Luminaire with blown-glass diffuser

Abstract

 A luminaire comprising a backing element (2) for supporting a lighting fixture (7) with which a blown-glass diffuser (5;102) is temporarily associable, the luminaire further comprising at least one first decorative element (11;104) which is detachably associable at at least one seat (13;107) formed perimetrically to the blown-glass diffuser. The luminaire optionally comprises a second decorative element (110) which is detachably associable by snap action with the first decorative element (11;104) or with the blow-glass diffuser (5;102).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a luminaire with blown-glass diffuser.

[0002] Luminaires are currently usually constituted by a backing element, advantageously made of metal, which is wall- or ceiling-mounted in contact therewith or suspended therefrom and with which a lighting fixture, usually constituted by a lamp holder, is associated.

[0003] A diffuser is associated with the backing element, which usually has a box-like shape; the diffuser is made of blown or pressed or spin-cast glass and association occurs by using suitable screws which are rotatably associated with the backing element and the end whereof interferes with an end of the diffuser, so as to lock its position.

[0004] The problem currently observed in the manufacture of conventional luminaires lies in the fact that the application of the backing element at the wall or at the ceiling or in any case its suspended use are such that it is visible to users, thus causing an undesirable aesthetic effect even though the luminaire is provided for example with a diffuser having even high-level aesthetic characteristics.

[0005] As a partial solution to this drawback, an annular element is conventionally associated, again at the backing element, to mask the backing element; this connection usually occurs by means of suitable systems, such as screws, or by welding.

[0006] This solution, however, entails drawbacks, since the costs of the luminaire are increased owing to the fact that it is necessary to mutually preassemble the annular element and the backing element. This cost increase can even be decisive for the sale of the product, since the incidence of labor cost is high within the overall cost of the luminaire, which is placed in a very wide market with considerable competition, in which therefore small cost differences can allow selling at a lower price, so as to contribute to the success of the product.

[0007] Moreover, one of the problems that arise is to obtain, at a low cost which does not entail replacing the entire decorative element associated with the diffuser, an aesthetic customization of the luminaire by the user.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to solve the described problem, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited prior art and thus by providing a luminaire in which it is possible to conceal in an optimum manner the backing element for supporting the lighting fixture while maintaining low manufacturing costs and which allows easy and quick customization by the user according to his individual and specific aesthetic taste.

[0009] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire in which the customization of the luminaire can be achieved quickly and easily even by the user without resorting to particular means or tools.

[0010] Another important object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire in which the user can customize, as a function of his own specific aesthetic requirements, the concealment of the backing element.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which has low manufacturing and overall costs, is reliable and safe in use and can be manufactured with conventional machines and equipment.

[0012] This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a luminaire with blown-glass diffuser, comprising a backing element for supporting a lighting fixture with which said diffuser is temporarily associable, characterized in that it comprises at least one first decorative element which is detachably associable by snap action with said blown-glass diffuser.

[0013] Advantageously, the luminaire comprises a second decorative element which is detachably associable, by snap action, with said first decorative element or with said blown-glass diffuser.

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a particular embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is an exploded view of the components of the luminaire according to the present invention;

figure 2 is a sectional view, taken along a diametrical plane, of the luminaire, wherein the lighting fixture has not been sectioned for the sake of clarity;

figure 3 is a side view of the blown-glass diffuser and of the first decorative element which is shown in a diametrical cross-section and not yet associated with the blown-glass diffuser;

figure 4 is a view, similar to figure 3, of the blown-glass diffuser with the first decorative element associated therewith but with the second decorative element not yet associated therewith;

figure 5 is a view, similar to figure 4, of the diffuser, with which both the first decorative element and the second decorative element have been associated;

figures 6 and 7 are sectional detail views of the second decorative element;

figures 8 and 9 are plan views of the first and second decorative element;

figures 10 and 11 are views of the embodiment in which the second decorative element is respectively not associated, and associated, with the blown-glass element;

figures 12 and 13 are sectional views of a detail of the second element shown in the previous figures.

[0015] With reference to the above figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a luminaire constituted by a backing element, designated by the reference numeral 2, which is preferably made of metal and has a box-like shape so as to form a base 3 from which an annular rim 4 protrudes perimetrically.

