Backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water

Abstract

A backlight structure (100) for decorative covering sheets immersed in water, comprising : at least one first sheet (1) having a first main extension plane, said at least one first sheet (1) having a first surface (S1') and an opposing second surface (S2), the first surface (S1'), when the backlight structure (100) is in use, facing a portion of a support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable, along a first direction (D1) substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane from the first surface (SI) to the opposing second surface (82), the at least one first sheet comprising a first layer (2) of reflective material and a second layer (3) of transparent thermosetting polymer material, the at least one first sheet (1) further comprising a plurality (4) of lighting elements embedded in said at least one second layer (3) of transparent thermosetting polymer material, the at least one first sheet (1) further comprising a first plurality (5) of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) along the direction (D1) substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane of the at least one first sheet (1); at least one second decorative covering sheet (6) of laminated glass having a respective second main extension plane, said at least one second sheet (6) having a respective first surface (SI' ) and a respective opposing second surface (S2'), the at least one second sheet (6) being fixed to the at least one first sheet (1) so that the second main extension plane (P2) of the at least one second sheet (6) is substantially parallel to the first main extension plane (P1) of the at least one first sheet (1) and the first surface (S1') of the at least one second sheet (6) faces the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1), the at least one second sheet (6) further comprising a second plurality (S') of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the first surface (S1') of the at least one second sheet (6) along a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the second main extension plane (P2) of the at least one second sheet (6), each coupling element of said second plurality (5') of coupling elements being adapted to engage a respective coupling element of the first plurality (5) of coupling elements to fix together the at least one first sheet (1) and the at least one second sheet (6).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BACKLIGHT STRUCTURE FOR DECORATIVE COVERING SHEETS IMMERSED IN WATER

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the construction field, and in particular to a backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water .

[0005] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0006] As is known, in the field of swimming pools and tubs for uses in indoor or outdoor environments , lighting systems allowing the constant usability thereof , even at night , can be required .

[0007] In this respect , there are known typically point LED or incandescent systems with bodies recessed in the cement structures and made waterproof by metal or plastic bodies protected by a surface made of glass or transparent plastic material which allow the di f fusion of light into the swimming pool or tub .

[0008] The popularity of decorative covering sheets in a large format and the widespread demand for the surface of the decorative covering sheets to be completely backlighted, whi le still ensuring increased aesthetical impact and better light output , have led to the development of backlight panels capable of continuously di f fusing light over the entire surface of the decorative covering sheet and which are suitable for continuous use when immersed in water .

[0009] Speci fically, for example , backlight panels to be immersed have been developed, which have optical fibers therein, each of which has an end brought out of water for the connection with a light source , the light of which is then di f fused over the entire length of the optical fiber .

[0010] However, still today, such backlight systems are certainly improvable because there is a need to overcome problems such as : the resistance to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems such as acids and strong and weak bases , chlorine , and others ; the inspectionability of the lighting system and the waterproofing level which ensures continuous use when immersed in water .

[0011] Moreover, with reference to the backlight panels described above , a further limit is apparent , represented by the need to provide the connection of the optical fibers with respective light sources placed out of water, which makes such lighting panels not very versatile and the installation and / or maintenance thereof not very easy, in addition to not being very aesthetically appealing .

[0012] In light of the above , the need is currently felt to have a backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water capable o f continuously di f fusing light over the entire surface of the decorative covering sheet and which is resistant to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems , is inspectionable , and has a waterproofing level which ensures a continuous use when immersed in water .

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is the obj ect of the present invention to devise and provide a backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water which allows at least partially obviating the drawbacks complained of above with reference to the prior art and which is capable of continuously di f fusing light over the entire surface of the decorative covering sheet , is resistant to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems , is inspectionable , and has a waterproofing level which ensures a continuous use when immersed in water, with the possibility of being also easily installed on pre-existing structures .

[0015] Such an obj ect is achieved by a backlight structure according to claim 1 .

[0016] The present invention also relates to a modular backlight system for decorative covering sheets immersed in water . Such a modular system is capable of offering simple replacement of all its components . Preferred embodiments of such a backlight structure and such a modular backlight system are defined in the respective dependent claims .

