LIGHTING APPARATUS

Abstract

 Described is a lighting apparatus comprising: a box-shaped body (1) which can be installed recessed in a housing (2) made under a treadable surface (P) or in a wall; the box-shaped body (1) has two side walls (3, 4), two head walls (5, 6), a bottom (7) and an upper opening (8) to form a compartment; a bar (9) equipped with lighting elements for projecting a light beam which can be housed in the compartment of the box-shaped body (1); at least two adapter elements (10, 11) associated with corresponding walls (3-6) of the box-shaped body (1) for positioning and fixing the bar (9) in the box-shaped body (1); a lid (12), at least partly transparent, which can be fixed on the box-shaped body (1) for closing the upper opening (8).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting apparatus, in particular an apparatus using LED lighting bars with recessed floor installation, in treadable surfaces or in walls.

[0002] In the lighting sector, a particular branch relates to the creation of apparatuses used for lighting indoors or outdoors by recessing LED units or bars in a flooring, a road or walls to obtain a side light (for example, as a guide for the users or for purely aesthetic reasons of the rooms or the open areas in which the apparatus is installed).

[0003] Some examples of lighting apparatuses of this type are known from documents US 2022/364694, US 10 024 523 and US 10 976 036. Currently, this type of apparatus is constructed in a "dedicated" manner, that is to say, a dedicated LED lighting unit is made which is suitably "cased" with a covering and protective structure (which will then be recessed in the floor or wall) the lid or visible zone of which is defined by the lighting unit (that is, by the outfeed zone of the light beam).

[0004] However, this type of solution has drawbacks.

[0005] The lack of standardisation of the apparatus makes this type of solution expensive, since it is necessary to foresee and construct numerous and different models of products depending on the size and the type of lighting unit.

[0006] This type of diversification of the models makes it necessary to have an extremely large and expensive product storage system only for this type of use.

[0007] In addition there is the fact that this type of apparatus, once installed, has a projection of the light beam with a fixed angle without the possibility of adjustment.

[0008] The fixed projection makes the apparatus not very flexible with respect to any lighting requirements of the area and could also be influenced by irregularities or inclinations inherent in the surfaces in which it is installed. The aim of this invention is to provide a lighting apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a lighting apparatus which is able to obtain a high flexibility of use in any type of area.

[0010] A further aim of this invention is to provide a lighting apparatus which is able to standardise the use of LED lighting units for recessed installation. Said aims are fully achieved by the lighting apparatus according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.

[0011] The main features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, illustrated purely by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a lighting apparatus according to the invention, installed on the floor;
• Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting apparatus according to the invention;
• Figures 3 to 5 are perspective views, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a sequence of steps for assembling some components of the lighting apparatus of the preceding drawings;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a step for mounting an additional component of the lighting apparatus of the preceding drawings;
• Figures 7 to 9 illustrate, respectively, a front view, a perspective view and a lateral cross section of the additional component of the lighting apparatus of Figure 6 having an alternative adjustment system.

[0012] With reference to the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the lighting apparatus according to this invention, labelled 100 in its entirety, is used for lighting inside or outside areas by recessing lighting units (LEDs) in a flooring, a road or walls to obtain a sidelight.

[0013] As illustrated, the lighting apparatus 100 comprises a box-shaped body 1 which can be installed, in use, recessed in a housing 2 made under a treadable surface P or in a wall (vertical).

[0014] The box-shaped body 1 has a compartment defined by two side walls 3, 4, two head walls 5, 6, a bottom 7 and an upper opening 8.

[0015] The apparatus 100 comprises a bar 9 equipped with lighting elements (for example LEDs) for projecting a light beam which can be housed in the compartment of the box-shaped body 1.

[0016] Moreover, the apparatus 100 comprises at least two adapter elements 10, 11 associated with corresponding walls 3-6 of the box-shaped body 1 for positioning and fixing the bar 9 in the box-shaped body 1.

[0017] The apparatus 100 also comprises a lid 12, which is at least partly transparent, which can be fixed on the box-shaped body 1 for closing the upper opening 8.

[0018] In other words, the apparatus 100 according to the invention allows various types of recessed lighting bars (standard type) to be installed using a sort of flexible "formwork" suitable for the installation on the ground/floor, or also on walls, of LED bars of commercial type and with different dimensions according to the technical / architectural needs. Thanks to this solution it is possible to insert in the box-shaped body a standard LED bar which originates for "free" installation and make it usable for recessed installations (floor or wall).

[0019] As also illustrated in Figures 3-5, each adapter element 10, 11 comprises relative means 13 for adjusting the position of the bar 9 designed to modify the projection angle of the light beam relative to the treadable surface P or to the wall in which the box-shaped body 1 is installed.

[0020] It should be noted that each adapter element 10 and 11 is positioned close to a respective head wall 5, 6 of the box-shaped body 1 and is associated, by connecting means 14, on portions of the side walls 3, 4 of the box-shaped body 1 close to the respective head walls 5, 6.

[0021] In light of this, each adapter element 10, 11 comprises an L-shaped shelf having, in use, a first plate 15 parallel to and spaced from the respective head wall 5, 6 of the box-shaped body 1, and a second supporting plate 16 protruding towards the inside of the compartment of the box-shaped body 1.

[0022] The second plate 16 is fixable, in use, to the portions of the side walls 3, 4 of the box-shaped body 1.

[0023] In light of this (Figure 3), the second plate 16 of each supporting shelf is equipped with two protruding tabs 31 extending parallel to the portions of the side walls 3, 4 of the box-shaped body 1.

[0024] Each tab 31 is provided with at least one pair of seats 32 which can engage with respective fixing means 33 (defining the connecting means 14) passing through the side walls 3, 4 for stably associating the shelf with the box-shaped body 1.

[0025] It should be noted that each adapter element 10, 11 comprises at least one cradle supporting body 17 configured for stably housing a respective end portion of the bar 9.

[0026] Each cradle supporting body 17 can be connected to a respective first plate 15 at two end points X1 and X2 of the arms 18, 19 of the cradle furthest from a relative base 20 supporting the bar 9.

[0027] In light of this, the two connecting points X1 and X2 also define the above-mentioned adjustment means 13 where one of the two connecting points, the one labelled X1, is configured to rotate the cradle supporting body 17 relative to the other point X2 for connecting the cradle supporting body 17 to the first plate.

[0028] More specifically, the first plate 15 has a first hole 21 for passage of a first fixing element 22 (a screw) which can be coupled in a relative seat 23 (threaded) made on one of the arms 18 of the cradle supporting body 17 in such a way as to define one of the fixed connecting points X2 between the cradle supporting body 17 and the first plate 15.

[0029] The first plate 15 has a slot 24 which can be engaged by a second fixing element 25 (a screw) which can be coupled in a relative seat 26 made on the other arm 19 of the cradle supporting body 17, in such a way as to define the other adjustable connecting point X1 of the cradle supporting body 17.

[0030] It should be noted that each first 22 and second 25 fixing element is positioned and accessible, in use, between the relative first plate 15 of the shelf and the corresponding head wall 5, 6 of the box-shaped body 1.

[0031] The adjustment of the cradle 17 can therefore be performed with the box-shaped body already installed in the housing 2, for example on the treadable surface P, and with the LED bar 9 already positioned inside the box-shaped body 1.

[0032] For the orientation of the LED bar 9 it will be sufficient to act on the two fixing elements (accessible through the opening 8) in such a way as to allow the second fixing element 25 to slide along the slot 24 (extending parallel to the respective head wall 5, 6) and at the same time incline, in one direction or the other, the cradle 17.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 6, each cradle supporting body 17 is configured to receive, superposed on it, a second cradle supporting body 27 with different dimensions relative to the first cradle supporting body 17 in such a way as to house a different bar 9.

[0034] Substantially, thanks to this feature it is possible to apply supporting "reducers" to be able to perform an assembly of different bars 9 with different dimensions inside the box-shaped body 1.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, the solution with a double cradle may comprise a different adjustment of the orientation of the bar 9.

[0036] According to this solution, the adjustment means also comprise at least one adjustment screw 35 passing through an arm 27a of the second cradle supporting body 27 and an arm 19 of the other cradle supporting body 17.

[0037] This screw 35 also passes through the second plate 16 of the shelf. The screw 35 is configured to allow the rotation or inclination of both the cradles 27, 17 in both directions, after a loosening of the arm 19 of the supporting body 17 from the first plate 15 at the slot 24.

[0038] It should be noted that the screw 35 is equipped with an opposing bushing 36 positioned in contact with the lower surface of the arm 19 to allow the movement of the two cradles 27 and 17.

[0039] It should be noted that the above-mentioned lid 12 for closing the compartment of the box-shaped body 1 has a perimeter frame 28 designed for the fixing on a protruding edge 29 of the box-shaped body 1. The perimeter frame 28 is configured to support a transparent surface 30 for the passage, in use, of the light beam generated by the bar 9. Moreover, each head wall 5, 6 has a through hole 34 for the passage of electricity supply elements for the bar 9.

[0040] Thanks to this lighting apparatus the preset aims are achieved with a simple structure, but at the same time extremely flexible and able to avoid the making of special versions or dedicated "recessed" bars.

[0041] The use of a single box-shaped body having adapter elements allows the use and housing of standard LED bars of different sizes depending on the installation requirements.

[0042] Thanks to the presence of adjustable adapters it is possible to orient the projection of the light beam on the basis of the lighting requirements of the installation and also the irregularity of the treadable surface or wall.

Claims

1. A lighting apparatus comprising:

- a box-shaped body (1) which can be installed, in use, recessed in a housing (2) made below a treadable surface (P) or in a wall; the box-shaped body (1) having a compartment formed by two side walls (3,4), two head walls (5, 6), a bottom (7) and an upper opening (8);

- a bar (9) equipped with lighting elements for projecting a light beam which can be housed in the compartment of the box-shaped body (1);

- at least two adapter elements (10, 11) associated with corresponding walls (3-6) of the box-shaped body (1) for positioning and fixing the bar (9) in the box-shaped body (1); each adapter element (10, 11) comprising an L-shaped shelf having, in use, a first plate (15) parallel to and spaced from the respective head wall (5, 6) of the box-shaped body (1) and a second supporting plate (16) protruding towards the inside of the compartment of the box-shaped body (1); the second plate (16) being fixable, in use, to portions of the side walls (3, 4) of the box-shaped body (1).

- a lid (12), which is at least partly transparent, which can be fixed on the box-shaped body (1) for closing the upper opening (8),

characterised in that each adapter element (10, 11) comprises at least one cradle supporting body (17) configured for stably housing a relative end portion of the bar (9), and in that each cradle supporting body (17) is configured to receive, superposed on it, a second cradle body (27) with different dimensions relative to the first cradle supporting body (17) in such a way as to house a different bar (9).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each adapter element (10, 11) comprises relative means (13) for adjusting the position of the bar (9) designed to modify the projection angle of the light beam relative to the treadable surface (P) or to the wall in which the box-shaped body (1) is installed.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each adapter element (10, 11) is positioned close to a respective head wall (5, 6) of the box-shaped body (1) and is associated, by connecting means (14), on portions of the side walls (3, 4) of the box-shaped body (1) close to the respective head walls (5, 6).

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each cradle supporting body (17) is connectable to a respective first plate (15) at two end points (X1, X2) of the arms (18, 19) of the cradle furthest from a relative base (20) for supporting the bar (9); the two connection points (X1, X2) also defining the adjustment means (13), wherein one (X1) of the two connection points is configured in order to rotate the cradle supporting body (17) relative to the other point (X2) for connecting the cradle supporting body (17) to the first plate (15).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first plate (15) has a first hole (21) for passage of a first fixing element (22) which can be coupled in a relative seat (23) made on one of the arms (18) of the cradle supporting body (17) in such a way as to define one of the fixed connecting points (X2) between the cradle supporting body (17) and the first plate (15); the first plate (15) having a slot (24) which can be engaged by a second fixing element (25) which can be coupled in a relative seat (26) made on the other arm (19) of the cradle supporting body (17), in such a way as to define the other adjustable connecting point (X1) of the cradle supporting body (17).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each first (22) and second (25) fixing element is positioned and accessible, in use, between the relative first plate (15) of the shelf and the corresponding head wall (5, 6) of the box-shaped body (1).

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one adjustment screw (35) passing through an arm (27a) of the second cradle supporting body (27) and an arm (19) of the other cradle supporting body (17); the screw (35) passing through the second plate (16) of the shelf and configured to allow the rotation or inclination of both the cradles (27, 17) in both directions, after a loosening the arm (19) of the supporting body (17) from the first plate (15) at the slot (24).

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (12) for closing the compartment of the box-shaped body (1) has a perimeter frame (28) designed for fixing on a protruding edge (29) of the box-shaped body (1); the perimeter frame (28) being configured to support a transparent surface (30) for the passage, in use, of the beam of light generated by the bar (9).

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second plate (16) of each supporting shelf is provided with two protruding tabs (31) extending parallel to the portions of the side walls (3, 4) of the box-shaped body (1); each tab (31) being provided with at least one pair of seats (32) engageable by respective fixing means (33) passing through the side walls (3, 4) for stably associating the shelf with the box-shaped body (1) and defining connecting means (14).

Drawing