GB2446660A - Illuminated masonry and building materials - Google Patents
Illuminated masonry and building materials Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2446660A GB2446660A GB0705390A GB0705390A GB2446660A GB 2446660 A GB2446660 A GB 2446660A GB 0705390 A GB0705390 A GB 0705390A GB 0705390 A GB0705390 A GB 0705390A GB 2446660 A GB2446660 A GB 2446660A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- masonry
- illuminated
- product
- light source
- masonry product
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000004566 building material Substances 0.000 title abstract description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000010438 granite Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004579 marble Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005445 natural material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C1/00—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
- E04C1/42—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings of glass or other transparent material
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
Abstract
The invention provides an illuminated masonry product or building material which comprises means for intrinsic internal illumination. Typically, the means for intrinsic illumination comprises at least one fibre optic cable and at least one light source. Preferably, the masonry product comprises granite. The invention also provides a method for the manufacture of the product. Typically, the products find use in fireplaces and other interior design products, such as coffee tables, vanity units and the like, and in visual display items for internal or external use.
Description
ILLUMINATED MATERIALS
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the provision of illumination in masonry and building materials and novel means for the provision of such illumination.
Background to the Invention
Manufacturers of stonework and masonry products intended primarily for indoor use in the home are constantly seeking to provide new or additional features which enhance the aesthetic appearance or the usefulness of their products. An area of particular interest is in the design and manufacture of bespoke fireplaces and natural material interior designs, but a range of other products, for either internal or external use, may benefit as a consequence of improving their visual appearance It is often useful to provide such materials with illumination, which can enhance their appearance during the hours of darkness or in poor daylight. Generally, according to the prior art, such illumination is achieved by the provision of external means, such as externally mounted lighting units and lamps. However, an enhanäed effect may be *:* achieved by providing these products with their own intrinsic illumination by the inclusion of internal means of illumination. It is this requirement that the present invention seeks to address. aS* * * * * * *
Statements of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an illuminated masonry product, wherein said product comprises means for intrinsic illumination.
Preferably, said means for intrinsic illumination comprises at least one fibre optic cable and at least one light source.
Said masonry product may comprise any suitable material, such as stone or marble but, preferably, it comprises granite.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the production of a masonry product which comprises a piece of masonry comprising means for intrinsic illumination, said method comprising: (a) providing a piece of masonry; (b) creating at least one orifice in said piece of masonry; and (c) installing at least one means for intrinsic illumination in said piece of masonry.
In the preferred embodiment wherein said means for intrinsic illumination comprises at least one fibre optic cable and at least one light source, said step of installing at least one means for intrinsic illumination in said piece of masonry comprises the steps of: (a) installing at least one fibre optic cable in said piece of masonry by means of said at least one orifice; and (b) installing at least one light source to co-operate with said fibre optic cable.
Preferably, said at least one orifice is created by a standard technique such as drilling.
Standard drilling techniques may be employed for this purpose using, for example a masonry drill or a steel drill. Preferably, however, said drilling procedure involves the use of high pressure water jets; this technique is especially advantageous with harder *.
masonry materials such as granite, with which difficulties may be encountered when ** trying to drill orifices of small bore intended to house fibre optic cables. * 20
S
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and ***S *. : contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
Description of the Invention
Said at least one fibre optic cable is inserted into said masonry product by means of at least one orifice which is created in said masonry product for the purposes of housing said cable. Said fibre optic cable may be of any size or type suitable for particular customer requirements; typically, however said fibre optic cable has a diameter of at least 0.5 mm. The size of the orifice provided in said masonry product is determined by the size of the fibre optic cable, which itself is determined by the requirements created by the specific use to which the masonry product is intended to be subjected. Thus, a greater lighting requirement would demand the use of a fibre optic cable of greater diameter. Preferably, said fibre optic cable includes a coating layer; most preferably, said coating layer comprises a water sealant, said sealant being chosen in accordance with the requirements of the particular installation.
Said fibre optic cable is caused to become illuminated by the presence of said light source. Generally, said light source comprises a source of visible light. Said light source is tailored to the particular application to which the product is directed, since all I *SS applications differ in terms of the sizes of the light source and of the masonry product I *. . . * * which are required. In this regard, the products can be tailored to allow for features such as increased brightness of light, and facilities for dimming of the light, colour changing, and the like. Thus, for example, a product of larger size, having an increased lighting S* *. requirement and possibly other features, would be required for the top surface of a bar in a public house, restaurant or café, when compared with the requirements for a domestic fireplace.
Generally, said light source comprises a powered light source, such as a lamp, which may be of any colour or power output to suit particular customer requirements.
Preferably, said light source comprises an LED light source, which is more environmentally acceptable, since it uses less power -and is also, therefore, more economical to operate -and, in use, emits less heat. Said light source may be powered by any suitable means, such as a driver, battery or mains power source. Said light source is controlled by any suitable switching means, and said switching means may be either directly operated or remotely controlled.
