A modular light fitting

Abstract

A modular light fitting comprising a base portion with an electrical power supply, a removable cover for at least partially covering the base portion, at least one electrical connector portion mounted to the base portion and terminating in an electrical connector socket or plug and a light portion comprising a corresponding electrical connector socket or plug to removably attach and connect to the at least one electrical connector portion and mounting at least one light source.

Description

[0001] A MODULAR LIGHT FITTING

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of lights and light fittings and more particularly to a modular light fitting configured to have a number of interchangeable parts.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Light fittings which are modular, at least to some degree, are available.

[0006] One system disclosed in United States Patent No. 10,156,349 is a modular lighting system for providing light in various areas includes one or more canopies, a set of buses, a set of hangers for supporting the bars from canopies and, optionally other supports, a set of pendants with light emitting elements and a set of hangers for supporting the pendants from the bars. The bars include two segments with conductive rails disposed or imbedded in their inner surfaces. The hangers have one or two rods and bases shaped and sized for mounting on the bars with the rods contacting the conductive rails. The hangers and bars cooperate to allow the hangers to be placed anywhere along the bars. The pendants and hangers may be sized and shaped so that the pendants trapped the ends of the hangers forming a supporting mechanical interlock therebetween. Pendants can be hanged on the bars singly, or in clusters.

[0007] This system, whilst interesting, includes components that can be assembled to form multi-level lights of various sizes, shapes and configurations

[0008] United States Patent No. 10,156,349 also summarises some of the issues associated with light fittings in the Description of the Prior art section as follows: Designing lighting for a space has always been an interesting challenge because the lighting equipment has to meet utilitarian, technical and aesthetic needs. Thus, any such endeavour is successful only if combining technical, architectural and artistic skills.

[0009] This summary is apt, particularly when it comes to providing a lighting designer with the ability to choose or change the design of a light fitting, at will, without requiring the removal of the existing light fitting and any associated repair work at the site of installation. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a modular light fitting comprising: a) a base portion with an electrical power supply, b) a removable cover for at least partially covering the base portion, c) at least one electrical connector portion mounted to the base portion and terminating in an electrical connector socket or plug; and d) a light portion comprising a corresponding electrical connector socket or plug to removably attach and connect to the at least one electrical connector portion and mounting at least one light source.

[0011] The modular light fitting may further comprise at least one light shade portion detachably mounted relative to the light portion.

[0012] Providing a modular light fitting as defined above allows a lighting designer to design and change the appearance of the light fitting as required without requiring removal of the base portion of the light fitting.

[0013] The modular light fitting may be provided in any form including particularly a pendant, a lamp (table or floor), or a wall fitting.

[0014] The modular light fitting preferably comprises a base portion with an electrical power supply. The configuration of the base portion will preferably depend upon the form of the light fitting which, as stated above can be of any type including a pendant, table or floor lamp or a wall fitting for example.

[0015] The base portion may be provided with mains power supply for example with an electrical cable permanently connected to the base portion. A removably connectable cable may be provided, for example using a connection via a port provided on the base portion for connection of a removable electrical power supply cable.

[0016] The modular light fitting may use an AC or DC power supply. The modular light fitting may utilise power over ethemet.

[0017] A controller may be provided in the base portion to control the function and operation of the modular light fitting. The controller may be associated with a wired or wireless communication network. The base portion may include one or more base connectors to attach one or more additional base portions thereto. For example, in an embodiment, a primary base portion may be provided with one or more secondary or tertiary base portions connected thereto. A primary base portion may be connected to one or more additional primary base portions. The addition of base portions may allow more light portions to be used and connected together.

[0018] The base portion may include one or more electrical connector portions mounted relative thereto. In some embodiments, a base portion may have a single electrical connector portion whereas in other configurations, a base portion may have more than one electrical connector portion mounted thereto.

[0019] The base portion may include one or more illumination sources to illuminate the base portion or parts thereof.

[0020] One or more actuation arrangements may be provided on the base portion to control the function of the modular light fitting. One or more display screens may be provided on the base portion to display information in relation to the operation of the modular light fitting.

[0021] The base portion may include one or more sensors to sense information in relation to the modular light fitting and / or a surrounding environment. Preferably, information sensed by the one or more sensors may be provided to the controller to control functionality of the modular light fitting in response to the sensed information. Any type of sensor may be provided for example, a light sensor, a motion sensor temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sound sensor, or touch sensor. The sensor may be a more complex sensor type such as a camera in order to collect information of different types.

[0022] The base portion may be provided with or associated with one or more display screens or projectors for example. This may allow the base portion to display information on the base portion and / or project information from the base portion onto a different part of the light fitting, and / or surface of the surrounding environment.

[0023] The base portion may be associated with a unique identifying code. A system may be provided to utilise the unique identifying code of the base portion to allow a user to access characteristics of the base portion and / or any potential connections to the base portions which are available.

