Item of furniture with integrated illumination system

Abstract

The item of furniture 1 (e.g., a chest of drawers, wardrobe or desk with drawers or cupboards) is movable between first and second configurations (e.g., closed and open configurations respectively). A

Description

The invention to which this application relates is an item of furniture having an integrated illumination system provided therewith. It is known to provide furniture items having lighting systems in one form or another incorporated into their design. The lighting systems are generally included to provide an improved aesthetic effect with the furniture. Such systems are popular, for example, in furniture ranges designed for teenagers and those in the “gaming” community, who may like a more immersive experience or a lighting / colour scheme in the room which complements their particular testes. In some examples, it is known to provide furniture items with strips of LED lighting incorporated around the edges of side panels or around the edge of a desk surface. It is also known to provide kits for purchase which include adhesive strips of LEDs and which can be affixed to items of furniture to create a desired lighting effect. In each case, in some examples, the lighting may be programmable to emit a certain colour or colours, or a pattern or sequence of colours, according to a user’s preferences. Essentially, however, the lighting system is an independent feature which has been incorporated into the furniture, and its status or mode of operation is completely separate from any usage of the furniture itself. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an item of furniture having a lighting system incorporated therewith, and whose operation is dependent on a function or configuration of the item of furniture. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of furniture movable between first and at least second configurations, said item of furniture including an illumination system integrated therewith, the illumination system comprising at least two independent circuits, and characterized in that the operation of at least one of said independent circuits is dependent on which configuration the item of furniture is in. Preferably, said item of furniture includes first and at least second panels or faces located adjacent one another. Typically, said first and at least second panels or faces are movable with respect to one another. In one embodiment, at least one of the panels or faces is movable with respect to the item of furniture. Typically, said integrated illumination system includes one or more pluralities of light sources. Preferably, said light sources are provided in or on the first and at least second panels or faces of the item of furniture. Typically, a first plurality of light sources is provided in or on the first panel or face, and at least a second plurality of lights sources is provided in or on the at least second panel or face of the item of furniture. In one embodiment, each of said independent circuits is provided associated with a panel or face of the item of furniture. In one embodiment, the first configuration of the item of furniture provides the same in a closed configuration, that is to say, the first and at least second panels or faces are in closed positions. In one embodiment, the second configuration of the item of furniture provides the same in an open configuration, that is to say, at least one of the first and at least second panels or faces is in an open position. Typically, each of said independent circuits has a plurality of light sources associated therewith. In one embodiment, the illumination system includes a power source, or connection means for connection with an external power source. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination system includes control means, operable by a user, in use, to control operation of the illumination system. Typically, when the item of furniture is in the first configuration, each of said independent circuits is operable as determined by control means provided with the illumination system. Typically, when the item of furniture is in the second configuration, operation of at least one of the independent circuits alters from its mode of operation in the first configuration. In one embodiment, the said independent circuit cease operation when the item of furniture is in the second configuration, such that an associated plurality of light sources cease to illuminate. In one embodiment, the independent circuit whose mode of operation alters when the item of furniture is in the second configuration, is the independent circuit provided associated with a panel or face which is moved from a closed position to an open position. Preferably, each of said independent circuits includes a switch gate, the configuration of which determines whether power is supplied to the plurality of light sources associated with that independent circuit. Typically, if the switch gate is in a closed configuration, the circuit remains complete and power is supplied to the light sources; and if the switch gate is in an open configuration, the circuit is broken and power to the light sources ceases. Typically, said switch gates are provided in the form of switch members, each switch member associated with a panel or face of the item of furniture. In one embodiment, when a panel or face is moved to an open position, the associated switch gate is opened and power to the associated plurality of light sources ceases. Typically, said switch members are provided in the form of lever pin members. Thus, in one embodiment, when a panel or face of the item of furniture is moved to an open position, an