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water and of the modular backlight system for decorative covering sheets immersed in water according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of nonlimiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0019] Figure la shows a top view of a backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure lb shows a side section view of the backlight structure in Figure la ;

[0021] Figure 1c shows an enlargement of Figure lb ;

[0022] Figure Id shows a side section view of a component of the backlight structure in Figure la ;

[0023] Figure 2a shows an exploded perspective view of the backlight structure in Figures la- lc ;

[0024] Figure 2b shows an enlargement of Figure 2a ;

[0025] Figure 3a shows a top view of a modular backlight system for decorative covering sheets immersed in water according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 3b shows a side section view of the backlight structure in Figure 3a ;

[0027] Figure 3c shows an enlargement of Figure lb ;

[0028] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a portion of the modular system in Figure 3a ;

[0029] Figure 4b shows an enlargement of Figure 4a ;

[0030] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a coupling component employable in the modular system in Figure 4a, according to an embodiment ;

[0031] Figure 5b shows an exploded view of the coupling component in Figure 5a, and

[0032] Figure 5c shows a side view of the coupling component in Figure 5a .

[0033] It should be noted that , in the aforesaid figures , equal or similar elements are indicated by the same numeric and / or alphanumeric reference .

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] With reference to the aforesaid figures , a backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water, hereinafter also referred to as a backlight structure only or simply a structure , according to the invention is indicated by reference numeral 100 as a whole and in further embodiments .

[0036] The structure 100 comprises at least one first sheet 1 having a first main extension plane Pl ( indicated, for example , in Figure 2a ) .

[0037] The at least one first sheet 1 has a first surface S I and an opposing second surface S2 .

[0038] When the backlight structure 100 is in use , the first surface S I faces a portion of a support structure (not shown in the figures ) on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0039] The support structure is , for example , a cement or polymer structure , such as a wall or a wall portion of a swimming pool , a tub, or generally any structure adapted to contain water .

[0040] Along a first direction DI ( symbolically indicated by a dashed line in the figures ) substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane Pl , from the first surface S I to the opposing second surface S2 , the at least one first sheet 1 comprises a first layer 2 of reflective material and a second layer 3 of transparent thermosetting polymer material .

[0041] The at least one first sheet 1 further comprises a plurality 4 of lighting elements embedded in said at least one second layer 3 of transparent thermosetting polymer material .

[0042] The plurality 4 of lighting elements being embedded in the at least one second layer 3 of transparent thermosetting polymer material allows increasing the resistance of the plurality 4 of lighting elements to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems and the waterproofing, to be inspectionable and have a waterproofing level of the plurality 4 of lighting elements which can be continuously used immersed in water .

[0043] The at least one first sheet 1 further comprises a first plurality 5 of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 along the direction DI substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane Pl of the at least one first sheet 1 .

[0044] According to the present invention, the backlight structure 100 further comprises at least one second decorative covering sheet 6 of laminated glass (Vetrite ) having a respective second main extension plane P2 ( indicated, for example, in Figures la and 2a ) .

[0045] The at least one second sheet 6 has a respective first surface SI ' and a respective opposing second surface S2 ' .

[0046] The at least one second sheet 6 is fixed to the at least one first sheet 1 so that the second main extension plane P2 of the at least one second sheet 6 is substantially parallel to the first main extension plane Pl of the at least one first sheet and the first surface SI ' of the at least one second sheet 6 faces the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 .

[0047] The at least one second sheet 6 further comprises a second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the first surface SI ' of the at least one second sheet 6 along a second direction D2 ( symbolically indicated by the same dashed line used to symbolically indicate also the first direction DI ) substantially perpendicular to the second main extension plane P2 of the at least one second sheet 6.

[0048] Each coupling element of said second plurality 5' of coupling elements is advantageously adapted to removably engage a respective coupling element of the first plurality 5 of coupling elements to fix together the at least one first sheet 1 and the at least one second sheet 6.

[0049] The removable engagement between each coupling element of said second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements and the respective coupling element of the first plurality 5 of coupling elements advantageously allows easily fixing together the at least one first sheet 1 and the at least one second sheet 6 and / or easily removing the fixing between the at least one first sheet 1 and the at least one second sheet 6 for maintenance and / or replacement purposes in case of failure of a component .

[0050] Moreover, the removable engagement between each coupling element of said second plurality 5' of coupling elements and the respective coupling element of the first plurality 5 of coupling elements advantageously allows obtaining a set planarity of the backlight structure 100 with respect to the support structure for which the backlight structure 100 is intended (e.g., wall or bottom of the swimming pool or tub) .

