AU2004234963B2 - A lighting substrate - Google Patents

Description

1 A LIGHTING SUBSTRATE The present invention concerns a lighting substrate that supports an array of lights, and in particular small decorative lights. The invention also concerns a lighting arrangement incorporating the lighting substrate together with an array of lights.

BACKGROUND

Modern day low voltage LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) and bud lights are popularly used as decorative lighting for parties, festive celebrations or simply for general decoration. These small and efficient lights can be found in imaginative interconnected arrays of two and threedimensional shapes. These also usually feature a selection of lighting sequences of varying colour combinations and blinking rates.

Decorative lights of these kind are generally only available in pre-defined arrays and patterns and do not cater for personal customisation.

SUMMARY

A modular lighting panel comprising a panel housing having side walls and a lighting substrate on the front of the panel housing, the lighting substrate having an array of holes at spaced intervals and holding means arranged at least at some of the holes such that interconnected lights are each securely but removably held in the holding means to shine light through the holes and the side walls having interlocking means to join the panel housing to other panel housings of modular lighting panels to form a larger lighting display structure.

N:e\Maboume\Cases\PatenI49DOO49999P49443AU.1\Specs\P49443.AU.1 Specifticatio amended 2009-1-8.doc 15101/09 2 The lighting substrate in one embodiment is made of a resilient material, typically polypropylene. In this embodiment, the inherent resilience of the substrate acts as the holding means such that when a light is inserted through a hole the resilient force of the substrate on the light holds the light in position.

In a preferred embodiment of the resilient substrate, slits provided at the edges of the holes ease insertion and removal of lights. The holes are preferably sized to receive small decorative lights.

Alternatively, the holding means may be a clip moulded at or attached to each hole and designed to clip a light into position. The clip may include side arms projecting from the substrate to confine a light therebetween.

The substrate may be a solid frame or a flexible fabric such as a woven net and can come in the form of a twodimensional panel or a three-dimensional surface.

The lighting substrate may optionally be encased in a housing to hide electrical wires at the rear of the substrate.

In another aspect the invention provides a method for creating a light display including: inserting an array of interconnected lights into an array of holes in a lighting substrate of the modular lighting panel as described above, the interconnected lights being removably held in holding means arranged at least at some of the holes and adapted to shine through the holes; and joining two or more modular lighting panels to form a larger display structure by engaging interlocking means on the two or more panels.

N:Melboume\Cases\Paten49000-499999\P49443.AU. 1Specis\P49443 AU.1 Specification amended 2009-1-8.doc 15/01/09 WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 3 The lights are preferably small LED light or bud lights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings by which: Figure 1 is a front view of a lighting substrate matrix formed from three joined lighting substrates according to one embodiment the invention; Figure 2A is a part perspective view of a light being located in a lighting substrate according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B is a side sectional view of the lighting substrate of Figure 2A, with a light located in the substrate; Figure 3A is a part perspective view of a light being located in another embodiment of a lighting substrate; Figure 3B is a side sectional view of the light located in the lighting substrate of Figure 3A at section