[0016] The backing element can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, either in contact therewith or suspended therefrom.

[0017] Suitable means for removable connection to a blown-glass diffuser 5 are associable at the annular rim 4 of the backing element 2; said means are constituted for example by suitable screws or springs, whose tip affects a suitable first groove 6 formed at the end of the diffuser that is adjacent to the base and to the backing element 2.

[0018] The backing element 2 constitutes a support for a lighting fixture 7 constituted by a light bulb 8 which is associated with a lamp holder 9, the lamp holder 9 being in turn rigidly coupled, for example by means of a suitable bracket 10, to the base 3 of the backing element 2.

[0019] The luminaire is also constituted by at least one first decorative element 11 which is advantageously constituted by an annular body, made of metal or plastics, provided with an inner perimetric rim 12 which is advantageously curved and whose diameter is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the blown-glass diffuser 5.

[0020] The inner perimetric rim 12 can thus be detachably associated, by snap action, at a suitable seat formed perimetrically with respect to the blown-glass diffuser 5.

[0021] The seat is advantageously constituted by a second annular guide 13 which allows the snap coupling of the inner perimetric rim 12 of the first decorative element 11.

[0022] The first decorative element is therefore preferably frustum-shaped, so as to form a wall 14 suitable to conceal the underlying backing element 2 from the user's sight.

[0023] Advantageously, the outer perimetric rim 15 of the first decorative element can be arranged adjacent or not to the wall and ceiling or on a level which is lower than, equal to, or higher than the plane of arrangement of the base 3 of said backing element 2, according to the specific aesthetic and application requirements of the luminaire.

[0024] It has thus been observed that the present invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a luminaire having been provided in which the first decorative element is quickly and easily associable with the blown-glass diffuser, the application being achievable directly by the end user, thus not requiring any additional treatment during the manufacture of the components.

[0025] The configuration of the blown-glass diffuser can be of course the most suitable but is in any case suitable to conceal from view the backing element once the luminaire has been assembled.

[0026] The easy and quick detachability of the first decorative element 11 also allows the user to choose and/or change the configuration and/or the coloring of the decorative element, for example according to the type of interior decoration of the room or to the color of the wall or ceiling, or to perform replacement in case of accidental breakage of the decorative element.

[0027] In figures 3 to 13, the reference numeral 101 designates a luminaire constituted by a backing element, not shown, which can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, is preferably made of metal, and has a box-like configuration so as to form a base from which an annular rim protrudes; suitable means, not shown, for detachable connection to a blown-glass diffuser 102 are associable at said rim and are constituted for example by suitable screws the tip whereof affects a suitable first seat which is constituted by a first annular groove 103 formed at the end of the diffuser that is adjacent to the base of the backing element.

[0028] The backing element constitutes a support for a lighting fixture, not shown, such as a light bulb associated with a lamp holder, which is in turn rigidly coupled, for example by a suitable bracket, to the base of the backing element.

[0029] The luminaire is also constituted by a first decorative element 104, which is advantageously constituted by an annular body made of metal or plastics and having, at one end, an inner perimetric rim 105 which is advantageously curved and whose diameter is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the blown-glass diffuser 102.

[0030] Two or more raised portions 106 protrude towards the diffuser from the inner perimetric rim 105 and are shaped complementarily to a second seat which is constituted by a second annular groove 107 formed perimetrically with respect to the blown-glass diffuser 102 and allowing the snap coupling of the inner perimetric rim 5 of the first decorative element 104.

[0031] The decorative element is therefore preferably frustum-shaped, so as to form a side wall 108 which is suitable to conceal the underlying backing element from the user's sight.

[0032] Two or more notches 109 are also formed at the inner perimetric rim 105 and constitute grip means for a second decorative element 110.

[0033] The decorative element is substantially constituted by a ring whose diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of the inner perimetric rim 105 of the first decorative element 104.

[0034] Suitable tabs 112, spaced like the notches 109, further protrude towards the blown-glass diffuser 102 from the inner perimetric rim 111 of the second decorative element 10.

[0035] A suitable tooth 113 is provided at the end of said tabs 112 and fits by snap action at the notches 109.

