WO2016207922A1

WO2016207922A1 - Lighting method and system

Info

Publication number: WO2016207922A1
Application number: PCT/IT2015/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ferruccio ARDENGHI
Original assignee: Henry Light S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-06-26
Filing date: 2015-06-26
Publication date: 2016-12-29

Abstract

System for illuminating a first interface (6) by means of a second interface (7); the latter in turn comprising an LED lighting system. The first interface (7) projects a light source of said lighting system through at least one incision (6A) made on the separation interface (6). Said first interface (7) is connectable to said second interface by means of at least one relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A); the relief being part of the first lighting interface (7). The incision (6A) is adapted to define logos, inscriptions, symbols etc... Said second interface (7) adapted to be coupled with said first interface (6) by means of fitting said at least one relief (7A) with the relative incision (6A); upon completed coupling, only the one or more reliefs (7A) fit in the corresponding incisions (6A) remains visible on the external side (6B) of said first interface (6). Method for illuminating a separation interface (6) by means of a first interface (7) bearing an LED lighting system, wherein it provides for projecting the light source of said lighting system through at least one incision (6A) made on the separation interface (6) joined to said interface (7) by means of at least the relief (7A) in said incision (6A).

Description

TITLE: LIGHTING METHOD AND SYSTEM

The object of the present finding is a lighting system, which, by means of light source means of LED type, i.e. a plurality of light-emitting diodes, battery-actuatable, allows illuminating symbols, logos, signs and forms incised on a separation interface, where by separation interface it is intended shells of vehicles, material for sports clothing and sports accessories, material for drinks, separation elements, billboards etc...

These and other objects are achieved due to the characteristics of the invention listed in the independent claim 1. The dependent claims delineate preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

More precisely, with the term shells of vehicles, it is intended parts of cars, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles and boats which define not the internal structure, normally known as frame, but rather the external covering, which separates all that which lies within, such as the motor etc... from that which is seen by an outside observer.

With the term of interface for sports clothing and sports vehicles, it is intended body suits, gloves, helmets, boots, T- shirts, hats and glasses. These have interfaces, such as the fabric itself, or the leather for the body suit, or the plastic material for covering helmets.

With the term interface for drinks, it is intended the labels to be applied to the cans or bottles (the latter can be either glass or plastic), or to the packages of packs of cans or bottles.

Generally, the invention can be achieved on any interface which provides for the coupling of a flexible lighting system.

The flexible lighting system comes to be coupled to the above-indicated interface.

The lighting system is in fact covered by a material such as a rubbery resin that allows good diffusion of the light emitted by the LEDs and additionally allows the coupling since such material is obtained with incision of the above-described interface, and fitting of the lighting system by means of reliefs obtained thereon.

Said objects and advantages are all achieved by the sports vehicle, subject of the present finding, that is characterized by that provided in the below-reported claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

This and other characteristics will be clearer from the following description of several embodiments illustrated as a mere non-limiting example in the enclosed drawing tables.

- FIG. 1 illustrates a first interface comprising a sign or logo in relief, in the specific example a letter, L; it also illustrates a second interface i.e. the abovementioned separation interface such as shells of vehicles, material for sports clothing and sports accessories, material for drinks; said interface bears incisions, entirely or partly corresponding to the same logos, inscriptions, symbols, 0171

forms,

FIG. 2 illustrates the coupling between said first interface bearing said reliefs (logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms) and the second interface; the coupling occurs by means of a fitting system; upon completed coupling, the first interface is not visible from the outside but usually the reliefs fit in the incisions,

FIG. 3 substantially illustrates the same coupling between said first interface bearing said reliefs and the second interface, the separation interface; now it is observed that the relief has size such to be further extended, also above the second separation interface, in other words the relief has size greater than the thickness of the interface,

FIGURES 4 and 5: illustrate, with a dash-dot line, possible distributions of the LEDs within the second interface; according to figure 4, provision is made such that said light source means are contained within the first interface and to size with respect to the abovementioned reliefs (adapted to form logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms); according to figure 5, the distribution of said LED light source means lies within said first interface, according to a progression with strips parallel and/or incident to each other,

FIG. 6 illustrates a section of the LED covering interface; T/IT2015/000171

here the LEDs are completely embedded in the covering resin, such resin also bearing the reliefs for the coupling,

- FIG. 7 also illustrates a section of the LED covering interface; now the LEDs are covered by the resin only on one side, such resin also bearing the reliefs for the coupling, while on the other side a plate 12 is arranged made of metal material, such as aluminum, for the protection of the LEDs in case of high temperatures within the separation interface

- FIG. 8 illustrates an example of application of the described system in a racing motorcycle or vehicle, comprising a LED lighting system like that described on the shell; in such a manner, the lighting made from within the shell (separation interface) is projected on the exterior of the shell (separation interface) by means of the interface fittable in the incisions thereof.