associated switch member moves to an open position, breaking the independent circuit of which it is a part, and causing illumination of the plurality of light sources associated therewith to cease. Typically, in a closed position, power is able to continue through the independent and the associated plurality of light sources remains illuminated. Thus, in one embodiment, when the item of furniture is in the first configuration, wherein the first and at least second panels or faces are in respective closed positions, each of the first and at least second independent circuits have power and their associated plurality of light sources are permitted to illuminate; and when the item of furniture is in the second configuration, wherein at least one of the panels or faces is in an open position, the independent circuit associated with the open panel or face ceases to have power supplied therethrough and thus the associated plurality of light sources ceases illumination, and the remaining independent circuit(s) associated with the remaining closed panel(s) or face(s) will continue to have power supplied therethrough and thus the associated plurality(ies) of light sources continue to be illuminated. Preferably, said light sources are provided as LEDs. Typically, each of the plurality of light sources comprise one or more strips of LEDs. The present invention therefore provides a novel means by which to incorporate an illumination system into an item of furniture and have at least an aspect of the functionality of the illumination system be determined by the configuration in which the item of furniture resides. This can provide added aesthetic to a user and also have a practical purpose insofar as it can indicate to a user if part of the item of furniture has inadvertently been left in an open state. In one embodiment, the control means includes an integrated circuit, said integrated circuit comprising one or more logic gates, provided to permit customizable operation of the at least two independent circuits, and thus, the illumination system. Typically, said customizable operation may relate to the colour or colours emitted by each plurality of lights sources and / or a sequencing or pattern of illumination of the same. In one embodiment, when the item of furniture is in the second configuration with at least one panel or face moved to an open position, the plurality of light sources associated with the independent circuit on the open panel or face, cease or alter their mode of operation, and the plurality(ies) light sources associated with the independent circuit or circuits on the closed panel(s) or face(s) continue the same or alter to a different mode of operation as compared to when the item of furniture is in the first configuration. Thus, typically, the provision of an integrated circuit and one or more associated logic gates permits the creation of various settings of illumination for each plurality of light sources on the independent circuits, when the item of furniture is in the first or second configuration. Typically, said item of furniture may be a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a desk having one or more drawers or cupboards formed therewith, and the like. Typically, the panels or faces form a front-facing panel of a drawer, or a door of a wardrobe, in the item of furniture. In some embodiments, the item of furniture may comprise first, second and at least third panels or faces, at least one of which is movable between open and closed positions. Preferably, at least two of the first, second and at least third panels or faces are independently movable between open and closed positions. More preferably, all of the first, second and at least third panels or faces are independently movable between open and closed positions. For example, in some embodiments, the item of furniture may be a chest of drawers comprising three adjacent, vertically arranged drawers. Typically, the item of furniture is a chest of drawers and in the first configuration, each of the independent circuits is in a first mode of operation, and when the item of furniture is in the second configuration, the independent circuit associated with the panel or face which has been moved to an open position, ceases operation / illumination of the associated plurality of light sources, and the at least one remaining independent circuit associated with the at least one panel or face remaining in a closed position continues in the first mode of operation or may alternatively operate in a second mode of operation. Typically, the provision of an integrated circuit and one or more logic gates permit the programming of various settings or modes of operation of the illumination system, wherein each of the independent circuits may have a first logic when the item of furniture is in the first configuration, and be programmed to continue with that first logic, or change to a second logic depending on which panel or face is moved to an open position when the item of furniture is in the second configuration. In one embodiment, the control means may include a user interface to be controlled directly by a user, in use. Typically, said user interface may comprise one or more buttons, switches and / or the like. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a display means and / or a touchscreen / interactive display means. Typically, the item of furniture includes a plurality of grooves or channels formed in interior-facing faces thereof, thereby permitting the location of one or more wires or cables providing an electric connection between the control means and one or more light sources of the illumination system. Typically, one or more pairs of electrically conductive contact points may be provided within the item of furniture. Further typically, said contact points are movable between a first condition wherein they contact one another when the item of furniture is in a first or closed configuration; and a second condition wherein they are separated when the item of furniture is in a second or open configuration. In some embodiments, the item of furniture may include one or more drawers, said drawers comprising a bottom panel and a false bottom panel spaced apart therefrom, defining a cavity therebetween. Typically, one or more wires forming a part of the illumination system and associated circuitry may then be located in the cavity. In some embodiments, the control means may additionally or alternatively include a remote-control device. In some embodiments, the control means may additionally or alternatively include wireless communication means and be programmable via a downloadable application on a personal mobile device. In some embodiments of the invention, each plurality of light sources may be provided with a secondary power supply means associated therewith. Typically, said secondary power supply means may power a sub-circuit associated with each of the pluralities of light sources. The provision of such secondary power supply means, where provided, enables the continuation of power to be supplied to the light sources when the panel or face with which they are associated is moved to an open position and power through the main associated independent circuit ceases. This would enable the light sources to maintain illumination while the panel or face is in an open position. Typically, said secondary power supply means may be provided as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable power cell, or connection means to an external supply of power. In some embodiments, the illumination system may include audio detection means. Typically, said audio detection means is in communication with the control means and may be arranged so as to detect sound emitted from a source, communicating the same to the control means and thereby permit the control means to control the illumination of the light sources in accordance with the sound being detected, in use. Further typically, said source may be speakers from a personal computer, television, sound system or other such device. Thus, in some embodiments, the illumination system may be arranged to illuminate the light sources in sync with sounds emitted from a particular sound source. For example, the light sources may be arranged to illuminate in sync with a beat, melody and / or rhythm of a song being played; or illuminate in reaction to sounds emitted form a computer game being played by a user. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates an item of furniture with an integrated illumination system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the circuitry of an illumination system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an item of furniture with an integrated illumination system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 4a — e illustrate components parts and panels of an item of furniture with an integrated illumination system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to the Figures and firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an item of furniture 1, in this instance, in the form of a chest of drawers comprising three drawers 3, arranged vertically adjacent one another. Each of the drawers 3 is independently movable between closed and open positions and has a front-facing panel or face, viewable in either position. It will be appreciated that while the present description discusses the embodiment of a three-drawer chest of drawers, the present invention encompasses all manner of items of furniture, such as desks, wardrobes, bedside tables etc., all of which will have at least two panels or faces which are movable with respect to one another. This also means that one of the panels or faces may be fixed, while the other is movable between an open and closed position with respect to the item of furniture with which it is located. The item of furniture 1 further includes an illumination or lighting system 5 incorporated therewith. The illumination system 5 comprises at least two parallel or independent circuits 7, although in the embodiments described, three independent circuits 7, 7’, 7” are provided. It will be understood that the present invention may function with two, three or more independent circuits, depending on the exact make-up of the item of furniture with which the lighting system 5 is integrated. A plurality of light sources is provided, wherein one or more sets of light sources are associated with each independent circuit 7. The light sources are affixed to each of the front-facing panels 3 of the drawers of the item of furniture 1 such that they are visible to a user. In preferred embodiments the light sources are provided as strips of LEDs 9, although it will be appreciated that other forms of lighting could also be used. Each panel 3 of the item of furniture 1 incorporates at least one strip of LEDs 9, and in Figure 1, three such strips of LEDs are provided on each drawer panel 3. The strip or strips of LEDs 9 on a first drawer panel 3 form part of a first independent circuit 7 of the lighting system 5, and the strip or strips of LEDs 9’ on a second drawer panel 3’ form part of a second independent circuit 7’ of the lighting system 5, and so on. The item of furniture, and in the embodiment of Figure 1, the chest of drawers 1, is thus movable between a first configuration, wherein all the drawers 3 are in a closed position; and a second