[0036] In this manner, the second decorative element 110 is arranged at the region for connecting the first decorative element 4 to the blown-glass diffuser 102.

[0037] As shown in figures 10 to 13, the second decorative element 110 is constituted by a ring whose diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer perimetric rim 114 of the element 102 at the second annular groove 107.

[0038] Tabs 112 protrude towards the diffuser 102 from the inner perimetric rim 111 of the second element 110; a tooth 113 is formed at the ends of said tabs and enters by snap action the second annular groove 107.

[0039] These embodiments too have achieved the intended aim and objects, a luminaire having been obtained in which the second decorative element can be quickly and easily associated with the first decorative element which is associable with the diffuser; this application can be achieved directly by the end user and requires neither additional processes during the manufacture of the components nor particular tools.

[0040] The shape of the blown-glass diffuser and the shape of the first and second decorative elements can of course also be the most suitable, allowing in any case to conceal the backing element from sight, once the luminaire 101 has been assembled, as well as the region that connects the first and second decorative elements.

[0041] The easy and quick detachability of the second element 110 allows the user to choose and/or change the configuration and/or coloring of the second decorative element, for example according to the type of interior decoration of the room or to the color of the wall or ceiling, or to perform replacement in case of accidental breakage of said decorative element.

[0042] The dimensions and the materials that constitute the individual components of the luminaire may of course be the most pertinent according to specific requirements.

[0043] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A luminaire with blown-glass diffuser, comprising a backing element for supporting a lighting fixture with which said diffuser is temporarily associable, characterized in that it comprises at least one first decorative element which is detachably associable by snap action with said blown-glass diffuser.

2. A luminaire according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one second decorative element which is detachably associable by snap action with said first decorative element or with said blown-glass diffuser.

3. A luminaire according to claim 1, characterized in that said first decorative element is constituted by a first annular element provided with a perimetric rim which is associable by snap action at a complementarily shaped seat formed perimetrically to said blown-glass diffuser.

4. A luminaire according to claim 3, comprising a backing element at the annular rim whereof means are associable for detachable connection to a blown-glass diffuser, said means for detachable connection affecting a first groove formed at the end of said diffuser that is arranged adjacent to the base of said backing element, said first decorative element being constituted by an annular fixture, made of metal or plastics, having an inner perimetric rim which is curved and whose diameter is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of said blown-glass diffuser.

5. A luminaire according to claim 4, characterized in that said inner perimetric rim is detachably associable, by snap action, at a seat formed perimetrically to said blown-glass diffuser, said seat being constituted by a second annular groove which allows the snap coupling of the inner perimetric rim of said first decorative element.

6. A luminaire according to claim 5, characterized in that said first decorative element is frustum-shaped, so as to form a wall which is adapted to conceal from the user's sight said underlying backing element.

7. A luminaire according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer perimetric edge of said first decorative element is arranged adjacent to the wall and/or ceiling or at a level which is lower than, equal to, or higher than the plane of arrangement of said base of said backing element.

8. A luminaire according to claim 7, characterized in that two or more raised portions which protrude from said inner perimetric rim are arranged in said second annular groove.

9. A luminaire according to claim 8, characterized in that two or more notches are formed on said inner perimetric rim of said first decorative element and constitute grip means for said second decorative element.

10. A luminaire according to claim 9, characterized in that said second decorative element is constituted by a ring whose diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of said inner perimetric rim of said first decorative element, from the inner perimetric rim whereof two or more tabs protrude towards said blown-glass diffuser, said tabs being spaced like said notches.

11. A luminaire according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one tooth which can be inserted by snap action in said notches is formed at the end of each one of said two or more tabs.

12. A luminaire according to claim 11, characterized in that said second decorative element is arranged at the region for connecting said first decorative element to said blown-glass diffuser.

13. A luminaire according to claim 12, characterized in that said second decorative element is constituted by a ring whose diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer perimetric rim of said blown-glass element at said second annular groove.

14. A luminaire according to claim 13, characterized in that mutually spaced tabs protrude towards said blown-glass diffuser from the inner perimetric rim of said second decorative element, a tooth being provided at the end of said tabs, said tooth fitting by snap action at said second annular groove.

Drawing