Flexible neon light device

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminous device (1), particularly for decoration or advertising, said device (1) comprising two outer layers (10, 20) made of a flexible material, at least one of the outer layers (10, 20) comprising at least one cutout, the device (1) comprising at least one flexible neon light-emitting diode (LED) strip (30) extending in projection through said at least one cutout so as to appear in relief relative to the surface of the outer layer (20) comprising the at least one cutout. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Flexible neon lighting device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and more particularly concerns a flexible neon lighting device. Previous technique

[0002] Nowadays, it is common practice to use illuminated signs for lighting and advertising. The light sources mounted in these signs can be of various types, such as, for example, light bulbs, neon tubes, or, more recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These signs are generally rigid and can, in some cases, be unsightly and not very resistant to outdoor conditions.

[0003] An alternative solution described in patent FRI857402, obtained by the Applicant, relates to a flag, particularly an advertising flag, comprising a piece of fabric adapted for mounting on a pole and having at least two faces. The piece of fabric includes a pocket, formed between the two faces, adapted to receive a lighting panel. One of the faces of the piece of fabric has one or more cutouts located at the pocket so as to allow the passage of light emitted by the panel. However, the use of a lighting panel may prove inefficient in terms of brightness while being costly.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a simple and effective solution to remedy at least some of these drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0005] For this purpose, the invention first of all relates to an object a luminous device, in particular for decoration or advertising, said device comprising two external thicknesses made of a flexible material, at least one of the external thicknesses comprising at least one cutout, the device comprising at least one flexible neon light-emitting diode extending in projection through said at least one cutout in order to appear in relief with respect to the surface of the external thickness comprising the at least one cutout.

[0006] By "flexible neon", it is understood that a hollow and flexible sheath comprising at least one strip of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in its internal cavity.

[0007] The device according to the invention has the advantages of being both thin and lightweight, of being robust due to the use of flexible neon and soft material, particularly resistant to the elements outdoors, of being energy-efficient, inexpensive to manufacture and use, of having a particularly long lifespan, and of being significantly efficient in terms of lighting, This is particularly due to the fact that the flexible neon tube(s) protrude through one of the layers containing the cutout(s). Furthermore, various colors and flickering effects can be applied to the characters, and energy costs can be significantly reduced due to extremely low power consumption.

[0008] Preferably, the external thicknesses are made of a textile material, for example fabric, or of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one external thickness comprising at least one cutout is glued onto the other external thickness so that the faces of the device are flat outside of the relief(s) generated by at least one flexible neon.

[0010] Preferably, at least one flexible neon tube is glued to or onto at least one of the two outer layers.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one flexible neon tube fits the contours of at least one cutout in a watertight manner, that is to say, the contour of each cutout comes into watertight contact with each flexible neon tube extending through said cutout, in order to make the device watertight against liquids.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device comprises an intermediate support layer disposed between the two outer thicknesses, at least one flexible neon light being fixed to said intermediate support layer, preferably by gluing or by means of fixing members, in particular U-shaped fixing tabs fixed to the intermediate support layer, and at least one outer thickness having at least one cutout being glued to said intermediate support layer.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one groove is cut into the intermediate support layer in order to receive at least one neon tube to improve its fixing and retention on the intermediate support layer.

[0014] Preferably, at least one groove is cut into the surface, i.e. it does not pass through the intermediate support layer so as to conform to the shape of at least one flexible neon tube and thus hold it effectively, in particular by gluing.

[0015] Preferably, the intermediate support layer is less than 5 mm thick, more preferably less than 3 mm thick, more preferably less than 2 mm thick, more preferably less than 1 mm thick.

[0016] In one embodiment, the intermediate support layer is made of a flexible material so as to be able to bend the device.

[0017] For example, the intermediate support layer can be made of foam or silicone or rubber.

[0018] In another embodiment, the intermediate support layer is rigid or semi-rigid, for example made of rigid or semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polycarbonate.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the intermediate support layer is a flat, rigid or flexible battery.

[0020] In one embodiment, the device comprising an intermediate support layer, the device further comprises a rigid plate disposed between said intermediate support layer and an external thickness comprising at least one cutout, said plate comprising at least one cutout identical to at least one cutout of said external thickness, the two at least one cutout being superimposed, so that at least one flexible neon extends in projection through said two superimposed cutouts.

[0021] Preferably, the plate is fixed to the intermediate support layer by means of adhesive means, for example pieces of double-sided adhesive tape.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one flexible neon tube is configured to be connected to a power source to be electrically powered.

[0023] Such a power supply source may be an electrical network, in particular a domestic one, or a power battery.

[0024] Preferably, the device is rectangular in shape.

[0025] Preferably, the device is a valance for a blind or for a parasol or a luminous tarpaulin.

