Patent Application
20190266929
The present invention relates to a framework for a lighted structure. It also relates to a lighted structure, such as an illuminated box, an illuminated sign, an illuminated wall, an illuminated stand, etc. comprising such a structure.
The field of the invention is the field of lighted structures such as illuminated boxes, illuminated signs, etc., comprising a framework, and in particular a framework that is self-supporting or suspended or also incorporated into a stand.
Many architectures currently exist for exhibition stands, boxes or signs, making it possible to erect and dismantle these structures more or less rapidly for temporary events, such as an exhibition for example. Most of the time, these structures are composed of a framework and a trim element, partially or totally surrounding said framework.
These structures are becoming more and more sophisticated and provide numerous functionalities, such as for example the possibility of illuminating them.
A first lighting solution is to provide external light sources lighting one or more faces of the structure externally. These solutions are complex, take up space, and are time-consuming to install on site. In addition, these solutions provide non-uniform lighting, creating halos, so that the quality of the lighting is not satisfactory.
A second lighting solution is to provide light sources placed within the inner volume of the structure. This second solution takes up less space, since it makes use of the inner volume of the structure. However, this second solution is still time-consuming and difficult to install on site, and difficult to transport. In addition, the lighting obtained can be of poor quality and provides mediocre results in some cases.
An aim of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
Another aim of the invention is to propose an integrated lighted framework for a lighted structure, that is easier and quicker to install on site.
Another aim of the invention is to propose an integrated lighted framework for a lighted structure, that is more lightweight.
Another aim of the invention is to propose an integrated lighted framework for a lighted structure, that is stronger, takes up less space and is easier to transport.
Yet another aim of the invention is to propose an integrated lighted framework for a lighted structure, that provides better quality lighting.
The invention proposes to achieve at least one of the aforementioned aims by means of a framework for a lighted structure, in particular a structure of the illuminated box or illuminated sign or illuminated wall type, said framework being at least partially formed by tubes, called framework tubes, assembled together demountably or detachably. The framework according to the invention is characterized by the fact that at least one of said framework tubes, called illuminated framework tube, comprises at least one light source incorporated into said illuminated framework tube.
Thus, the invention proposes a framework in which one or more light sources, and in particular all the light sources, are incorporated into the tubes forming the framework. As a result, the light sources can be incorporated into the tubes during manufacture thereof or at the factory. The framework according to the invention is thus easier and quicker to install on site.
In addition, as the light sources are incorporated into the tubes forming the framework, they are better protected against external impacts, which makes the framework more robust. Furthermore, the framework is easier to transport, as no light source is handled independently of the elements of the framework.
Furthermore, as the framework is formed by tubes, which are hollow by definition, it is more lightweight and has a better weight/inertia ratio.
Finally, the fact of positioning a light source in a tube makes it possible to “strengthen” this light source and thus to avoid, or at least to reduce, “spotting” and to have good quality lighting that is more pleasant and more effective.
In particular, the framework can be used to tension a display or to support an accessory such as a television screen.
The framework creates an architectural element that can be straight, parallelepiped, or comprise curves.
At least one light source of at least one illuminated framework tube can be oriented in a direction, called direction of lighting, that is parallel or tangential or even oblique with respect to a surface to be illuminated. In particular, according to a non-limitative embodiment, the direction of lighting can be:
At least one light source of at least one illuminated framework tube can provide direct lighting or indirect lighting.
In a particularly preferred, but in no way limitative, embodiment, for at least one, in particular each, illuminated framework tube, the light source is fully integrated into said illuminated framework tube so that is does not project from said tube.
Such an architecture makes it possible to better protect the light source(s).
Advantageously, the framework according to the invention can comprise several illuminated framework tubes each comprising at least one integrated light source.
Thus, the lighting obtained can be stronger or better distributed.
For example, the framework according to the invention can comprise illuminated framework tubes placed facing one another at the level of two opposite walls/faces of said framework.
According to another example, the framework according to the invention can comprise an illuminated framework tube for each of its faces/walls.
According to yet another example, the framework according to the invention can comprise illuminated framework tubes along the periphery of said framework.
According to yet another example, the framework according to the invention can comprise illuminated framework tubes that are aligned, in particular parallel to one another, in one direction, for example vertical or horizontal.
Alternatively, the framework according to the invention can comprise a single illuminated framework tube.
According to an advantageous, but non-limitative, embodiment, at least one illuminated framework tube lighting a wall/face of said framework can be provided on another wall/face of said framework, at a distance from an edge connecting said other wall/face to said lighted wall/face.
Thus, the light source(s) are distanced from the illuminated wall/face, which makes it possible to have more uniform lighting, with a better result.
In this embodiment, the illuminated framework tube can be located between the edges of said other wall/face or form an edge of said other wall/face opposite to the lighted wall/face.
