GB2514560A

GB2514560A - An LED lighting system

Info

Publication number: GB2514560A
Application number: GB1309497.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Charles Davies
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-28
Filing date: 2013-05-28
Publication date: 2014-12-03
Also published as: GB201309497D0

Abstract

A lighting system 1 for providing ambient lighting to a room has an elongate body with a flat inner surface 2 for attachment to another surface, a shelf 4 and an outer surface 3 that includes a lip 9 which extends beyond the shelf 4. A strip of LED lights 11 extends along the shelf 4 behind the lip 9 and shines outwards. The fact that the lights 11 are behind the lip 9 allows light to flood outwards without the 'point' light source of the LEDs being directly visible, and the flat rear wall 2 allows the lighting system to be easily connected to another suitable flat surface.

Description

An LED lighting system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting system for creating indirect or ambient lighting for a room. In particular the present invention relates to a lighting system that can be retrofitted easily in an existing room. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a lighting system which can be retrofitted easily on or around existing features, and which takes advantage of existing features to create ambient lighting effects.

Badcground There are many instances where low or ambient light may be preferred over direct or bright light as a light source in a modern domestic setting. Home entertainment is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and a user may wish to watch a programme or film in a room with low or mood lighting in order to enhance the experience. Parents may wish to light a child's bedroom with ambient or soft/low light to provide enough light for the comfort of the child, but not at an intensity that might prevent or disrupt sleep. At present, in order to achieve this effect, separate lamps are required. In a living room or home entertainment room, these are floor-standing or located on tables, shelves or similar. Children's room are provided with night lights which can be similar, or which plug directly into power sockets to provide ambient light.

Providing suitable ambient or soft' light can be difficult, as a light source can shine directly into a users eye, which can be disruptive or even cause discomfort if a user is immersed in a film or similar, or if a child is trying to sleep. This problem generally becomes more pronounced as a users eyes become accustomed to the lower overall light level and become more light sensitive, making a user more aware of, and irritated by, any point' light sources in their immediate vicinity.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20060256550 discloses a lighted chair rail that comprises a frame secured to a wall and a horizontal facia mounted on the frame and positioned in a spaced apart relationship to the wall. Light bulbs supported on the frame direct light through a lens mounted on the horizontal facia onto the wall. The horizontal facia may also include decorative items.

EP2458110 discloses a lighting decor acoessory particularly used as skirting or cornice or cable duct on a wall, or as a ramp or threshold on a floor comprising a series of LEDs inserted in a chamber formed by a first portion and by a second portion, which are made from material designed to pass the luminous radiation in such a way that the decor accessory emits light.

W0201198006 discloses a wall corner decorative line lamp that comprises a strip-shaped pedestal, a light emitting strip and a surface cover strip. The shape of the back surface of the pedestal is matched with a shape of a wall corner. The light emitting strip is installed on the pedestal by a buckle. The surface cover strip is installed at an outer side of the front part of the buckle, and a gap is formed between a lateral side of the surface cover strip and the pedestal for penetrating the light emitted from the light emitting strip. The light emitted from the light emitting strip irradiates on the wall through the gap between the pedestal and surface cover strip, and an excellent decorative effect is provided.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting system for providing indirect or ambient lighting which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a lighting system for providing indirect or ambient light, comprising: an elongate body having a flat, substantially planar inner surface, and an outer surface, the elongate body having at least one shelf formed betweeh one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface, the outer surface wider than and extending further at the equivalent edge than the inner surface to form a lip, so that the at least one shelf is located behind the outer surface; and an elongate strip of LED lights, located on the shelf and aligned to shine outwards between the one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface.

The flat inner surface allows the lighting system to be fifted either to a wall or the ceiling, the lip shielding the LED tights from direct sight, so that soft ambient light is created and floods' down the surface of the wall or across the ceiling.

Preferably the elongate body further has a recess formed between the one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface. The recess allows power wires for the LED lights to be run along the rear of the elongate body, out of sight.

Preferably the recess extends towards the inner surface, and the shelf extends towards the outer surface, relative to one another. Locating the recess to the rear allows the lights to be located at the front, so that the body to be formed more compactly and with a simple cross-section.

Preferably the shelf and recess are formed so that the recess is located towards the one edge, and the shelf is located towards the equivalent edge. This arrangement allows the wires to be run along the shelf behind and below the LED lights, which assists with keeping the wires hidden, and allowing the LED lights to be positioned in a location that makes them as efficient and effective as possible.

Preferably the outer surface is curved concavely inwards towards the inner surface.

This gives the lighting system an aesthetically pleasing aspect and allows the lighting system to be integrated easily with existing features such as coving.

Alternatively the outer surface is flat. This allows the lighting system to be used on flat surfaces that don't include decorative additions such as coving, for example for use at the centre of a ceiling or similar.

Preferably at least one of the ends of the lighting strip is fitted with a wire connector.

This allows the LED strip to be connected either to another LED strip on another length of lighting strip, or to power wires from a power cc nnector or similar.

