AU2007203579A1 - Improvements in and relating to lighting - Google Patents

Description

31-07-'07 17:44 FROM-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P004/025 F-485 Australian Patents Act 1990 Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Improvements in and relating to lighting The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- P/OO/0 I 5102 COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-'07 17:44 FEOtI-DCC SYDNEY 19518 -6 I0/2 -8 +61292621080 T-562 P005/025 F-485 PA WFOCP~MXS M2O6473b Fhdty LtSJh AU Ca.plm~n-a I1fMMf 3 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIGHTING en Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to furniture, architectural features and lighting en devices, in particular lighting devices associated with and incorporated with furniture, such O as for example chairs, tables, stools and the like. The lighting devices may also be incorporated with architectural features which include items such as for example stairs, O balustrades, windows, and the like.

Background to the Invention In pubs and restaurants and nightclubs, it is known to provide advertising and other decorative indicia on, for example, staff clothing, coasters, bar mats, minrors, and drinking glasses. However, it is often desired to keep overhead lighting to a minimum in pubs, so that these traditional advertising indicia are not immediately visible to customers.

Known furniture and architectural features are also limited in their versatility.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of furniture or architectural feature having one or more illuminated portions which in use illuminate adjacent areas, the illuminated portions including: a light element operable to produce light; a diffuser element mounted adjacent the light element to diffuse the light ft-m the light element; and a light control element integral with or mounted to the diffser element which when the light element is in operation blocks, reflects or refracts light from the light element in selected areas of the diffuser element.

COMS ID No: ARCS-i 551 55 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-' 07 17:44 FEOM-DOC SYDNEY +622200T52P0/2 -8 +61292621080 T-562 P006/025 F-485 3 The light clement may be mounted in a suitable position relative to the diffuser panel, and preferably adjacent a peripheral edge, and preferably an outer periphery so that the light en from the light element travels into the diffuser from the peripheral edge and radiates outwardly from the panel through an upper surface.

Preferably the diffuser element is in the form of a panel. In one embodiment the panel is o construced from clearacrylic or perspex. Preferably the panel is in the form of a table top, modesty panel, shelf, window, or step.

The light element is preferably in the form of an operable light source, and may be in any suitable form including LASER, however, in a preferred embodiment the light source is in the form of one or more solid state devices. In one embodiment the one or more solid state devices is in the form of one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

i s A trim element may be provided to protect the light element. Preferably the trim element is a shield of steel which is mounted wround the peripheral edge of the panel. Preferably the light element is mounted in a resin to inhibit damage to the light element.

The article of furniture or architectural feature may be connectable to a power supply.

Preferably a power connecting means is provided, in one form being a General Power Outlet (GPO), so as to power the light element, In other arrangements the article of furniture or architectural feature may include a power supply. The power supply may include a battery and transformer, as well as power inverters and/or converters, diodes, and power conditioning circuits as required, and one or more plugs or various designs so that various electronic devices may be recharged. A recharging system for recharging the battery from mains power may be provided.

The light control element may be an engraving on a face of the diffuser element or a stencil. The stencil may be a continuous or discontinuous sheet mountable on the panel and may include opaque, transparent, translucent or other coloured areas which control the light by inhibiting various or all frequencies of light passing through the sheet from the diffuser element. The sheet may be adhered to the diffuser panel or laid atop the panel.

COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-' 07 17:45 EHOtI-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P007/025 F-485 VAWPD0CSNMSpee\2D 646 FtdeC-t& L$ AlCfpcme.31W72O7 o -3- Preferably the diffuser element is disposed in a recess or depression having peripheral en walls extending upwardly from a deck. Preferably the walls include seals mounted on the peripheral walls to inhibit fluid flow onto the deck Preferably a cover element is provided C S so as to protect the light control means or stencil from damage.

