EP0965687A1 - Street furniture element and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

the kerb stone or pylon base (1) has, in its interior, a group of fibre optics (4) guides by a frame (2). The fibres extend to the surface of the block to form a series of distinct points. The fibre optics are perpendicular to the surface of the block. Claims include a method of making the block

Description

The present invention relates to an element of urban furniture produced in concrete as well as a manufacturing process for this element.

This element of street furniture is notably intended to constitute curbs, pylons or any other building element and will find its application in the field of building and public works.

The element of street furniture according to the invention can be used in periphery of roundabouts or along sidewalks.

In urban planning, the practical and aesthetic nature of the elements used is becoming increasingly important. However, the current elements have an aspect commonplace, poorly differentiated and moreover, are not reported or marked.

Thus, we know concrete modules to make constructions in the field of ordinary public works with a smooth surface or a relief.

These concrete elements have different disadvantages. First, they are only rarely colored, and show little variation in their physiognomy. They are therefore heavy and unsightly in appearance.

In addition, these concrete modules blend into the urban landscape without enhancement which can be damaging in terms of road safety. Indeed, from such modules constituting for example roundabout or sidewalk edges are few visible especially at night.

As a result, accidents are often observed which may as well concern automobiles as cyclists or motorcyclists.

The use of signaling means such as reflectors is not not satisfactory given that these means are dazzling and that they do not provide a effective signaling only if the vehicle includes lighting means. In addition, reflectors are particularly tiring for eye vision.

To enhance street furniture and especially roundabouts or the sidewalks, we sometimes use lighting elements in the form of small bright spotlights. However, these devices are particularly sensitive to acts of vandalism and costly maintenance.

It appears that the concrete modules currently used for constitute street furniture are not satisfactory from a practical point of view that aesthetic. Their possible development is particularly costly in terms of installation and maintenance.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of current devices and proposes to integrate a fiber optic network into the elements of urban furniture.

Thus, the street furniture element according to the invention has a reinforcement like most concrete constructions but also a network of fibers optical. The reinforcement has the function not only of ensuring the reinforcement of the structure but also to guide the fibers along the piece of furniture.

The invention relates not only to an item of street furniture but still a process for its manufacture allowing in particular a good distribution of fibers along the element and a good orientation of their end ensuring lighting optimal.

One of the first objects of the invention is therefore to provide an element of urban furniture with an iridescence of its exterior surface by optical fibers. That has several advantages and in the first place improves the external effect of furniture urban. These are illuminated and different iridescent colors being possible, the invention allows many variations in appearance.

Another object of the invention is to increase signaling and beaconing street furniture. In road safety, this element is particularly important.

For this, the invention has the advantage of highlighting to the eyes of vehicle drivers the presence of curbs or pylons or roundabouts along their route. In addition, this signaling is regular along the elements street furniture and low intensity which ensures perfect signage and an absence of visual fatigue.

This iridescence therefore warns vehicles of the presence of possible obstacles and also marks their route.

Another object of the invention is to propose a manufacturing process using both practical and ensuring an important quality of production. The process according to the invention ensures that the optical fiber is placed in such a way that the iridescence obtained be optimal.

To do this, the method of the invention has the advantage of allowing a placing and holding the end of the fiber substantially perpendicular to the external surface of the element for the best intensity lighting.

The invention also provides connection and operation practice of different elements of street furniture. To do this, it has the advantage integrate wiring sleeves ensuring the connection between different pieces of furniture urban end to end which avoids the presence of any apparent electrical connection.

Another object of the invention is to provide a piece of furniture iridescent urban with great safety for users and resistant to vandalism. On this point, the use of optical fibers is much less sensitive to acts of degradation than other light sources such as projectors.

Other objects and advantages will emerge during the description which follows. to follow which is however given only as an indication.

The present invention relates to an element of urban furniture produced in concrete and comprising a reinforcement, in particular intended to constitute borders, pylons or any other building element in the field of building and works public, characterized in that it presents in its interior volume at least one network of optical fibers guided by the armature and the fibers of which branch to the surface exterior of the element so as to iridesiate it at multiple distinct points, to increase the enhancement and signage of elements of street furniture.

• on réalise un ensemble de perforations sur la paroi du moule,
• on positionne l'armature au sein du moule,
• on met en place le réseau de fibres optiques par guidage sur l'armature,
• on maintient l'extrémité de chaque fibre optique dans une perforation, pour la réalisation d'un élément de mobilier urbain dont la surface extérieure est irisée pour accroítre sa mise en valeur et sa signalisation.

It also relates to a process for manufacturing an item of street furniture according to the invention, characterized in that, before the concrete is poured:

• a set of perforations is made on the wall of the mold,
• the armature is positioned within the mold,
• the optical fiber network is put in place by guidance on the armature,
• maintaining the end of each optical fiber in a perforation, for the production of an element of street furniture whose outer surface is iridescent to increase its development and its signage.

