FRAMEWORK FOR A LIGHTED STRUCTURE, AND LIGHTED STRUCTURE COMPRISING SUCH A FRAMEWORK

Abstract

A framework for a lighted structure, is provided, formed at least partially by tubes, called framework tubes, assembled together demountably or detachably, at least one of the framework tubes, called illuminated framework tube, includes at least one light source incorporated into the illuminated framework tube. Also provided is a lighted structure made of such a framework.

Claims

1. A framework for a lighted structure, in particular a structure of the illuminated box or illuminated sign or illuminated wall type, comprising: said framework being at least partially formed by tubes, called framework tubes, assembled together demountably or detachably; and at least one of said framework tubes, called illuminated framework tube, comprises at least one light source incorporated into said illuminated framework tube.

2. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises several illuminated framework tubes each comprising at least one integrated light source.

3. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, illuminated framework tube comprises a lighting support, arranged in said illuminated framework tube, and on which is arranged the light source incorporated into said illuminated framework tube.

4. The framework according to claim 3, characterized in that the lighting support arranged in an illuminated framework tube is inserted into said illuminated framework tube in a longitudinal direction of said illuminated framework tube, in particular from one end of said illuminated framework tube.

5. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light source, placed in an illuminated framework tube, is formed by several light emitters, in particular by several diodes.

6. The framework according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, illuminated framework tube comprises one or more openings, each provided facing a group of several light emitters.

7. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two framework tubes are assembled together by a detachable connector that is independent of said tubes.

8. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one framework tube is made of aluminium.

9. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one framework tube has a rounded or circular cross section.

10. A structure comprising a framework according to claim 1.

11. The structure according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a trim element, in particular in the form of a fabric, placed on a part or the totality of said framework.

12. The structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the trim element comprises at least one area that is extensible and light-diffusing.

13. The structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the trim element comprises: at least one area, called extensible area, having a greater elasticity with respect to the remainder of said trim element; and/or at least one area, called diffusing area, having a greater light diffusion capability with respect to the remainder of said trim element.

14. The structure according to claim 10, characterized in that it is an illuminated box, an illuminated sign, a wall of an illuminated stand, or an illuminated stand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Other advantages and characteristics will become apparent on examination of the detailed description of embodiments which are in no way limitative, and from the attached drawings, in which:

[0089] FIGS. 1a and 1b are diagrammatic representations of a first example of a framework according to the invention;

[0090] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a first example of a structure according to the invention comprising the framework in FIGS. 1a and 1b;

[0091] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a framework according to the invention;

[0092] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a structure according to the invention comprising the framework in FIG. 2;

[0093] FIGS. 5a and 5b are diagrammatic representations of a non-limitative embodiment of an illuminated framework tube capable of being utilized in a framework according to the invention;

[0094] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of a connector capable of being utilized in a framework according to the invention;

[0095] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of a connecting piece capable of being utilized in a framework according to the invention.

[0096] It is well understood that the embodiments that will be described hereinafter are in no way limitative. In particular, variants of the invention may be envisaged, comprising only a selection of the characteristics described hereinafter, in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one, preferably functional, characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art.

[0097] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] FIGS. 1a and 1b are diagrammatic representations of a first example of a framework according to the invention. The framework 100 is represented in FIG. 1a in an assembled configuration, and in FIG. 1b in a semi-assembled configuration.

[0099] The framework 100 can be used to produce an illuminated wall, for example a wall of a stand. The framework 100 can also be used to produce an illuminated box.

[0100] The framework 100 is produced by assembling rounded tubes having the same cross section: 102.sub.1-102.sub.10.

[0101] All the framework tubes 102 are assembled together by identical connectors that are independent of said tubes 102. The independent connectors can be installed and removed manually without using any tool. An example connector used for assembling the tubes 102 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0102] In the configuration represented in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the framework 100 is formed by: [0103] two vertical tubes 102.sub.1-102.sub.2 forming a first vertical lateral wall/face 104.sub.1; [0104] two vertical tubes 102.sub.3-102.sub.4 forming a second vertical lateral wall/face 104.sub.2, opposite the vertical lateral wall/face 104.sub.1; [0105] three horizontal tubes 102.sub.5-102.sub.7 forming the horizontal lower wall/face 104.sub.3; [0106] three horizontal tubes 102.sub.8-102.sub.10 forming the horizontal upper wall/face 104.sub.4.