A-A;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of a light located in another embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 4B is a first side sectional view of Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a second side sectional view of Figure 4A; Figure 5A is a perspective view of a light being located in yet another embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 5B is a side sectional view of the light located in the lighting substrate of Figure Figure 6A illustrates a first step in connecting a light to an embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 6B is a second step of the embodiment of WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 4 Figure 6A; Figure 6C is a third step of the embodiment of Figure 6A; Figure 6D is a fourth step of the embodiment of Figure 6A; Figure 7A is a perspective view of a light being located in yet another embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 7B is a perspective view of a light being located in yet another embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 7C is a side sectional view of a light located in the embodiment of figure 7B; Figure 7D is a perspective view of a light being located in yet another embodiment of the lighting substrate; Figure 8 is a part perspective view of two lighting substrate casings in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention located side by side; Figure 9 is a part perspective view illustrating engagement of two lighting substrate casings in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a front view of a lighting substrate matrix; Figure 11A is a perspective view of a panel with rear cover forming an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11B is a part side sectional view of the joint panel and cover of the embodiment of Figure Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13A is schematic representation of a lighting substrate in accordance of the present invention; Figure 13B is a schematic representation of two lighting substrates join together in accordance of the present invention; Figure 13C is a schematic representation of four lighting substrates in accordance of the present invention WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 5 join together to form a square; Figure 13D is a schematic representation of three lighting substrates in accordance of the present invention join together to form a linear form; Figure 14A is a part perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting substrate; Figure 14B is a side sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 14A; Figure 15 illustrates examples of templates in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating steps in creating a template in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The lighting substrates illustrated in the drawings allow users to modify decorative lighting into endless configurations and shapes according to specific occasions, business needs and personal tastes. This is achieved by providing a substrate for supporting an array of lights but which allows the lights to be repeatedly removed and reinserted in altered configurations. By analogy the lighting substrate provides a blank canvas on which a user can create any desired design configuration of lights.

The lighting substrate is square in shape and forms a discrete modular unit for interconnection with other lighting substrates to create a larger lighting display.

Figure 1 illustrates three lighting substrates interconnected to one another to form an shape. The modular substrates create a larger surface for illuminating lights thereby allowing for a greater diversity of possible designs.

Each lighting substrate 10 has an array of holes 11 that are designed to each receive a light 12 (see figures 2A WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 6and 2B, and other figures for lights 12). In most cases the lights 12 will be electrically interconnected in series or parallel to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit is programmed to simply illuminate the lights or illuminate them in a range of sequences and effects. For example, the control circuit can be programmed to create blinking effects with the lights including running lights, blinking sequences and other flashing configurations.

The lights of choice in recent times are low voltage LED's or low voltage bud lights as these are more versatile in sequence lighting, they are small, bright, inexpensive and aesthetically decorative. LED's and bud lights may be obtained in a variety of colours. Additionally, bud lights in particular are also available as a white light that may be covered by a coloured translucent or transparent diffuser cap.

While several types of lights have been described herein, it is understood that any type of light could be just as effectively used with the present lighting substrate.

As illustrated in Figures 2A to 7D, holding means on the substrate 10 releaseably retain the lights 12 in place.

The holding means may come in a variety of forms.

Figures 2A to 5B illustrate various designs of holding means in the form of clips 17, 22, 23, 44 that are either attached or moulded to a plastic lighting substrate In Figures 2A and 2B, clip 17 is a cylindrical moulding on the rear 24 of lighting substrate 10. Clip 17 exhibits some resilience which, together with an upper lip 18, holds light 12 firmly in hole 11 to shine through to the front 25 of substrate WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 7- The light illustrated in these figures is a white bud light. A diffuser lens cap 19 is also located through hole 11 to filter the white light produced by light 12 into a colour. The lens cap can be specially made to clip into the clip 17 by way of a groove and ridge engagement.

It is thereby held in position in hole 11 to diffuse light emanating from light 12 behind the cap.

The clip 22 of Figures 3A and 3B comprises two symmetrically facing arced projections 23 extending from the rear 24 of the substrate so as to not be seen from the front 25. The hole 11 is centrally located in between the arced projections. Light 12 is an LED or bud light that is inserted between the arced projections 23 and snaps into position. In this embodiment, light 12 is not associated with a diffuser cap. Instead, the bulb protrudes through the hole 11.

Snap connection of the light 12 into clip 22 occurs by way of a groove and ridge. Grooves 30 on the inside of each arced projection run parallel to the plane of the lighting substrate and are located near the outer rim 31 of the projections. The grooves 30 receive a corresponding ridge 32 on the light body 13 to snap fit the light in the clip 22.

If the lighting substrate is distributed without decorative lights, the grooves may need to be designed to be compatible with existing ridges or protrusions on lights already available on the market.

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate another form of clip. Two snap arms 33 extend outwardly from the rear of the substrate on opposing sides of every hole 11. The ends of the arms 33 have hooks 34 facing each other. The head of each hook is inclined inwards.

WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 8 As a light is inserted into the clip it slides over the head 35 pushing apart the arms. The arms hold an amount of elastic movement such that when the light clears the hooks 34, the arms move inwards and the hooks catch against shoulders 40 near the base of the light. Hence, the light is retained in the correct position.

In the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4C the light bulb is set back in the substrate so that the bulb does not protrude from the surface of the substrate but is flush with the surface. This gives the lighting substrate a different decorative look when illuminated.

Two stops 41 keep the light bulb set back from the substrate to achieve the flushed look. The stops also project outwardly from the rear of the substrate and are located opposing each other adjacent the snap arms 33. The stops 41 are significantly shorter than the snap arms since their ends 42 are intended to contact a rim or shoulder 43 on a light thereby preventing any further insertion of the light.

The embodiment of Figures 5A and 5B uses a set of two parallel ribs 44 on opposing sides of the hole 11 to hold the light 12 in place.

The parallel ribs 44 in each set are separated by a space The parallel ribs are adapted to receive a light having fins 46 on opposing sides of the light body. The light is clipped into position by force fitting the fins 46 into the spaces The above described clips into which lights 12 are received are all moulded to the lighting substrate. In an alternative embodiment the clips may be formed separately from the lighting substrate and may snap fit in line with the holes 11 in the substrate 10. The advantage of this WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 9arrangement is that a number of clips can be manufactured that correspond equally with the number of lights, thereby avoiding an excess production of clips. This reduces manufacturing costs as well as clutter at the rear of the lighting substrate.

Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figures 6A to 6D which show in four steps the attachment of a clip 56 onto a lighting substrate 10 followed by attachment of the light 12. Figure 6A illustrates cylindrical clip 56 snap fitting by way of a groove and ridge arrangement colinearly with hole 11. Figure 6B illustrates clip 56 located in one of the holes 11 in lighting substrate Figure 6C illustrates an LED light 12 being snap inserted into clip 56, and Figure 6D illustrates light 12 firmly inserted in clip 56 and held therein by the resilient arms of clip 56.

Another, simple, form of holding means is illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D. This holding means uses the inherent resilience of the substrate to apply a holding force on the light. In this case the substrate would be made of a material having elastic properties, such as polypropylene.

Figure 7A shows slits 15 cut into the edges of the holes ease insertion and removal of a light 12 in the substrate.

The slits 15 radiate outward from the corners of rectangular holes 11. This provides the holes with an amount of give to open up a little more as the light is inserted through. The slits 15 do not significantly alter the holding force of the substrate on the light.

Figures 7B and 7C illustrate a resilient substrate having an array of round holes 11 in which lights 12, and particularly LED lights, are firmly fitted. In this embodiment the substrate is a compressive foam sheet such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam or polypropylene WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 10 foam. Other suitable substrate materials include polyethylene, some vinyls, compressed foam and any other material capable of compressing and recovering its shape.

As shown in Figure 7C, the diameter of each hole 11 is slightly less than the diameter of the body 13 at the top of the light where the light is to be captured by the substrate..

Accordingly, the hole 11 enlarges as the light 12 is inserted through it. When the light 12 reaches its final position with the bulb 14 protruding from the hole, the edges of the hole push against the light body 13 in an interference fit and keep it securely placed. The force in drawing the light 12 out from the hole 11 will be sufficient to overcome the interference fit and allow the light to be removed.

In Figure 7D the slits and holes have been developed into a cut-out key hole 16. Flanges 20 in the key hole abut against the light body 13 directly under the bulb 14 to prevent the light 12 from protruding too far out of the key hole 16. The substrate material in this embodiment is more rigid than the foam-type material of figures 7B and 7C, yet still exhibits an amount of flexibility at the key hole. In this embodiment the substrate material is a rigid polypropylene sheet with die cut holes into which lights can clip into. Upon insertion of a light 12, flanges 20 bend at fold lines 21 to move outwards slightly with the light.