Said light source is most conveniently located in a container of appropriate size and shape which is comprised in said masonry product. Preferably, said container is located at an external surface of said masonry product, said location being chosen so as to be suitably discrete, in order that said light source may act upon said fibre optic cable so as to create the desired lighting effect, whilst not detracting from the overall appearance of the product.
Alternatively, said light source may comprise a natural light source, such as the moon or, more preferably, the sun. In such a case, the product is typically for use in an outdoor environment, and is adapted such that said natural light source may act on said fibre optic cable.
Said products find use as fireplaces and other interior design products, such as coffee tables, vanity units and the like. The products find especial use in situations where robustness is important, for example as surfaces for use in public amenities such as bars and restaurants where the materials will be subject to much wear and tear, but the facility for including lighting allows an attractive visible feature to be created. Thus, for example, a preferred use would be as a material for use as the top surface of a bar at which food and drinks are served. Alternatively, the products may be used for visual display purposes in a variety of situations, and are suitable for either internal or external use. In this regard, the surface may be designed in accordance with customer requirements, and may incorporate, for example, lettering, pictures, numbers, etc. The products find use in commercial, domestic and industrial applications.
I I
The method of manufacture of said masonry products preferably comprises the step of creating at least one orifice in the piece of masonry by means of high pressure water jets, and this technique has been found to be especially valuable with masonry materials such as granite. Preferably, the water jets are applied to the masonry materials at a pressure in the region of from 275.8-482.6 MPa (40000-70000 psi), more preferably from 344.7-413.7 MPa (50000-60000 psi). Most preferably, the pressure of the water jets is in the region of 379.2 MPa (55000 psi). The jets of water preferably comprise finely divided solids material. Preferably, said solids material comprises a material such as grit. Particularly favourable results are achieved when using finely divided solids material at around 120 grit/mesh, said material being introduced at a tolerance of 0.08.
Most preferably, the precise composition of the jets of water is controlled by means of a computerised system.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, installation of at least one means for intrinsic illumination in the piece of masonry involves installing at least one fibre optic cable in the piece of masonry by means of the at least one orifice, and installing at least one lighting source to co-operate with the fibre optic cable. Following the creation of an orifice by drilling or water jet, a fibre optic cable is introduced into the orifice and fixed into place, preferably by standard means such as sealing or taping. Thereafter, the fibre optic cable is arranged so as to co-operate with the light source. Preferably, said co-operation is achieved by connecting the fibre optic cable to the light source using standard electrical connection means. The quality of the connection may optionafly be improved by, for example, sealing with tape, if desired.
In preferred embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the masonry product comprises a multiplicity of fibre optic cables, all of said cables being connected to said light source. The number of cables employed in a particular product will generally be determined by the particular use to which the product is to be put, and the situation in which it is to be located, these factors generally determining the extent and complexity of the lighting effect which is sought to be achieved. Thus, in an extremely simple embodiment, said product may comprise a single fibre optic cable or a handful of fibre optic cables whereas, for a large visual display which is to be located in a public area, the number of fibre optic cables in use in the product may range from hundreds to thousands, or even tens of thousands. * * ** * S. * p * S * *5
Claims (44)
1. An illuminated masonry product, wherein said product comprises means for intrinsic illumination.
2. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for intrinsic illumination comprises at least one fibre optic cable and at least one light source.
3. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 2 wherein said fibre optic cable has a diameter of at least 0.5 mm.
4. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein said fibre optic cable includes a coating layer.
5. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 4 wherein said coating layer S..
comprises a water sealant.
6. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said piece of masonry comprises stone or marble.
:
7 An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said piece of masonry comprises granite.
8. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said light source comprises a source of visible light.
9. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said light source comprises a powered light source.
10. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said light source comprises a lamp.
11. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 9 wherein said powered light source comprises an LED light source.
12. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11 wherein said light source is powered by a driver, battery or mains power source.
13. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said light source is controlled by a switching means.
14. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 13 wherein said switching means is directly operated.
15. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 13 wherein said switching means is remotely controlled.
16. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said light source is located in a container comprised in said masonry product.
17. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 16 wherein said container is located at an external surface of said masonry product.
18. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said light source comprises a natural light source.
19. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 18 wherein said natural light source comprises the moon or the sun.
20. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim for use as a fireplace, coffee table, vanity unit or other interior design product.
21. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 for use as the top surface of a bar at which food and drinks are served.
22. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 for use for visual display purposes.
23. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 21 or 22 for internal or external use.
24. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the surface incorporates lettering and/or pictures and/or numbers.
25. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a multiplicity of means for intrinsic illumination.