[0107] The framework 100 comprises a front face 104.sub.5 delimited by the tubes 102.sub.2, 102.sub.4, 102.sub.5 and 102.sub.8 forming the edges of said front face, and a rear face 104.sub.6 delimited by the tubes 102.sub.1, 102.sub.3, 102.sub.7 et 102.sub.10 forming the edges of said rear face.

[0108] The framework tube 102.sub.6 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube 102.sub.6 so that it does not project from said tube 102.sub.6.

[0109] The illuminated framework tube 102.sub.6 is provided in order to light the front face 104.sub.5 upwards from below. It is located in the lower face 104.sub.3 at a distance from the front face 104.sub.5, i.e. set back with respect to the framework tube 102.sub.5 forming the edge between the lower face 104.sub.3 and the front face 104.sub.5.

[0110] The framework tube 102.sub.9 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube 102.sub.9 so that it does not project from said tube. The illuminated framework tube 102.sub.9 is provided in order to light the front face 104.sub.5, downwards from the top. It is located in the upper face 104.sub.4 at a distance from the front face 104.sub.5, i.e. set back with respect to the framework tube 102.sub.8 forming the edge between the upper face 104.sub.4 and the front face 104.sub.5.

[0111] The architecture of each illuminated framework tube 102.sub.6 and 102.sub.9 is identical and will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0112] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a first example of a structure according to the invention.

[0113] The structure 200 in FIG. 2 utilizes the framework 100 in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

[0114] The structure 200 can be an illuminated box or an illuminated wall.

[0115] In order to obtain the structure 200, a flexible trim element 202 is placed on/around the framework 100. The flexible trim element 202 covers the framework partially or totally.

[0116] In the example shown, the flexible trim element 202 totally covers the lateral faces 104.sub.1-104.sub.4, the front face 104.sub.5 and the rear face 104.sub.6 (not shown in FIG. 2), so that it forms a totally closed envelope around the framework 100. The trim element 202 can be closed by any means such as a zip fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener, etc.

[0117] In order to ensure better diffusion of the light emitted from each illuminated framework tube 102.sub.6 and 102.sub.9, the trim element 202 comprises an area 204, called diffusing area, covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the front face 104.sub.5 of the structure 200 in a configuration of use.

[0118] The diffusing area 204 has a light diffusion coefficient that has a greater value with respect to the remainder of the trim element 202.

[0119] The diffusing area 204 can be produced for example by utilizing a very fine thread, for example a cotton thread, making said area able to diffuse, or by utilizing a diffusion paint deposited on said area. This diffusing area 204 can be printed and comprise a display.

[0120] Thus, the diffusion of the light emitted from the illuminated framework tubes 102.sub.6 and 102.sub.9 is better distributed over the front face 104.sub.5, which allows a better result to be obtained.

[0121] In order to facilitate its placement on the framework 100, the trim element 202 comprises extensible areas 206, each one covering/forming one of the lateral walls/faces 104.sub.1-104.sub.4 and the rear face 104.sub.6, which are the faces of the structure 200 that are least visible, or not visible, in a configuration of use.

[0122] Each extensible area 206 has a coefficient of elasticity that has a greater value compared to the remainder of the trim element 202.

[0123] Each extensible area 206 can be produced for example with knitted fabric by utilizing a cotton or polyester thread, or elastane or latex can optionally be added.

[0124] Thus, the flexible trim element 202 can be placed on the framework 100 easily, rapidly and without folds. In addition, the extensible areas 206 allow the trim element 202 to be better held onto the framework 100.

[0125] In particular, each extensible area 206 has [0126] a greater elasticity compared to the diffusing area 204, and [0127] a lower light diffusion coefficient compared to the diffusing area 204.

[0128] Each extensible area 206 can be produced from a material different to the material utilized in order to produce the diffusing area 204 and which verifies the two conditions stated above.

