WO2024150182A1

WO2024150182A1 - Modular furnishing element

Info

Publication number: WO2024150182A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/050321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paolo Citterio
Original assignee: Cosma Di O. Citterio S.R.L.
Priority date: 2023-01-12
Filing date: 2024-01-12
Publication date: 2024-07-18

Abstract

A modular furnishing element (1 ), intended to be arranged or available on the floor or anchored or anchorable to a wall or surface of a room with the function of supporting or containing items, comprising at least a first panel (2), a second panel (2'), a joining component (10) and a covering component (20). The joining component (10) is configured for butt connection with such first and second panels (2 and 2') to define an angular joint of a three-dimensional structure wherein the panels are transversal to each other, and the covering component (20) is removably applicable to the joining component (10).

Description

MODULAR FURNISHING ELEMENT

The present invention relates to a modular furnishing element of a type suitable for supporting or containing items. By way of example, the modular furnishing element may define a piece of furniture intended to be arranged on the ground or on the floor, or a wall unit, i.e. intended to be anchored or anchorable to a vertical wall.

In the interior design sector, modular structures defining furniture usually consist of a supporting skeleton and a series of panels available to create support surfaces or defining a volume within which to support or contain items.

Typically, such furnishing elements have both a supporting skeleton and panels made of wood or plywood, as they are easy to process to create different geometries and inexpensive, but they may also include different materials, such as metals, plastics, resins or glass.

Alternatively, structures of the type mentioned above are made up of a series of panels that are mutually fastened and self-supporting in shape.

In general, wood or plywood panels are also preferred for this second type, as they can be mutually assembled cheaply through a variety of fastening methods, thus presenting relative flexibility in the arrangement of such panels.

Disadvantageously, most of the structures illustrated in the prior art have internal components made specifically for a single solution or model. Especially when using wooden panels, the use of certain components is limited to a single product and/or a limited number of possible geometries of the furnishing element, making both the production and the assembly or disassembly of these structures time consuming and expensive. This can be particularly problematic if a component needs to be replaced in case of breakage or wear.

In particular, such structures often require fastening systems for the components using screwing elements, pins or rotating cages, which are complex and require special processes for preparing the furnishing element for their use, which in any case neither simplify nor improve the time required for the assembly or disassembly of such components. In addition, such machining often leaves visible holes even after installation, which also detracts from the overall aesthetics of the structures.

A further disadvantage of the structures in the prior art is that these structures and, in particular, the panels comprising them, are particularly heavy. In fact, such solutions must be strong enough to withstand certain loads without bending or breaking. However, greater strength generally requires the use of panels with at least a certain thickness, which is proportionally accompanied by an increase in the overall weight of the furnishing element itself.

Particularly in cases where such furnishing elements are hanging, the total load that the furnishing element can support may be limited. Additionally, it would be necessary to make use of particularly strong fastening elements and to have a wall or surface suitable for mounting that is sufficiently resistant to the stresses of the overall load of the furnishing element.

A further disadvantage of many structures in the prior art is that they have sharp edges. Since such structures often protrude from the wall or surface, they can be dangerous in the event of unintentional collisions of a part of the end user's body against such sharp edges.

Thus, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a modular furnishing element intended to be arranged/available resting on the ground or anchored/anchorable to a wall or surface of an interior of a room that is capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a modular, self-supporting furnishing element made up of modules in which each component is made in such a way as to facilitate the assembly, disassembly or replacement of the components in the event of wear and tear. A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a modular furnishing element whose components are easily engaged with each other by fastening means that allow for simple and fast assembly of the furnishing element without detracting from its aesthetics.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a furnishing element in which each component is made to be both lightweight and resistant to external loads.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a furnishing element in which each component is made in such a way that little material is used, resulting in cost savings in its manufacture.

The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a modular furnishing element comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

In particular, the modular furnishing element according to the invention is self-supporting, intended to be arranged or available on the ground or anchored or anchorable to a wall or surface of a room.

The modular furnishing element comprises at least a first panel and a second panel, and a joining component, configured for butt connection with at least such first panel and/or such second panel to define an angular joint of a three-dimensional structure wherein the panels are transversal to each other. Each panel is defined by a profile defined between two longitudinal ends and two side ends and comprises at least one end opening arranged at a side end of that panel to make it possible access the inside of the panel.