It is understood that where the lighting substrate is made and sold independently of the lights, modifications to the lights or clips may be required to ensure compatibility and effective connection between the two.

Figure 8 shows an open casing, or panel, 50 with the bottom face of the panel defining the lighting substrate WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 11 Panel 50 in this embodiment is substantially square in shape with four side walls 60, 61, 62, 63 located orthogonally along the four edges of the square substrate face 10. Side walls 60, 61, 62, 63 are provided with interlocking features that allow each side wall to be interlocked with a corresponding side wall of another panel to form a larger lighting substrate matrix (as illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 8 illustrates part of a second panel 70 with side walls, 71, 72, 73 shown (fourth side wall is not shown).

Each side wall of panels 50, 70 is provided with either a locking tab or a locking recess, where the tab and recess interconnections of different panels may be connected to form a larger substrate matrix. Specifically, in Figure 8 side walls 61 and 63 have tab interlocks and side walls and 62 have recess interlocks. In the second panel side walls 71 and 73 have tab interlocks while side walls 72 and 74 have recess interlocks.

Figure 8 illustrates side wall 60 (recess) approaching side wall 71 (tab). The tab 76 is a resilient tab 76 cut into side wall 71. Tab 76 has a protruding tooth edge 77 that clips into recess 65, which is defined by a cut-out in side wall Figure 8 illustrates each side wall of panels 50 and having two square hooks 80 on an upper or lower edge of the wall and two corresponding hook recesses 81 on the other of the lower or upper edge of the wall. Each hook is received in the corresponding hook recess 81 located at the same edge of the wall of the adjoining panel.

Accordingly, each panel has two side walls having hooks located at the top edge of the wall and recesses 81 at the bottom edge of the wall, and two side walls having recesses located at the top edge and hooks at the bottom WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 12 edge. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, two like-walls are located adjacent one another and the same like-walls also have the same interlocking feature, that is the tab or the recess interlock.

Two panels are engaged to form a larger matrix by first correctly aligning the panels such that each hook 80 on one side wall locates in a corresponding recess 81 in a side wall of the adjacent panel, and then interlocking the two panels by snap connecting tab 76 into corresponding recess In a variation illustrated in Figure 9 square hooks 80 and hook recesses 81 are replaced with a male dove tail protrusion 66 on one side wall that interlocks with a female dove tail recess 79 in a corresponding side wall in another panel.

Figure 9 illustrates how side wall 60 of panel 50 and side wall 71 of panel 70 slide into connection by sliding the male dovetail protrusion 66 vertically down in the direction of the arrow shown and into the female dovetail recess 79. The dovetail connection between the two panels 70 prevents lateral separation. Once dovetail protrusion 66 is fully engaged in dovetail recess 79, and the substrate surfaces 10 of panels 50, 70 are flush, resilient tab 76 locks the engaged panels by snapping into recess 65. Tooth edge 77 of tab 76 prohibits the dovetail protrusion 66 and dovetail recess 79 from sliding out of engagement.

In this manner each panel can be joined on each of its four sides to another panel to create a larger matrix structure in two dimensions. Figure 10 illustrates such a larger matrix structure where four panels have been joined together to form a larger square.

WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 13 Figure 10 is a plan view of four joined panels 50 of the type illustrated in Figure 8 having hooks 80 and corresponding hook recesses 81. The manner of panel inter-engagement as represented in Figures 8 and 9 provide for the array of holes 11 in one panel to be close to the adjacent panel. Hence the spacing between holes 11 on different panels is substantially the same, or a little wider, than the hole spacing on any one panel. The closest hole to any edge of the substrate panel is within 10mm of the edge, and preferably 5 to 7mm of the edge. At this spacing from the edge, the holes give the larger matrix the appearance of being a single large lighting substrate.

