GB2419935A

GB2419935A - Window lighting unit

Info

Publication number: GB2419935A
Application number: GB0424746A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-09
Filing date: 2004-11-09
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-09
Also published as: GB0424746D0; GB2419935B

Abstract

A lighting unit (1, fig 1) for illuminating the window area of a building comprises a casing (4) which is supported by a flange (8) on the windowsill (2) of the building and which contains a plurality of light emitting diodes (9) and optional reflectors (11,12). The casing is closed by a shatterproof lens which may be a transparent or translucent sheet (10) so that light from the LEDs illuminates the area above the windowsill.

Description

WINDOW LIGHTING UNIT

This invention relates to an electrical illumination device which can be recessed into a windowsill. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a unit that once recessed into a windowsill easily fits in the existing cavity wall below thereby providing light which radiates up and illuminates the window.

Display and recessed forms of illumination, including downlighters are well known, but cannot be fitted into a windowsill because their shape and measurements do not allow them to fit into the cavity wall below the sill. From a safety point of view it is not practical to use such forms of recessed electrical lighting in window sills as they can be a fire hazard, they are not energy efficient, and they do not have shatterproof lenses. An object of the present invention is to provide a safe and durable unit which can be used in a method of electrical illumination, and which can be recessed into a windowsill or similar with measurements designed so as to fit easily to the cavity wall below and thereby provide light that radiates upwardly and illuminates the window.

According to the present invention there is provided an illumination unit comprising a case which can be recessed into a windowsill in such a manner that the lower part of the case is accommodated by a cavity of a cavity wall located under the windowsill, a multiplicity of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located within the case, and a shatterproof lens mounted on the case and overlying the LEDs to permit light from the LEDs to radiate upwardly to illuminate the area above the unit.

The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a strong and enclosed light source which causes no damage to curtains or blinds, has a long life, gives off little heat, and is energy efficient. Preferred embodiments of the invention can be used to give off special effects and colour changes. The use of an enclosed unit to provide illumination eliminates dust, flies or other debris settling in the casing.

The specific measurements of the preferred embodiment of the invention enable it to be recessed into a windowsill. Preferably, the unit is supported by projecting rims or flanges which sit on the top of the windowsill. Light is provided using low voltage energy efficient flexiLED strips. LEDs are particularly safe and produce very little heat. Strips of LEDs are well suited for linear lighting giving optimum optical performance with the added bonus of colour variation. Light emanates up through a shatterproof lens made of transparent or translucent material.

Being a complete unit it is easy to install and is suitable for use in new building projects or conversions of completed projects. Because the unit does not employ filament lamps it is cool and does not represent a fire hazard.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the casing is formed of metal or plastics material, but may instead be made from wood or from a combination of these materials. The lens is preferably a tough clear plastics material such as polycarbonate or toughened glass and is preferably transparent or translucent.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the components of a complete unit and how it would be installed in a recess of a windowsill before the windowsill is fixed over the cavity between two walls; Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 showing the unit and windowsill in position; and Figure 3 is a crosssectional view on an enlarged scale illustrating the positioning of the unit.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the complete unit 1 is shown above an interior windowsill 2 which has a recessed area 3 cut out to receive the casing 4 of the unit.

The windowsill is adapted to be supported on a wall 5 to cover a cavity 6 formed in the wall. In general, cavity wall insulation 7 will be located within the cavity, but will be cut away or compressed in the region of the unit to accommodate the casing 4 of the unit. A flange 8 around the unit keeps the unit in its correct position on the windowsill 2.

Referring now to Figure 2 the windowsill 2 is shown in position on the cavity walls.

Light emitting diodes 9 inside the unit emit light which passes through a transparent or translucent lens or cover sheet 10 to illuminate the window above.

Finally, referring to Figure 3 there is shown on a larger scale a crosssection illustrating the wall 5, the cavity 6, and the lighting unit 1 mounted on the interior windowsill 2 and supported by means of the flange 8. The cavity 6 is filled with cavity insulation 7 which is cutaway or compressed below the casing 4 of the unit to permit location of the unit within the cavity. Inside the casing are light emitting diodes 9.

Optionally, reflectors 11,12 may be placed on either side of the diodes. The casing 4 is closed by a transparent or translucent sheet 10 which may be of plastics material or glass.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An illumination unit comprising: a case which can be recessed

into a windowsill in such a maimer that the lower part of the case is accommodated by a cavity of a cavity wall located under the windowsill; a multiplicity of light omitting diodes located within the case; and a shatterproof lens mounted on the case and overlying the LEDs to permit light from the LEDs to radiate upwardly to illuminate the area above the unit.
2. An illumination unit according to Claim 1 wherein the LEDs are arranged in a linear array.
3. An illumination unit according to Claim 2 wherein the linear array is provided by a pre-formed strip of LEDs.
4. An illumination unit according to any preceding claim wherein the unit includes a flange which, in use, is supported by the upper surface of the windowsill to locate the unit.
5. An illumination unit according to any preceding claim wherein the unit contains at least one reflector adjacent the LED.
6. An illumination unit according to any preceding claim including control means for controlling the LEDs to produce colour changes or other specified effects.
7. An illumination unit according to any preceding claim wherein the unit is elongate and is preferably generally rectangular.
8. An illumination unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.