• la figure 1 présentant une vue en perspective d'un élément de mobilier urbain selon l'invention sous forme de bordure,
• la figure 2 illustrant la fabrication de l'élément de mobilier urbain,
• la figure 3 présentant un mode particulier de réalisation de l'élément de mobilier urbain selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood from the drawing boards located in the appendix, which include:

• FIG. 1 showing a perspective view of an item of street furniture according to the invention in the form of a border,
• FIG. 2 illustrating the manufacture of the element of street furniture,
• Figure 3 showing a particular embodiment of the street furniture element according to the invention.

The street furniture element (1) according to the invention includes all first a frame (2). This frame will most often be made of steel and in the form mesh as is often the case in the field of concrete elements. The function of the framework is to provide reinforcement to the overall structure but also to guide the network of fibers (3).

The street furniture element will be made of concrete but this concrete may be of any type and in particular mineral or with organic elements. Its composition is therefore not limiting.

The street furniture element presented here will apply as indicated previously to different works such as roundabouts, curbs, garbage cans and public benches, lighting elements such as candelabras and pylons.

The external shape of the element (1) will therefore be adapted to the structure to realize and in particular may be in the form of a rectilinear border of section trapezoidal as illustrated in figure 1.

According to the invention, the element (1) comprises a network (3) of fibers optical. As shown in Figure 1, this network (3) is located inside the volume of element (1) and embedded in concrete.

The fibers (4) used will be of a common type and are present as a set of ramifications in the volume of element (1) from a source bright.

The network (3) is organized along the frame (2) which will serve as a guide for their ramification. In this way, we obtain an element (1) having an iridescence over its entire outer surface and possibly evenly.

The fibers (4) used have an end leading to the outer surface (12) of the element (1) to allow iridescence.

At their other end, the fibers (4) meet at a light source. The use of several sources is of course possible and will organize the use of several networks (3).

As indicated above, the fibers will be arranged and branched so that their open end (5) is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface (12) for correct illumination. The maximum angular deviation by relation to the perpendicular will be for example 10 °.

The light source used may be of the current type and in particular to be a halogen source placed in front of the network leader.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, between the light source and the start of the network (3) of the means for varying colors such as one or more color filters. In this way, it is possible to vary the color and therefore to modify at will the external appearance given to the street furniture element (1).

To provide a location for the light source, preferably in the volume of the element (1) a reserved volume (7). This allows the installation of the light source and its orientation in order to illuminate the network (3).

We can also use a box located outside the element (1).

Figure 1 illustrates the realization of a reserved volume (7) and the point of contribution of the fibers (4) composing the network (3) at the level of this reserved volume (7).

As shown in Figure 1, the fiber network (4) is organized from so as to form iridescent bands on the external surface (12) of the element (1) evenly spaced along the surface. However, all other provisions and iridescence configurations are possible.

In another particular embodiment of the element (1) of urban furniture, this includes a sheath integrating the connection means electric in the internal volume of the element (1). This sleeve allows the connection of several elements (1) without apparent electrical connection.

Indeed, the elements (1) of street furniture are most often used in a set and constitute modular elements of construction of the structure. Thus, the constitutive border of the element (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 can be placed end to end. butt with another equivalent element. Taking into account the iridescence to be provided for the elements (1), it is necessary to provide an electrical connection between the different elements (1) in particular to avoid the multiplication of the power supply zones of the whole form. To do this, the present invention has the advantage of comprising a sheath containing all the necessary electrical connections. According to the invention, the sheath is embedded in the concrete and is oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis of element (1). It constitutes a sheath receiving all of the electrical connections.

In this way, no electrical connection system appears to the exterior of the element (1) which not only ensures an optimized ornamental character but also better security. Furthermore, the installation of the elements (1) and their connection will be more convenient.

As indicated above, the element (1) according to the invention can be present in any form depending on the nature of the work to be carried out. So the Figure 3 illustrates a use of the element (1) according to the invention in the context of the realization a candelabra (8).

According to this embodiment, the light source (13) of the candelabrum to constitute the light source of the network (3) of optical fibers.

As shown in Figure 3, the light source (13) has then a double function not only of lighting of the public highway but also network light supply (3).

The invention described here also aims to propose a method of manufacture of element (1) of street furniture.

This process ensures a practical and quality manufacturing of the element (1). In particular, it allows good positioning of the fibers (4) and their orientation substantially perpendicular to the outer surface (12) of the element (1).

As shown in Figure 2, the method will be implemented using a mold (10) whose internal shape corresponds to the desired shape for the element (1).

