EP2375135A1

EP2375135A1 - Prefab lighting device for recessed mounting

Info

Publication number: EP2375135A1
Application number: EP11159178A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philippe Starck; Marcel Wanders
Original assignee: Flos SpA
Current assignee: Flos SpA
Priority date: 2010-04-12
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Also published as: BE1018571B5; ITBS20100072A1; IT1399326B1; BE1018571A0

Abstract

A recessed lighting device (1) made of prefabricated plasterboard comprises a box-like body provided with a rear wall (20) either rounded or convex at those parts which are visible from the outside, in order that the observer perceives a sense of spaciousness of the inner recess (3) volume.

Description

The object of the present invention is a recessed prefabricated lighting device having a high decorative value, which is suitable to be recessed within a wall, ceiling, plasterboard walls, and the like.
Particularly, the object of the present invention is a lighting device consisting of a box-like body which is intended to be recessed within a wall and trimmed, for example by means of plaster, such that an observer can observe a space recessed in the wall, which space is lightened as required.
Recessed lighting devices of the above-mentioned type are known. However, these devices give the observer an impression of narrow spaces, because the space that is visible from the outside seems to be small and narrow, a sort of recess arranged within the wall.
The object of the present invention is to provide a recessed lighting device of the above-mentioned type, which is suitable to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
This object is achieved by a recessed lighting device which is provided according to claim 1.
The characteristics and the advantages of the recessed lighting device according to the present invention will appear from the exemplary and non-limiting description given below, in accordance with the annexed figures, in which:
- Fig. 1 and 1a, 2 and 2a illustrate a recessed lighting device and a cross-section thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention, particularly for a ceiling;
- Fig. 3 and 3a, 4 and 4a, 5 and 5a, 6 and 6a, 7 and 7a, illustrate a recessed lighting device and a respective cross-section, according to further embodiments of the present invention, particularly for the side wall of a room;
- Fig. 8 to 12 are diagrams of cross-sections of lighting devices according to the present invention, in accordance with still further embodiments.
With reference to the annexed drawings, a recessed lighting device 1 comprises a box-like body 2 extending along a longitudinal axis X, having an inner space 3.
The body 2 comprises a flat front portion 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
When the device 1 has been installed such as to be recessed within a wall, for example within a ceiling or a side wall of a room, the front portion remains visible to an observer and flush with the surface of the wall in which it is recessed.
The front portion 4 has an opening 6 which allows access to the inner space 3.
According to an embodiment, the opening 6 extends along the longitudinal axis X without being defined at the ends (figures 1, 2 and 3); according to further embodiments, the opening 6 is defined (Fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7).
Preferably, the opening 6 divides the front portion 4 into a first panel 8 and second panel 10, which are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, without intersecting the latter.
According to an embodiment, the two panels are separated (Fig. 1, 2 and 3); according to further embodiments, the two panels are joined to each other thereby forming a frame (Fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7).
Each panel 8, 10 has an inner edge 8a, 10a, which defines the opening 6, and an outer connecting edge 8b, 10b, which allows to trim the device for installation.
Preferably, the panel 8, 10 comprises a connecting portion 12, 14 which is longitudinal at the outer edge 8b, 10b thereof; for example, the connecting portion 12, 14 is tapered, i.e. has a decreasing thickness when moving away from the outer edge 8a, 10a, to allow trimming the device.
Preferably, furthermore, the connecting portion 12, 14 is joined to the remaining part of the panel 8, 10 by means of a step, to facilitate trimming.
Preferably, the panel 8, 10 comprises a longitudinal prompt portion 16, 18, at the inner edge 8a, 10a.
According to an embodiment, the prompt portion is arc-shaped and retracted towards the inner space 3 of the device (Fig. 1 and 1a) or planar to the remaining part of the panel (Fig. 2 and 2a) or arc-shaped and projecting from the inner space 3 (Fig. 8).
The box-like body 2 further comprises a rear wall 20 extended along the longitudinal axis X, projecting from the front portion 4 and such as to define the inner space 3 at the back thereof.
The rear wall 20 has an inner surface 20a, facing the inner space 3, which is at least partially rounded to give the observer a sense of spacious inner recess volume.
Particularly, the inner surface 20a of the rear wall 20 is rounded at those portions which are visible from the opening 6 of the front portion 4.
When the transversal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a middle axis Y of the opening 6 (Fig. 1a, 2a and 3a) have been defined, the inner surface 20a of the rear wall 20 is, according to an embodiment, symmetrical to the middle axis Y.
For example, the inner surface 20a comprises substantially flat side portions 20a', 20a" projecting from the front portion 4, and a middle arc-shaped portion 20a''' joined to the side portions 20a', 20a", which is overlapped to the opening 6.
According to further embodiments, the inner surface 20a of the rear wall 20 is asymmetrical to the middle axis Y (Fig. 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 9).
According to further embodiments, the inner surface 20a of the rear wall 20 has side arc-shaped portions, which are joined to the respective inner surfaces of the front portion such as to provide right angles therewith (Fig. 10), acute angles (Fig. 11) or obtuse angles (Fig. 12).
Furthermore, the device 1 comprises at least one light source 30, which is for example housed within the inner space 3.
For example, at least one light source 30 projects from the inner space 3 through the opening 6 (Fig. 1 and 2).
According to a further example, at least one light source 30 is external to the orthogonal projection of the surface of the opening 6 on the inner surface 20a along the middle axis Y (Fig. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), such as to be hidden to the observer's sight.
According to a preferred embodiment, the panels and rear wall of the box-like body 2 are made of plaster, reinforced plaster or plasterboard.
For example, the device 1 comprises support frames 40, at least partially embedded in the box-like body, to which the components of the box-like body are connected, for example the panels and the rear wall.
When the device 1 has been recessed within a wall and trimmed, the observer is brought to observe the lightened inner recess; this recess being defined by a convex or rounded surface at sight.
Accordingly, innovatively, when the observer looks at the lighting device according to the present invention, he/she has the perception of a large recess without spatial limits.
Advantageously, the device is further a separate body, which is manufactured in a factory and installed in the room without the intervention of skilled operators capable of working with plasterboard.
According to an advantageous aspect, the device allows to be recessed such as to completely hide the joints to the wall.
According to a further advantageous aspect, the structure of the device is particularly strong and capable of withstanding impacts, for example during transportation, or during installation.
Advantageously, furthermore, the device is manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner, for example by manufacturing separate parts, which are subsequently joined to the frame.
It should be understood that a skilled operator may bring about modifications to the above-described recessed lighting device, in order to meet contingent requirements; these modifications are all contemplated within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

