WO2011084057A1

WO2011084057A1 - Tabletop with lighting

Info

Publication number: WO2011084057A1
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Walta
Original assignee: Gs Trade Management Ltd.
Priority date: 2010-01-07
Filing date: 2011-01-05
Publication date: 2011-07-14
Also published as: NL2004071C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lamelliform element, in particular a tabletop, on which objects are intended to be placed. The lamelliform element comprises a holder which can be provided with an internal area open on the upper side. At least one light-emitting element is disposed in the internal area of the holder of the lamelliform element. The element also comprises an internal power supply connected to the light-emitting element, and an at least partially translucent closing element, which is attached to the holder in order to close the open upper side of the internal area of the holder. The invention also comprises a table comprising a frame and a lamella of this type disposed on the frame.

Description

Tabletop with lighting

The present invention relates to a lamelliform element, in particular a tabletop, on which objects are intended to be placed.

Countless types and sizes of tables exist. Tables are known, for example, which are constructed from a support on which an illuminated tabletop is placed. An example of a table of this type is a bar table or patio table (i.e. a table with a relatively high support or low support) which is intended for catering purposes, events, showrooms and the like, and which is provided with a lighting fixture disposed in the lamella, with which the lamella can be illuminated from the inside out. A disadvantage of known tabletops of this type is that the lamp in the fixture must be connected to an external power supply, in most cases the domestic mains supply, for example via an electricity cord connectable to the tabletop. This limits the applicability of tabletops of this type, particularly in situations in which the table is set up only temporarily in an area and therefore the electricity supply cannot be concealed in the floor. Furthermore, it is relatively labour-intensive to place tabletops of this type in the area, because each of them must be connected separately to the mains supply. A further disadvantage of the known tabletops is that the light falling on the tabletop is distributed unevenly over the upper surface thereof, as a result of which the tabletop may look less attractive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lamelliform element, in particular a tabletop, in which at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages is eliminated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lamelliform element that can be used in a mobile manner and/or can be quickly and simply set up at any given position in an area.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one of these objects is achieved in a lamelliform element, in particular a tabletop, on which objects are intended to be placed, wherein the lamelliform element comprises:

- a holder provided with an internal area open on the upper side;

- at least one light-emitting element disposed in the internal area;

- an internal power supply connected to the light-emitting element;

- an at least partially translucent closing element, which is attached to the holder in order to close the open upper side of the internal area of the holder, wherein, in the upper side of the closing element, a number of channels are provided which are designed to diffuse the light emitted by the light-emitting element.

The light-emitting element is disposed in the internal area and can illuminate the closing element from the internal area. Since the closing element is at least partially translucent, the tabletop lights up on the upper side. The light-emitting element is connected to an electrical power supply, preferably in the form of one or more chargeable power supply elements (accumulators and/or batteries), so that the tabletop in use does not have to be connected to the domestic mains supply. The capacity of the power supply elements is preferably chosen in such a way that, during a specific period of time, for example more than 8 hours, the light-emitting element can burn without the power supply elements having to be charged. The power supply is internal, which means that it is disposed on and/or in the lamelliform element, so that the lamelliform element can operate independently and is furthermore to a large extent mobile, since no connection needs to be made to an external power supply source.

In order to be able to charge the internal power supply, the lamelliform element can be provided with an electrical connection element disposed in the holder but accessible from outside. An electrical charger and/or the domestic mains supply can then be connected to this connection element (for example a connection terminal) to charge the chargeable power supply element.

In the upper side of the closing element, a number of channels are provided which are designed to diffuse the light that is emitted by the light-emitting element. As a result, a more even distribution of the light over the lamelliform element is achieved. This gives the illuminated lamelliform element a more attractive appearance. The closing element is furthermore preferably constructed from a hollow-core sheet. Due to the construction of the hollow-core sheet, a closing element of this type provides the lamelliform element with improved rigidity in order to implement it as structurally strong.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a base and at least one wall raised in relation to the base. The base and the raised wall together form the aforementioned internal area. The light-emitting element can be arranged here against the inside of the raised wall. In this embodiment, the internal area is laterally illuminated, which provides a more even distribution of the light over the closing element than if the light-emitting element were positioned on the base. In a further embodiment, the light-emitting element extends over essentially the entire internal perimeter of the raised wall. As a result of this also, a more even distribution of the light along the edge of the lamelliform element can be implemented. If, for example, viewed from above, the holder is essentially circular, the circular element extends in essence over the entire circle, so that even illumination of the lower surface of the closing element over essentially the entire circle arc can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting element is designed as a strip of flexible support material on which one or more rows of lamps, in particular LED elements, are disposed. If this strip is furthermore designed as self-adhesive, the Hght- emitting element can quickly and simply be attached to the inside of the holder. The LED elements may be of one and the same type, for example to emit a single colour, but, in other designs, the LED elements are designed to emit different primary colours, in particular red, green and blue.