A rear cover 51 closes off the rear of each panel. Figure 11A illustrates a rear cover 51 attachable onto the rear of panel 50. Rear cover 51 has clips 84 on opposing side walls 85 of the rear cover 51 that clip onto a corresponding lip 86 on an upper side wall of panel Figure 11B shows in closer view the inter-engagement of rear cover 51 and panel 50 in cross section specifically snap clip 84 fastened onto lip 86. This figure also highlights that the side walls 85 are angled outwardly to skirt around the upper circumferential edge of panel Turning back to Figure 11A, each side wall 85 of rear cover 51 has, near the corners, a square cable hole 88 that allows electrical wiring to pass from one panel to another and back to the control circuit. Therefore, each rear cover has eight cable holes.

Instead of being formed on the cover, the cable holes may be formed in the side walls of the panel and may be any shaped aperture. There is sufficient space provided between the panel 50 and the rear cover 51 to house the wiring and electrical componentry for the lights behind WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 14 the substrate.

Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment of the panel and rear cover where the rear cover 51 is hinged to the panel 50 to create a hinged box In a preferred embodiment the side lengths of the panels are between 150mm and 250mm, and preferably the panel dimensions are 205mm x 205mm x 40mm. In the embodiments shown in Figure 1, 8 and 10 the holes are arranged in a linear matrix, that is, side by side in the same row.

Figure 12 shows an alternative arrangement of holes where the holes are aligned in an off-set matrix.

In the 205mm x 205mm embodiment containing a linear matrix of holes, each panel contains approximately 200 to 1000 holes, depending on the size of the lights used and manufacturing constraints. Preferably there are approximately 400 holes arranged at 20 holes in each column and 20 holes in each row. This produces a high density of lights per square area of lighting substrate thereby allowing for detailed and high resolution designs and lettering to be produced. In this embodiment the density can be represented as one hole for every 1.05cm 2 However, as explained above, this density may be varied depending on the size of the light globes to be used and manufacturing limitations imposed by some designs of clips. Additionally, depending on the nature of wiring and lights to be housed beneath the rear cover, the depth of the panel may be greater or less than the described above.

All of the abovementioned panels and matrix modules may be fitted with attachment points so that they can be hung or mounted on walls, off ceilings or from any other supporting structure. The attachment point may be in the form of rectangular lugs located on the front face (the WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 15 substrate face) of the panel so that the panel may be hung behind a window, or the lugs may be located on the rear cover so that the panel can be hung on a wall.

The lighting substrate and casing is adapted for use indoors and outdoors. For outdoor use water resistant substrate materials and lights ensure the lighting substrate is not damaged by weather conditions.

Using the abovementioned inter-engaging means between the panels, a larger matrix may be created in any shape including long horizontal shapes (suitable for displaying words), square and vertical panels, Tee's, "L"-shapes, hollow squares and rectangles, cross shapes, and any other shape or size as imagination and practicality will allow.

Figures 13A to 13D illustrate various simple forms of matrices achievable by inter-engaging two or more lighting substrate modular unit panels. Figure 13A shows a single square panel 50. Figure 13B shows two joined panels Figure 13C shows four panels 50 joined to form a square, and Figure 13D illustrates three panels 50 joined in a row. It is also envisaged to form the panels from lightweight material to make it easier and safer to hang large matrices.

Figure 14A is a part perspective view of the front substrate face 25 of the panel 50. The face also includes a raised edge 68 all around the front periphery of the face 25. Raised edge 68 extends beyond the protrusion of the light bulbs 14. This enables the assembly of the lights 12 into holes 11 to be carried out with ease by placing the panel face down and re-configuring the light arrangements on the rear of the panel. Figure 14B shows how the raised edges 68 raise the panel off the surface 94 and protect the light bulbs 14 protruding through the holes 11 from contacting the surface 94. Accordingly, the WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 16 lights can be easily and freely removed and inserted into holes 11 by way of clips 17 in any desired arrangement.

The form and colour of a substrate design or lettering may be created entirely by the user by inserting lights into selected holes. However, an added feature to the lighting substrate assists a user by providing pre-prepared designs and lettering fonts on a template.