o According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting apparatus suitable for mounting on an article of furniture or architectural feature, lighting apparatus o including: a light element operable to produce light; a diffuser element mounted adjacent the light element to diffuse the light from the light element; and a light control element integral with or mounted to the diffuser element which when the light element is in operation blocks, reflects or refiracts light from the light element in selected areas of the diffuser element.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conveying a message, the method including the steps of: providing a portion of a message on an illuminated portion of a first article of furniture, the illuminated portion including: a light element operable to produce light; a diffuser element mounted adjacent the light element to diffuse the light from the light element; and a light control element integral with or mounted to the diffuser element which when the light element is in operation blocks, reflects or refracts light from the light element in selected areas of the diffuser element, and providing a second portion of the message on a second article of furniture.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention, drawings illustrating example embodiments are attached, and in those drawings: FIG. I is an isometric view of a bar table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another bar table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; COMS IDWN: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-'07 17:45 FHOM-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P008/025 F-485 PAWPDDCS\LNM'3*%2U736 NRtity C- t& -Ath M CnyIdedil;C o -4- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of yet another bar table in accordance with a preferred en embodiment of the present invention; ONs FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a coffee table in accordance with another preferred t~fl embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a staircase which incorporates the lighting apparatus in the 01 FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the staircase of Figure 5 with the balustrades removed for clarity: FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a poker machine chair in accordance wit a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the poker machine chair shown in Figure 7; FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the poker machine chair of FIGs 7 and 8 from behind; FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a bar stool in accordance wit a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. I11 is an isometric view of the bar stool of Figure 10 from below and one side; and FIG. 12 is an exploded schematic view shown in side elevation of a sealing arrangement for inhibiting fluid ingress to a light element which forms a component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure I and Figure 12 there is shown an article of furniture generally indicated at 10 which is in the form of a bar table I I and includes a base 12, a central support post 13 mounted thereon, and a shelf 14 and a table top assembly 15 mounted on COMS ID No: ARCS-i 551 55 Received by 113 Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-' 07 17:45 FHOII-DCC SYDNEY 695100T62P0/5F-8 +61292621080 T-562 P009/025 F-485 PAtWPDOCSU"flJMA r-26473&i Wt, Cat A& Lkfi a pk.. tI A o 3 the central support post 13. Two illuminated portions 16 and 17 are provided which are integral, respectively, with the table top assembly 15 and the shelf 14.

Illuminated portion 16 includes a light element 18 which is operable to produce light and S mounted at an outer peripheral edge 19 of the table top assembly 15. Furthermore, the '4Th illuminated portion 16 includes a diffuser element 20 mounted adjacent the light element o 18 so as to diffuse the light from the light element 18 at least through an upper surface 2] to illuminate an adjacent area when in operation. The diffuser clement 20 is disposed in a o well or depression 22 which has a peripheral wall formation 24 extending upwardly from a deck 26 of a table top base 28. Seals 29 are mounted on an internal face 30 of the peripheral wall formation 24. A cover element 32 is provided which when assembled abuts seal 29 at its outer periphery 33 so as to inhibit ingress of fluid such as for example beer (not shown) onto deck 26 and into light element 18.

Interposed between the cover element 32 and the diffuser element 20 is a light control means 35 in the form of a stencil 37 which is a sheet 39 having selected opaque areas and selected transparent areas so that a motif, logo or slogan or other message is highlighted when the light element 18 is in operation. The light control means 35 may be an engraving on a surface of the diffuser element 20 so that in operation the light from the light element 18 is reflected from engraved surfaces to convey the message or logo.

The light element 18 includes solid state light emitters in the form of LEDs 51 to facilitate reliable operation and so as to occupy an approximate radial depth of approximately An array or strip of LEDs 51 is arranged around the rim within the tim element so as to direct light initially into a transparent or translucent diff-user element 20, as well as occupy only a small space.

The diffuser element 20 is in the form of a clear panel 53 of acrylic 55 while the cover element 32 is a toughened or laminated glass panel. The diffuser 20 may be cylindrical in section, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and may include voids or hollows so as to house electronic circuits.

COMS ID No: AROS-iS5iSS Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-t07 17:45 FHOM-DCC SYDNEY +522200T52P1/2 -8 +61292621080 T-562 P010/025 F-485 P\WPDCCtM'SpccCB2M3tH.Iey Ci* A r 9.AU C.pte&.I?~ o -6- 3 A trim element 50 is provided which when assembled clamps around the peripheral edge 19 of the table top assembly to maintain the cover element 32, stencil 37 and diffuser en element 20 and assembly in close abutment to inhibit movement of the stencil across the diffuser element 20 and to promote a good seal.

The bar table I1I may be connected to mains power, or it may have a standalone power o supply disposed behind panel 60 in the form of a battery, which may be recharged from the mains power. Transformers, plugs, and other circuitry may be provided so that users may o recharge electronic devices such as for example mobile phones. General Power Outlets (GPOs) may be provided so as to plug other devices in to the table 11I such as for example vacuum cleaners or battery chargers.

Illuminated portion 17 includes a light element 18 disposed at an inner periphery of the shelf 14 so that light is primarily diffused through the outer peripheral edge 8 1, which is an interesting visual effect. The table shown in Figure 1 also includes a skirt 80 which has apertures 82 for allowing light through. In this embodiment another illuminated portion is included, which is the central support post 13, which includes a cylindrical diffuser is lit at its ends by lighting elements. The skirt 80 allows light through the apertures 82 for an interesting visual effect Other embodiments shown in the other Figures have similar features indicated by similar numerals. That is, there is a panel on the back of a poker machine chair in Figures 7 9 which is illuminated at its edges to show a message on a stencil. Figure I11 shows an illuminated message on a stencil mounted on the central support post of a bar stool.