The joining component comprises at least two connecting walls, which are transversal to each other and each permanently connectable with a respective panel at an end opening of the panel.

These connecting walls can be arranged in different angular positions to each other, allowing the panels, and the furnishing element as a whole, to have different three-dimensional conformations. Each connecting wall is provided with fastening means adapted to achieve a stable coupling between the panels and the joining component.

The furnishing element further comprises a covering component, which may be removably applied to the joining component, hiding the fastening means from view.

Advantageously, the furnishing element is easily modularised, allowing it to be assembled quickly and easily from outside the furnishing element.

According to an aspect of the present invention, these connecting walls define a concavity between them facing outwards from the furnishing element, through which the fastening means are used to anchor the connecting walls to the panels.

Advantageously, assembly is achieved by the direct application of screws or other elements to the panel by clamping the connecting wall to it, where the screws are applied directly from the outside but do not detract from the aesthetics as they face a “technical compartment” corresponding to the aforementioned concavity defined by the aforementioned connecting walls of the joining component and covered by the covering component.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the furnishing element comprises four panels connected respectively by four joining components to make a quadrangular geometry structure, in particular a rectangle, trapezoid or parallelogram structure. The respective joining components constitute the corners of the quadrangular structure. Advantageously, such a structure comprises an internal volume and/or support surfaces intended to house items, allowing the furnishing element to be used either resting on the floor or as a hanging structure anchored to a wall or surface of a room.

Alternatively, the furnishing element can be fitted with external runners and used, with appropriate orientation, as a drawer.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a non-exclusive embodiment of a modular furnishing element made according to the present invention.

Such description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, wherein:

- Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a corner portion of a modular furnishing element according to the present invention.

- Figure 2 is a detail of Figure 1 rotated to show the inside of the panels.

- Figure 3 is a detail of Figure 1 showing the engagement of the covering component to the joining component.

- Figure 4 is an axonometric view from above of an exploded view of Figure 1 .

- Figure 5 is an axonometric view from below of an exploded view of Figure 1 .

- Figure 6 is an overall axonometric view of a modular furnishing element according to the present invention;

- Figure 7 is a view of a furnishing element according to a drawer embodiment, detailing the connection of the joining component provided with a housing for a slide rail;

- Figure 8 is a detail of the joining component provided with the slide rail shown in Figure 7.

With reference to the appended figures, 1 denotes a modular, self- supporting furnishing element, intended to be arranged or available resting on the ground or floor or anchored or anchorable to a wall or surface of a room with the function of supporting or containing items.

The furnishing element 1 , in the assembled form and the embodiment illustrated, has a rectangular extension as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the furnishing element 1 comprises four mutually perpendicular panels, however, the number of panels does not alter the inventive concept and could be any, as could the final geometry of the furnishing element 1 . Figures 1 -5 show in detail the formation of the corners of the furnishing element 1 in Figure 5. For each corner, the furnishing element 1 comprises at least a first panel 2 and a second panel 2’. For convenience, the first panel 2 will be taken as the reference in the description when the described characteristics are also equivalent for the second panel 2’ and/or for further panels.

If the furnishing element 1 is intended to be wall-hung, each panel 2 is available overall cantilevered transversally to the wall or surface to which the furnishing element 1 is anchored. Transversally means that the panel 2 can be arranged either perpendicular or oblique to the wall or to the anchoring surface of the furnishing element 1 .

The panel 2 can have different geometries in terms of length, height or depth, and these dimensions may also be non-constant along their extension, i.e. presenting cross-sections with a variable extension, and may be oriented according to any inclination in space.

Preferably, the panel 2 has a slab- or plate-like extension in which at least one dimension has a polygonal or curvilinear geometry. In particular, each panel 2 has an inner surface 3 and an outer surface 4, mutually arranged opposite to each other with respect to the panel 2 and significantly more extensive with respect to the others. Inner surface means that this surface 3 faces the inside of the furnishing element 1 . Outer surface 4 means that this surface 4 faces outwards from the furnishing element 1 .