[0051] In other words, it is possible to correct any architectural imperfections of the support structure (e.g., wall or bottom of the swimming pool or tub) by retrieving a set planarity which could be lost during the installation of the at least one first sheet 1 and the at least one second sheet 6 on the support structure.

[0052] According to an embodiment, shown in Figure Id, along the second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the second main extension plane P2, from the first surface SI' to the opposing second surface S2', the at least one second decorative covering sheet 6 comprises: a first glass layer VI; a first interlayer II of polymer material serving the function of diffusing light from the plurality 4 of lighting elements present in the at least one first sheet 1; in greater detail, the first interlayer II of polymer material comprises inert charges adapted to cause the diffusion (scattering) of the light; a second interlayer 12 of decorated sti ff polymer material ; the second interlayer 12 of decorated sti ff polymer material is representative of the decoration provided by the at least one second sheet 6 ; a third interlayer 13 of transparent thermosetting polymer material ; a second glass layer V2 .

[0053] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones , each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements has a section of a set first shape and each coupling element of said second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements has a section of a set second shape adapted to define a longitudinal cavity having a set section corresponding to the section of the set first shape and such that each coupling element of said first plurality of coupling elements is insertable by interlocking at least partially into the longitudinal cavity of said set section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality of coupling elements .

[0054] It should be noted that the match of the set section of the longitudinal cavity of the coupling element of the second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements and the section of the set first shape of the coupling element of the first plurality 5 of coupling elements advantageously allows obtaining a limitation of the weight of the at least one second sheet 6 by the at least one first sheet 1 when at least one portion of each coupling element of the first plurality 5 of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity of the respective coupling element of the second plurality 5' of coupling elements .

[0055] According to an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one and shown in the figures , each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements has a set first cylindrical shape and each coupling element of said second plurality 5' of coupling elements has a set second cylindrical shape adapted to define a longitudinal cavity with circular section so that at least one portion of each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity with circular section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality 5' of coupling elements .

[0056] According to an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one and shown in the figures , the at least one portion of each cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity with circular section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality 5' of coupling elements by interposing at least one ring element 7 fitted onto the at least one portion of the cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements inserted by interlocking .

[0057] The at least one ring element 7 , preferably made of plastic material , is an O-ring, for example .

[0058] In an embodiment, in combination with the preceding one, the at least one portion of each cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity with circular section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality 5' of coupling elements by interposing a plurality of ring elements 7 fitted onto the at least one portion of the cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements inserted by interlocking .

[0059] In the example in the figures , such a plurality of ring elements 7 comprises two ring elements .

[0060] Also in this case, each ring element 7 of the plurality of ring elements , preferably made of plastic material , is an O-ring, for example .

[0061] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones , each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements and each coupling element of said second plurality 5' of coupling elements are made of transparent plastic material . In greater detail , such transparent plastic materials are, for example , solid, plastic in nature , obtained by extrusion and superficially treated to increase the chemical resistance to opaci fication .

[0062] Therefore, each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements and each coupling element of said second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements do not hinder the dif fusion of light from the plurality 4 of backlight elements present in the at least one first sheet 1 .

[0063] Moreover, each coupling element of said first plurality 5 of coupling elements and each coupling element of said second plurality 5' of coupling elements being made of transparent plastic material allows increasing the resistance of each coupling to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems and the waterproofing .

[0064] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones , the first layer 2 of reflective material of the at least one first sheet 1 is made of aluminum.

[0065] In this respect , the first layer 2 of reflective material of the at least one first sheet 1 can generally be any material obtainable into thin sheets ( e . g . , about 2 mm thick) , white in color and resistant to chemical attacks . It should be noted that the light reflection obtainable from the surface of the first layer 2 of reflective material from the at least one first sheet 1 advantageously allows improving the light emission performance of the backlight structure 100 because it mitigates the light reflection component caused by the particles ( inert charges ) contained inside the first interlayer I I of polymer material of the at least one second decorative covering sheet 6.

[0066] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones , each lighting element of said plurality 4 of lighting elements is fixed to said first layer 2 of reflective material of the at least one first sheet 1 .

[0067] In greater detail , each lighting element of said plurality 4 of lighting elements is fixed to said first layer 2 of reflective material of the at least one first sheet by means of a polymer material adhesive, for example .

[0068] The plurality 4 of lighting elements is electrically powered by a respective low voltage power cable with which the at least one first sheet 1 of the backlight structure 100 is provided .