Preferentially, the illuminated framework tube can be parallel to the wall/face of the framework lighted by said illuminated framework tube.
Advantageously, at least one, in particular each, illuminated framework tube can comprise a lighting support, arranged in said illuminated framework tube, and on which is arranged the light source incorporated into said illuminated framework tube.
Thus, it is possible to arrange the light source on the support and then to place said lighting support in the framework tube. The manufacture/production of each illuminated framework tube and of the framework is thus simplified.
The lighting support can be detachable or demountable with respect to the framework tube, so that it can be removed without damaging the framework tube.
Thus, the framework according to the invention makes it possible to produce customizable lighting, by modifying the lighting as desired.
According to a particular embodiment, at least one, in particular each, lighting support can have a “U”-shaped cross section.
Such a “U”-shaped cross section allows easy positioning of the light source and holds the light source in place during handling of the lighting support and of the illuminated framework tube in which said lighting support is incorporated.
According to a particular embodiment, the lighting support arranged in an illuminated framework tube can be inserted into said illuminated framework tube in a longitudinal direction of said illuminated framework tube, in particular from one end of said illuminated framework tube.
Thus, it is not necessary to provide for a specific insertion opening for the insertion of the lighting support into the framework tube, which simplifies the architecture thereof, but also avoids detracting from the mechanical strength of said tube.
At least one, in particular each, light source, placed in an illuminated framework tube, can be formed by several light emitters.
In particular, at least one, in particular each, emitter can be a diode or LED, or also a neon light or a bulb.
The emitters can be mounted in series or in parallel, and be supplied via a single electrical cord.
The electrical cord supplying a light source, or the light emitters forming the light source, can run within the illuminated framework tube incorporating said light source, up to said light source.
In particular, an electrical cord can run within a framework tube connected to the illuminated framework tube into which the light source that it is to supply is incorporated.
At least one, in particular each, illuminated framework tube can comprise one or more openings, each provided facing a light emitter, or a group of several light emitters.
Such an architecture makes it possible to better retain the mechanical strength of an illuminated framework tube, when the latter incorporates a light source comprising emitters distributed over a significant length of said illuminated framework tube.
Advantageously, at least two framework tubes can be assembled together by a detachable connector that is independent of said tubes.
Alternatively, at least two framework tubes can be assembled together by complementary connectors, provided on the assembly ends of said tubes.
In all cases, according to a characteristic that is optional but particularly advantageous, all the tubes forming the framework, including the illuminated framework tubes, can be assembled together by similar or identical connectors.
According to a non-limitative embodiment, at least one framework tube can be made of aluminium.
According to a non-limitative embodiment, at least one framework tube can have a rounded or circular cross section.
Alternatively, at least one framework tube can have a rectangular, square, triangular, etc. cross section.
According to another aspect of the same invention, a structure is proposed comprising a framework according to the invention.
The structure according to the invention can also comprise a trim element, placed on a part or the totality of said framework.
The trim element can be presented in particular in the form of a fabric.
Preferentially, the trim element is flexible.
The trim element can be painted or not, printed or not.
The trim element can be produced from any suitable material, for example from a textile.
According to an advantageous characteristic, the trim element can be extensible or elastic.
Such an extensible trim element can be obtained by a knitted fabric, the stitching making the trim element extensible. In this case, the trim element can be produced from polyester, polyamide, cotton, polycotton, polypropylene.
Alternatively or in addition, such an extensible trim element can be produced by utilizing a material that is itself extensible, such as for example elastane or latex, alone or added to another material such as those listed above.
According to another advantageous characteristic, the trim element can be diffusing, in order to better diffuse the light and obtain a better visual result.
Such a diffusing trim element can be obtained by utilizing a very fine thread. The finer the thread, the more diffusing the trim element will be.
Alternatively or in addition, such a diffusing trim element can be produced by adding a diffusing covering such as paint for example.
According to an embodiment, the trim element can comprise at least one area that is both extensible and light-diffusing.
Such an area can extend over a part, the majority or the totality of the trim element.
Such an area can for example be produced by a knitted fabric utilizing a very fine thread: the stitching allowing the area to be extensible and the fineness of the thread making it possible to obtain good light diffusion capability in said area.
Alternatively or in addition, the trim element can comprise:
The at least one extensible area makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the trim element on the framework. For example, it makes it possible to provide positioning without folding of the trim element on the framework, then holding said trim element in position.
The at least one extensible area has a greater elasticity compared to the at least one diffusing area.
At least one, in particular each, extensible area can be produced by one of the techniques described above.
At least one, in particular each, extensible area can form at least a part, or the totality, of a non-visible, or the least visible, face of the structure in a configuration of use.
The at least one diffusing area makes it possible to obtain better illumination by providing better light diffusion.