For example, such surfaces 3 and/or 4 may have a cross-section having a linear, curvilinear, coil-shaped or broken geometry or the like.

Preferably, the panel 2 has cross-sections to the linear surfaces 3 and/or 4.

Such surfaces 3 and/or 4 may also have a curvilinear or polygonal shape in plan view.

Preferably, such surfaces 3 and/or 4 have a quadrilateral shape in plan view, such as rectangular, trapezoidal or parallelogram, each panel 2 being defined between two side ends and two longitudinal ends. Each panel 2 comprises at least one opening, preferably arranged transversally to the surfaces 3 and 4 on a side end of the panel 2. This opening allows access to the inside of the panel 2.

Preferably, each panel 2 comprises two end openings 5a and 5b arranged respectively at a first side end 6a and a second side end 6b of the panel 2, these ends being arranged opposite to each other with respect to the panel 2.

The panel 2 further comprises a first longitudinal end 6c and a second longitudinal end 6d, arranged mutually opposite with respect to the panel 2 and alternating with the side ends 6a and 6b. The panel 2 is preferably made as a single piece along these longitudinal ends 6c and 6d. In particular, along this first longitudinal end 6c and second longitudinal end 6d, the panel 2 has a continuous extension between the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 4, respectively, defining two joining segments 7a and 7b correspondingly. This first joining segment 7a and second joining segment 7b respectively face one to the front and one to the rear with respect to the panel 2.

This first joining segment 7a and second joining segment 7b may have different cross-sectional geometries, for example, linear or curvilinear or a mixture of the former.

Advantageously, the panel 2 is made of flex-resistant materials, preferably metal or hard plastic, and all as one piece, preferably made by extrusion or 3-D printing. The panel 2 has an internal cavity 8. Advantageously, the cavity 8 occupies almost the entire volume defined by the panel 2 and allows it to be extremely light and economical, requiring minimal material for its construction.

The panel 2 preferably has at least one rib 9 arranged internally to the cavity 8 and adapted to reinforce the panel 2 against bending and/or breaking stresses when the panel 2 is engaged in supporting or containing particularly heavy items. The furnishing element 1 further comprises at least one joining component 10 configured to connect at least a first panel 2 and a second panel 2’, in particular, to define a butt connection with such first panel 2 and second panel 2’ to define a corner joint of a three-dimensional structure in which the panels are transversal to each other. Specifically, the joining component 10 defines an angular edge of the furnishing element 1 .

The joining component 10 preferably has an elongated extension and is larger in size than the other two. The joining component 10 can transversally have different geometries, in a substantially prismatic shape. Even more preferably, the joining component 10 has a first connecting wall 10a and a second connecting wall 10b arranged transversally to each other and defining a concavity 10c.

This geometry of the joining component 10 is substantially transversally convex and advantageously allows a lower amount of material to be used for its construction.

Each connecting wall 10a or 10b can be stably connected with a corresponding panel 2 or 2’ at the end openings 5a and 5b. In particular, each connecting wall 10a and 10b is provided with fastening means adapted to achieve a stable coupling between the panels 2 and/or 2’ and the joining component 10.

These connecting walls 10a and 10b can be arranged in different angular positions to each other, allowing the panels, and overall the furnishing element 1 , to have different three-dimensional conformations.

In particular, the rib 9 extends along the entire thickness of the panel 2 and has a substantially “O”- or “C”-shaped portion, conformed to define an internal channel 9a.

The fastening means comprise the connecting member 12, either threaded or snap-fitted, adapted to fix the joining component 10 with the panel 2. The fastening means further comprise at least one corresponding housing seat for accommodating the connecting member 12. With reference to the appended figures, this housing seat preferably consists of at least one through-hole 13 made in each connecting wall 10a or 10b.

In the installation configuration, the inner channel 9a is aligned with the hole 13, allowing the connecting member 12 to be inserted, which can be fixed in the inner channel 9a of the rib 9 so as to reinforce the engagement between the panel 2 and the joining component 10.

