WO2016186497A1

WO2016186497A1 - Soccer luminaire

Info

Publication number: WO2016186497A1
Application number: PCT/NL2016/050352
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Franciscus Goverde
Original assignee: Beheermaatschappij J.F. Goverde B.V.
Priority date: 2015-05-18
Filing date: 2016-05-18
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Also published as: NL2014815B1; NL2014815A; EP3298326A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a luminaire and in particular a, luminaire in the shape of a soccer ball which is illuminated with the aid of a LED light source in which the soccer ball can be build up from different segments. In accordance with the invention is a soccer ball luminaire provided, comprising a spherical housing, which spherical body is made of an at least partially light-transmitting plastic material and comprising at least one lighting module which is provided with at least one LED light source, wherein the spherical housing comprises a plurality of pentagonal and hexagonal detachable segments is for building up the ball, which pentagonal segments are provided on each side thereof of at least a first connection element and the hexagonal segments are provided on three opposite sides thereof of at least a second connecting element and on each of the other three opposite sides provided with a mainly flexible upstanding rim, wherein said flexible upstanding rim is arranged over the entire width of the side, and is directed toward the center of the luminaire, and wherein the first and second connecting elements together form a mating snap connection.

Description

SOCCER LUMINAIRE

Description

The present invention relates to a luminaire and in particular a luminaire in the shape of a soccer ball which is illuminated with the use of a LED light source, wherein the soccer ball can be build up from different segments.

BACKGROU ND

Luminaires are known in many shapes and sizes and for many applications and according to many decorative shapes available. Such armature are made up of an at least one housing and a light source. In recent years, the light- emitting diode, LED, emerges in favour of the conventional light sources such as incandescent, halogen and CFL. This is largely attributable to the favourable, low power consumption, low heat and long service life. Also from a cost perspective, LED bulbs are more economical than conventional luminaires, as long as the lifespan and energy variables are included therein. Many decorative fixtures comprising such LED light source as a result in a larger freedom with respect to shape and material. There, where as a result of the high heat development of conventional light sources, the use of plastics and small housings restrict the use of such conventional light sources, with an LED light source such restrictions are obsolete. As such, several decorative fixtures are also available in many different shapes and sizes.

An example of a decorative luminaire is a luminaire in the shape of a soccer ball is shown in CN 1865767 A. There a luminaire is shown which is made up of different segments. Some segments are hexagonal, other pentagonal. This corresponds to the five and six-sided segments of which well-known soccer balls of leather and plastic are made up as well. By making use of segments that correspond to the ones used in real soccer balls, the other also looks like a real soccer ball. The joining of these segments, doing so in a detachable manner, in CN 1865767 A, however, takes place with the use of elements which are inserted between the segments. These are uniform, equal everywhere, but above all clearly visible on the outside of the luminaire. This makes that such a soccer luminaire exhibited less similarities with a real soccer ball. DESCRIPTION OF THE I NVENTION

The invention aims to provide an improved soccer ball luminaire which can be constructed from various pentagonal and hexagonal segments, wherein the segments can be interconnected in such a way that it cannot be seen from outside of the soccer ball luminaire is not visible.

It is a further object of invention to provide for a soccer ball luminaire which can be built from detachable pentagonal and hexagonal segments, wherein the segments can be interconnected in a simple manner, with no visible connection elements on the outside of the soccer ball luminaire, and wherein at the location of the connection between the segments, no gaps are visible through which light escapes.

In accordance with the invention is a soccer ball luminaire provided, comprising a spherical housing, which spherical body is made of an at least partially light-transmitting plastic material and comprising at least one lighting module which is provided with at least one LED light source, wherein the spherical housing comprises a plurality of pentagonal and hexagonal detachable segments is for building up the ball, which pentagonal segments are provided on each side thereof of at least a first connection element and the hexagonal segments are provided on three opposite sides thereof of at least a second connecting element and on each of the other three opposite sides provided with a mainly flexible upstanding rim, wherein said flexible upstanding rim is arranged over the entire width of the side, and is directed toward the center of the luminaire, and wherein the first and second connecting elements together form a mating snap connection.