The templates are in the form of a sheet of paper, cardboard, or the like, sized to correspond closely with the shape and size of the lighting substrate. The template is designed to be placed underneath the panel when the panel is placed face down for re-configuring the pattern of lights.

Figures 14B illustrates a template 100 lying on the surface 94 underneath a face down panel. The template 100 contains markings corresponding to light positions, the markings forming a complete design and/or letters, words, etc. The markings are visible through holes 11 so that a user can identify into which holes lights should be inserted.

Figure 15 illustrates eight examples of prepared templates 100. With the panel dimensions provided in the embodiment above, these examples of templates would cover an area equivalent to a.four panel matrix. These illustrated designs are predominantly Christmas symbols and greetings, but it is understood that the designs may pertain to any festive occasion, personal or business message, symbol, etc.

In Figure 15 the markings 101 are provided against a white background but another background of uniform colour, such as black, could also be used. The markings are made to be visible through the holes 11 when the panel is placed face WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU2004/000561 17 down on the template. Accordingly, a user follows the design of the markings by inserting a light into a hole through which a marking is visible. The pre-determined shape on the template is duplicated on the lighting substrate.

Markings may additionally be colour coded to identify that certain coloured lights are to be inserted onto a hole.

Where the string of lights are LED's this may mean inserting a coloured light into a hole marked by the same colour on the template underneath. With bud lights the process may be a little easier and avoid tangling of lights by inserting appropriately coloured caps into the holes and then afterwards neatly inserting a string of white lights into the caps.

Additionally, "black caps" could be located in holes where light is not wanted. The black caps are opaque so that a light inserted in the cap cannot transmit light through the cap. Further, black caps stop any light back-fill at the rear of the substrate from coming through the substrate holes to the front.

In a further embodiment of the lighting substrate, an associated software program allows a user to create a personal design on a computer, transfer that design onto a template and then use that template to recreate the personal design on a lighting substrate. The program may be loaded onto a personal computer or may be accessed through a website through which a user can access and interact with the program. The program allows the user to graphically generate and create customised messages and images and to even copy photographs such that the designs, word messages and photographic pictures can be recreated on the lighting substrate. The user is also able to select the desired text font from a wide selection of fonts.

\\melb files\home$\Simeona\Keep\Speci\GM42850- A LIGHTING SUBSTRATE final.doc 30/04/04 WO 2004/097999 PCT/AU20041000561 18 Figure 16 is a flow chart showing the steps taken in using the template design computer program for creating a new, individual design.

The template creation program provides a variety of drawing tools to assist a user in creating a design. Such tools include a pen tool for free line drawing, straight and curved line generating tools, copy and paste facilities, colour fill, mirror, flip, move, text, un-do, re-do, invert and the like.

Before creating a design the user inputs the number of lighting substrate modular panel units to be used in the lighting display so that the design or message can be scaled to fit the number of panels. The program also selects the optimum matrix configuration square, strip, etc.) according to the shape and style of the design. The design is then converted into an array of dots corresponding to the holes to be used in recreating the design on the lighting substrate. In this template form the design is then printed to actual size onto a sheet of paper. If the number of panels exceed the paper size, more than one sheet is printed. Generally, one sheet is printed per panel.

The customised printed template is then used in the manner described above to guide a user to load the lighting substrate panels with lights to create the customised design. The program also allows for the generation of multiple templates to be arranged side by side in sequence if a large matrix of panels is to be created.

This program provides endless opportunities for the creation of an infinite number of designs.

The base form of the present lighting substrate and 20/02 2009 15:30 FAX 20003/0004 -19 0 0 additional features provides the user with a greater amount of creative freedom and expression than currently available with known lighting systems. The large number oof substrate holes and the ease of reconfiguring the Ci 5 lights makes the substrate an inexpensive yet highly effective medium for decorating and messaging.

INDWhile two-dimensional panels have been mainly illustrated eherein, the substrate could also be created three- N 10 dimensional in nature insofar as the surface of the osubstrate could be folded or bent into a waveform, a otwisted strip, an annulus or a stepped surface.