The connecting seat 13 of the connecting member 12 results in a through- hole arranged on the first connecting wall 10a or the second connecting wall 10b of the joining component 10, respectively, this hole being crossed by the connecting member 12. The connecting member 12, preferably with a substantially screw-shaped body, is inserted outwards from the concavity 10c and into the inner channel 9a.

According to the present description, the arrangement of the connecting walls 10a and 10b is such that the concavity 10c is arranged towards the outside of the furnishing element 1 , so that the connecting member 12 can be inserted at least partially from the outside towards the inside, passing through the connecting seat 13 and being arranged within the channel 9a. Preferably, the joining component 10 further comprises at least one pin 11 which can be inserted preferably with interference and/or by form-fitting, into an end opening 5a or 5b of the panel 2.

This pin 11 is arranged on the first connecting wall 10a or on the second connecting wall 10b of the joining component 10, respectively, and faces outward from the concavity 10c.

More precisely, this pin 11 has a geometry that is at least partially compatible in shape with the internal cavity 8 of the panel 2. Preferably, the pin 11 has a dimension compatible with the transverse width of the cavity 8, so that it is fixed by mechanical interference with the inner surfaces of the cavity 8.

In the assembly configuration of the furnishing component 1 , at least one pin 11 and such at least one rib 9 are arranged and/or configured to meet each other identifying a unique positioning of the panel 2 relative to the joining component 10. Preferably, the joining component 10 comprises a plurality of pins 11 , which, when inserted into the cavity 8, are advantageously arranged around and tangential to each rib 9, so as to simultaneously provide additional support to the panel 2 against external stresses and reinforce the attachment of each pin 11 within the cavity 8.

Advantageously, the presence of a plurality of reinforcements 9 arranged in such a way as to form compartments compatible in shape with the geometry of the pin 11 in such a way that overall the pin 11 is engaged within the cavity 8 along the entire perimeter of the pin 11 itself.

Advantageously, the exploitation of these pins 11 allows a connection of the panels 2 and 2’ without the use of additional external fastening members, speeding up and simplifying the assembly, disassembly and replacement of the components.

Additionally, assembly is possible by means of the simple operations of mutual assembly and fastening of the panels and joining component 10. The furnishing element 1 further comprises at least one covering component 20 removably applicable to the joining component 10.

In particular, this covering component 20 hides the fastening means from view, and in particular, the connecting member 12 covers the concavity 10c.

Preferably, the covering component 20 has an elongated extension, wherein one dimension is greater than the others.

Preferably, the covering component 20 extends along the entire length of the joining component 10 so as to form the overall edge of the furnishing element 1 .

Additionally, the covering component is arranged flush on the outer surface 4 of the first panel 2 and the second panel 2’, giving the furnishing element 1 a continuous outer surface, i.e. uniform overall and without any steps.

The covering component 20 comprises a first side 20a, adapted to face the joining component 10, in particular, covering the concavity 10c and removably applied to the joining component 10 by means of various connection modes. Preferably, this connection takes place by snap-fitting so that it is reversible and immediate. Preferably, such a snap-fit connection is made by means of a slide application of the covering component 20 with respect to the joining component 10.

More precisely, this connection results in an application with an “L”-shaped movement of the covering component 20 with the joining component. In particular, the covering component 20 comprises at least one shaped- head tooth 21 arranged transversally to the first side 20a. The joining component comprises at least one slot 14 arranged on the first connecting wall 10a and/or the second connecting wall 10b. The slot 14 is constructed in such a way as to have a decreasing width. The tooth 21 is inserted into the larger-width portion of the slot 14. The head of the tooth 21 has a transverse diameter greater than the width of the narrower-width portion of the slot 14, being transversally insertable into the slot 14 at the height of the larger-width portion and then being fixed into the narrower-width portion by means of a translation of the covering component along the joining member 10 in the direction of the aforementioned narrower-width portion of the slot 14.

The covering component 20 comprises a second surface side 20b intended to remain outside the furnishing element 1 , constituting an outer edge of the furnishing element 1 itself. The covering component 20 has a concave cross-sectional geometry and presents a concavity 20c intended to face the concavity 10c of the joining component 10 when the covering component 20 is engaged with the joining component 10.

In particular, the covering component 20 has an overall rounded section, consequently defining an overall rounded edge around the joining element 10.