The invention is based on the insight that a soccer ball luminaire must be able to be configured by a user in the colors and other distinguishing features of the soccer ball club corresponding with the team the user is a fan of. The segments should to this end be designed in such a way that building the luminaire can be bluid up of these segments in a simple manner which is very similar to a real soccer, wherein the simple build up and the flexibility of the use of color and the like may not have a negative influence on the light properties of the luminaire.

Soccer is known for its rivalry between the soccer clubs. Every soccer club has its own distinctive name and color scheme. A luminaire in the shape of a soccer ball is really of value if it corresponds with the characteristics of the soccer club. To this end, known soccer ball luminaires such as shown in for example in CN 1865767 A, are arranged for a user to connect the segments of the ball. By the choice of segments with different colors one can compose a different color composition which corresponds with the soccer club of choice.

The soccer luminaire according to CN 1865767 A is characterized by connecting elements which can be placed as clips between the segments and thereby connecting the segments to each other. The disadvantage of such constructions is that additional parts are needed in order to connect the segments to each other, but above all, these parts have a negative effect on the aesthetics of the soccer ball. Moreover, an ordinary soccer ball does not have such connecting elements. Finaly, such a connection element gives light leakage along the elements and over the entire side of the segments as the segments here can never sufficiently abut against each other in order to counter the light through the crack of light shine.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a soccer ball luminaire which is built up of pentagonal and hexagonal segments in which the segments can be interconnected with connecting elements which are arranged on the side of the segments, and are not visible from the outside of the soccer ball luminaire.

As indicated, an ordinary soccer ball built up from pentagonal and hexagonal segments. If each segment would be provided with a male and corresponding female connecting element, this would be result in an impossible combination of puzzle segments due to the unequal number of segments. After all, male connecting elements of, for example, a hexagonal segment can only be connected to a female connecting element of another hexagonal segment, or segment of a pentagonal. Due to the odd number of segments, this results in a number of segments which are to be connected to female or female connecting element with a male to male connection element, which obviously does not work.

The present invention is based on the insight that it is necessary to provide for a combination of male-female connecting elements and uniform pairs of connecting element. Accordingly, the pentagon shaped segments are provided on all sides with one of a male, or female, connection elements and the hexagonal segments on mutually alternating sides with male, or female, respectively, connecting elements, as well as uniform connecting elements. However, the uniform connecting elements serve to prevent light leakage and are to this end provided with a raised inwardly directed edge or rim of at least substantially flexible plastic. This on the one hand solves the problem of the odd number of connections and makes that the segments, in a very simple manner, can be coupled together and built up into a soccer ball luminaire. On the other hand, the uniform connection elements are arranged to prevent light leakage between the segments in the cracks. Thus, there is provided a soccer ball luminaire which can be built up from individual segments in a simple manner in the desired color in accordance with a particular soccer club, in which the soccer ball has good light properties and provides a uniform beam of light with no light leakage in the seams of the segments.

In an example, the first connection elements comprise a to the center of the luminaire directed and at least substantially spherical deformable protrusion, and the second connection elements comprises a flap extending in the plane of the spherical housing in which a hole is arranged corresponding to the at least substantially spherical deformable protuberances of the first connecting elements.

In another example, the first connection elements comprise an in the plane of the spherical housing extending flap in which a hole is arranged, and the second connection elements comprise an at least substantially spherical deformable protrusion directed toward the center of the luminaire which corresponds with the holes of the first connecting elements.

