic elements are made of wood, the grain of which is oriented substantially parallel to the long sides of said elements. It is very important that the grain of the elements acting as a key between two modular elements is of the same nature as the grain of said modular elements, and is an extension of it. Thus, everything happens from an aesthetic point of view as if the wooden blades were very long and entangled between them to produce the optical effect of interlacing.

• Advantageously, the hexagonal elements of the floor covering are made of stone.
• As a variant, usable in particular as a covering for furniture, the decorative covering comprises hexagonal elements made of a material of uniform color, such as a plastic material or a derivative of wood, and the elements in the form of a parallelogram are made of a plastic material or a derived from wood coated with an imitation of wood fibers.
• preferably, the hexagonal and parallelogram-shaped elements are of equal thickness, and said elements have a cross section of substantially rectangular shape.
• preferably, said elements comprise at their lower edges chamfers capable of receiving a bead of glue to fix the elements on a receiving surface to be decorated.

• pré-assembler tous les éléments en forme de parallélogramme en les disposant manuellement à l'aide d'un gabarit ou par placement automatisé sur un support, de façon à obtenir une structure avec des creux aux emplacements des hexagones;
• rapporter les éléments hexagonaux et les fixer dans les interstices laissés libres par les éléments en forme de parallélogramme.

The invention also relates to a method for installing the decorative assembly having the above characteristics, and comprising the steps consisting in:

• pre-assemble all the elements in the form of a parallelogram by arranging them manually using a template or by automated placement on a support, so as to obtain a structure with hollows at the locations of the hexagons;
• add the hexagonal elements and fix them in the gaps left free by the parallelogram-shaped elements.

• la figure 1 représente de façon schématique une première variante de réalisation d'un ensemble décoratif présentant un effet de canage;
• les figures 2(a) à 2(d) représentent de façon schématique les éléments de base d'une seconde variante de l'ensemble décoratif, ainsi que les premières étapes de leur disposition;
• la figure 3 représente des étapes successives de construction de l'ensemble décoratif selon la figure 2;
• la figure 4 représente un élément intermédiaire permettant une construction modulaire d'un ensemble décoratif;
• les figures 5(a) à 5(c) représentent les étapes d'utilisation de l'élément modulaire de la figure 4;
• la figure 6 représente une surface terminée de sol ou de mobilier, obtenue à partir d'ensembles décoratifs selon les figures 2 à 5;
• la figure 7 représente un mode d'utilisation supplémentaire d'ensembles décoratifs selon la figure 4.

The invention will be better understood by referring to the following description given by way of nonlimiting example and to the attached drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows schematically a first alternative embodiment of a decorative assembly having a caning effect;
• Figures 2 (a) to 2 (d) schematically represent the basic elements of a second variant of the decorative assembly, as well as the first steps of their arrangement;
• Figure 3 shows successive stages of construction of the decorative assembly according to Figure 2;
• FIG. 4 represents an intermediate element allowing a modular construction of a decorative assembly;
• Figures 5 (a) to 5 (c) show the steps for using the modular element of Figure 4;
• FIG. 6 represents a finished surface of floor or furniture, obtained from decorative assemblies according to FIGS. 2 to 5;
• FIG. 7 represents an additional mode of use of decorative assemblies according to FIG. 4.

We refer to Figure 1. We have represented in this figure an embodiment of a decorative assembly 1 which consists of a juxtaposition of elements according to a planar assembly. The elements used are of two types of polygonal shape. Elements 3, 3 'of a first type here consist of flat plates of shape rectangular, for example in wood, and are juxtaposed alternately in a first direction, for example vertical on the drawings (elements 2), and according to a second direction, for example horizontal in the drawing (elements 3), so as to create an optical effect interlacing or caning, as if the vertical plates 2 and horizontal 3 were very long and entangled between them. The rectangular plates 2,3 are arranged alternately in two directions perpendiculars forming rows and columns, two rows or two adjacent parallel columns being separated by a distance d, and the elements of the second type 4 have the shape of squares of side d, arranged in the gaps left free between two rows and two adjacent columns of elements of the first type 2,3.