In a further embodiment, the lamelliform element comprises one or more control means disposed in the holder, such as, for example, a programmable microcontroller, with which, inter alia, the illumination can be set. It is, for example, possible, with the control means, to control a number of LED elements which emit different colours of light in such a way that a combined light of the required colour is emitted.

In a further embodiment, the closing element, in particular a second closing element that can be disposed above the first closing element, is made from transparent plastic, in particular from polycarbonate. This material is fire- and smoke-retardant, is fairly vandal-proof and shockproof, so that the closing element can be implemented as relatively light and yet structurally strong. A first closing element, which, as already described above, is preferably constructed from a hollow-core sheet, is situated at the bottom side of the second closing element. The first closing element in turn provides improved rigidity to the assembly.

Furthermore, the lamelliform element is provided with one or more fixing elements with which a frame is to be attached. The fixing elements are preferably designed such that the frame can be quickly and simply attached to or detached from the lamelliform element, so that the mounting and subsequent dismantling and storage of the lamelliform elements requires relatively little work. In a specific embodiment, four parts (for example of 20 mm concrete plywood) are sunk into the bottom side of the base to enable a simple mounting of a table frame. In a further embodiment, a receiver is provided to receive and/or transmit control signals, wherein the receiver is connected to the control means in order to control the operation of the light-emitting element depending on the received control signals. The receiver is preferably suitable for the wireless reception and/or transmission of control signals, so that the operation of the lighting can be set with the aid of a remote control.

Further advantages, characteristics and details of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of a number of preferred embodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of a preferred embodiment of a bar table according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with removed covering element;

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an LED strip; and

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a person P, for example a visitor of a catering establishment, show, etc., next to a bar table, also a patio table, in which an embodiment of the tabletop according to the invention is employed. The table comprises a tabletop 1 which is mounted on a frame 2. In the embodiment shown, the frame 2 comprises a base 3 and a stand 4. On the upper side of the stand 4, fixing elements (not shown) are provided in a known manner, with which the tabletop 1 can be fixed to the stand 4. However, countless other implementations of the frame are similarly conceivable.

The tabletop 1 comprises a holder 5, on the upper side of which a lamelliform transparent covering element 9 is disposed. In the embodiment shown, the holder 5 comprises a raised wall 10 which is formed from one unit with a base 6. The raised wall 10 and the base 6 surround an internal area (b, Figure 4) in which the lighting is disposed. The lighting comprises a flexible RGB LED strip 7, for example a strip of the self-adhesive type.

With reference to Figure 4, the LED strip 7 is constructed in a known manner from an elongated strip-shaped support 30 and a row of LED elements 8 disposed on the support. The support 30 is fixed with the aid of a bonding layer 22 to a part 23 of the raised wall 10.

An embodiment of an LED strip 7 of this type is shown in more detail in Figure 3. The strip 7 comprises a support 30 on which LED elements 8 are disposed at predefined distances from one another (a) (Figure 2). The LED elements 8 are interconnected in a known manner and are connected via connection lines 18 (Figure 2) to an electrical circuit 20. The electrical circuit 20 comprises, inter alia, an electrical power supply in the form of a chargeable accumulator 24 (for example in the form of a number of chargeable batteries (e.g. of the Li-ION type)). This chargeable accumulator 24 can be charged externally. To do this, a connection terminal (connector) 15 is disposed in the raised wall 10 of the holder. The connection terminal 15 is connected to two connection lines 16 which are connected to the electrical circuit 20. A standard extension cord is to be connected to the terminal 15, so that the accumulator 24 can be charged via the domestic mains supply. Furthermore, a switch 17, which is similarly connected via connection lines 19 to the electrical circuit 20, in particular a microcontroller 34 thereof, is disposed in the raised wall 10. The microcontroller 34 and therefore the LED lighting 7 can be switched on and off with the switch 17.

With reference to Figure 5, in the embodiment shown, a sensor 35, which is connected with the aid of connection lines 36 to the microcontroller 34, is furthermore also disposed on the bottom side of the tabtetop. The sensor 35 is suitable for receiving radiation, for example infrared radiation, and for converting this into electrical control signals. The control signals can be sent via lines 36 to the microcontroller 34 in order to influence the operation thereof. For example, with the aid of an infrared remote control (not shown), the user can adjust the operation of the lighting at will and remotely.

With reference to Figure 4, a lamelliform closing element 9 is disposed at the upper side of the holder. The closing element 9 is preferably implemented as totally or partially transparent, in fact in such a way that the light of the LED lamps 8 emitted from the side (inside of the raised wall 10) can be distributed evenly over the entire surface of the covering element 9. As a result, the tabletop can light up evenly if, for example, all LED elements 8 are switched on simultaneously. Countless other ways of lighting can also be implemented through an appropriate programming of the microcontroller 34. Thus, for example, it is possible to emit light of any required colour or to emit specific light patterns.