Preferably the LEDs are colour changing LEDs. This allows an appropriate mood colour to be chosen by a user.

Preferably the inner surface is at least partly covered with an adhesive backing. This allows a length of lighting strip to be attached to a wall or ceiling without the need for additional fixtures and fittings.

Preferably the elongate body is formed from extruded LJPVC or polyurethane. The choice of this material allows the elongate body to be formed easily and inexpensively.

Preferably the LED lighting strip is coAnected to a transformer which can be plugged into a mains socket. This allows power to be provided to the LED strip.

Preferably the LED lighting strip is connected to an RGB controller, this allows the colour and intensity of the light to be controlled.

Preferably the lighting system further comprises a remote control, the ROB controller and the remote control adapted to allow adjustment of the colour and brightness of the LED lights. This allows a user to remotely adjust the colour and brightness of the lights from a preferred location which may be different from the location of the ROB controller, without the use of an inconvenient and untidy hardwire connection.

Preferably the length of the elongate body is either 2.4M or 3M. These lengths allow convenience in manufacturihg while providing the end user with what are typically the most appropriate lengths for domestic fitting and use.

Preferably the LED strip fitted to each strip is run in two lengths from substantially the centre of the moulding to each end. This allows the moulding to be mitred at each end using a simple mitre box with the loss of operation of none, or only a few, LEDs at each end.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from the front of the first preferred embodiment of the lighting system of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front of the lighting system of figure 1, fitted to the wall of a room directly below existing coving.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the elongate body of the lighting system of figures 1 and 2, showing the cross-sectional profile of the preferred embodiment of elongate body.

Figure 4 shOws a second embodiment of lighting system1 having a flat outer surface that makes it more suited to be used as a stand-alone item rather than in combination with existing features such as coving, figure 4 showing four of the second embodiment arranged to form a substantially square light source located substantially at the centre of a ceiling surface.

Detailed Description of Figures

The present invention provides a lighting system for providing indirect or ambient light. The lighting system can be retrofitted easily in existing rooms by either a professional, or by a competent DIY enthusiast.

A first preferred embodiment of the lighting system 1 of the present invention is shown in figure 1. Figure 2 shows the lighting system 1 fitted to the wall of a room directly below existing coving. The first preferred embodiment of the lighting system 1 comprises an elongate body that has a flat, substantially planar inner surface 2, and an outer surface 3. In figure 2, the inner surface 2 is attached to the (vertical) wall of a room, below coving that extends between the wall and the ceiling. The lighting system of the present invention could also be arranged with the inher surface attached to the (horizontal) ceiling. However, in the description below, and for the purposes of ease of directional reference, it should be assumed that what is being described is an arrangement with the inner surface attached to a vertically aligned wall. This should not however be interpreted as excluding other possible arrangement or alignments.

A shelf 4 is formed between one edge (the top edge) 5 of the inner surface 2 and the equivalent (top) edge 6 of the outer surface 3. The outer surface 3 is wider or taller than the inner surface 2 -that is, it extends further upwards. In the preferred embodiment, the lower edges 7, 8 of the inner and outer surfaces 2, 3 are substantially co-located, or most preferably separated by a thin horizontal surface strip. The outer surface 3 is taller or extends further upwards from these substantially co-located edges to form a lip 9. A shelf 10 is located behind the lip 9, extending at least partway between the inner and outer surfaces, the shelf 10 substantially horizontally aligned.

An elongate strip of LED lights 11 is located on and attached to the shelf 10. The lights 11 are aligned to shine outwards (upwards) behind the lip 9. That is, their direction of shine' is substantially in a cone between the plane of the inner surface 2 and the plane of the outer surface 3, behind the lip 9.

The flat inner surface 2 allows the lighting system to be fitted either to a wall or the ceiling. The lip 9 shields the LED lights from direct sight, so there is no point' light source visible. Instead, soft ambient light is created and floods' down the toying surface and the wall, or across the coving and ceiling. As there is no point source, irritation of a user's eye is avoided.

The elongate body of the lighting system I further has a recess 12 formed between the one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface. In the preferred embodiment, the recess 12 is formed below and behind the shelf 4 (that is, further towards the inner surface 2 than the shelf 4). The recess 12 allows power wires for the LED lights to be run along the rear of the elongate body, out of sight.

Preferably the recess is towards the inner surface, and the shelf is towards the outer surface, relative to one another, Having the recess 4 to he rear allows the lights to be located towards the outer, or front surface 3, so that the elongate body can be formed more compactly and with a simpler cross-section than would otherwise be the case. This arrangenient also has the advantage that the wires are out of a user's sight, or hidden, whilst allowing the LED lights to be positioned in a location that makes them as efficient and effective as possible.

In the most preferred embodiment, the outer surface 3 is curved concavely inwards towards the inner surface. This gives the lighting system an aesthetically pleasing aspect, and allows the lighting system to be integrated easily with existing features such as coving, as most coving styles will curve inwards between the ceiling and wall as shown in figure 2. An end view of the elongate body of the lighting system is shown in figure 3, showing the cross-sectional profile of the elongate body, including the inwardly curving outer surface 3.