[0129] Alternatively, each extensible area 206 can be produced from one and the same material as the diffusing area 204. In this case, the diffusing area 204 can be treated in order to verify the two conditions stated above.

[0130] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a framework according to the invention.

[0131] The framework 300, represented in FIG. 3, can be used to produce an illuminated suspended sign.

[0132] The framework 300 is produced by assembling rounded tubes having the same cross section: 302.sub.1-302.sub.24.

[0133] All the framework tubes 302 are assembled together by identical connectors that are independent of said tubes 302. The independent connectors can be installed and removed manually without using any tool.

[0134] In the configuration represented in FIG. 3, the framework 300 is formed by; [0135] eight vertical tubes 302.sub.1-302.sub.8; [0136] eight lower horizontal tubes 302.sub.9-302.sub.16 delimiting the framework 300 in the lower part; and [0137] eight upper horizontal tubes 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 delimiting the framework 30 in the upper part. The framework 300 comprises four lateral walls/faces 304.sub.1-304.sub.4, an upper face 304.sub.5 and a lower face 304.sub.6.

[0138] In the framework 300, each of the upper horizontal framework tubes 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 is an illuminated framework tube, as it comprises a light source, formed by a series of LEDs, incorporated into the thickness of said tube, so that said light source does not project from said tube.

[0139] The illuminated framework tubes 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 are oriented for lighting downwards, i.e. towards the tubes 302.sub.9-302.sub.16.

[0140] Each illuminated framework tube 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 forms a part of the upper edge of a lateral face 304.sub.1-304.sub.4 of the framework. In other words, the illuminated framework tubes 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 form the upper lateral edge of the framework 300.

[0141] The architecture of each illuminated framework tube 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 is identical and will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0142] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a structure according to the invention.

[0143] The structure 400 in FIG. 4 utilizes the framework 300 in FIG. 3.

[0144] The structure 400 can be a suspended sign that is closed upwardly and downwardly, and of which it is desired to illuminate all the faces except the upper face.

[0145] In order to obtain the structure 400, a flexible trim element 402 is placed on/around the lateral walls/faces 304.sub.1-304.sub.4 of the framework 300. The flexible trim element 402 covers the totality of each of the lateral faces 304.sub.1-304.sub.4.

[0146] In order to ensure better diffusion of the light emitted from each illuminated framework tube 302.sub.17 and 302.sub.24, the trim element 402 comprises four areas 404, called diffusing areas, each covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the outer surface of a lateral face 304.sub.1-304.sub.4, which are the most visible surfaces of the structure 400 in a configuration of use.

[0147] Each diffusing area 404 has a light diffusion coefficient that has a greater value with respect to the remainder of the trim element 402.

[0148] Each diffusing area 404 can be printed and comprise a display.

[0149] Thus, the diffusion of the light emitted from the illuminated framework tubes 302.sub.17 and 302.sub.24 is better distributed over the lateral outer surfaces of the structure 400, which allows a better result to be obtained.

[0150] In order to facilitate its placement on the framework 300, the trim element 402 comprises four extensible areas 406, each covering/forming (or extending over a part or the totality of) the inner surface of a lateral face 304.sub.1-304.sub.4, which are the surfaces of the structure 400 that are the least visible, or not visible, in a configuration of use.

[0151] Each extensible area 406 has a coefficient of elasticity that has a greater value compared to the remainder of the trim element 402.

[0152] Thus, the flexible trim element 402 can be placed on the framework 300 easily, rapidly and without folds. In addition, the extensible areas 406 allow the trim element 402 to be better held onto the framework 100.

[0153] In particular, each extensible area 406 has [0154] a greater elasticity compared to the diffusing area 404, and [0155] a lower light diffusion coefficient compared to each diffusing area 404.

[0156] Each extensible area 406 can be produced from a material different to the material used in order to produce each diffusing area 404 and which verifies the two conditions stated above.

[0157] Alternatively, each extensible area 406 can be produced from one and the same material as the diffusing area 404. In this case, each diffusing area 404 can be treated in order to verify the two conditions stated above.

[0158] FIGS. 5a and 5b are diagrammatic representations of a non-limitative embodiment of an illuminated framework tube.