[0069] Following the installation of the backlight structure 100 , the power cable of the plurality 4 of lighting elements is brought outside the swimming pool or tub to be operatively connected to the power supply network .

[0070] The plurality 4 of lighting elements is configured to be electrically controlled by one or more electric actuators placed in an electrical circuit positioned outside the swimming pool or tub .

[0071] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones , each lighting element of said plurality 4 of lighting elements is at least one LED module .

[0072] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones and shown in the figures , the backlight structure 100 further comprises a plurality 8 of fixing components , each configured to fix the backlight structure 100 to a portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0073] Moreover, each fixing component of the plurality 8 of fixing components is configured to lock together two or more adj acent backlight structures of a plurality of backlight structures provided in a modular backlight system of the present invention and described below .

[0074] According to an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one and shown in particular in Figures 4b, 5a, 5b and 5c, each fixing component of said plurality 8 of fixing components comprises : a first plate 9 having a respective threaded pin 9 ' extending substantially from the center of the first plate 9 and in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension plane of said first plate 9 ; a second plate 10 comprising at least one through hole 10 ' adapted to allow the passage of the threaded pin 9' of the first plate 9 therein; a closing nut 11 adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin 9' of the first plate 9.

[0075] In this embodiment , the first plate 9 is configured to be fixed to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0076] In greater detail , the first plate 9 of the fixing component is adapted to be positioned with respect to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable so that the surface of the first plate 9 opposing that from which the threaded pin 9' extends faces the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0077] Advantageously, it is thus possible to easily install the backlight structure 100 even on pre-existing support structures , thus reducing installation and / or maintenance costs and time .

[0078] It should be noted that the first plate 9 of the coupling component is adapted to be positioned with respect to the backlight structure 100 so that the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9' extends faces the first surface S I of the at least one first sheet 1 of said backlight structure 100 and so that the threaded pin 9' is adj acent to an edge of said backlight structure 100 .

[0079] The second plate 10 is adapted to be inserted into the threaded pin 9 ' of the first plate 9 so as to have a respective surface of the second plate 10 facing the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said backlight structure 100 .

[0080] The closing nut 11 is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin 9' of the first plate 9 so as to tighten adj acently the second plate 10 abutting against the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said backlight structure 100 and so as to tighten the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9 ' extends abutting against the first surface S I of the at least one first sheet 1 of said backlight structure 100 to removably lock the backlight structure 100 to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0081] In an embodiment, the fixing of the first plate 9 to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable is obtainable by gluing, i . e . , employing a plastic material with adhesive glue applied to the surface of the first plate 9 facing the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0082] Such an adhesive glue is , for example, a thermosetting single-component adhesive or a thermosetting resin suitable for use when immersed in water .

[0083] According to a further embodiment, alternatively to that employing a plastic material with adhesive glue , such a fixing is obtainable by mechanical fixing employing set anchoring elements ( e . g . , screws , rivets , and so on) .

[0084] In this respect, in an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one , in combination with the preceding one and shown in Figure 5c, for example, the first plate 9 comprises a plurality of through holes distributed radially on the first plate 9, adapted to each engage an anchoring element to fix the first plate 9 to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure 100 is installable .

[0085] According to an embodiment , in combination with any of the preceding ones where the plurality 8 of fixing components is present , the first plate 9 of each fixing component and the second plate 10 of each fixing component have the same shape, preferably circular .

[0086] Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4b, 5a-5c describe a modular backlight system for decorative covering sheets immersed in water, hereinafter also referred to as a modular system or simply a system, according to the present invention and indicated by reference numeral 200 as a whole in the aforesaid figures .

[0087] The system 200 comprises a plurality 300 of backlight structures for continuous decorative covering surfaces immersed in water .

[0088] Each backlight structure of the plurality 300 of backlight structures is according to the backlight structure 100 of the present invention and described above with reference to di fferent embodiments .

[0089] In the case of the modular system 200 , each backlight structure of the plurality 300 of backlight structures is installable on a respective portion of a support structure 400 ( diagrammatically shown in Figure 3b) on which the modular system 200 is installable so as to be adj acent to other backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures .

[0090] In the example in Figures 4a-4c, 5a e 5b, the plurality 300 of backlight structures of the modular system 200 comprises four backlight structures , each having the same square shape .