Balustrades and handrails are also shown to have illuminated messages mounted thereon.

The diffuser elements and cover elements would be in the form of sleeves and tubes in these embodiments. An illuminated window may even be provided which has a glow because of the edge-mounted LEDs.

order to remove and replace the sheet 35, the edge tim 50 is required to be removed from the outer peripheral edge 19 of the table, which clamps the glass cover 32 down to the acrylic panel 53. The glass cover 32 is picked up and removed wit a suction handle, COMS ID No: ARCS-i 551 55 Received by P1 Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-'07 17:46 FRO-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 1 011/025 F-485 *\*CM~lflc~.O367y$KuhyCw& I14M M.A) CoWI~wpl.&.iioecOi o-7- S and then seal 29 is removed- The stencil sheet 35 is removed, replaced with another, and then the cover and seal are replaced in reverse order.

en When a room full of the abovedescribed lighting apparatus are used in a room without additional overhead or other lighting, the effect is such that all the motifs are clearly shown to all users in the room, and a stunning visual effect is thereby created, especially if a en O message is spread across several tabletops, chair backs, or stair treads.

OA light detector may be installed so that the tabletops, chairs, and/or stair treads light up in the event that overhead lighting or power to the building or room fails. People may then enjoy their evening with some mood lighting or be directed to a nearby exit using the light and messages which light up under their own battery power in emergency situations such as when ambient light is too low.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31

Claims (3)

1. 31-07-'07l 17:45 FEO!1-DCC SYDNEY 6221S0T52P2/5F48 -61292621080 T-562 P012/025 F-485 en The claims defining the invention are as follows: ON 5 1. An article of furniture or an architectural feature having one or more illuminated Vfl portions which in use illuminate adjacent areas, the illuminated portions including: o a light element operable to produce light; a diffuser element mounted adjacent the light element to diffuse the light from the light element; and a light control element o integral with or mounted to the diffuser element which when the light element is in operation blocks, reflects or refracts light from the light element in selected areas of the diffuser element. 2. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim I wherein the light element is mounted adjacent a peripheral edge of the diffuser element. 3. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim I or 2 wherein the light element is mounted adjacent an outer peripheral edge of the diffuser element so that the light from the light element travels into the diffuser from the peripheral edge and radiates outwardly fom the panel through an upper surface. 4. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein the diffuser element is in the form of a panel. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 4 wherein the panel is constructed from clear acrylic or perspex. 6. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 4 or wherein the panel is in the form of a table top, modesty panel, shelf, window, or step. COMS ID No: ARCS-i 551 55 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-'07 17:46 FEOM-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P013/025 F-485 P-AIewCIIkLap.*i=s±6q NWhYCaw& LiMC ShMm AU C..whmc.doc-3ItlflOO7 -9-
2. 37. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein the light element is in the form of an operable light source, the light esource being in the form of one or more solid state devices- O" 5 8. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 7 wherein the one or more solid state devices is in the form of one or more Light o Emitting Diodes (LEDs). 0 o 9. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein a trim element is provided to abut the outer periphery in order to protect the light element. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 9 wherein the trim element is a shield of steel. 11. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein the light element is mounted in a resin to inhibit damage thereto. 12. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim which is connectable to a power supply. 13. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein a power connecting means is provided so as to power the light element. 14. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein a standalone power supply is provided to power at least the light element. 15. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein one or more plugs are provided for recharging or using electronic devices. COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-' 07 17:47 FEOM-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P0114/025 F-485 P&WOC2l&t~A p2W641s. HkyC..- Ui.6 gb.-AYC-kWc4 $I*W2% o 16. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein circuitry is provided for recharging or using electronic devices. 17. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein the light control element is an engraving on a face of the diffuser o element,
3. 1018. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous to claim wherein the light control element is a stencil. 19. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 18 wherein the stencil is a stencil sheet mountable on the panel and includes areas which control the light from the diffuser by inhibiting selected or all frequencies of light passing through the sheet from the diffuser element. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 19 wherein the stencil sheet is adhered to the diffuser panel or laid atop the panel. 21. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein the diffuser element is disposed in a recess or depression having peripheral walls extending upwardly from a deck. 22. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with claim 21 wherein the peripheral walls include seals mounted thereon to inhibit fluid flow onto the deck. 23. An article of furniture or an architectural feature in accordance with any previous claim wherein a cover element is provided so as to protect the light control means or stencil from damage. COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31 31-07-'07 17:47 FROM-DCC SYDNEY +61292621080 T-562 P015/25 F-485 t'CSf*lIAat(EC73a H Itrny taws& Lrt Sb.m AU Cmplpe.doc-31n07207 11 24. An article of furniture substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings. An architectural feature substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings. COMS ID No: ARCS-155155 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:54 Date 2007-07-31