[0159] The illuminated framework tube 500 is represented in FIG. 5a in an isometric view, and in FIG. 5b in a cross section view.

[0160] The illuminated framework tube 500 can be any illuminated framework tube described above with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 3. In particular, each of the illuminated framework tubes 102.sub.6, 102.sub.9 and 302.sub.17-302.sub.24 can be similar or identical to the illuminated framework tube 500.

[0161] The illuminated framework tube 500 has a circular cross section.

[0162] A light source is inserted into the illuminated framework tube 500. In the example represented in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the light source is formed by a row of ten diodes 502.sub.1-502.sub.10, mounted in series, and supplied by a single flexible power supply cord 504, running within the illuminated framework tube 500.

[0163] In order to allow the light signal emitted by each diode 502 to pass through, the tube 500 comprises a row of five openings 506.sub.1-506.sub.5, provided to be distant from one another, and facing the diodes 502.sub.1-502.sub.10. In particular, each opening 506 is associated with two diodes 502 and allows the light originating from these two diodes to pass through. This architecture makes it possible to allow the light emitted by the diodes 502 to pass through, while retaining the maximum possible mechanical strength of the tube 500 that acts as a framework element.

[0164] Of course, in an alternative embodiment it is possible for each opening 506 to be associated with a single diode.

[0165] The diodes 502, as well as their optics, are arranged on a lighting support 508, having a U-shaped cross section. Such a lighting support 508 can be produced from aluminium.

[0166] The lighting support 508 makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the diodes 502, to facilitate the insertion of the diodes 502 into the illuminated framework tube 500, and holds the diodes 502 in position in the framework tube 500 when said tube 500 is handled. For example, it is possible to place the diodes 502 on the lighting support 508 before inserting them into the tube 500. Once the diodes 502 are positioned on the lighting support 508, the latter can be inserted into the tube 500, for example from one end 510 by translational movement in the longitudinal direction of said tube 500.

[0167] Assembling the diodes with the lighting support, then with the tube 500, can be carried out in the factory, thus facilitating the installation of the framework on a site of use.

[0168] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of a connector capable of being utilized in a framework according to the invention.

[0169] The connector 600, represented in FIG. 6, is suitable for assembling together two framework tubes 102.sub.1-102.sub.10, or 302.sub.1-302.sub.24.

[0170] The connector 600 is presented in the form of a male element, provided to be inserted into two framework tubes to be assembled: one framework tube on each of its ends. In FIG. 6, one of the ends (not shown) of the connector 600 is inserted into a framework tube 102 or 302, while the other end thereof is free and visible.

[0171] The connector 600 is presented in the form of a tube, having a cross section identical to the cross section of a framework tube, and having an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the framework tube.

[0172] In order to facilitate the insertion of the connector 600 into a framework tube, each end of said connector 600 comprises a beveled end part 602.

[0173] On the side of each of the ends thereof, the connector 600 is equipped with a pin 604, mounted on a spring, and moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. When pressure is applied to the pin 604, it is retracted. When the pressure is released, the pin 604 is deployed. This pin 604 is provided in order to lodge in an opening 606 provided on the framework tube so that the connector 600 is held in position with respect to translational and rotational movement.

[0174] Of course, when three framework tubes are assembled together, then it is possible to utilize a connecting piece such as that shown in FIG. 7.

[0175] The connecting piece 700, in FIG. 7, is presented in a T-shape, capable of connecting three framework tubes together. For this purpose, each end 702.sub.1-702.sub.3 of the T receives a connector, respectively 600.sub.1-600.sub.3, itself connected to a framework tube.

[0176] Each arm of the T-shaped connecting piece has a cross section that is shaped identically to that of the connector, and of a framework tube.

[0177] Each of the connectors 600.sub.1-600.sub.3 can be identical to the connector 600 in FIG. 6.

[0178] Alternatively, it is possible to utilize a connecting piece with three arms, each of said arms being perpendicular to the other arms.

[0179] Each arm of such a connecting piece can have a cross section that is shaped identically to that of the connector, and of a framework tube.

[0180] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.