[0091] With particular reference to Figure 4a : a first backlight structure 300a is installed so that it is at the top left of the modular system 200 ; a second backlight structure 300b is installed so that it is at the top right of the modular system 200 and so that it has the left side edge adj acent to the right side edge of the first backlight structure 300a ; a third backlight structure 300c is installed so that it is at the bottom left of the modular system 200 and so that it has the top edge adj acent to the bottom edge of the first backlight structure 300a; a fourth backlight structure 300d is installed so that it is at the bottom right of the modular system 200 and so that it has the left side edge adj acent to the right side edge of the third backlight structure 100c and the top edge adj acent to the bottom edge of the second backlight structure 100b .

[0092] According to an embodiment, the modular system 200 comprises a plurality 8 of fixing components , already described above, each configured to lock together two or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures of the modular system 200 .

[0093] According to an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one, the plurality 8 of fixing components is configured to lock together said at least one first sheet 1 of said two or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures .

[0094] According to an embodiment , in combination with the preceding one and shown in particular in Figures 4b, 5a, 5b and 5c, for each fixing component of said plurality 8 of fixing components , the first plate 9 is adapted to be positioned with respect to said two or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures so that the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9' extends faces the first surface SI of the at least one first sheet 1 of said two or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures and so that the threaded pin 9 ' is interposed between said two or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures .

[0095] The second plate 10 is adapted to be inserted into the threaded pin 9 ' of the first plate 9 so as to have a respective surface of the second plate 10 facing the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said one or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures .

[0096] The closing nut 11 is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin 9 ' of the first plate 9 so as to tighten the second plate 10 abutting against the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said one or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures and so as to tighten the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9 ' extends abutting against the first surface S I of the at least one first sheet 1 of said two or more adj cent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures to removably lock together said one or more adj acent backlight structures of said plurality 300 of backlight structures .

[0097] It should be noted that, also in this case, it is advantageously possible to easily install the modular system without size increases of the overall system, thus reducing installation and / or maintenance time and costs .

[0098] In the example in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4b, the fixing component 8 is adapted to lock together the first backlight structure 300a, the second backlight structure 300b, the third backlight structure 300c, and the fourth backlight structure 300d of the plurality 300 of backlight structures of the modular system 200 .

[0099] Referring now to the aforesaid figures , an example of installing a modular backlight system 200 for decorative covering sheets according to the present invention is now described .

[0100] As in Figures 4a-4c, 5a and 5b, the modular system 200 comprises a plurality of backlight structures 300 , in particular four backlight structures , each having the same square shape .

[0101] The first plate 9 of each fixing component of the plurality 8 of fixing components is fixed, for example by gluing, to a respective portion of the support structure 400 on which the modular backlight system 200 is installable .

[0102] The first plate 9 of each fixing component of the plurality 8 of fixing components is spaced apart from the others based on the geometry of the backlight structures included in the modular backlight system 200 .

[0103] The example in Figure 4a only shows one fixing component of said plurality 8 of fixing components .

[0104] As for the distribution of the backlight structures of the modular backlight system 200 , the first sheet 1 of each of the aforesaid backlight structures is positioned on the support structure 400 so that : the at least one first sheet 1 of the first backlight structure 300a is installed at the top left ; the at least one first sheet 1 of the second backlight structure 300b is installed at the top right and so that it has the left side edge adj acent to the right side edge of the at least one first sheet of the first backlight structure 300a; the at least one first sheet of the third backlight structure 300c is installed at the bottom left and so that it has the top edge ad acent to the bottom edge of the at least one first sheet 1 of the first backlight structure

[0105] 300a ; the at least one first sheet 1 of the fourth backlight structure 300d is installed at the bottom right and so that it has the left side edge adj acent to the right side edge of the at least one first sheet 1 of the third backlight structure 300c and the top edge adj acent to the bottom edge of the at least one first sheet 1 of the second backlight structure 300b; the first plate 9 of the coupling component 8 is positioned with respect to said four backlight structures so that the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9' extends faces the first surface SI of the at least one first sheet 1 of said four backlight structures and so that the threaded pin 9 ' is interposed between said four backlight structures , in particular at the common corner of the four backlight structures .

[0106] At this point, a second plate 10 of the fixing component 8 is inserted into the threaded pin 9 ' of the first plate 9 so as to have a respective surface of the second plate 10 facing the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said four backlight structures .