In order to enhance this caning effect, when the rectangular plates 2,3 are made of wood, the veins of the wood are preferably oriented in the direction of the length of plates. The other elements, referenced by 4, and which are square in the example of FIG. 1, are arranged in gaps or intervals left free by the rectangular elements 2,3. In order to reinforce the interlacing effect, these second elements 4 are preferably uniform in color, distinct from the color of the first elements 2,3. We can use in practice stone elements, such as the 〈〈 floor tile Salernes 〉〉 or other, but of course any other type of material suitable for the specific use can be easily chosen by the skilled person.

a) au moins un élément 6 de forme hexagonale, chaque côté de l'hexagone ayant une longueur déterminée C;

b) une pluralité d'éléments 7 en forme de parallélogramme ayant chacun deux grands côtés opposés 8 de longueur L et deux petits côtés opposés 9 de longueur l, les angles opposés  entre un grand côté 8 et un premier petit côté 9 étant de 60°, et les angles opposés 

entre ledit grand côté 8 et un second petit côté 9 étant de 120°, et chaque élément 7 en forme de parallélogramme étant disposé de façon qu'une moitié de chaque grand côté 8 soit disposé contre un côté d'un élément 7 de forme hexagonale. La longueur de chaque grand côté L d'un élément 7 en forme de parallélogramme est égale au double de la longueur C de chaque côté de l'élément 6 de forme hexagonale et est égale aussi au double de chacun des petits côtés l.

Referring to Figure 2. In Figure 2 (a), there is shown the basic elements 5 of another embodiment of the decorative assembly according to the invention. In this variant, the decorative assembly is constituted by a juxtaposition of elements according to a planar assembly, but this assembly this time comprises two other types of elements, namely:

a) at least one element 6 of hexagonal shape, each side of the hexagon having a determined length C;

b) a plurality of elements 7 in the form of a parallelogram each having two large opposite sides 8 of length L and two small opposite sides 9 of length l, the opposite angles  between a large side 8 and a first small side 9 being 60 °, and the opposite angles 

between said large side 8 and a second small side 9 being 120 °, and each element 7 in the form of a parallelogram being arranged so that one half of each large side 8 is disposed against one side of an element 7 of hexagonal shape . The length of each long side L of an element 7 in the form of a parallelogram is equal to twice the length C of each side of the element 6 of hexagonal shape and is also equal to twice of each of the short sides l.

As a result, the length of each short side l of a parallelogram-shaped element 7 is equal to the length C on each side of the shape element 6 hexagonal.

Starting (at the top of figure 2) of an element hexagonal 6 and having elements against its sides 7 successive in the form of a parallelogram, then additional hexagonal elements 6 as shown in Figure 3c, according to the steps shown in the figures 2 and by arrow F, we obtain a modular element of base 10 as shown in FIG. 3c. This element of base 10 is then formed by an assembly of 7 hexagonal elements 6 and 18 elements 7 in the form of parallelogram. Using multiple elements modular 10 and by juxtaposing them, we manage to form a larger decorative set, like the one shown in Figure 6 for example. Use modular elements 10 pre-assembled which are then juxtaposed saves a lot of time and efficiency during installation of the decorative assembly. In order to assemble several modular elements 10 according to the Figure 3c, we proceed as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Starting from a modular element 10, we approach notches 11, a corresponding number of elements 7 in parallelogram shape. These elements 7 will act positioning verrouillage keys 〉〉 and locking several adjacent modular elements. It is very important, for optimize the caning effect, that the veining of the keys of modular elements and modular elements themselves either of the same nature and in the extension one of the other, as if the wooden slats were large length and tangled together.