Polypropylene or foam sheets are suitable for folding and deforming for this purpose.

Other improvements and modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention are possible, yet are not necessarily disclosed herein but may still fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising- is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

ndlbouodCs n49000-4999949443AILped5p4443Av,1 Speffm ateoded 20 09-1-8.dc 1S1E COMS ID No: ARCS-224428 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:26 Date 2009-02-20

Claims (19)

1. A modular lighting panel comprising a panel housing having side walls and a lighting substrate on the front of the panel housing, the lighting substrate having an array of holes at spaced intervals and holding means arranged at least at some of the holes such that interconnected lights are each securely but removably held in the holding means to shine light through the holes and the side walls having interlocking means to join the panel housing to other panel housings of modular lighting panels to form a larger lighting display structure.

2. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means are moulded with the lighting substrate and the lights are held in the holding means by an interference fit.

3. The modular lighting panel claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding means is a cylindrical or part cylindrical clip extending from the rear of the substrate to confine a light there between.

4. The modular lighting panel claimed in claim i, wherein the panel housing is provided with a rear cover that is hinged or completely separable from the panel housing.

5. The modular lighting panel claimed in claim i, wherein the panel housing is square or rectangular in shape and has four side walls, and each side wall has interlocking means.

6. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking means includes inter-engaging tabs and recesses located in N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent19000-49999\P49443.AU.1\Specisk49443AU.1 Specification amended 2009-1-8.doc 1501/09 21 the side walls of the panel housing which are engageable by corresponding recesses and tabs in the side walls of adjoining panel housings.

7. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking means include side walls being formed with one of a dovetail protrusion or dovetail recess, and being engageable with the other of the dovetail protrusion or recess formed in the side wall of an adjoining panel housing.

8. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein lugs are provided on the front, rear or side walls of the panel housing to allow the modular lighting panel to be hung.

9. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means has provisions for holding a coloured cap associated with the light for filtering coloured light.

The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means has provisions for holding a black cap associated with the light for preventing light from passing through the substrate.

11. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel housing is a square with side lengths of between 150mm and 250mm.

12. The modular lighting panel claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting substrate contains approximately 200 to 1000 holes. N: elboume\Cases\Patent\49DD-9999\P4944 3 1\Specis\P49443AU.1 Specfication amended 2009-l-8dc 15101109 22

13. A modular lighting panel system including a modular lighting panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and a design template for providing a guide to creating a lighting design on the lighting substrate.

14. The modular lighting panel system claimed in claim 13, wherein the design template is a sheet substantially the same size as the lighting substrate and containing markings that, when the sheet is placed underneath the lighting substrate when lying face down, the markings are visible through the holes such that a user can insert a light into a hole that corresponds to the marking visible through that hole.

The modular lighting panel system claimed in claims 13 or 14 further including a software program for creating design templates.

16. The modular lighting panel system claimed in claim 13, wherein the software program can be accessed through an interactive website.

17. A method for creating a light display including: inserting an array of interconnected lights into an array of holes in a lighting substrate of the modular lighting panel as described above, the interconnected lights being removably held in holding means arranged at least at some of the holes and adapted to shine through the holes; and joining two or more modular lighting panels to form a larger display structure by engaging interlocking means on the two or more panels.

18. The method claimed in claim 17 including lying the lighting substrate face down onto a design template such that markings on the design template are visible N .Meboume\Cases\PetentW900O49999P49443 AU 1\Specis\P49443.AU.1 Specification amended 2009-1-Odoc 15/01109 23 through the holes; and inserting lights into holes, wherein each light corresponds to a marking visible through that hole.

19. The method claimed in claim 18 including using a software program to create the design template. The method claimed in claim 19, including accessing the software program through an interactive website. N:\Melboume\Cases\PatentW9000-49999\P49443 AU 1\Specs\P49443.AU.1 Specification amended 2009-1-8.doc 15/01/09