As indicated, the surfaces, i.e. the sides of the segments, are interconnected by means of connecting elements. These segments are pair-shaped, which is to say that they consist of a male and a corresponding female variant. In one example, the male variants are arranged on the pentagon segments, or to the hexagonal segments and the vice versa. The male variants, i.e. the first connection element which is arranged on the sides of the five angular segments, or the second connecting element which is arranged on the sides of the hexagonal segments, consist of a partially spherical deformable projection. This spherical protrusion has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of a corresponding female connection elements, being a hole. Because the spherical element is deformable, it can be arranged in the hole with little effort, after which it again occupies its original form and thereby clamps and stays in place. The advantage is as such a durable but relatively simple to manufacture connecting element is provided which makes it possible to connect the segments with each other without permanent form of connection. Should the user be a fan of another club, or more likely the club of which the user is a fan, get different club colors, he or she can easily detach the luminaire segments and replace the colored segments by differently colored segments.

The male connection elements are arranged on the inside of the segments within the peripheral edge of the segment. The female connection elements, being the holes, are arranged on a projecting portion of the sides of the segments. This projecting portion slides under the male connector element in such a way that the hole is aligned with the protuberance. In this manner, the male-female connection is not visible on the outside of the luminaire and provides this link for a partial overlapping of the pentagonal and hexagonal segments, so that no gaps are created through which light can leak to the outside

In a preferred embodiment, the male connector elements are mounted on the pentagonal segments and the female connection elements, respectively, mounted on the hexagonal connecting elements. This means that each transition, being each of the adjacent sides, between the pentagonal and hexagonal segments is made up of a male and female connection element. In a standard configuration of a soccer ball, which is made up of five or hexagonal segments, however, there are also sides of hexagonal segments which are to be connected to sides of other hexagonal segments. This connection does, in accordance with the invention, not have a male and a corresponding female connector element, but an inwardly directed closure seam/flap/rim which is disposed at an angle with respect to the plane of the segment of 90 degrees or more, in particular 95 degrees, 100 degrees, 1 10 degrees or 120 degrees. Because the angle in particular is more than 90 degrees, the closing seam abut against each other at an angle, and they continue to be pressed against each other when the segments are connected. Because of the partial deformability of the sealing seams / raised rim, these can lie tightly to each other and with some pressure against each other so that there is no crack and no light can enter there to the outside.

In an example, at least one of the hexagonal segments in the plane of the spherical housing is provided with an opening for receiving a detachable plate, wherein the opening on the inner side in the peripheral edge is provided with an upright edge in with a the detachable plate can be accommodated.

Soccer clubs not only distinct by their club colors but also by a unique name or names of important players. I n order to give the luminaire even more similarities with the soccer club, the soccer ball luminaire is preferably provided with a detachable plate that can be accommodated in an aperture of one of the segments. The detachably plate can be accommodated in an upstanding, inwardly directed edge of the opening/apperture. The plate can then be provided with text and / or symbols, such as the name of the club, the name of a player of the club, an autograph or photograph of the player of the club, or the name of the owner of the luminaire. The plate may be rectangular in shape, circular, pentagonal or hexagonal, or combinations of shapes. In addition, the plate can be fitted in an opening in a pentagonal segment and / or in a hexagonal segment.

In an example, the detachable plate is fabricated from at least two layers of synthetic material, wherein one layer is at least substantially light permeable and another layer is at least substantially opaque, and wherein one of the layers is arranged to engrave a text and / or symbol, wherein in particular, the opaque layer is arranged to inscribe therein the text and / or symbol.

In particular, the plate will enable light to pass through the plate at the picture or the text and / or symbols or will at least enable more light to pass through than at other positions. In one example, the text of the plate (and / or symbols) is applied by engraving a two-layer laminate. As a preferred alternative, the picture and / or the text is printed. Preferably the printing is performed with a PET BACKLIT FILM of 0.2mm thick, on which the name and / or photograph or other text or picture(s) is/are printed. In one example, this information (picture / text / logo / name / etc.) is made available through a web interface. If, in an alternative embodiment, the plate is to be engraved, then one of the layers of the laminate is removed and, for example, only the light-transmissive layer remains intact.