We will use a common mold in the field of casting concrete.

To ensure quality manufacturing, the process presented here allows, before pouring the concrete, an effective installation of the reinforcement (2) and the network (3) of optical fiber.

Thus, according to this method, a set of perforations (9) on the internal wall of the mold (10). This set of perforations (9) will be configured according to the external appearance that one wishes to give to the iridescence.

According to the example in FIG. 2, the set of perforations is oriented under form of bands of substantially vertical orientation. In a particular mode of embodiment, the desired set of perforations (9) consists of plates perforated (11). These plates are reported on the internal wall of the mold (10) as presented in Figure 2. The inserts (11) may be of different types and in particular magnetic in the case of metal molds to ensure their maintenance or still made of wood or composite material fixed by common means such as screws.

In this way, we obtain removable means of constituting all of the perforations (9). Furthermore, the combined formation of a relief on the outer surface (12) of the element (1) can be provided.

The set of perforations (9) thus produced, the frame (2) is positioned within the mold (10). Figure 2 illustrates this positioning of the frame (2), the maintenance will be carried out by any standard means. According to Figure 2, the frame used extends longitudinally along the axis of the element (1) and consists of a mesh element.

The frame (2) will reinforce the structure of the element (1) and allows the establishment of the network (3) of optical fibers (4) by guidance. Figure 1 presents in dotted line the guidance of the network (3) and the branching of the fibers (4) from the frame (2).

The network (3) thus supported and guided by the frame (2) can then hold the end of each fiber (4) in one of the perforations (9).

The perforations (9) allow good guidance and provide perpendicular orientation of the end (5) of the fibers (4) with respect to the external surface (12).

In a particular embodiment, the maintenance of the end (5) of the optical fibers (4) during casting by means of an adhesive in particular in the form of a ribbon pressing the end (5) of the optical fibers (4) on the outer face of the mold (10). Thus, once the end (5) introduced into the perforation (9), we leave slightly exceed the end (5) on the outside of the mold to fold it back and fix on this outside face with an adhesive tape.

In this way, the placement of the optical fibers (4) is perfectly ensured during casting. Once element (1) has been realized, it will suffice to cut the bet protruding fibers (4) for an impeccable surface condition.

In the particular embodiment where the invention comprises a sheath for the electrical connection of the elements (1), the process presented here will integrate inserting the sheath before pouring the concrete.

The use of the reinforcement (2) as a guide to the fiber network (3) optical (4) is particularly advantageous since it allows, without means additional, to ensure the establishment of the fibers (4).

Furthermore, the inserts (11) make it particularly flexible implementation of the process and allow different configurations and distributions iridescence.

The presence of an electrical connection sleeve integrated in the volume of the element (1) avoids any act of vandalism and improves safety of use elements (1) of street furniture.

It is possible, by iridescence and in particular by means of colorization iridescent light, obtain different effects ensuring an aesthetic appearance and perfect signage for built public works.

Claims (10)

Element of street furniture (1) made of concrete and comprising a reinforcement (2), in particular intended to constitute borders, pylons or any other construction element in the building and public works sector, characterized by the fact that it has in its internal volume at least one network (3) of optical fibers (4) guided by the frame (2) and the fibers (4) of which branch out to the outer surface (12) of the element (1) so as to irise it at multiple distinct points, to increase the setting value and signage of elements of street furniture. Street furniture element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the end (5) of the optical fibers (4) is substantially perpendicular to the external surface (12) of the element (1) to allow optimal lighting. Element of street furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that it comprises a box or a reserved volume (7) in order to integrate the light source illuminating the network (3) of fibers. Element of street furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that it comprises a sheath integrating the connection means electric in the internal volume of the element (1) for the connection of several elements without apparent electrical connection. Element of street furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the element is a candelabra (8) and that its lighting means (13) constitutes the light source of the network (3) of fibers (4). Element of street furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it comprises means for coloring the iridescence placed between the light source and the initiation of the network (3) of optical fibers (4), for the variation of the iridescent color. Method for manufacturing an item of street furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, before the concrete is poured: a set of perforations (9) is produced on the wall of the mold (10), the armature (2) is positioned within the mold (10), the network (3) of optical fibers (4) is put in place by guidance on the armature (2), maintaining the end of each optical fiber (4) in a perforation (9), for the production of an element of street furniture whose outer surface (12) is iridescent to increase its development and its signage. Manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that that are attached to the internal wall of the mold (10) of perforated plates (11) constituting the set of perforations (9) desired. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that a sheath integrating the electrical connection means in the internal volume of the mold. Manufacturing process according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that, during casting, the end of the optical fibers (4) in the perforations (9) by means of an adhesive, in particular in the form of tape pressing the end of the optical fibers (4) on the outside of the mold.

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