Advantageously, this geometry allows the furnishing element to have no sharp edges, thus reducing the risk of injury in the event of unintentional impacts by end users. When the furnishing element 1 is intended for hanging, the joining component 10 comprises at least one anchoring portion 15 configured to hang the furnishing element 1 to a wall or surface of a room. This anchoring portion 15 is intended to comprise at least one fastening member (not shown), either threaded or snap-fitted.

Each anchoring portion 15 comprises an anchoring wall 16, preferably made as a single piece with the joining component 20 and arranged facing and adhering to the wall or surface.

Preferably, the anchoring wall 16 is arranged transversally to the length extension of the joining component 10. The anchoring wall has a through- hole 17 for housing the fastening member to the wall or surface.

Preferably, the anchoring wall 16 is formed perpendicularly to both the first connecting wall 10a and the second connecting wall 10b of this joining component 10.

The anchoring portion 15 is available at one end 10d of the joining member itself and is at least partially covered by the covering component 20. The covering component 20 in turn has a respective end 20d correspondingly engageable with the end 10d of the joining component 20. The end 20d of the covering component is available so as to form a form fit with the end 10d and the anchoring wall 16.

With reference to the appended figures, possible embodiments of the furnishing element 1 further comprise at least one bottom wall 30.

This wall 30 is shaped with a prismatic geometry. Preferably, this bottom wall 30 has a constant thickness and a quadrilateral shape in plan view, such as a rectangle, trapezoid, parallelogram or the like.

In particular, this bottom wall 30 is arranged so as to act as a barrier between the useful space of the furnishing element 1 intended to support or contain items and the outside of the furnishing element 1 and, in the case where the furnishing element 1 is hanging, with the wall or surface to which the furnishing element 1 is anchored.

In particular, such bottom wall 30 is arranged transversally to said first panel 2 and/or said second panel 2’.

The bottom wall 30 is firmly fastened to this furnishing element 1 , engaged in abutment against a shoulder 3b of a recess 3a, arranged on the inner surface 3 of at least one panel 2.

In particular, the recess 3a arranged on the surface 3 is arranged along the first longitudinal end 6c or the second longitudinal end 6d of the panel 2.

This recess 3a accommodates this wall 30 transversally and constrains it firmly to the furnishing element 1 .

Additionally, the joining component 10 may further comprise in the vicinity of one end, preferably of the end 10d, a notch 18, aligned with the abutment 3a of the wall 2, and partially accommodating at least one end of the bottom wall 30 and supporting its attachment to the furnishing element 1.

Preferably, the notch 18 of the joining body 10 is shaped to accommodate an angular portion 30a of the bottom wall 30.

Additionally, the furnishing element 1 may comprise a locking device 31 , preferably comprising an elastic foil 32, preferably having an “S” or “Z” shape, stably removably applicable to a panel 2 by means of at least one fastening member 33. In particular, the locking device 31 is configured to mechanically support the bottom wall 30 by pressing it against the shoulder 3b.

The fastening member 33 can be either inserted by snap-fitting or threaded and engages with the locking device 31 by means of a suitable slot 34.

In particular, the locking device 31 is applicable on a longitudinal end 6c or 6d of the panel 2 in a suitable housing. Said housing preferably results in a channel 7c extending along the entire length of such longitudinal end 6c or 6d, so that the locking device 31 can be advantageously positioned in an adjustable manner at any point along the end 6c of the panel 2. Preferably such channel 7c is arranged on the first or second joining segment 7a or 7b, preferably on the joining segment facing to the rear with respect to the furnishing element 1 .

Preferably, the first or second joining segment 7a or 7b is modelled in such a way that it constitutes such a channel 7c itself.

With reference to Figure 6, the furnishing element 1 can further include interior shelves (not shown). Such shelves may have variable geometry. Such shelves can be arranged horizontally, vertically or crookedly within the furnishing element 1 . Such shelves may be fastened to at least one constituent panel 2 by means of the joining components 10 or by means of various other fastening members.