DESCRIPTION

As is also clear from that stated up to now, the source means 9 of LED type are covered with at least one first interface 7 made of flexible material and said first interface in turn has logos, signs, symbols, information and forms placed in relief 7A with respect to the reference surface 7B thereof.

The first interface 7 is made of material that is not completely transparent to light; in such a manner, the LED light source is diffused over the entire surface thereof; one example of said possible surface is a first interface constituted by resin, rubbery and hence flexible, i.e. that can be adapted to the second interface.

Indeed, the resin is spread in a manner so as to entirely or partly cover the LED light source means; once the LEDs are turned on, the resin of the first interface, being opaque due to the intrinsic characteristics of the resin, uniformly distributes the emitted light over the entire interface itself.

From that stated above, the resin system with reliefs and relative LED lighting system comes to be couplably fittable with a second interface 6. Preferably the coupling occurs by means of fitting system so as to not be, upon completed coupling, visible from outside the first interface; rather only the portion in relief comes to coincide with incisions 6A. In addition, the lighting means itself are not visible, placed within the resin, the latter hidden by the second interface which can thus be defined a separation interface.

Therefore, the coupling system occurs by also providing logos, signs, symbols, information and forms for the second interface 6 that entirely or partly correspond to those of the first interface 7; however, while in the first interface said logos, signs, symbols, information and forms are in relief 7A with respect to a reference surface 7B thereof, in the second interface 6 said logos, signs, symbols, information and forms are incised therein 6A in a manner such that the latter bears cavities or in any case empty portions in the second interface 6.

The interface 6 is a barrier made of any material, such as a metal material, a fabric, a leather or a composite material; in figure 8, for example, is a motorcycle shell.

The separation interface 6 can also be a paper or plastic material label. In the use of said materials, recycled, recyclable or biodegradable materials can also be included.

Said interface acts as a separation element; such separation element is adapted to define:

a hidden i.e. inaccessible portion, internal or otherwise; in the case of internal portion, it can further comprise the containment of at least one body or component or a set of bodies and components, in the case of hidden portion, the following can be provided for:

- an external portion, which can correspond to the surrounding environment, or at least that corresponding to its exposed side, indicated in the example with 6A. In such a manner, according to the aforesaid definitions, the interface is a separation element adapted to entirely or partly conceal one setting with respect to another, one space portion with respect to the setting, or one space portion with respect to the other.

Once actuated, all or part of said light-emitting diodes produce a specific color which becomes visible outside the shell, passing through the shell itself and through holes, incisions, or graphical symbols entirely or partly made on the shell; said incisions or graphical symbols can also be inscriptions or images of objects and/or animals or people.

Also forming the object of the present invention is the lighting method adapted to highlight logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms etc., a method which provides for;

- the covering of lighting means 9 via LED light source means, by means of at least one first 7 interface; said light source means being connectable to batteries 10 adapted to provide the necessary current for the lighting thereof,

- creating, on said first interface 7, a series of reliefs 7A adapted to form logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms,

- coupling said first interface 7 bearing said reliefs (logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms) with a second interface 6 in turn bearing incisions 6A, entirely or partly corresponding to the same logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms.

According to one embodiment, provision is made such that said light source means are contained within the first interface and to size with respect to the abovementioned reliefs (adapted to form logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms).

According to another embodiment, provision is made for the distribution of said LED light source means, within said first interface, according to a progression with strips parallel to each other. According to another embodiment, provision is made for the distribution of said LED light source means, within said first interface, according to a progression with strips parallel and incident to each other, with incidence angle perpendicular or not so.

Therefore, provision is made for the distribution of said LED light source means, within said first interface, of a series of LED strips, wherein the LED strip is distributed according to a matrix progression.

EMBODIMENT

According to figure 8, a racing vehicle with two or more wheels, such as a single-seat or two-seater motorcycle or car, has the lighting system with relief-fitting with incisions obtained on respective interfaces, of which the interface bearing the reliefs also comprises an LED lighting system.

Due to this solution, it is possible to equip the vehicle with means for the light projection of signs, symbols, etc., said light source also able to vary color by means of timing or selector devices for the light-emitting diode(s).

The advantages include the fact that the motorcycle, or generally the vehicle, the body suit and the separation interface can be susceptible to color and symbol change.

Figure 8, illustrates, by way of example, a racing vehicle for races on asphalt tracks, or a racing motorcycle; the motorcycle has covering elements, preferably adhesives, which at least partly hide holes, incisions and graphical symbols obtained on the shell.