A recessed lighting device (1) comprising:
- a box-like body (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and an inner recess (3), wherein the body (2) comprises:
a) a front portion (4) having an opening (6) for accessing the inner recess (3), whereby on section transversal to the longitudinal axis a middle axis (Y) is defined;

b) a rear wall (20) defining the inner recess (3) at the back thereof, having an inner surface (20a) facing the inner recess (3);

- at least one light source (30) at least partially housed within the inner recess (3);
wherein the inner surface (20a) of the rear wall (20) is at least partially rounded or convex at those parts that are visible from the outside.
The device according to claim 1, wherein the box-like body is made of plaster, reinforced plaster or plasterboard.
The device according to claim 1 or 2, which is made as one transportable, separate piece.
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the front portion (4) comprises connecting portions (12,14), which are outwardly tapered, for example.
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface (20a) of the rear wall (20) comprises side portions (20a',20a") projecting from the front portion, and a middle portion (20a'''), joined to the side portions, which is overlapped to the opening (6).
The device according to claim 5, wherein the side portions (20a',20a") of the inner surface (20a) are flat.
The device according to claim 5, wherein the side portions (20a',20a") of the inner surface (20a) are arc-shaped and form acute angles with the inner surface of the front portion.
The device according to claim 5, wherein the side portions (20a',20a") of the inner surface (20a) are arc-shaped and form obtuse angles with the inner surface of the front portion.
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface (20a) is symmetrical to the middle axis (Y).
The device according to any claim 1 to 8, wherein the inner surface (20a) is asymmetrical to the middle axis (Y).
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the front portion (4) comprises prompt portions (16,18) defining the opening (6).
The device according to claim 11, wherein the prompt portions (16,18) are arc-shaped and entering towards the inner recess (3).
The device according to claim 11, wherein the prompt portions (16,18) are flat.
The device according to claim 11, wherein the prompt portions (16,18) are arc-shaped and exiting from the inner recess (3).
The device according to any preceding claim, comprising a frame (40) at least partially embedded in the box-like body (2), by means of which the components (8,10,12) of the box-like body are connected.
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one light source (30) projects from the inner recess (3) through the opening (6).
The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one light source (30) is outside the orthogonal projection of the surface of the opening (6) on the inner surface (20a) along the middle axis (Y).