configuration, wherein at least one of the drawers 3 is moved to an open position, and the lighting system 5 is configured such that the operation of at least one of the independent circuits 7 is dependent on which configuration the chest of drawers 1 is in. The lighting system 5 includes control means in the form of a controller 11 provided therewith, which is operable by a user to control operation of the lighting system 5. The system 5 is powered via the provision of power supply means, which may be in the form of a power cell provided therewith, or in preferred embodiments, will include connections means (for example, a plug) for connection with an external supply of power. The independent circuits 7 denote the supply of power to each of the strips of LEDs 9, and the system 5 also includes the provision of data wires 8, associated with each circuit 7 and set of LEDs 9. The data wires 8 are provided to enable the communication of operational commands to the LEDs 9, such as the colour and / or pattern to be emitted. Each of the independent circuits 7 includes a switch gate 13, the configuration of which determines whether power flows through the circuit and thus the LEDs 9. If the switch gate 13 is closed, power flows through the circuit and the LEDs 9 may illuminate; if a switch gate 13 is opened, power through the circuit ceases and thus illumination of the associated LEDs 9 also ceases. The switch gate 13 is provided in physical form in the chest of drawers 1 as a form of switch member associated with each drawer 3. The switch may be provided in the panel or face of the drawer, or alternatively may be located in another position, for example, on a rear, un-sighted panel or face of the drawer. In any event, as one of the drawers is moved to an open position, the switch is opened and thus power through the associated circuit 7 ceases. In some embodiments, the switch may be provided as a lever pin in one of the panels of the drawer. In these preferred embodiments of the invention, the switch 13 thus acts such that upon opening a drawer 3, the associated circuit 7 is broken and the associated LEDs 9 cease to illuminate. In other embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that this action could be reversed, such that a set of LEDs 9 may be provided, and which are off when the drawer or cupboard are closed, but upon opening of the drawer or cupboard, the circuit is completed, and the associated LEDs subsequently illuminate. For example, the LEDs could be provided as internal lights for a drawer or wardrobe section and illuminate as it is opened to improve visibility for a user. Thus, when the chest of drawers 1 is in a first, closed configuration, the LEDs 9 associated with each of the independent circuits 7 are operable as determined by the controller 11; when in the second configuration, operation of at least one of the independent circuits 7 alters from its mode of operation in the first configuration. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the independent circuits 7 have a given mode of operation when the chest of drawers 1 is in the first configuration, and when one of the drawers 3 is opened, thereby placing the chest of drawers 1 in the second configuration, the circuit associated with the drawer which is opened ceases operation and thus the associated LEDs cease to illuminate, while the remaining drawers which are left closed, continue in their first mode of operation. The present invention therefore provides a novel means by which to incorporate a lighting system 5 into an item of furniture 1 and have at least an aspect of the functionality of the lighting system 5 be determined by the configuration in which the item of furniture 1 finds itself. This can provide added / improved aesthetics for a user and also have a practical purpose insofar as it can indicate to a user if part of the item of furniture 1 has inadvertently been left in an open state. In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 11 may comprise an integrated circuit having one or more logic gates provided therewith. This will enable a user to customize the operation of each of the independent circuits 7 and thus the illumination colours and / or patterns of each set of LEDs 9, depending on the overall configuration of the chest of drawers 1 and which of the drawers, when in the second configuration, is actually opened. For example, with all drawers closed and the chest of drawers in the first configuration, a user may wish to have a simple program wherein each set of LEDs 9 has exactly the same illumination colour and / or pattern. In another example, a user may wish the LEDs 9 on a first drawer 3 to emit a first colour and / or pattern, and the LEDs 9’ on the second drawer 3’ to emit a second colour and / or pattern, and so on. For example, a pulse or sequence of illumination may be programmed to extend across all three sets of LEDs 9, 9’, 9” and associated drawers 3, 3’, 3”, rather than simply being repeated for each individual set of LEDs 9 and associated drawers 3. When a drawer, for example a middle drawer 3’ of a set of three in the chest of drawers 1, is moved to an open position, the associated LEDs 9’ on that drawer may cease illumination, but it is possible that the colour and / or pattern of illumination on the remaining two closed drawers 3, 3” and their associated LEDs 9, 9” can also alter as a result of the opening of the middle drawer 3’. This can be achieved as the drawer 3’ which is opened has its independent circuit 7’ broken and data through the associated data wire 8’ also ceases, is recognized by the integrated circuit and subsequently commands a change in the illumination colour and / or pattern of