As shown in Figure 5a, we engage the elements 7 in the notches 11, to arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 5b. In this configuration, the non-engaged ends of the elements 7 reported exceed, and may be engaged in notches 11 similar to modular elements 10 neighbors (not shown). In this way, it is easy and quick obtain large areas using elements modular 10, for example to make a coating of ground. Thus, there is shown by way of example in the figure 5c, the approximate juxtaposition of three elements modular 101,102,103. To complete the installation of these modular elements, just position three connecting elements 7 (not shown) in the form of parallelogram, at empty locations 71,72,73, then from reconcile the elements 101,102,103 contiguously to lead to the final configuration.

Of course, other forms of elements modules are possible, but the one shown in the advantage of requiring only six elements 7 additional parallelograms, arranged in spaces 11 left free during the juxtaposition of several modular elements, and used in some so as 〈〈 keys 〉〉 for positioning or fixing modular elements between them.

Advantageously, analogously to the elements 4 of the first embodiment, the hexagonal elements 6 are of a first color, and the elements 7 in the form of parallelogram are of a second different color of the first. Preferably, the first color is uniform, and the second color has variations in the form of a weft or oriented veins substantially parallel to the long sides 8 of parallelograms, so that the elements 7 intersect with an optical effect of interlacing or caning.

The decorative set 1.10 according to the invention is particularly, but not only, suitable for production of floor coverings. In such covering, elements in the shape of a parallelogram 7 are made of wood with parallel veins at the long sides of said elements, and the elements hexagonal 6 are made of stone, for example of the sandstone type, tomette known as 〈〈 Salernes tom, granite, or on the contrary made of metal, earthenware, or other materials suitable for floor coverings.

However, the decorative set 1.10 according to the invention can also be used for other surfaces flat, for example furniture. So Figure 6 represents a table top 12 produced using the decorative assembly according to the invention.

The hexagonal elements 6 can also be in a uniformly colored material, such as a material plastic or wood derivative, and the 7 shaped elements of parallelogram can be plastic or a derivative of wood coated with an imitation of veins of wood.

To facilitate their installation on a surface plane, the hexagonal elements 6 and the elements 7 in form of parallelogram have equal thickness, and have a cross section of substantially shaped rectangular, as shown in Figure 2 (c). In addition, in order to ensure as perfect as possible flatness after installation, the elements 6,7 are preferably provided around their periphery with a groove 21 (FIG. 2 (c)), in which we slide during the installation, a tongue corresponding reported 22. Figure 2 (d) shows in cross section A-A two elements 7 placed from each side of a hexagonal element 6, the assembly being arranged on a support 23, for example a floor to be coated. In this figure 2 (d), the chamfers 20 of receiving a bead of glue, and the tabs 22 laid in grooves 21.

Preferably, the elements 7 in the form of parallelogram and the hexagonal elements 6 comprise at level of their lower edges chamfers 20 apt to receive a bead of glue to fix the elements 6,7 on a receiving surface to be decorated.

It is also possible, as shown in Figure 7, to realize according to the same principles as those exposed above, a more complex decorative assembly 13, in which hexagonal elements 16 are themselves formed of modular sub-assemblies 10 based on hexagons and parallelograms.

According to the invention, the installation of the decorative assembly can also be totally or partially automated. For this purpose, it is possible to pre-assemble according to a first step, all of the elements 7 in the form of parallelogram by arranging them manually using a template or by automated placement on a support, especially by gluing. We thus obtain a structure substantially honeycomb-shaped, with hollows at hexagon 6 locations. Then in the second step, the hexagonal elements 6 are attached and fixed in the interstices left free by the elements 7 in the form of parallelogram. Of course, it would also possible to proceed in reverse order, hexagons 6 being fixed first. Such a process is of course applicable to other forms of polygons, such as Figure 1 for example.