In a particularly advantageous example, the closing element 9 is implemented as a hollow-core sheet construction. The hollow-core sheet construction may, for example, be formed by multi-wall plastic sheets, for example extruded, structured, multi-wall polycarbonate sheets, such as Quinn SPC sheets (e.g. SPC 16 sheets). These sheets are light and easy to transport, handle and install. The sheets are designed as transparent.

The closing element 9 can be implemented with a number of shallow channels 31 running parallel to one another at the upper side. The function of these channels is, inter alia, to diffuse the light emitted by the LED lamps so that a further improved distribution of the light over the covering element 9 can be provided.

The closing element 9 is fixed with the aid of a rubber profile 25 and adhesion elements (not shown) on the raised wall 10 of the holder 5.

A further closing element 26 can be disposed on top of the closing element 9.

This closing element 26 can be constructed from a flat sheet 27 and an overhanging flange 28. The flange 28 can be pushed to fit around the upper edge of the holder. In a specific embodiment, the flange 28 is further provided with protrusions 29 with which the closing element can be clicked into place on the holder. A further closing element of this type can, for example, be made from transparent plastic, such as ABS.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the accumulator 24 is replaced by a power supply element 41 which is disposed in a separate compartment 40. The compartment 40 can be accessed from the bottom side of the tabletop by removing a closing cover 42. The power supply element comprises a housing in which one or more chargeable batteries or accumulators are disposed. When the closing cover 42 is opened, the power supply element 41 can be removed as one unit from the compartment. The purpose of the removal may be to prevent theft of the relatively costly power supply. It is also possible to take the power supply elements from different tabletops and charge these centrally. A further advantage is that the connection terminal(s) can be dispensed with in an embodiment of this type, as a result of which the housing can be implemented simply as waterproof or splashproof.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the closure in this embodiment is formed by a rubber ring-profile 46. This profile preferably has an essentially circular cross-section and extends along the entire perimeter of the tabletop. The profile 46 (Figure 7) enables a tight sealing of the internal area (b). In this embodiment, the closing element 26 can be provided with a protuberance 45 (Figure 7) along the perimeter of the tabletop for the purpose of fixing the closing element rigidly around the perimeter edge of the tabletop. In a further embodiment, an (optional) reflector 48 can be disposed in the centre of the holder 5, the purpose of which is to make the distribution of the light over the entire surface of the tabletop (even) more even. Particularly the light distribution in the centre of the holder can use support. This can be done by reflecting the light originating from the sides on the aforementioned reflector 48. An effect of this type can be achieved by placing an additional lamp, for example one or more Power LEDs, in the centre of the holder, which, with or without the support of one or more reflectors, can increase the luminous intensity in the middle of the tabletop.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the shape and dimensions of the tabletop 1 can be adapted as required. In the embodiment shown, the tabletop has an essentially round shape in top view, but rectangular or other shapes are of course also possible.

The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein. The rights applied for are determined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications and adaptations are possible.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Lamelliform element, in particular a tabletop, on which objects are intended to be placed, said element comprising:

- a holder provided with an internal area open on the upper side;

- at least one light-emitting element disposed in the internal area;

- an internal power supply connected to the light-emitting element;

2. Element according to Claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a base and at least one raised wall, said base and wall defining the internal area.

3. Element according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged against the inside of the raised wall.

4. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed on the inside of the raised wall and extends over essentially the entire internal perimeter thereof.

5. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting element comprises a number of LED elements.

6. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light-emitting element comprises a number of LED elements disposed on a flexible strip.

7. Element according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the LED elements are designed to emit different primary colours, in particular red, green and blue.

8. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising control means, in particular a microcontroller, disposed in the holder, with which the LED elements emitting the different colours are to be controlled to emit a combined light of the required colour.

9. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply comprises a chargeable power supply element, in particular one or more accumulators and or chargeable batteries.

10. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an electrical connection element accessible from outside is provided, wherein the connection element is designed to connect a charger and/or the domestic mains supply to it in order to charge the chargeable power supply element.

11. Element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element is made from transparent plastic, in particular polycarbonate.

12. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second closing element, which is to be fixed above the first closing element.

13. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a compartment accessible from the bottom side of the tabletop in which an electrical power supply, in particular one or more chargeable batteries, is to be accommodated.

14. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a reflector positioned centrally in the internal area in order to reflect light falling on it in the direction of the covering element.

15. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a light-emitting element, in particular one or more Power LEDs, positioned centrally in the internal area.

16. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more fixing elements with which a frame is to be fixed under the lamella.

17. Table comprising a frame and a lamella according to one of the preceding claims disposed on the frame.

18. Table according to Claim 17, in which the frame is designed to be able to support the tabletop at different heights in relation to a base.