[0026] The invention also relates to a blind, a parasol, a flag, a kakemono or a terrace divider comprising a lighting device as previously described.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a lighting device as described above, said method comprising the steps of:

[0028] - placement of at least one flexible neon tube on the first outer layer, a with an intermediate support layer possibly placed between the two,

[0029] - formation of at least one cutout in the second outer thickness,

[0030] - application of glue or an adhesive layer to the inner face of said second outer layer,

[0031] - bonding of the second outer layer to the first outer layer and / or possibly on the intermediate support layer so that at least one flexible neon extends in projection through said at least one cutout in order to appear in relief relative to the surface of the second outer layer. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig.2] Fig.2 illustrates a first embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.3] Fig.3 illustrates a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.4] Fig.4 illustrates a third embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.5] Fig.5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] illustrates the placement of the first outer layer of the device of the [Fig.l].

[0039] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates the placement of the second outer layer of the device of the [Fig.l].

[0040] [Fig.8] Fig.8 illustrates the device of Fig.1 at the end of manufacturing.

[0041] [Fig.9] Fig.9 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the process according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0042] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of the luminous device 1 according to the invention. The luminous device 1 according to the invention can be used, in particular, as a decorative element and / or for advertising, for example for a brand or a business.

[0043] Device 1 can be a valance or a lighted banner. Device 1 can also be used in a flag, a kakemono, or a terrace divider.

[0044] The luminous device 1 can be rigid or flexible.

[0045] A flexible device 1 can be folded and compressed. For example, device 1 can It can be a valance or parasol valance that folds with the fabric when the parasol is folded, or a blind valance that can be rolled up with the blind fabric.

[0046] In the example of [Fig.1], device 1 is in the form of a rectangular valance, but it should be noted that in other embodiments, device 1 could be of any shape and size.

[0047] The device 1 comprises two external thicknesses 10, 20 through at least one of which, or even through both, is mounted at least one flexible neon 30 with light-emitting diodes appearing in relief.

[0048] The two outer layers 10, 20 are made of a flexible material such as, for example, a textile material, in particular a fabric, or a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Fabric is particularly suitable for valances, flags, banners or terrace dividers, while flexible PVC is particularly suitable for illuminated banners.

[0049] A flexible neon 30 with light-emitting diodes is in the form of a flexible, translucent or transparent hollow sheath having one or more strips of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in its internal cavity and configured to be connected to a power supply in order to illuminate said sheath and make the device 1 luminous. Such a flexible neon 30 is in the form of a roll that can be cut to the desired length of the neon strips, in a manner known per se.

[0050] In the example of [Fig.1], the valance device 1 comprises a first external thickness 10 forming the rear face of the valance and a second external thickness 20 forming the front face of the valance.

[0051] Several flexible neon 30 with light-emitting diodes forming letters are mounted through corresponding cutouts 15 ([Fig.7]) formed in the second outer thickness 20, for example by laser, so as to extend in projection through said cutouts 15 and appear in relief with respect to the surface 20A of the second outer thickness 10 by projecting forward.

[0052] The flexible neon tubes 30 have dimensions similar to those of the contours 16 corresponding to the cutouts 15 ([Fig.7]) so as to fit said contours 16 in a watertight manner to make the device 1 watertight.

[0053] Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of device 1 in which the first outer layer 10 and the second outer layer 20 are glued together by means of an adhesive layer 25.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the device 1 in which the device 1 comprises an intermediate support layer 40 onto which the first outer layer 10 is glued by means of a first adhesive layer 35 and the second outer layer 20 by means of a second adhesive layer 25. Each flexible neon 30 is glued onto the intermediate support layer 40 and extends protruding through the cutout 15 along the contour 16 of said cutout 15.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the device 1 in which the device 1 comprises an intermediate support layer 40 onto which the first outer layer 10 is bonded by means of a first adhesive layer 35 and the second outer layer 20 by means of a second adhesive layer 25. Each flexible neon tube 30 is bonded into a groove 42 formed in the layer support interlayer 40 and extends projecting through cutout 15 along contour 16 of said cutout 15.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the device 1 in which the device 1 comprises an intermediate support layer 40 onto which a rigid polycarbonate plate 45 is bonded by means of adhesive elements, the first outer layer 10 being bonded to the other face of said plate 45 by means of a first adhesive layer 35. The second outer layer 20 is bonded to the other face of the intermediate support layer 40 by means of a second adhesive layer 25. The plate 45 has cutouts identical to and superimposed on those formed in the second outer layer 20. Each flexible neon tube 30 is bonded in a groove 42 formed in the intermediate support layer 40 and protrudes through the cutout 15 made in the second outer layer 20, along the contour 16 of said cutout 15.