Hidden within the second interface, as figures 6 and 7 indicate, are a plurality of battery-actuatable light-emitting diodes.

Once actuated, all or part of said light-emitting diodes produce a specific color which becomes visible outside the shell, passing through the reliefs coupled with the incisions obtained in the shell itself.

It is specified that the incisions or graphical symbols referred to can also be inscriptions or images of objects and/or animals or people.

Hence the incisions - by means of the hidden interface that can be illuminated by means of integrated LEDs - can also be colored due to the crossing of the LED light emitted via the corresponding reliefs: this enables viewing and appreciating the underlying design, sign or inscription from the outside.

In the example pursuant to figure 8, reference is made to a sports vehicle, such as a motorcycle in the current case, indicated overall with the reference number 1.

Of course, the vehicle has two wheels, indicated with 4 and 5, at least one frame 2 and a propulsor 3 for advancing the vehicle 1, and at least one cover shell 6.

As seen, the shell 6 can be formed of multiple parts that can be joined together and/or to said frame 2.

The lighting method for illuminating the vehicle 1 provides for projecting a light source into the incisions of the shell 6 such that they are visible from outside the shell 6, while the projection is carried out from the interior of the shell 6, in practice hidden within the vehicle 1.

As said, the projection occurs with means 9 of LED type.

The plurality of light-emitting diodes, represented with 9 in figures 6 and 7, are battery-actuatable 11; once actuated, all or part of said light-emitting diodes produce a specific color which becomes visible outside the shell, passing through the shell itself and through holes, incisions and graphical symbols indicated overall with 8 and entirely or partly obtained on the shell.

Said source means of LED type emit monochromatic light upon passage of electric current and with specific wavelength; the activation by means of battery 11 and timer and selector device 10 for one or more diodes produces a range of colors. In addition, said range of colors is sequentially emitted.

Figure 7 illustrates a section of the LED covering interface; where the LEDs are covered by the resin only on one side, and the resin also bears the reliefs for the coupling; on the other side, a plate 12 is arranged that is made of metal material, such as aluminum, for protecting the LEDs in case of high temperatures within the separation interface.

The LEDs applied within the shell make it possible to create fantastic effects.

It is specified that LED is an acronym of LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (diode with luminous emission or light-emitting), a component which emits monochromatic light upon the passage of electric current. For such purpose, the light emitted by a light- emitting diode has a specific wavelength and therefore a specific color. The latter depends on the semiconductor material of the LED. The LED semiconductors are constituted by a combination of elements such as phosphides or arsenides. Different combinations exist, each of which liberating a variable quantity of energy as a function of the prohibited band of the semiconductor material. When the charge carriers are recombined, photons are emitted according to specific levels of discontinuous energy. This determines a specific light color. For example, blue light is produced if a high energy level is liberated, while the light is red is the level of emitted energy is lower. In this manner, a monochromatic light is produced (of only one color).

The LEDs of the present invention can emit, in projection, a single-color light and/or white light.

It is specified that the meaning of "relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A)" signifies a relief having the same shape as the incision and such that it can be introduced in the latter and remain therein. Or it can exit outward, as stated above.

The finding consists of a system for illuminating an interface (6) by means of an (7) interface, the latter in turn comprising an LED lighting system (9). The interface (7) projects a light source of said lighting system through at least one incision (6A) made on the separation interface.

Said interface (7) is connectable to said interface (6) by means of at least its relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A); the relief is part of the first lighting interface.

The incision is adapted to define logos, inscriptions, symbols etc...

The interface (7) comprises at least one relief reproducing at least one of the logos, inscriptions, symbols etc... of the interface (6).

Said interface (7) is adapted to be coupled with said interface (6) by means of fitting said at least one relief with the relative incision; upon completed coupling, only the one or more reliefs fit in the corresponding incisions remain visible on the external side (6B) of said interface.

The relief (7A) has size such to be further extended and exit outward from the separation interface (6), given that the relief has greater size than the thickness of the interface.

The interface (7) is constituted by a series of LEDs (9) and by a resin for the covering thereof; the one or more reliefs (7A) are also obtained on the surface of said resin.

In addition, on the side opposite that of the reliefs, there is at least one plate (12) or thin layer made of metal material to protect the LEDs in case of high temperatures.

Also forming an object of the finding is a method for illuminating a separation interface by means of an interface (7) bearing an LED lighting system (9). Provision is made for projecting the light source of said lighting system through at least one incision made on a separation interface (6) joined to said interface by means of at least the relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A); the relief is part of the lighting interface (7).

Provision is made for the covering of lighting means via LED light source means, by means of at least one first interface; said light source means being connectable to batteries adapted to provide the necessary current for the lighting thereof; for the creation, on said first interface, of one or more reliefs adapted to form logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms; for the coupling of said first interface with reliefs with the second interface in turn bearing incisions entirely or partly corresponding to the same logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms.