In one example, at least one of the five angular segments in the plane of the spherical housing is provided with an opening for the passage of an Edison screw fitting, and in particular one of the group consisting of E5, E10, E12, E14, E17, E26 , E27 and E40 luminaire fitting, and wherein the passage opening, in particular, is provided on the inside of the opening of a screw thread.

The lighting module of the soccer ball luminaire comprises an LED light source. LED ensures low heat generation so that the luminaire segments can be produced from plastics, wherein during use of the luminaire the plastics will not become hot and thus deform. The LED luminaire is inserted into a luminaire socket, which in particular, is an E14 luminaire socket for example. This luminaire fitting can be implemented at the underside of the soccer ball by a luminaire with the corresponding fitting hole which is provided in one of the segments. Alternative light sources instead of LED lights that have the same or equivalent properties can also be used. Furthermore, the luminaire may be provided with control means for activating and deactivating the luminaire by means of a switch, an inductive or capacitive sensor. In particular, this light source can be provided with power supply means in the form of a battery power supply. More particularly, the luminaire may be provided with a solar cell for powering the luminaire and the battery. In an example, the soccer ball luminaire further comprises a discshaped plastic base, which plastic base is provided with a passage opening which is provided on the inside of the opening of a screw-thread for receiving the Edison screw-thread fitting.

In an example, the soccer ball luminaire is further provided with a foot. This foot is, in particular, made of plastic and disk-shaped.

In an example, the pentagonal and hexagonal segments are made of polyolefins, and in particular polypropylene, and have typically have a thickness which is at least substantially 2 mm.

In a further example the foot is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene- styrene plastic and manufactured or polyolefins, in particular polypropylene.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF TH E DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a front view of an example of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention, which is built-up from segments.

Figure 2 shows in a number segments of a soccer ball luminaire which according to the present invention are joined together.

Figure 3 shows a cutaway front view of an example of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention, built up from segments.

Figures 4a-4d show in various views a hexagonal segment of a soccer ball luminaire according to an example of the present invention.

Figures 5a-5e show in various views a pentagon segment of a soccer ball luminaire according to an example of the present invention. Figures 6 and 6a show in a cross-sectional and detail thereof, a pentagonal and hexagonal segment of a soccer ball luminaire according to an example of the present invention.

Figures 7 and 7a show in cross-section and a detail thereof, a pair of hexagonal segment of a soccer ball luminaire according to an example of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows in a cross-section a male connector element of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention.

Figs 9a-9e show in various views a hexagonal segment which is provided with an opening and corresponding plate of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention.

Figures 10 and 10a show in cross-section and a detail thereof an opening in a hexagonal segment and a corresponding picture of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention.

Figs 1 1 a-1 1 e show various views of an in a pentagonal segment which is provided with a luminaire socket passage opening of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention.

Figures 12a-12b show in various views a foot of a soccer ball luminaire according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWI NGS

Figure 1 shows an example of a soccer ball luminaire 100 according to the invention. The luminaire consists of a housing 100, in the form of a soccer ball.

The soccer ball is attached to a base 150 which is arranged, in particular, of a plate 151 on which a text, symbols, colors, or combinations thereof can be displayed on the foot. One can think of a name of a team, a name of a player, a signature of a player or the name of the owner of the luminaire.

The luminaire according to the invention is composed as shown of a spherical housing 100 which looks like a normal soccer ball. The housing is made of a plastic material which is at least partially light-transmitting for the, in the luminaire generated light from a LED light source. The LED light source may consist of a conventional luminaire socket in which, in particular, an E14 or E27 luminaire can be fitted of the LED type, or any specific for this luminaire developed LED light source module. The luminaire in this example which consists of a ball and a foot, is shown merely for illustration purposes only. The invention is not limited to just a ball with base/foot, but, for example, also is directed to a ball and a shoe, or just a ball. Furthermore, the luminaire shown in the example of Figure 1 is provided with hexagonal segments in are closed, as well as open variants. The openings shown here are elongated and are particularly suitable for a name. There are also variations in other shapes, such as circular openings that are better suited for an image. For example a club logo, idol, etc.