[0057] In the various embodiments, the first outer layer 10 and the second outer layer 20 are bonded to each other, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], or to an intermediate support layer 40, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, placed between said two outer layers 10 and 20. The faces of the device 1 are thus flat except for the protrusions of the flexible neon tubes 30. When present, the intermediate support layer 40 can be rigid, for example made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or flexible, for example made of foam, silicone, or rubber. It should be noted that the first adhesive layer 35 is optional and may not be used.

[0058] The flexible neon tubes 30 are connected to a power supply source (not shown) such as, for example, an electrical network, in particular a domestic one, or a power supply battery, via a connector 50 placed between the two outer layers or between the second outer layer 20 and the intermediate support layer 40 when the latter is present.

[0059] Device 1 can also be coupled to a solar panel via a power supply battery in order to be self-sufficient in electricity.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 includes an intermediate support layer 40 consisting of a flat, rigid or flexible, preferably rechargeable, power supply battery, preferably less than 3 mm thick. The device 1 can then be both folded and self-contained.

[0061] Example of implementation

[0062] An example of implementation will now be described, with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0063] In order to manufacture the device 1, the first outer layer 10 and the second outer layer 20 are first prepared, for example by being cut to the desired dimensions, preferably to the same dimensions.

[0064] Next, the 30 flexible neon strips are cut from a roll of flexible neon and bent to conform to the desired letters or symbols.

[0065] The first outer layer 10 is first arranged, as illustrated in [Fig.6], in a step E1 and then, optionally, an intermediate support layer 40 is placed on the first outer layer 10 in a step E2, possibly by being fixed to the first outer layer 10 by means of a first layer of double-sided adhesive 35, as in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4.

[0066] The flexible neon lights 30 forming the letters are then placed and / or fixed on the first outer layer 10 or on the intermediate support layer 40 when present, for example directly by gluing or via U-shaped fixing tabs themselves glued on the first outer layer 10 or on the intermediate support layer 40 when present, in a step E3.

[0067] A glue or, preferably, a second layer of double-sided adhesive 15 is then respectively applied or glued onto the inner face of said second outer layer 20 keeping the protective layer on the outer face of said second layer of adhesive 15.

[0068] Cutouts 15 corresponding to the letters are formed through the second outer thickness 20 and in the same way through the second layer of adhesive 15 in a step E4, for example by laser cutting in a manner known per se.

[0069] The protective layer is removed from the outer face of the second layer of adhesive 15 and then the assembly formed of the second outer layer 20 and the second layer of adhesive 15 is positioned and glued onto the first outer layer 10 and / or possibly onto the intermediate support layer 40 when the latter is present, in a step E5 and as illustrated in [Fig.7], so that the flexible neon lights 30 extend in projection through the cutouts 15 of the second outer layer 20 in order to appear in relief with respect to the surface 20A of the second outer layer 20 ([Fig.1] and 8).

[0070] An optional step E6 of making a seam 60 ([Fig.8]) can be carried out to further join the first outer layer 10 and the second outer layer 20.

[0071] The invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to propose a very solid and resistant luminous device 1 which can be used in various ways, in particular in parasol valances or as a valance for a roller blind.

Claims

Demands

1. A luminous device (1), in particular for decoration or advertising, said device (1) comprising two outer thicknesses (10, 20) made of a flexible material, at least one of the outer thicknesses (10, 20) comprising at least one cutout (15), the device (1) comprising at least one flexible neon (30) with light-emitting diodes extending in projection through said at least one cutout (15) so as to appear in relief with respect to the surface (20A) of the outer thickness (20) comprising the at least one cutout (15).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one outer layer (20) comprising at least one cutout (15) is glued onto the other outer layer (10).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one flexible neon (30) conforms to the contours of at least one cutout (15) in a watertight manner.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said device (1) comprising an intermediate support layer (40) disposed between the two outer thicknesses (10, 20), at least one flexible neon (30) being fixed to said intermediate support layer (40).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate support layer (40) is rigid or flexible.

6. Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate support layer (40) is a flat battery.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one flexible neon (30) is configured to be connected to a power source to be electrically powered.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is a valance for a blind or parasol or a light canopy.

9. Awning, parasol, flag, kakemono or terrace divider comprising a light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for manufacturing a luminous device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said method comprising the steps of: - placing at least one flexible neon (30) on the first outer layer (10), optionally an intermediate support layer (40) being placed between the two, - forming at least one cutout (15) in the second outer layer (20), - applying glue or an adhesive layer (25) to the inner face of said second outer layer (20), - bonding the second outer layer (20) to the first outer layer (20) and / or optionally to the intermediate support layer (40) so that the at least one flexible neon (30) protrudes through said at least one cutout (15) in order to appear in relief with respect to the surface of the second outer layer (20).

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