The furnishing element 1 may comprise at least one access door (not shown in the figures). Each door may be fixed near the fourth end 6d or exactly at the first joining segment 7a of the panel 2, thus facing the enduser.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention not illustrated in the appended figures, the furnishing element comprises three panels connected respectively by three joining components configured as outer angular joints to make a triangular geometrical structure overall. Advantageously, such a structure constitutes a preferably wall-mounted furnishing element with an internal volume designed to accommodate items using a minimum number of components.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention not illustrated in the appended figures, the furnishing element comprises a first plurality of panels connected correspondingly to joining components configured as angular joints. These panels are available according to a generic polygonal geometry. A first plurality means an assembly comprising a number greater than or equal to four elements. The respective joining components constitute the edges of the polygonal structure. Such a furnishing element with a polygonal structured geometry may further comprise at least one internally available joining component, comprising a second plurality of connecting systems.

A second plurality is defined as an assembly comprising a number greater than or equal to one, and this number is different from the number of elements present in the first plurality.

The first plurality of panels and outer joining components define the outer perimeter and/or inner volume of the structure of the furnishing element.

The inner joining component is connected to at least one inner panel within the volume defined by the first plurality mentioned above. This inner panel is attached to such inner joining component at one of its first ends, while at a second end it is attached to a corresponding joining component constituting one of the angular edges of the structure. These inner panels constitute support surfaces adapted to support or contain items.

Advantageously, such a structure of the furnishing element comprises an internal volume and/or support surfaces intended to house items, allowing the furnishing element to be used either resting on the floor or as a hanging structure anchored to a wall or surface of a room.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention not illustrated in the appended figures, a furnishing element may also comprise a single panel arranged as a hanging element to a wall or surface of a room. In other words, the furnishing element acts as a shelf. The furnishing element comprises a panel defined by an internally hollow profile. The panel preferably comprises at least two end openings, arranged at two side ends of the panel and which allow access to the inside of the panel.

The furnishing element preferably comprises at least two joining components, configured as panel reinforcing elements, each comprising at least one first connecting wall, which can be stably connected to at least one panel.

This connecting wall is provided with suitable fastening means to achieve a stable coupling between the panel and the joining component at the end opening of the panel.

Further, the furnishing element comprises at least one covering component, which may be removably applied to such joining component hiding the fastening means from view.

Preferably, each joining component has a housing seat for fastening members designed to anchor the structure to the wall or surface of the room.

Advantageously, such an embodiment of the furnishing element has all the advantages of the present invention by exploiting the minimum number of necessary components.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the furnishing element 1 can be configured according to a further embodiment.

In particular, the furnishing element 1 is configured as a sliding drawer 100, intended to be inserted by sliding into a corresponding drawer unit (not illustrated).

Modular furnishing element 1 comprising a first panel 2 and two second panels 2’, each connected to the first panel 2 by means of a joining component 10, wherein the first panel 2 defines a front wall 2b of the sliding drawer 100.

The furnishing element 1 has the first panel 2 placed perpendicular with respect to the second panels 2’.

Front panel 2b means a first panel 2 intended to be visible at all times by a user from outside the drawer unit.

In this embodiment, the bottom wall 30 defines a support surface 30b of the sliding drawer.

The support surface 30b is engaged in abutment and fastened by means of at least one groove 135 running all the way along the side extension of the furnishing element 1 , and in particular of each of the first panel 2, or front panel 2b, and the second panels 2’. The support surface 30b together with the first panel 2, or front panel 2b, and the second panels 2’ participate in defining a containment volume “V” open at the top.

The modular furnishing element 1 further comprising a rear panel 2a, connected to respective side ends 6a, 6b of the two second panels 2’ by means of a pair of connection components “C”.

The rear panel 2a has substantially similar characteristics to the first panel 2 or the second panels 2’.

The rear panel 2a also participates in defining the containment volume “V”, but is intended to remain concealed as it is operationally always inserted into the drawer unit, in opposition to the front panel 2b, the rear panel 2a being arranged specularly opposite to the front panel 2b.

The rear panel 2a comprises a groove 135 running along its entire side extension.

This pair of connection elements “C” comprises a first connection element 110’ and a second connection element 110”.