[0107] The closing nut 11 is then screwed onto the threaded pin 9' of the first plate 9 so as to tighten the second plate 10 abutting against the second surface S2 of the at least one first sheet 1 of said four backlight structures and so as to tighten the surface of the first plate 9 from which the threaded pin 9' extends abutting against the first surface SI of the at least one first sheet 1 of said four backlight structures , thus removably locking together said four backlight structures ( the first backlight structure 300a, the second backlight structure 300b, the third backlight structure 300c, and the fourth backlight structure 300d) of the modular system 200 .

[0108] At this point , at least one second decorative covering sheet 6 of laminated glass of each of said four backlight structures is positioned on the respective first sheet 1 so that each coupling element of a first plurality 5 of coupling elements on the at least one first sheet 1 engages (possibly by interposing one or more ring elements ) a respective coupling element of a second plurality 5 ' of coupling elements on the at least one second sheet 6 to fix together the at least one first sheet 1 and the at least one second sheet 6.

[0109] As can be seen, the obj ect of the invention is fully achieved .

[0110] Indeed, the backlight structure for decorative covering sheets immersed in water according to the present invention advantageously allows continuously light over the entire surface of the decorative covering sheet .

[0111] Moreover, due to the plastic materials employed and the insertion of the lighting elements into a sheet of thermosetting polymer material , such a structure is certainly resistant to the chemical agents usually used in water puri fication systems and allows obtaining a waterproofing level which ensures a continuous use when immersed in water .

[0112] Moreover, the installation method allows the backlight structure as well as the modular backlight system to be easily inspectionable and easily installable even on pre-existing structures , with considerable reduction in installation and / or maintenance time and costs .

[0113] In order to meet contingent needs , those skilled in the art may make changes and adaptations to the embodiments of the backlight structure and the modular backlight system described above , or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent , without departing from the scope of the following claims . Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented irrespective of the other embodiments described .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A backlight structure (100) for decorative covering sheets immersed in water, the structure comprising: at least one first sheet (1) having a first main extension plane (Pl) , said at least one first sheet (1) having a first surface (SI) and an opposing second surface (S2) , the first surface (SI) , when the backlight structure (100) is in use, facing a portion of a support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable, along a first direction (DI) substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane (Pl) from the first surface (SI) to the opposing second surface (S2) , the at least one first sheet comprising a first layer (2) of reflective material and a second layer (3) of transparent thermosetting polymer material, the at least one first sheet (1) further comprising a plurality (4) of lighting elements embedded in said at least one second layer (3) of transparent thermosetting polymer material, the at least one first sheet (1) further comprising a first plurality (5) of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) along the direction (DI) substantially perpendicular to the first main extension plane (Pl) of the at least one first sheet (1) ;at least one second decorative covering sheet (6) of laminated glass, having a respective second main extension plane (P2) , said at least one second sheet (6) having a respective first surface (SI' ) and a respective opposing second surface (S2' ) , the at least one second sheet (6) being fixed to the at least one first sheet (1) so that the second main extension plane (P2) of the at least one second sheet (6) is substantially parallel to the first main extension plane (Pl) of the at least one first sheet (1) and the first surface (SI' ) of the at least one second sheet (6) faces the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) , the at least one second sheet (6) further comprising a second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements distributed over and extending from the first surface (SI' ) of the at least one second sheet (6) along a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the second main extension plane (P2) of the at least one second sheet (6) , each coupling element of said second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements being adapted to engage a respective coupling element of the first plurality (5) of coupling elements to fix together the at least one first sheet (1) and the at least one second sheet (6) .

2. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein along the second direction (D2) substantiallyperpendicular to the second main extension plane (P2) , from the first surface (SI' ) to the opposing second surface (S2' ) , the at least one second decorative covering sheet (6) comprises: a first glass layer (VI) ; a first interlayer (II) of polymer material serving the function of diffusing the light from the plurality (4) of lighting elements in the at least one first sheet (1) ; a second interlayer (12) of decorated stiff polymer material, the second interlayer (12) of decorated stiff polymer material being representative of the decoration provided by the at least one second sheet (6) ; a third interlayer (13) of transparent thermosetting polymer material; a second glass layer (V2) .

3. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements has a section of a set first shape and each coupling element of said second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements has a section of a set second shape adapted to define a longitudinal cavity having a set section corresponding to the section of the set first shape and such that at least one portion of each coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside thelongitudinal cavity of the respective coupling element of the second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements.

4. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 3, wherein each coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements has a set first cylindrical shape and each coupling element of said second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements has a set second cylindrical shape adapted to define a longitudinal cavity with circular section so that at least one portion of each coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity with circular section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements.

5. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one portion of each cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements is inserted into and retained inside the longitudinal cavity with circular section of the respective coupling element of the second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements by interposing at least one ring element (7) fitted onto the at least one portion of each cylindrical coupling element of said first plurality (5) of coupling elements .

6. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each coupling element ofsaid first plurality (5) of coupling elements and each coupling element of said second plurality (5' ) of coupling elements are made of transparent plastic material.

7. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (2) of reflective material of the at least one first sheet (1) is made of aluminum.

8. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lighting element of said plurality (4) of lighting elements is fixed to said first layer (2) of reflective material of the at least one first sheet ( 1 ) .

9. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lighting element of said plurality (4) of lighting elements is at least one LED module.

10. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality (8) of fixing components, each configured to fix the backlight structure (100) to a portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable .

11. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 10, wherein each fixing component of said plurality (8) of fixing components comprises:a first plate (9) having a respective threaded pin (9' ) extending substantially from the center of the first plate (9) and in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension plane of said first plate (9) ; a second plate (10) comprising at least one through hole (10' ) adapted to allow the passage of the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) therein; a closing nut (11) adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) , the first plate (9) being configured to be fixed to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable, the first plate (9) of the fixing component being adapted to be positioned with respect to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable so that the surface of the first plate (9) opposing that from which the threaded pin (9' ) extends faces the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable, the first plate (9) of the coupling component being adapted to be positioned with respect to the backlight structure (100) so that the surface of the first plate (9) from which the threaded pin (9' ) extends faces the first surface (SI) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said backlight structure (100) and so that the threaded pin (9' )is adjacent to an edge of said backlight structure (100) , the second plate (10) being adapted to be inserted into the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) so as to have a respective surface of the second plate (10) facing the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said backlight structure (100) , the closing nut (11) being adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) so as to tighten adjacently the second plate (10) abutting against the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said backlight structure (100) and so as to tighten the surface of the first plate (9) from which the threaded pin (9' ) extends abutting against the first surface (SI) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said backlight structure (100) to removably lock the backlight structure (100) to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable.

12. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 11, wherein the fixing of the first plate (9) to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable is obtainable by gluing, i.e., using a plastic material with adhesive glue applied to the surface of the first plate (9) facing the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable.

13. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 11, wherein the fixing of the first plate (9) to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable is obtainable by mechanical fixing with the use of set anchoring elements.

14. The backlight structure (100) according to claim 13, wherein the first plate (9) comprises a plurality of through holes distributed radially on the first plate (9) , adapted to each engage an anchoring element to fix the first plate (9) to the portion of the support structure on which the backlight structure (100) is installable.

15. The backlight structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 14, wherein the first interlayer (II) of polymer material of the at least one second sheet (6) comprises inert fillers adapted to cause the diffusion of light.

16. A modular backlight system (200) for decorative covering sheets immersed in water, said system (200) comprising a plurality (300) of backlight structures for continuous decorative covering surfaces immersed in water, each of which is according to any one of the preceding claims, each structure of said plurality (300) of backlight structures being installable on a respective portion of a support structure (400) on which the modular system (200) is installable so as to be adjacent to other structures ofsaid plurality (300) of backlight structures.

17. The system (200) according to claim 16, when each backlight structure is according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, wherein each fixing component of said plurality (8) of fixing components is configured to lock together two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures.

18. The system (200) according to claim 17, wherein the plurality (8) of locking components is configured to lock together said at least one first sheet (1) of said two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures.

19. The system (200) according to claim 18, wherein for each locking component of said plurality (8) of coupling components : the first plate (9) is adapted to be positioned with respect to said two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures so that the surface of the first plate (9) from which the threaded pin (9' ) extends faces the first surface (SI) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures and so that the threaded pin (9' ) is interposed between said two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures,the second plate (10) being adapted to be inserted into the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) so as to have a respective surface of the second plate (10) facing the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said one or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures, the closing nut (11) being adapted to be screwed onto the threaded pin (9' ) of the first plate (9) so as to tighten the second plate (10) abutting against the second surface (S2) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said one or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures and so as to tighten the surface of the first plate (9) from which the threaded pin (9' ) extends abutting against the first surface (SI) of the at least one first sheet (1) of said two or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality (300) of backlight structures to removably lock together said one or more adjacent backlight structures of said plurality(300) of backlight structures.

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