The housing 100 of the luminaire is made up of various pentagonal and hexagonal segment, just as is the case with a normal soccer ball. In Figure 2, these 130 pentagonal and hexagonal segment 120 can be seen in more detail. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the pentagon segment are provided with five sides, five sides which all link with an adjacent side of a hexagonal segment. In contrast, the six sides of the hexagonal segment are linked to sides of pentagonal segments and to sides of other hexagonal segments. Some of the hexagonal segments 130' still have an opening to accommodate a plate for displaying a text, symbols, colors, or combinations thereof. One can also use the name of a team, a name of a player, a signature of a player or the name of the owner of the luminaire.

In Figure 3, the housing 100 of the soccer ball luminaire is shown in cut-away form, which makes it clear how the luminaire can be built, namely by starting from the bottom of the housing and placing the light in the fitting and further building the soccer ball housing from the segments. However, the luminaire may preferably also be built up by starting from the top, being the opposite side of the orifice fitting, starting with a pentagon and from there on build downwards towards the segment with the fittings opening at the bottom. From the opening the final connections between this segments can be pressed. As a result, the mutual connection elements are clearly visible on the inside of the luminaire. Also, a special pentagonal segment is visible at the bottom of the housing, which part is in connection with the foot 150. This special pentagon segment comprises a luminaire fitting passage 160 in order there to place a luminaire fitting, or to pass it through from the bottom.

Figures 4a-4d and Figure 4d-a show details of a hexagonal segment of an exemplary soccer ball luminaire according to the invention. Each side of both the hexagonal and pentagonal segments of the soccer ball luminaire comprises a connection member so that the adjacent sides may be connected to each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the hexagonal segments 130 include on three of the six sides a female connector element 131 which is formed by a projecting portion 132 which lies in the extension of the plane of the segment 130. In the projecting portion a hole 133 is provided in which a corresponding male connecting element of a pentagonal segment can be accommodated.

The hexagonal segment 130 is thus provided on three opposite sides of a protruding part 132 that slides in the plane of an adjacent pentagonal part, such that it there slides at the bottom of the inside and is not visible from the outside of the housing. This may be described as a connection in the form of roof-tiles. The projecting portion 132 is provided with a hole 133. This hole is located in the middle of the protruding member.

On the other three opposite sides the hexagonal segment 130 is provided with another connecting element in the form of a substantially flexible upstanding edge 135. This edge is, in particular, nearly perpendicular to the plane of the segment 130. Both the pentagonal and hexagonal segments have a curvature which corresponds to the cross-section of the housing, or the soccer ball. The flexible edge is directed towards the center of the luminaire and thus not visible from the outside of the luminaire. This edge 135 or flap is in connection with the plane of the segment at an angle of almost 90 degrees. In particular, this angle is greater than 90 degrees, for example 95, 100, 105, 1 10, 1 15, 120, 125, or even more. The greater the angle, the more so these flexible rim 135 re pressed against each other. Which is clearly illustrated in Figure 7a.

The flexible edge is between 0.5mm and 5mm high / long, in particular between 1 and 4, more in particular at least substantially 1 .5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4 mm. Tests have also shown that a good light seal can be provided at a thickness of about 0.4 mm. The flap 135 and the hexagonal and pentagonal segments can be manufactured using an injection molding process and made from polyolefins (polymers), for example polypropylene with a thickness of preferably 2 mm. The skilled parson will appreciate that alternative production techniques can also be used, such as 3D printing, stamping molding, etc. The foot 150 may also be manufactured from the same material, but also from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, ABS. The plate 138 is preferably made up of two plastic layers wherein one layer is (substantially) light transmissive, and the other layer (substantially) is not light- transmissive. By engrave in the non light-transmissive layer a name, text, logo or the like can be obtained. Besides engraving this can also be achieved printing, preferably with a PET or similar backlit film of the name, text, logo or the like. The skilled person will appreciate what alternatives are possible.