Each of the first and second connection components 110’, 110” of said pair of connection components “C” comprises a first connection wall 110a constrained to the second panel 2’ and a second connection wall 110b, orthogonal to the first connection wall 110a and constrained to the rear panel 2a. The first connection wall 110a of each of the first and second connection element 110’, 110” of that pair of connection elements “C” defines a cavity 140 compatible with a slide rail (not illustrated) passing transversally with respect to the cavity 140.

Preferably, each cavity 140 is shaped as a through opening transversal to the first connection wall 110a of each connection component 110’, 110”. These connection components 110’, 110” also comprise a groove 135 running laterally and configured to sustain the support 30b.

Preferably, the slide rails are available on the furnishing element 1 , having such a support surface 30b, to allow for adequate support of the furnishing element 1 in its operational function. According to the embodiment illustrated, each of the first and second connection components 110’, 110” of the pair of connection elements “C” comprises a first connection wall 110a having a greater length than the second connection wall 110b.

In particular, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the first connection wall 110a of each of the first and second connection components 110’, 110” comprises a connection portion 110c, configured to be connected to an end opening of a second panel 2’, and a support portion 110d, having a planar geometry, interposed between the first connection wall 110a and the connection portion 110c, said support portion 110d defining the cavity 140.

Each first connection wall 110a of each first or second connection component 110’ or 110” is configured to be connected at an end opening 5a or 5b of the rear panel 2a.

Preferably, the first connection wall 110a of each connection component 110’, 110” defines a cavity 140 configured to accommodate a slide rail in use parallel to these second panels 2’.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rear panel 2a is shorter than a first or second panel 2, 2’ because the rear panel 2a accommodates at its end openings 5a, 5b the first connection walls 110a, which are longer than the second connection walls 10b. In addition, the support portions 110d participate with the rear panel 2a in defining this containment volume “V”, compensating for the shorter length of the rear panel 2a compared to the first panel 2 and second panels 2’.

Similar to a first 2 or a second panel 2’, the rear panel 2a comprises end openings 5a and 5b.

Similar to a joining component 10, each of the first and second connection walls 110a and 110b of a connection component 110’, 110” can be stably connected with a second panel 2’ or a rear panel 2a. In particular, each from the first and second connection components 110’, 110” comprises fastening means suitable for fastening each from the first and second connection components 110’, 110” itself with respect to a panel 2’ or a rear panel 2a, said fastening means comprising threaded or snap-fitted connection members 112, and corresponding through holes 113 accommodating said connection members 112, made in each first and second connection wall 110a, 110b of each first and second connection member 110’, 110” of said pair of connection members “C”.

Similarly, each of the first and second connection walls 110a, 110b may further comprise at least one plug 111 preferably inserted by interference and/or form-coupling, into an end opening 5a or 5b of a second panel 2’ or a rear panel 2a.

Preferably, the first connection wall 110a of each of the first and second connection components 110’, 110” has such through holes 113 accommodating such connecting members 112 and/or such plugs 111 made on the connection portion 110c.

Preferably, each of the first and second connection components 110’, 110” comprises a niche 136 configured to accommodate a stop element (not illustrated), preferably elastic, arranged facing the outside of said furnishing element 1 and configured to assist in stopping the sliding of the furnishing element 1 conformed as a sliding drawer 100 when inserted into the drawer unit.

Claims

1 . A modular furnishing element (1 ), comprising:

- at least a first panel (2) and a second panel (2’), each panel (2 or 2’) being defined by an internally hollow profile, defined between two side ends (6a and 6b) and two longitudinal ends (6c and 6d), and comprising at least one end opening (5a, 5b) arranged at a side end of said panel (2 or 2’) to make it possible to access the inside of said panel (2 or 2’); at least one joining component (10), configured for butt connection with said first and second panels (2 and 2’) to define an angular joint of a three-dimensional structure wherein said panels (2 and 2’) are transversal to each other; wherein said joining component (10) comprises at least two connecting walls (10a and 10b), which are transversal to each other and each permanently connectable with a respective panel (2 or 2’) at said end opening (5a or 5b) of the panel (2 or 2’), wherein said connecting walls (10a and 10b) are provided with fastening means adapted to achieve a stable coupling between the panels (2 and/or 2’) and the joining component (10); and wherein the furnishing element (1 ) further comprises at least one covering component (20), which may be removably applied to said joining component (10) hiding the fastening means from view.

2. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said covering component (20) has an elongated extension with a rounded section.

3. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said covering component (20) is arranged flush on the outer surface (4) of said first panel (2) and said second panel (2’), giving the structure (1 ) a substantially continuous outer surface (4).

4. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said covering component (20) extends along the entire length of said joining component (10).

5. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said covering component (20) is coupled or may be coupled in a snap-fit manner, in particular by sliding the covering component (20) along the joining component (10).

6. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting walls (10a and 10b) define a concavity (10c) between them facing outwards from the structure (1 ) and removably covered by said covering component (20).

7. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each connecting wall (10a and 10b) comprises at least one pin (11 ) which may be inserted, preferably with interference and/or by form-fitting, into said end opening (5a or 5b) of said panel (2 or 2’).

8. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said panel (2 or 2’) comprises at least one inner rib (9) shaped to define an inner channel (9a) and wherein said fastening means comprise at least one through-hole (13) made in each connecting wall (10a and 10b) and aligned in an assembly configuration, to said inner channel (9a) for inserting a connecting member (12), which may be either snap-fitted or threaded, adapted to fix the joining component (10) with the panel (2 or 2’).

9. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claims 6 to 8, wherein said at least one pin (11 ) and said at least one rib (9) are arranged and/or configured to match with each other in an assembly configuration of the furnishing element (1 ), identifying a unique positioning of the panel (2 or 2’) relative to the joining component (10).

10. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said joining component (10) comprises at least one anchoring portion (15) configured to hang said furnishing element (1 ) to a wall or to a surface, and wherein said anchoring portion (15) is at least partially concealed by said covering component (20).

11. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein said anchoring portion (15) comprises an anchoring wall (16) extending perpendicularly to the connecting walls (10a, 10b) and having a through hole (17) for housing an anchoring member.

12. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one bottom wall (30) arranged transversally to said first panel (2) and/or to said second panel (2’) and engaged in abutment against a shoulder (3b) defined on the inner surface (3) of at least one of said panels (2 and/or 2’).

13. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein said joining component (10) comprises a notch (17) aligned with the shoulder (3b) of said at least one panel (2 and/or 2’) engaged with an angular end (30a) of said bottom wall (30).

14. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a locking device (31 ) stably removably applicable to a longitudinal end (6c or 6d) of one of said panels (2 or 2’) and configured to keep the bottom wall (30) pressed against said shoulder (3b).

15. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein said locking device (31 ) is applicable to said longitudinal end (6c or 6d) of the panel in an adjustable manner along said longitudinal end (6c or 6d), in particular said longitudinal end (6c or 6d) having a groove (7c) for applying in an adjustable manner the locking device (31 ) to the panel (2 or 2’).

16. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the locking device (31 ) comprises an elastic foil (32), in particular having an “S” or “Z” shape, which is fixed or may be fixed to the longitudinal end (6c or 6d) of the panel (2 or 2') by a threaded element (33).

17. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein said furnishing element (1 ) is made in the form of a sliding drawer (100).

18. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 17, comprising a first panel (2) and two second panels (2’), each connected to the first panel (2) by means of a joining component (10), wherein the first panel (2) defines a front wall (2b) of the sliding drawer (100).

19. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claims 12 and 17, wherein said bottom wall (30) defines a support surface (30b) of the sliding drawer (100).

20. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 18 or 19, comprising a rear panel (2a) connected to respective side ends (6a, 6b) of the two second panels (2’) by means of a pair of connection components (C).

21. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 20, wherein each connection component (110’, 110”) of said pair of connection components (C) comprises a first connection wall (110a) constrained to the second panel (2’) and a second connection wall (110b), orthogonal to the first connection wall (110a) and constrained to the rear panel (2a).

22. The modular furnishing element (1 ) according to claim 21 , wherein the first connection wall (110a) of each connection component (110’, 110”) defines a cavity (140) configured to accommodate a through slide rail crossing said cavity (140) and in use parallel to said second panels (2’).