The at least one diffusing area has a greater light diffusion capability compared to the at least one extensible area.
At least one, in particular each, diffusing area can be produced by one of the techniques described above.
At least one, in particular each, diffusing area can form at least a part, or the totality, of a visible, or the most visible, face of the structure in a configuration of use.
According to preferred, but non-limitative, embodiments, the structure according to the invention can be any one of the following structures:
Other advantages and characteristics will become apparent on examination of the detailed description of embodiments which are in no way limitative, and from the attached drawings, in which:
It is well understood that the embodiments that will be described hereinafter are in no way limitative. In particular, variants of the invention may be envisaged, comprising only a selection of the characteristics described hereinafter, in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one, preferably functional, characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art.
In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.
The framework 100 can be used to produce an illuminated wall, for example a wall of a stand. The framework 100 can also be used to produce an illuminated box.
The framework 100 is produced by assembling rounded tubes having the same cross section: 1021-10210.
All the framework tubes 102 are assembled together by identical connectors that are independent of said tubes 102. The independent connectors can be installed and removed manually without using any tool. An example connector used for assembling the tubes 102 will be described in more detail with reference to
In the configuration represented in
The framework 100 comprises a front face 1045 delimited by the tubes 1022, 1024, 1025 and 1028 forming the edges of said front face, and a rear face 1046 delimited by the tubes 1021, 1023, 1027 et 10210 forming the edges of said rear face.
The framework tube 1026 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube 1026 so that it does not project from said tube 1026.
The illuminated framework tube 1026 is provided in order to light the front face 1045 upwards from below. It is located in the lower face 1043 at a distance from the front face 1045, i.e. set back with respect to the framework tube 1025 forming the edge between the lower face 1043 and the front face 1045.
The framework tube 1029 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube 1029 so that it does not project from said tube. The illuminated framework tube 1029 is provided in order to light the front face 1045, downwards from the top. It is located in the upper face 1044 at a distance from the front face 1045, i.e. set back with respect to the framework tube 1028 forming the edge between the upper face 1044 and the front face 1045.
The architecture of each illuminated framework tube 1026 and 1029 is identical and will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to
The structure 200 in
The structure 200 can be an illuminated box or an illuminated wall.
In order to obtain the structure 200, a flexible trim element 202 is placed on/around the framework 100. The flexible trim element 202 covers the framework partially or totally.
In the example shown, the flexible trim element 202 totally covers the lateral faces 1041-1044, the front face 1045 and the rear face 1046 (not shown in
In order to ensure better diffusion of the light emitted from each illuminated framework tube 1026 and 1029, the trim element 202 comprises an area 204, called diffusing area, covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the front face 1045 of the structure 200 in a configuration of use.
The diffusing area 204 has a light diffusion coefficient that has a greater value with respect to the remainder of the trim element 202.
The diffusing area 204 can be produced for example by utilizing a very fine thread, for example a cotton thread, making said area able to diffuse, or by utilizing a diffusion paint deposited on said area. This diffusing area 204 can be printed and comprise a display.
Thus, the diffusion of the light emitted from the illuminated framework tubes 1026 and 1029 is better distributed over the front face 1045, which allows a better result to be obtained.
In order to facilitate its placement on the framework 100, the trim element 202 comprises extensible areas 206, each one covering/forming one of the lateral walls/faces 1041-1044 and the rear face 1046, which are the faces of the structure 200 that are least visible, or not visible, in a configuration of use.
Each extensible area 206 has a coefficient of elasticity that has a greater value compared to the remainder of the trim element 202.
Each extensible area 206 can be produced for example with knitted fabric by utilizing a cotton or polyester thread, or elastane or latex can optionally be added.
Thus, the flexible trim element 202 can be placed on the framework 100 easily, rapidly and without folds. In addition, the extensible areas 206 allow the trim element 202 to be better held onto the framework 100.
In particular, each extensible area 206 has
Each extensible area 206 can be produced from a material different to the material utilized in order to produce the diffusing area 204 and which verifies the two conditions stated above.
Alternatively, each extensible area 206 can be produced from one and the same material as the diffusing area 204. In this case, the diffusing area 204 can be treated in order to verify the two conditions stated above.
The framework 300, represented in
The framework 300 is produced by assembling rounded tubes having the same cross section: 3021-30224.
All the framework tubes 302 are assembled together by identical connectors that are independent of said tubes 302. The independent connectors can be installed and removed manually without using any tool.
In the configuration represented in
In the framework 300, each of the upper horizontal framework tubes 30217-30224 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube, so that said light source does not project from said tube.
The illuminated framework tubes 30217-30224 are oriented for lighting downwards, i.e. towards the tubes 3029-30216.
Each illuminated framework tube 30217-30224 forms a part of the upper edge of a lateral face 3041-3044 of the framework. In other words, the illuminated framework tubes 30217-30224 form the upper lateral edge of the framework 300.