In the figures 5A-5E a pentagonal segment 120 is show of an exemplary soccer ball luminaire according to the invention. Each side of the five- angled section 120 of the soccer ball luminaire comprises a connection element so that this side can be connected to an adjacent side of a hexagonal segment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pentagonal sections 120 include male connection elements 121 , in the form of at least partly deformable spherical connection elements 121 . This ball-snap connections 121 , together with the female holes 133 form a mating, releasable snap connection. The spherical connection elements 121 are on each side on the inside directed toward the center of the luminaire.

From Figure 6, and the detailed Figure 6a, it can clearly be seen how the connecting elements are mutually connected with each other. The pentagonal segment 120 can be 130' clicked into the hexagonal segment by using the first male 121 and second female 133 connecting elements. In Figure 6a it is also clear how the pentagonal element 130 is slid over the protruding portion 132 of the hexagonal segment 130 so that the connection is not visible on the outside of the luminaire. In Figure 8, the ball-snap connection 121 is shown in detail from a cross section. It is clear that a notch is provided in the spherical protrusion 121 , and since the notch is at least in part manufactured from flexible material, the protrusion 121 can be pressed in such a way that it fits through the hole 133.

The mutually connections between the hexagonal segments 130 is detail shown in Figures 7 and 7a. In the Figures two hexagonal segments can be seen 130 and 130' in which the sides thereof with the flexible upstanding edge light 135 are sealingly pressed against each other. One of the segments is a special segment, which hexagonal segment 130' is provided with an aperture. In this aperture a plate can be accommodated. On that plate a text, a symbol, logo, etc. can be displayed.

In the Figures 9a-9e a special embodiment is shown of a hexagonal segment 130'. This segment 130' is, like the other hexagonal segments 130 provided with female connecting elements on three sides 131 , and on three sides with an upstanding inwardly directed rim 135 as a connection element. In addition, this segment 130' includes an opening 136. This opening is elongated with rounded edges, and arranged on the inside of the opening to accommodate a plate. In Figure 9 also shows a variant of, and the parts of, the locking system from which the hexagonal segment 130 is made, the name and / or pictures having an upstanding edge from the inside so that the photograph and / or name can be pressed against it, wherein the translucent plastic can be clicked on from outside. I n the Figures 10 and detail 10a, the opening 136 is provided with a plate 138. This plate includes, for example, an engraved or printed name 139. The plate is held in place by a groove 137. This groove or ridge 137 is also flexible / deformable to a limited extent. The picture can be straight, of a flexible / deformable material are made of, or comprise a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the plane of the segment 130' and, therefore, with the curvature of the circumference of the soccer ball.

In Figures 1 1 a-1 1 e a special embodiment is shown of a pentagonal segment 120'. This segment 120' is, like the other five angled segments 120 on all sides provided with a male connecting element 121 , a ball-snap connection 121 . Furthermore, this segment 120' includes a circular opening 125 for accommodating a (not shown) luminaire socket, this may be for example an E14 or E27 luminaire socket. This segment 120' can then also be used as the lower segment of the luminaire in order pass through the lighting module. In particular, the opening 125 is provided on the inside of a thread for accommodating a luminaire socket which is provided on the outside of a similar screw thread.

In the Figures 12a-12e a base of the luminaire is shown according to an example of the invention. This base or foot carries the housing of the luminaire, i.e. the soccer ball segments. The foot may be constructed as solid piece of ABS plastic but may also comprise removed parts 157. In such an embodiment, the foot is provided on the bottom of pieces 158. The base is provided in centre of a passage opening 155 for the passage of as a luminaire socket (not shown). This in accordance with the passage opening 125 in the special pentagonal segment 120', which to this end, may or may not be provided with a thread.

At the frontside, the foot 150 is provided with a slot 151 to accommodate a plate. This plate can, just as the plate in the special hexagonal segment 130' be provided with a text, symbols, a signature, etc. Furthermore, it is clear to see in Figure 12 that the base comprises a recessed portion on the upper side. This countersunk portion is adapted to accommodate a piece of artificial grass. Then it looks as if the ball is lying on a lawn which improves the aesthetic properties of the lamp. The artificial grass which can be can be further provided (a piece of) line marking, by makes it even more realistic. Further, the artificial turf is preferably made of a fire-retardant material.

The lamp according to the examples of the invention may be arranged for, and are used as, standing desk lamp but also as a pendant lamp, floor lamp, or wall mountable lamp.

Although the invention is explained on the basis of examples, the invention is in no way limited to any of these examples. One skilled in the art may appreciate that, without inventive work on the basis of the following claims modifications and variations may exist, which are however all be deemed to be comprised by these appending claims. Variants of the lamp that are not dependent for their power supply of AC power, but, for example, e powered with (rechargeable) battery also fall under the scope of the invention. Alternatively, the lamp can also include both a battery and a power cord. Furthermore, the invention in an example provides for wireless control of the lamp, for example, through a wireless communication unit (such as WiFi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, or similar protocols) which enables the use of a dedicated remote controller or control through an application or web-service accessible through a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or the like. It will be apparent to the skilled person that further variants fall within the scope of protection of the appending claims.

Claims

1. Soccer ball luminaire, comprising a spherical housing, which spherical body is made of an at least partially light-transmitting plastic material and comprising at least one lighting module which is provided with at least one LED light source, wherein the spherical housing is build up of a plurality of pentagonal and hexagonal detachable segments, which pentagonal segments are provided on each side of at least a first connection element, and which hexagonal segments on three opposite sides are provided with at least a second connecting element and on the other three opposite sides each provided with a substantially flexible upstanding rim, which flexible upstanding rim is arranged over the entire width of the side, and is directed toward the center of the luminaire, and wherein the first and second connecting elements together form a mating snap connection.

2. Soccer ball luminaire according to claim 1 , wherein the first connecting elements comprise an at least substantially spherical deformable protrusion which is directed toward the center of the luminaire, and wherein the second connection elements comprises a flap extending in the plane of the spherical housing in which flap a hole is provided which corresponds to the at least substantially spherical deformable protuberances of the first connecting elements.

3. Soccer ball luminaire according to claim 1 , wherein the first connecting elements comprise a flap extending in the plane of the spherical housing in which flap a hole is arranged, and wherein the second connection elements comprise an at least substantially spherical deformable bulge directed toward the center of the luminaire which corresponds to the holes of the first connecting elements.

4. Soccer ball Luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the hexagonal segments in the plane of the spherical housing is provided with an aperture for receiving therein a detachable plate, wherein the aperture is provided on the inner side at a peripheral edge thereof of a raised rim in which the detechable plate can be clamped.

5. Soccer ball luminaire according to claim 4, wherein the detachably plate is manufactured of at least two layers of plastic material, wherein one layer is at least substantially light transmissive, and another layer is at least substantially opaque, and wherein one of the layers is arranged for engraving of a text and / or symbol, wherein, in particular, the opaque layer is arranged for inscribing the text and / or symbol.

6. Soccer ball luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the five angular segments in the plane of the spherical housing is provided with an aperture to pass through an Edison screw fitting, and in particular one of the group consisting of E5, E10 , E12, E14, E17, E26, E27 and E40 luminaire fitting, and wherein the aperture, in particular, is provided on the inside of the aperture of a screw thread.

7. Soccer ball luminaire as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a disc-shaped plastic base, which plastic base is provided with a passage aperture which is provided on the inside of the aperture of a screw thread for receiving the Edison fitting.

8. Soccer ball luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pentagonal and hexagonal segments are made of polyolefin, and particularly polypropylene, and typically have a thickness which is at least substantially 2 mm.

9. Soccer ball luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein the base is manufactured of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic or polyolefins and, in particular polypropylene.