Provision is made for arranging the LEDs to size with respect to the abovementioned reliefs and relative incisions.

Provision is made for arranging LED according to a progression with strips parallel and/or incident to each other.

Provision is made to illuminate by means of the plurality of battery-actuatable light-emitting diodes; once actuated, all or part of said light-emitting diodes produce a specific color which becomes visible outside the separation interface, passing through the incisions and the reliefs coupled thereto.

Forming the object of the finding is the vehicle (1) comprising a lighting system as claimed in the preceding claims. Each device comprising at least one interface (6) with incisions (6A) and interface (7) with lighting system as claimed in the preceding claims.

Also forming the object is the interface (6), comprising at least one incision (6A), the incision being adapted to define logos, inscriptions, symbols etc., and at least one of these being adapted to house, via coupling, a logo, inscription, sign, form etc., placed in relief (7A) on a corresponding interface (7) with LED lighting system; said coupling occurring via fitting such that, once the light source of the interface (7) is activated, this passes through said incision (6A) made on the interface (6) by means of the relief (7A).

By way of example, a board such as a billboard or those placed behind famous people, usually made of plexiglass or cardboard or another equivalent material, for support and separation, can have a series of incisions, logos, symbols, forms etc. with one or more interfaces 7 associated therewith on the rear part with lighting system like those described; the interfaces 7 are fit in the incisions by means of relative reliefs 7A.

Claims

2016/207922 PCT/IT2015/000171 C L A I M S

1. System for illuminating an interface (6) by means of an interface (7), the latter in turn comprising an LED lighting system (9), said system characterized in that the interface (7) projects a light source of said lighting system through at least one incision (6A) made on the separation interface.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that, said interface (7) is connectable to said interface (6) by means of at least its relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A); the relief being part of the first lighting interface.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the incision is adapted to define logos, inscriptions, symbols etc... just like the interface (7) comprises at least one relief reproducing at least one of the logos, inscriptions, symbols, incisions of the interface (6).

4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it passes through the entire thickness of the interface (6).

5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said interface (7) is adapted to be coupled with said interface (6) by means of fitting said at least one relief with the relative incision; upon completed coupling, only the one or more reliefs fit in the corresponding incisions remain visible on the external side (6B) of said interface.

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the relief (7A) has size such to be further extended and exit outward from the separation interface (6), given that the relief has greater size than the thickness of the interface.

7. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (7) is constituted by a series of LEDs (9) and by a resin for the covering thereof; the one or more reliefs (7A) also being obtained on the surface of said resin.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises, on the side opposite that of the reliefs, at least one plate (12) or thin layer made of metal material to protect the LEDs in case of high temperatures.

9. Method for illuminating a separation interface by means of an interface (7) bearing an LED lighting system (9), characterized in that it provides for projecting the light source of said lighting system through at least one incision made on a separation interface (6) joined to said interface by means of at least one relief (7A) fittable in said incision (6A); the relief being part of the lighting interface (7).

10. Lighting method according to claim 9, characterized in that it provides for:

- the covering of lighting means by means of LED light source means, by means of at least one first interface; said light source means being connectable to batteries adapted to provide the necessary current for the lighting thereof,

- the creation, on said first interface, of one or more reliefs 2016/207922

PCT/IT2015/000171

adapted to form logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms, - the coupling of said first interface with reliefs with the second interface in turn bearing incisions, entirely or partly corresponding to the same logos, inscriptions, symbols, forms.

11. Method according to claim 9 characterized in that it provides for arranging the LEDs to size with respect to the abovementioned reliefs and relative incisions.

12. Method according to claim 9 characterized in that it provides for arranging the LEDs according to a progression with strips parallel and/or incident to each other.

13. Method according to claim 9 characterized in that the lighting by means of the plurality of light-emitting diodes can be actuated by battery; once actuated, all or part of said light-emitting diodes produce a specific color which becomes visible outside the separation interface, passing through the incisions and the reliefs coupled thereto.

14. Vehicle (1) comprising a lighting system as claimed in the preceding claims.

15. Device comprising at least one interface (6) with incisions (6A) and interface (7) with lighting system as claimed in the preceding claims.

16. An interface (6) comprising at least one incision (6A), the incision being adapted to define logos, inscriptions, symbols etc., and at least one of these being adapted to house, via coupling, a logo, inscription, symbol, form etc., placed in relief (7A) on a corresponding interface (7) with LED lighting system; said coupling occurring via fitting such that, once the light source of the interface (7) is activated, this passes through said incision (6A) made on the interface

(6) by means of the relief (7A).