S In a second embodiment, the lighting system can be attached to a flat surface such as a ceiling, away from any other features such as coving. In this second embodiment, the outer surface is flat This allows the lighting system to be used on flat surfaces that don't include decorative additions such as coving, for example for use at the centre of a ceiling or similar. An example of this arrangement is shown in figure 4, where the ends of each elongate strip are mitred at 45 degree so that four elongate strips can be connected at their corners to form a square or rectangular lighting source. It should be noted that other shapes are possible, depending on the angle of the mitring.

The LED strip fitted to each strip is run in two lengths from substantially the centre Of the moulding to each end.

At least one of the ends of the lighting strip is fitted with a wire connector. This.

allows the LED strip to be connected either to another LED strip on another length of lighting strip, or to power wires from a power connector or similar.

In the most preferred embodiments, the LED5 are colour changing LEDs. This allows an appropriate mood colour to be chosen by a user.

In the preferred embodiments, the inner surface is at least partly and preferably totally covered with an adhesive backing. This allows a length of lighting strip to be.

attached to a wall or ceiling without the need for additional fixtures and fittings.

Alternatively, double-sided tape can be used to fix the lighting strip in position. Other fixing mechanisms such as screws or any other similar fixing mechanism such as are known in the art could be used, but these are not preferred.

In the preferred embodiment, the elongate body is formed from extruded UPVC or polyurethane. The choice of this material allows the elongate body to be formed easily and inexpensively. Wood or metal, or other suitable materials could be used, but these would be more expensive and harder to fashion so are not preferred.

The LED lighting strip is connected to a transformer which can be plugged into a mains socket. This allows power to be provided to the LED strip.

The LED lighting strip is connected to an RGB controller. This allows the colour and intensity of the light to be controlled.

In the most preferred embodiment, the lighting system further comprises a remote control, the RGB controller and the remote control adapted to allow adjustment of the * colour and brightness of the LED lights. This allows a user to remotely adjust the colour and brightness of the lights from a preferred location which may be different from the location of the RGB controller, without the use of an inconvenient and untidy hardwire connection.

It is most preferred that the elongate body is formed in standard lengths, preferably either 2.4M or 3M. These lengths allow convenience in manufacturing while providing the end user with what are typically the most appropriate lengths for dOmestic filling arid use. If other lengths are required, in order to produce a clean and seamless fitting, the elongate body can easily be cut to the required length.

It can be seen that the lighting system as described can be used as an up-lighter or down-lighter to flood either the ceiling or wall with light. The lighting system is de- signed to sit against the existing coving to look as though it is part of the original cov-ing. It can also be used in a room with no coving without damaging or disrupting existing decorations or structure. Filling the lighting system can be done without need to redecorate. The recess 12 in the back of the LED coving light' can be used to run 12-volt supply wires around the room to any point in the room that provides convenient access to a power source. If drivers are required, these can be filled in the ceiling void or loft, with the wires running to these. The recess 12 also allows the lighting system to be installed by a non-professional DIY enthusiast. The 12 volt wires would be run in the rebate to a point in the room where they can be run down the wall behind a curtain or to the side of the door architrave. A transformer plugged into a nearby would provide the necessary power.

The lighting system can be removed if required by using a sharp knife with a long blade.

Claims

Claims 1. A lighting system for providing indirect or ambient light, comprising: an elongate body having a flat, substantially planar inner surface, and an outer surface, the elongate body having at least one shell formed between one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface, the outer surface wider than and extending further at the equivalent edge than the inner surface to form a lip, so that the at least one shelf is located behind the outer surface; and an elongate strip of LED lights, located on the shelf and aligned to shine outwards between the on edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface.
2. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate body further provides a recess formed between the one edge of the inner surface and the equivalent edge of the outer surface.
3. A lighting system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the recess extends towards the inner surface, and the shelf extends towards the outer surface, relative to one another.
4. A lighting system as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3 wherein the shelf and recess are formed so that the recess is located towards the one edge, and the shelf is located towards the equivalent edge.
5. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the outer surface is curved concavely inwards towards the inner surface.
6. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein the outer surface is flat.
7. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims Ito 6 wherein at least one of the ends of the lighting strip is fitted with a wire conneotor.
8. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the LED5 are colour changing LED5.
9. A righting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the inner surface is at least partly covered with an adhesive backing.
10. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims Ito 9 wherein the elongate body is formed from extruded UPVC or polyurethane.
11. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the LED lighting strip is connected to a transformer which can be plugged into a mains socket.
12. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the LED lighting strip is connected to an RGB controller,
13. A lighting system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the LED lighting strip is connected to a transformer which can be plugged into a mains socket.
14. A lighting system as olaimed in claim 12 or claim 13 vherein the lighting system fudher comprises a remote control, the RGB controller and the remote control adapted to allow adjustment of the colour and brightness of the LED lights.
15. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the length of the elongate body is either 2.4M or 3M.
16. A lighting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the LED strip fitted to each strip is run in two lengths from substantially the centre of the moulding to each end