26. An illuminated masonry product as claimed in claim 25 which comprises a multiplicity of fibre optic cables.
27. A method for the production of a masonry product which comprises a piece of masonry comprising means for intrinsic illumination, said method comprising: (a) providing a piece of masonry; (b) creating at least one orifice in said piece of masonry; and (c) installing at least one means for intrinsic illumination in said piece of masonry.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said means for intrinsic illumination comprises at least one fibre optic cable and at least one light source, and said step of * 20 installing at least one means for intrinsic illumination in said piece of masonry comprises the steps of: ****
S S S. *
(a) installing at least one fibre optic cable in said piece of masonry by means of said at least one orifice; and (b) installing at least one light source to co-operate with said fibre optic cable.
29. A method as claimed in claim 27 or 28 wherein said at least one hole is created by drilling.
30. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein said drilling technique uses a masonry drill or a steel drill.
31. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein said drilling technique uses high pressure water jets.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31 wherein said water jets are applied to the masonry materials at a pressure in the region of from 275.8-482.6 MPa (40000-70000 psi).
33 A method as claimed in claim 32 wherein said pressure is in the region of from 344.7-413.7 MPa (50000-60000 psi).
34. A method as claimed in claim 33 wherein said pressure is in the region of 379.2 MPa (55000 psi).
35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34 wherein said water jets comprise finely divided solids material.
36. A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein said finely divided solids material is present at around 120 grit/mesh at a tolerance of 0.08.
37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 36 wherein said fibre optic cable is introduced into said orifice and fixed into place by means of sealing or taping. * *
* 20
38. A method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 37 wherein said fibre optic cable is arranged to co-operate with said light source by electrical connection means. * * ** *
39. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said connection is sealed. * **
40. A method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said connection is sealed with tape.
41. A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 40 for the manufacture of an illuminated masonry product as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26.
42. An illuminated masonry product whenever manufactured by the method of any one of claims 27 to 40.
43. An illuminated masonry product as hereinbefore described and with reference to
the accompanying description.
44. A method for the production of a masonry product as hereinbefore described and
with reference to the accompanying description.
S I.. * * . * *
S
S * S** * ** * ** * I S * * S.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0703185.9A GB0703185D0 (en) | 2007-02-19 | 2007-02-19 | Illuminated materials |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0705390D0 GB0705390D0 (en) | 2007-04-25 |
| GB2446660A true GB2446660A (en) | 2008-08-20 |
Family
ID=37908878
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0703185.9A Ceased GB0703185D0 (en) | 2007-02-19 | 2007-02-19 | Illuminated materials |
| GB0705390A Withdrawn GB2446660A (en) | 2007-02-19 | 2007-03-21 | Illuminated masonry and building materials |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0703185.9A Ceased GB0703185D0 (en) | 2007-02-19 | 2007-02-19 | Illuminated materials |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0703185D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITTV20100026A1 (en) * | 2010-03-01 | 2011-09-02 | Rife Snc Di Parcianello Giovanni & C | SUITABLE CONSTRUCTION TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODULAR WALLS |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4992914A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1991-02-12 | Heiss Charles E | Illuminated stepping stones |
| US5683170A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1997-11-04 | Blaha; Michael J. | Iluminated masonary block or brick |
| US6082886A (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2000-07-04 | Stanford; Michael S. | Illumination system |
| WO2004017109A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-26 | Fibertile Innovations Inc. | Illumination structure comprising an embedded optical waveguide |
| EP1515086A2 (en) * | 2003-09-13 | 2005-03-16 | Walter E. Pipo | Self-illuminating fabricated solid material objects |
| US20060291197A1 (en) * | 2003-01-16 | 2006-12-28 | Anthony Patti | Paver light |
-
2007
- 2007-02-19 GB GBGB0703185.9A patent/GB0703185D0/en not_active Ceased
- 2007-03-21 GB GB0705390A patent/GB2446660A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4992914A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1991-02-12 | Heiss Charles E | Illuminated stepping stones |
| US5683170A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1997-11-04 | Blaha; Michael J. | Iluminated masonary block or brick |
| US6082886A (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2000-07-04 | Stanford; Michael S. | Illumination system |
| WO2004017109A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-26 | Fibertile Innovations Inc. | Illumination structure comprising an embedded optical waveguide |
| US20060291197A1 (en) * | 2003-01-16 | 2006-12-28 | Anthony Patti | Paver light |
| EP1515086A2 (en) * | 2003-09-13 | 2005-03-16 | Walter E. Pipo | Self-illuminating fabricated solid material objects |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITTV20100026A1 (en) * | 2010-03-01 | 2011-09-02 | Rife Snc Di Parcianello Giovanni & C | SUITABLE CONSTRUCTION TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODULAR WALLS |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0703185D0 (en) | 2007-03-28 |
| GB0705390D0 (en) | 2007-04-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |