DETAILED DESCRIPTION
State of the art
[0001] In modular kitchens, hanging cabinets often throw a shadow on the worktop underneath
and for this reason it is frequently necessary to have light sources that allow better
performing often delicate operations, not least when using knives.
Purposes of the invention
[0002] The main object of the invention, within this scope, is to provide an innovative
and functional means particularly suitable for lighting the worktops underneath the
hanging cabinets in modular kitchens.
[0003] Another object of this invention is to achieve the preceding purpose and at the same
time design a particularly versatile light source as far as location and positioning
where it is effectively needed is concerned.
[0004] Yet another object of this invention is to achieve the preceding purposes through
a means effectively usable in a vast range of applications and easily adaptable also
to structures not specifically designed for application of such means.
[0005] A further object of this invention is to achieve the preceding purposes through a
simple and effective means which is safe to operate and relatively low in cost in
consideration of the results practically achieved therewith.
Summary extract of the solution concept
[0006] These and other objects are all achieved with the removable lamp structure according
to this invention, comprising a pair of magnets 12, 13 to hold the lamp 8 attached
to two parallel metal strips 3, 4 fixed on a surface 1, said metal strips also acting
as contacts for low-voltage electric current pickup.
Identification of attached drawings
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the model according to this invention will
appear more evident from the following detailed description of a chosen but not exclusive
form of realization, represented purely by way of example and not limited to the drawings
attached, where:
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a part of modular kitchen furniture therein included
the lamp structure according to this invention,
Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a part of modular kitchen furniture therein
included the lamp structure according to this invention,
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a lamp according to this invention.
Static description of the implementation example
[0008] With reference to the above figures, in particular Figure 1, 1 indicates a vertical
panel of the type normally forming the back panel of kitchen cabinets, to be understood
as underlying a row of hanging cabinets 2 as well as overhanging the worktop and cooktop
not illustrated.
[0009] Two parallel metal strips 3 and 4 are sunk into the depth of the panel 1 developing
longitudinally underneath the hanging cabinets 2, associated with said metal strips
is a casing 5 equipped with a switch 6 and enclosing a transformer which powers said
metal strips with low-voltage current through the 230V input by means of a normal
power socket 7.
[0010] 8 indicates the respective structures of the L-shaped lamps with the overhanging
side 9 distally provided with a light source, preferably LED, as well as preferably
shielded with a block 11 of silicone material (GLASS GUMĀ®).
[0011] On the side against the wall 10 the lamps 8 are also proximally provided with two
magnets 12 and 13 sunk into the relative depth and connected to the light source by
means of appropriate cables for the functions specified below.
Dynamic description of the implementation example
[0012] Having thus ended the static description of the chosen example of the model according
to this invention, a dynamic or functional description will now be given:
[0013] The longitudinal pair of parallel metal strips 3 and 4 can be provided to equip the
panel 1 both in the kitchen cabinet manufacturing phase and subsequently.
[0014] By way of hypothesis, if the pair of metal strips 3 and 4 is fitted on the panel
1 at the origin, the transformer 5 can be concealed in the cabinets in any way and
the switch 6 effectively positioned anywhere.
[0015] By way of hypothesis, if the pair of metal strips 3 and 4 is fitted on the panel
1 subsequently, they can be fitted in an an appropriate position using an appropriate
fitting method.
[0016] In any event, the lamps 9 are fitted by means of the magnets 12 and 13, which also
act as current pickup, for this purpose appropriately connected to the light source
by means of appropriate cables and, where necessary, suitable electronic components.
[0017] The power of the magnets 12 and 13 is preferably calibrated in such a way that a
certain force must be applied to detach the lamps 9 from the metal strips 3 and 4
so as to guarantee that they are firmly secured in order to prevent accidentally knocking
down the lamps 8 onto the worktop underneath, where pots, pans and plates with their
contents will be placed.
[0018] In this way, the user can position the light source as and where he pleases simply
by detaching a lamp 9 and positioning it in another place on the metal strips 3 and
4 by means of the magnets 12 and 13.
Alternative implementations
[0019] It is evident that in additional alternative forms of implementation, nonetheless
falling within the innovation concept implicit in the implementation example described
above and claimed below, the model according to this invention can alternatively be
realised with equivalent techniques and mechanics, or equipped with additional integrative
devices, just as all the conformations of the constituent parts thereof can be altered
in a manner suited to the purpose, of which the following is intended purely by way
of example and not imperative:
[0020] The lamps can be shaped differently from the conformation described by way of example.
[0021] Any type of light source can be applied, provided that shielded, although LEDs are
preferable, since they do not heat up and provide intuitive advantages for relative
positioning close to the hands of the users, as well as the possibility to sink these
light sources in silicone shields (LIGHT GUMĀ®) as illustrated in the implementation
sample with advantages in terms of resistance to impact.
[0022] Any type of material can be used to construct the lamps.
[0023] The magnets can be isolated from the metal structures of the lamp by means of an
appropriate structure in non-conductive material.
[0024] The lamp structure according to this invention can find effective use in a vast range
of applications in addition to that on kitchen cabinets described by way of example,
and not only on pieces of furniture, but also on any type and kind of surface for
any use.
Advantages of the invention
[0025] As appears evident from the preceding detailed description of a chosen implementation
example, the model according to this invention offers the advantages corresponding
to the achievement of the set and other purposes:
[0026] It integrates a functional, modular, multi-purpose and low-cost lamp structure suited
to a large number of applications in any sector without any contraindications whatsoever
and with a wide margin of freedom for designers as far as realisation in aesthetically
original, innovative and even bizarre shapes are concerned.
LEGEND OF NUMBERS
[0027]
- 1 )
- Vertical panel
- 2 )
- Hanging cabinet
- 3 )
- Upper metal strip
- 4 )
- Lower metal strip
- 5 )
- Transformer casing
- 6 )
- Switch
- 7 )
- Power socket
- 8 )
- Lamps as a whole
- 9 )
- Overhanging side
- 10 )
- Side against the wall
- 11 )
- Silicone material shield
- 12 )
- Upper magnet
- 13 )
- Lower magnet
1. Removable lamp structure characterised by the fact that it comprises at least one pair of magnets (12, 13) to hold the lamp
(8) attached to two parallel metal strips (3, 4) fixed on a surface (1), said metal
strips also acting as contacts for low-voltage electric current pickup.
2. Removable lamp structure as per the first claim, characterised by the fact that it comprises a pair of magnets (12, 13) to hold the lamp (8) attached
to two parallel metal strips (3, 4) longitudinally fixed on a surface (1), said metal
strips also acting as contacts for low-voltage electric current pickup.
3. Removable lamp structure as per the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said parallel metal strips (3, 4) are applied longitudinally, transversally
or inclined to a surface above the worktop.
4. Removable lamp structure as per the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said parallel metal strips (3, 4) are applied longitudinally, transversally
or inclined to a panel (1) underlying hanging cabinets (2) and overhanging a worktop.
5. Removable lamp structure as per the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said lamps (8) are L-shaped with the overhanging side (9) distally
provided with a light source and the side against the wall (1) proximally provided
with two magnets (12, 13).
6. Removable lamp structure as per the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said light source is a LED protected with silicone material.
7. Removable lamp structure as per the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said lamps (8) are proximally provided with two magnets (12, 13) sunk
into the relative depth and connected to the light source by means of appropriate
cables.
8. Removable lamp structure as per any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said lamps (8) can alternatively also be shaped in a way suited to
the purpose.
9. Removable lamp structure as per any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said magnets are shielded by means of an appropriate structure in non-conductive
material.
10. Removable lamp structure as per any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that said parallel metal strips (3) are sunk into the depth of said vertical
surface (1) or in any case into the surface above the worktop.
11. Removable lamp structure as per any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that associated with said parallel metal strips (3) is a casing (5) equipped
with a switch (6) enclosing a transformer which powers said metal strips with low-voltage
current through the 230V input by means of a normal power socket (7).