In FIG. 7, a generalization of the use of modular elements 10 such as those of the figure 3. Thus, we used the modular elements 10 hexagonal in shape and made up of small parallelograms 7 and small hexagons 6, to build, using larger parallelograms 70, a new structure interlacing. In this way, we create a double level interlacing effects: that of interlacing at the level of each modular element 10, and that of the interlacing between elements 70 of larger size. Of course, the generalization can be pushed to higher degrees if the size of the surface to be coated allows.

The device and the method according to the invention achieve the goals set. In particular, thanks to the structure based on hexagons 6 and parallelograms 7, or rectangles 2,3 and squares 4 of different colors, it is possible to create flat coverings, in particular floor coverings, with a completely new aesthetic effect, suggesting a visual effect of interlacing in three dimensions, similar to caning.

Claims (13)

Decorative assembly (10) comprising two types of elements, namely: a) at least one element (6) of hexagonal shape, each side of the hexagon having a determined length C; b) a plurality of parallelogram-shaped elements (7) each having two large opposite sides of length L and two small opposite sides of length l, the opposite angles () between a large side and a first small side being 60 °, and the opposite angles (

) between said long side and a second short side being 120 °,
characterized in that each parallelogram-shaped element (7) is arranged in such a way that the half (81) of a long side which is contiguous at an angle of 60 ° is arranged against one side of an element (6) of hexagonal shape. Decorative set (10) according to the claim 1, characterized in that the length of each large side L of an element (7) in the form of parallelogram is on the one hand double the length C on each side of the form element (6) hexagonal, and on the other hand double the length l of each of the short sides of an element (7) in the form of parallelogram. Decorative set (10) according to the claim 2, characterized in that the length of each short side l of an element (7) in the form of parallelogram is equal to the length C on each side of the hexagonal element (6). Decorative set according to one of previous claims, consisting of juxtaposition according to a substantially planar assembly, elements (6) in the form of hexagons and elements (7) in form of parallelograms, characterized in that the hexagonal elements (6) are of a first color, the second elements (7) being of a second color different from the first and with variations in the form of a substantially oriented frame parallel to the long sides of said second elements (7), so that the second elements (7) intersect with an interlacing optical effect suggesting a pattern in three dimensions. Decorative set according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that comprises a plurality of modular elements (10) suitable for be juxtaposed to form a decorative whole more large size, each modular element (10) comprising a assembly of 7 hexagonal elements (6) and 18 elements (7) in the shape of a parallelogram. Decorative assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that two modular elements (10) juxtaposed are connected and positioned respectively at the by means of an additional element (7) in the form of parallelogram, arranged in a space left free during of the juxtaposition of two modular elements (10). Floor covering using a set decorative according to claim 6, characterized in that the elements (7) in the shape of a parallelogram are made of wood whose veins are oriented parallel to the large ones sides of said elements. Floor covering according to claim 7, characterized in that the hexagonal elements (6) are in Pierre. Decorative coating for flat surface, in particular furniture, characterized in that it comprises decorative sets according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the hexagonal elements (6) being a uniformly colored material, such as a material plastic or a derivative of wood, and the elements (7) in shape of a parallelogram being of a plastic material or a derivative of wood coated with an imitation of veins of wood. Decorative set according to any one claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the hexagonal elements (6) and the elements (7) in the form of parallelogram have equal thickness, and in that said elements have a cross section of shape rectangular. Decorative assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that said elements (6,7) have at their lower edges chamfers suitable for receiving a bead of glue to fix the elements on a receiving surface to be decorated. Decorative assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that said elements (6,7) have perimeter grooves (21) serving receptacle for tabs (22) added during mounting of the elements (6,7). Method of fitting a decorative assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: pre-assemble all the elements (7) in the form of a parallelogram by arranging them manually using a template or by automated placement on a support, so as to obtain a structure with hollows at the locations of the hexagons; add the hexagonal elements (6) and fix them in the gaps left free by the elements (7) in the form of a parallelogram.

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