CA2461228C - Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete - Google Patents
Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2461228C CA2461228C CA2461228A CA2461228A CA2461228C CA 2461228 C CA2461228 C CA 2461228C CA 2461228 A CA2461228 A CA 2461228A CA 2461228 A CA2461228 A CA 2461228A CA 2461228 C CA2461228 C CA 2461228C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fibre optic
- concrete
- concrete surface
- lighting system
- grooves
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000009499 grossing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000007853 Sarothamnus scoparius Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C17/00—Pavement lights, i.e. translucent constructions forming part of the surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28B23/00—Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; Production of reinforced objects
- B28B23/0037—Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; Production of reinforced objects with elements being able to conduct light, e.g. light conducting fibers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28B23/00—Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; Production of reinforced objects
- B28B23/0062—Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; Production of reinforced objects forcing the elements into the cast material, e.g. hooks into cast concrete
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C23/00—Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces
- E01C23/02—Devices for making, treating or filling grooves or like channels in not-yet-hardened paving, e.g. for joints or markings; Removable forms therefor; Devices for introducing inserts or removable insert-supports in not-yet-hardened paving
- E01C23/026—Introducing preformed inserts into or filling grooves or like channels in laid paving, with or without concurrent making or working of groove or channel, e.g. filling groove with semi-plastic material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/0008—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
Abstract
A method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete is described. A first step involves cutting grooves into a concrete surface after the concrete surface has been finished and while the concrete surface is still in a plastic state. A second step involves inserting a string of fibre optic lights into the grooves in the concrete surface. A third step involves smoothing the concrete surface to conceal the grooves, while leaving the fibre optic lights exposed.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Magic Lite Ltd. sells what are described in the company's catalog as FiberScape paver lights (Trade mark). These lights are used to create light patterns in concrete. Areas of potential application are listed as: courtyards, driveways, patios, walkways, and shallow waterways.
The manner of installation of lighting systems, such as FiberScape, involves installing conduit and fibre optic cable within concrete forms and then pouring concrete over top. The concrete is then finished. Care must be taken when finishing the concrete not to damage the lights and, as a consequence, concrete with an embedded of fibre optic lighting system takes longer to finish.
Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Magic Lite Ltd. sells what are described in the company's catalog as FiberScape paver lights (Trade mark). These lights are used to create light patterns in concrete. Areas of potential application are listed as: courtyards, driveways, patios, walkways, and shallow waterways.
The manner of installation of lighting systems, such as FiberScape, involves installing conduit and fibre optic cable within concrete forms and then pouring concrete over top. The concrete is then finished. Care must be taken when finishing the concrete not to damage the lights and, as a consequence, concrete with an embedded of fibre optic lighting system takes longer to finish.
What is required is a method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete which will enable the concrete to be finished more rapidly.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete. A first step involves cutting grooves into a concrete surface after the concrete surface has been finished and while the concrete surface is still in a plastic state. A second step involves inserting a string of fibre optic lights into the grooves in the concrete surface. A third step involves smoothing the concrete surface to conceal the grooves, while leaving the fibre optic lights exposed.
With the present method, the concrete surface is substantially finished before the fibre optic lighting system is installed. The only concrete finishing remaining is to conceal defects created during installation of the fibre optic lighting system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a first step in the method.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a second step in the method.
FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a third step in the method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3.
Referring to FIGURE 1, a first step involves cutting grooves 12 into a concrete surface 14 after concrete surface 14 has been substantially finished and while concrete surface 14 is still in a plastic state.
Referring to FIGURE 2, a second step involves inserting a string of fibre optic lights 16 into grooves 12 in concrete surface 14. In the illustrated example five strings of fibre optic lights 16 have been shown. Each string of fibre optic lights 16 includes foam protected fibre optic cable 18 and a plurality of individual light emitters 20. A control 30 box 22 is provided. A light source 24 is positioned in a control box 22. All fibre optic cables 18 are fed into control box 22 and connected to light source 24. Light source 24 sends light along fibre optic cable 18 of each string of fibre optic lights 16 to illuminate light emitters 20.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete. A first step involves cutting grooves into a concrete surface after the concrete surface has been finished and while the concrete surface is still in a plastic state. A second step involves inserting a string of fibre optic lights into the grooves in the concrete surface. A third step involves smoothing the concrete surface to conceal the grooves, while leaving the fibre optic lights exposed.
With the present method, the concrete surface is substantially finished before the fibre optic lighting system is installed. The only concrete finishing remaining is to conceal defects created during installation of the fibre optic lighting system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a first step in the method.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a second step in the method.
FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a concrete surface being treated in accordance with a third step in the method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3.
Referring to FIGURE 1, a first step involves cutting grooves 12 into a concrete surface 14 after concrete surface 14 has been substantially finished and while concrete surface 14 is still in a plastic state.
Referring to FIGURE 2, a second step involves inserting a string of fibre optic lights 16 into grooves 12 in concrete surface 14. In the illustrated example five strings of fibre optic lights 16 have been shown. Each string of fibre optic lights 16 includes foam protected fibre optic cable 18 and a plurality of individual light emitters 20. A control 30 box 22 is provided. A light source 24 is positioned in a control box 22. All fibre optic cables 18 are fed into control box 22 and connected to light source 24. Light source 24 sends light along fibre optic cable 18 of each string of fibre optic lights 16 to illuminate light emitters 20.
Referring to FIGURE 3, a third step involves smoothing concrete surface 14 to conceal grooves 12, while leaving light emitters 20 in each string of fibre optic lights 16 exposed.
Referring to FIGURE 2, each string of fibre optic lights 16 is between 10 feet and twenty feet in length, with light emitters 20 positioned every 6 to 12 inches.
Referring to FIGURE 3, this type of treatment is particularly effective with expose aggregate concrete surfaces. In the day-time, the light emitters 20 look like exposed aggregate and are not immediately noticeable. In the night-time, the light emitters 20 produce a light pattern that is aesthetically appealing, while enhancing visibility.
It will be appreciated that any surface texturing, such as broom finishing will not be done before concrete surface 14 is smoothed to conceal grooves 12. It will also be appreciated that finishing steps such as the application of retardants when working with exposed aggregate surfaces, will also not be done before concrete surface 14 is smoothed to conceal grooves 12 In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Referring to FIGURE 2, each string of fibre optic lights 16 is between 10 feet and twenty feet in length, with light emitters 20 positioned every 6 to 12 inches.
Referring to FIGURE 3, this type of treatment is particularly effective with expose aggregate concrete surfaces. In the day-time, the light emitters 20 look like exposed aggregate and are not immediately noticeable. In the night-time, the light emitters 20 produce a light pattern that is aesthetically appealing, while enhancing visibility.
It will be appreciated that any surface texturing, such as broom finishing will not be done before concrete surface 14 is smoothed to conceal grooves 12. It will also be appreciated that finishing steps such as the application of retardants when working with exposed aggregate surfaces, will also not be done before concrete surface 14 is smoothed to conceal grooves 12 In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete, comprising the steps of:
cutting grooves into a concrete surface after the concrete surface has been prepared and while the concrete surface is still in a plastic state;
inserting a fibre optic strand having one or more light emitters into the grooves in the concrete surface; and smoothing the concrete surface to conceal the grooves and the fibre optic strand, while leaving the one or more light emitters exposed.
cutting grooves into a concrete surface after the concrete surface has been prepared and while the concrete surface is still in a plastic state;
inserting a fibre optic strand having one or more light emitters into the grooves in the concrete surface; and smoothing the concrete surface to conceal the grooves and the fibre optic strand, while leaving the one or more light emitters exposed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2461228A CA2461228C (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2461228A CA2461228C (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2461228A1 CA2461228A1 (en) | 2005-09-17 |
| CA2461228C true CA2461228C (en) | 2011-11-01 |
Family
ID=35005563
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2461228A Expired - Lifetime CA2461228C (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2461228C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20100026665A1 (en) * | 2006-10-27 | 2010-02-04 | Dupont Lightstone Aps | Building Block |
-
2004
- 2004-03-17 CA CA2461228A patent/CA2461228C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2461228A1 (en) | 2005-09-17 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| BR9600964A (en) | Process and installation for laying piping on a surface located on the seabed | |
| NO20030008D0 (en) | Drum type piping vessel for pipeline laying and method | |
| CA2337284A1 (en) | Surface fibre optic cable network installation | |
| DE69917800D1 (en) | ROAD MARKINGS WITH IMPROVED BRIGHTNESS IN WET AND DRY CONDITIONS AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF | |
| DE60009924D1 (en) | METHOD FOR REMOVING A UV-CURED FLOOR FINISHING LAYER, REMOVABLE UV-CURABLE FLOOR FINISHING LAYER AND REMOVABLE FINISHED FLOOR | |
| CA2461228C (en) | Method of embedding a fibre optic lighting system in concrete | |
| EP1337711A2 (en) | Processes of finishing slits of surface layer of airplane runway | |
| DE60221531D1 (en) | METHOD FOR PRODUCING DECORATIVE ELEMENTS | |
| JP2004515669A (en) | Synthetic edge materials and usage | |
| DE60103398D1 (en) | PATTERN PRODUCTION METHOD USING AN INORGANIC ANTIRE REFLECTION LAYER | |
| KR100426257B1 (en) | Method of reinforcing a structure with inserting a reinforcing material horizontally | |
| ATE212398T1 (en) | MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITE STONE | |
| GB2339437A (en) | Wooden decking element | |
| CZ289163B6 (en) | Paving block | |
| JP6408193B1 (en) | Lithographic tone pavement and method for forming lithographic pavement | |
| DE50112976D1 (en) | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A LAYER WITH A PREDETINED LAYER THICKNESS PROFILE | |
| DE59905956D1 (en) | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PERFORMANCE SEMICONDUCTOR WITH A STOP ZONE | |
| KR200497915Y1 (en) | Walking mat for preventing slip | |
| US20220267964A1 (en) | Methods for Preparing and Installing A Natural Stone Surface and A Tiled Natural Stone Paving System Therefor | |
| KR19980027624U (en) | boundary stone | |
| NO960581D0 (en) | Offshore production piping, as well as a method of laying it out | |
| RU30791U1 (en) | Cladding unit | |
| AT4675U3 (en) | METHOD FOR LAYING AN ELECTRICAL CABLES AND MACHINE | |
| ATE278068T1 (en) | FLOOR COVERING ELEMENT FOR FORMING A FLOOR GUTTER | |
| WO2021176534A1 (en) | Optical cable laying method |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20240318 |