The architecture of each illuminated framework tube 30217-30224 is identical and will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to
The structure 400 in
The structure 400 can be a suspended sign that is closed upwardly and downwardly, and of which it is desired to illuminate all the faces except the upper face.
In order to obtain the structure 400, a flexible trim element 402 is placed on/around the lateral walls/faces 3041-3044 of the framework 300. The flexible trim element 402 covers the totality of each of the lateral faces 3041-3044.
In order to ensure better diffusion of the light emitted from each illuminated framework tube 30217 and 30224, the trim element 402 comprises four areas 404, called diffusing areas, each covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the outer surface of a lateral face 3041-3044, which are the most visible surfaces of the structure 400 in a configuration of use.
Each diffusing area 404 has a light diffusion coefficient that has a greater value with respect to the remainder of the trim element 402.
Each diffusing area 404 can be printed and comprise a display.
Thus, the diffusion of the light emitted from the illuminated framework tubes 30217 and 30224 is better distributed over the lateral outer surfaces of the structure 400, which allows a better result to be obtained.
In order to facilitate its placement on the framework 300, the trim element 402 comprises four extensible areas 406, each covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the inner surface of a lateral face 3041-3044, which are the surfaces of the structure 400 that are the least visible, or not visible, in a configuration of use.
Each extensible area 406 has a coefficient of elasticity that has a greater value compared to the remainder of the trim element 402.
Thus, the flexible trim element 402 can be placed on the framework 300 easily, rapidly and without folds. In addition, the extensible areas 406 allow the trim element 402 to be better held onto the framework 100.
In particular, each extensible area 406 has
Each extensible area 406 can be produced from a material different to the material used in order to produce each diffusing area 404 and which verifies the two conditions stated above.
Alternatively, each extensible area 406 can be produced from one and the same material as the diffusing area 404. In this case, each diffusing area 404 can be treated in order to verify the two conditions stated above.
The illuminated framework tube 500 is represented in
The illuminated framework tube 500 can be any illuminated framework tube described above with reference to
The illuminated framework tube 500 has a circular cross section.
A light source is inserted into the illuminated framework tube 500. In the example represented in
In order to allow the light signal emitted by each diode 502 to pass through, the tube 500 comprises a row of five openings 5061-5065, provided to be distant from one another, and facing the diodes 5021-50210. In particular, each opening 506 is associated with two diodes 502 and allows the light originating from these two diodes to pass through. This architecture makes it possible to allow the light emitted by the diodes 502 to pass through, while retaining the maximum possible mechanical strength of the tube 500 that acts as a framework element.
Of course, in an alternative embodiment it is possible for each opening 506 to be associated with a single diode.
The diodes 502, as well as their optics, are arranged on a lighting support 508, having a “U”-shaped cross section. Such a lighting support 508 can be produced from aluminium.
The lighting support 508 makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the diodes 502, to facilitate the insertion of the diodes 502 into the illuminated framework tube 500, and holds the diodes 502 in position in the framework tube 500 when said tube 500 is handled. For example, it is possible to place the diodes 502 on the lighting support 508 before inserting them into the tube 500. Once the diodes 502 are positioned on the lighting support 508, the latter can be inserted into the tube 500, for example from one end 510 by translational movement in the longitudinal direction of said tube 500.
Assembling the diodes with the lighting support, then with the tube 500, can be carried out in the factory, thus facilitating the installation of the framework on a site of use.
The connector 600, represented in
The connector 600 is presented in the form of a male element, provided to be inserted into two framework tubes to be assembled: one framework tube on each of its ends. In
The connector 600 is presented in the form of a tube, having a cross section identical to the cross section of a framework tube, and having an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the framework tube.
In order to facilitate the insertion of the connector 600 into a framework tube, each end of said connector 600 comprises a beveled end part 602.
On the side of each of the ends thereof, the connector 600 is equipped with a pin 604, mounted on a spring, and moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. When pressure is applied to the pin 604, it is retracted. When the pressure is released, the pin 604 is deployed. This pin 604 is provided in order to lodge in an opening 606 provided on the framework tube so that the connector 600 is held in position with respect to translational and rotational movement.
Of course, when three framework tubes are assembled together, then it is possible to utilize a connecting piece such as that shown in
The connecting piece 700, in
Each arm of the “T”-shaped connecting piece has a cross section that is shaped identically to that of the connector, and of a framework tube.
Each of the connectors 6001-6003 can be identical to the connector 600 in
Alternatively, it is possible to utilize a connecting piece with three arms, each of said arms being perpendicular to the other arms.
Each arm of such a connecting piece can have a cross section that is shaped identically to that of the connector, and of a framework tube.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851652 | Feb 2018 | FR | national |