the remaining LEDs 9, 9” through their respective data wires 8, 8”, essentially changing the logic of those circuits 7, 7”. The provision of the integrated circuit and one or more associated logic gates therefore permits the creation of various settings or modes of operation of the lighting system 5, wherein each of the independent circuits 7 may have a first logic when the chest of drawers 1 is in the first configuration, and be programmed to continue with that first logic, or change to a second logic depending on which drawer 3 is moved to an open position when the chest of drawers 1 is in the second configuration, thereby determining the colour and / or pattern of illumination of each set of LEDs 9 when the chest of drawers 1 is in the either of the first or second configuration. The controller 11 may be integrated into the item of furniture 1, for example, by incorporating it in a top surface or panel 15 thereof, visible to and usable by a user, as shown in Figure 3. In preferred embodiments, the controller 11 includes a user interface (not shown in detail) such that it can be controlled directly by a user, and may include one or more push buttons, switches or the like. The controller 11 may also include a display to display to a user, various settings, options, modes of operation etc., and which may also be a touchscreen / interactive display. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 11 may include a remote-control device, enabling a user to control and alter the settings and operation of the lighting system 5 a distance from the item of furniture. Further, the controller 11 may include wireless communication means, thereby enabling the system 5 to be programmable via a downloadable application on a personal mobile device. In some further embodiments of the invention, each set of LEDs 9, 9’, 9” may be provided with a secondary power supply means associated therewith. This secondary supply of power may be provided to power a sub-circuit associated with each set of LEDs 9 and thus enable the continuation of power to be supplied to the LEDs 9 when a drawer 3 is moved to an open position, thereby opening the switch and cutting power through the primary circuit 7 associated therewith. This would enable the LEDs to remain illuminated when the drawer is in an open position. The secondary power supply means may be provided as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable power cell, or connection means to an external supply of power. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a physical example of how the circuitry of the lighting system 5 may be incorporated into an item of furniture such as the chest of drawers 1. Figure 4a shows the underside of the top panel 15 of the chest of drawers 1 wherein the underside of the controller 11 can be seen. Wiring extends from the controller 11 in a groove or channel 17 formed in the underside of the top panel 15 and extends to an edge thereof, which in an assembled state will join with a further groove or channel 19 located on an interior side of a side panel 21 of the chest of drawers 1, shown in Figure 4b. Branching off from the channel 19 is a series of metal contact points 23, 23’, 23” to which the wires of each circuit 7, 7’, 7” extend, each associated with a particular drawer of the chest of drawers 1. Figure 4c illustrates the exterior side of a drawer side panel 25, which includes a metal contact point 27 thereon that, when the drawer is in the closed position, will contact the corresponding contact point 23 on the chest side panel 21, ensuring the circuit is complete and the associated LEDs 9 can be illuminated. In an open position, the contacts 23, 27 are separated and so the circuit is broken, and the LEDs 9 will not illuminate. On the interior side of the drawer side panel 25 there extends a wire 29 from the metal contact 27. In preferred embodiments, the wire 29 extends from the interior side between two grooves 31, 31’ which extend along the length of the interior side of the drawer side panel 25. These grooves 31, 31’ allow for the insertion of the bottom panel 33 of the drawer, as well as a false bottom panel 33’, with the wire 29 located in the cavity between the two, shown in Figure 4d. The false bottom 33’ thus serves to hide and protect the wire 29 in general use, ensuring long term usability and reduction of user damage. Figure 4e shows a rear side of the front drawer panel 3, which includes a connection point 35 for the wire 29, and a further groove / channel 37 extending up towards a top edge of the panel 3, allowing for placement of the LED wires, which connect at the top end to the LEDs 9 which then extend down the front face of the panel 3. Grooves 39, 39’ are also provided for receipt and retention of the bottom 33 and false bottom 33’ panels of the drawer. Finally, in some embodiments of the invention, the lighting system 5 may also include audio detection means, provided in communication with the controller 11 and can be arranged so as to detect sound emitted from a source, for example, music or from a TV or a computer, communicating the detected audio to the controller 11 and thereby permit the controller 11 to control the illumination of the LEDs 9 in accordance with the audio sound being detected. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lighting system 5 may be arranged to illuminate the LEDs 9 in sync with audio emitted from a particular sound source. For example, the LEDs 9 may be arranged to illuminate in sync with a beat, melody and / or rhythm of a song being played; or illuminate in reaction to sounds emitted form a computer game being played by a user.

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