[0024] The base portion may include a housing within which components of the base portion such as the controller, any power connection and any sensor may be housed. The housing may be substantially closed. The housing may be multipart allowing disconnection of parts to access the internal components. The housing may be mountable to a surface, such as for example a ceiling or wall or alternatively, may function as a support foot to be placed on a surface for example such as a table or floor. The housing may be weighted to increase stability. The housing may have one or more attachment points to allow the housing to be attached relative to a surface. If attachment points are provided, any attachment points will preferably be obscured from view by the removable cover at least.

[0025] The base portion may include a motor and storage area allowing for changes in the length of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or a structural connector portion for example to allow the user to drive changes in length of a pendant for example.

[0026] The position of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or a structural connector portion relative to the base portion may be adjustable. This may be achieved for example by provision of an expandable housing for the base portion or alternatively, the base portion may be provided with a track along which the at least one electrical connector portion and / or a structural connector portion may be movable. The movement of the expandable housing and / or the movement of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or a structural connector portion along the track may be driven, by a motor or ram for example.

[0027] The modular light fitting may preferably include a removable cover for at least partially covering the base portion. The removable cover may be associated with the base portion utilising any suitable attachment system allowing removable attachment. It is preferred that the attachment system used to be invisible or hidden. A particularly preferred attachment system is a magnetic attachment system of the cover to the base portion. The magnetic attachment system may utilise a magnet to magnet attachment with at least one magnet provided on the base portion and at least one corresponding magnet provided on the removable cover. Alternatively, the magnetic attachment system may utilise a magnet to metal attachment with at least one magnet provided on one of the base portion, or the removable cover and a corresponding metallic portion provided on the other of the base portion and removable cover.

[0028] The removable cover may preferably be shaped to cover the base portion. The removable cover may be shaped to provide aesthetic aspects to the base portion which go beyond simply covering the base portion.

[0029] The removable cover may have any shape. For example, in its simplest form, the removable cover may be a substantially planar shield to simply obscure the base portion from sight. In a preferred form, the removable cover is shaped to cover and at least partially enclose the base portion.

[0030] The external size and shape of the removable cover may be independent of the size and shape of the base portion for example, the removable cover may be larger and / or more ornate than the base portion.

[0031] The removable cover may be provided with one or more illumination sources in order to light the removable cover as desired.

[0032] The removable cover may include one or more controls to control the light fitting. This may be less preferred as it may require an electrical connection to the base portion.

[0033] The cover may include a display screen. The cover may include an at least partially transparent portion through which a display screen on the base portion may be viewed. As claimed above, the display screen may display information about light fitting, for example the lux, a timer, or the time for example and / or may display other information thereon such as for example photographs. In some embodiments, the display screen may be interactive and allow both information to be input into the modular light fitting and / or display information thereon in response to queries. In one preferred embodiment, the display screen may be a touchscreen to allow both input and display the information and other functionality such as access to the Internet for example. At least one access opening may be provided on the removable cover to allow the at least one electrical connector portion to extend through the removable cover and into the base portion. An enlarged boss or similar may be provided to cover any opening about the at least one electrical connector portion and the removable cover / base portion to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish but also allow removal of the cover and / or the at least one electrical connector portion.

[0034] The modular light fitting may preferably include at least one electrical connector portion mounted to the base portion and terminating in an electrical connector socket or plug. The base portion and / or at least one electrical connector portion may be associated with a structural connector portion. A structural connector portion may be used to separate and / or space the base portion from the electrical connector socket or plug and / or light portion.

[0035] In circumstances where the structural connector portion is provided, any type of structural connector portion may be used.

[0036] As indicated above, the electrical connector portion may be separate from the structural connector portion or associated with the structural connector portion or even extend within a tubular structural connector portion for example. The structural connector portion may be provided of any material. The structural connector portion may have any length, shape and / or configuration which is required for structure or desired by user to have a particular visual appearance. If a structural connector portion is provided, a structural connector may be provided to allow a structural connection between the light portion and the at least one structural connector portion and between the at least one structural connector portion and the base portion.

[0037] The structural connector portion may have a particular visual appearance. The structural connector portion and / or any connectors associated therewith, may be provided with a cover arrangement and / or member to provide a required or desired visual appearance.

[0038] The at least one electrical connector portion may be elongate or not. The at least one electrical connector portion may be provided in an elongate for a pendant or lamp for example. The at least one electrical connector portion may be provided such that the electrical connector plug or socket is located adjacent to or directly to the base portion.

[0039] The at least one electrical connector portion will normally be or include a cable including one or more wires to carry electrical power from the base portion to the electrical connector socket or plug. The at least one electrical connector portion may additionally carry data or information such as control instructions.

[0040] An electrical connector socket or plug may be associated with the at least one electrical connector portion to electrically connect the base portion to the light portion. As mentioned above, a structural connector portion may be provided to carry load between the base portion and the light portion, but in some circumstances, the electrical connector portion may be sufficiently strong to carry load itself, and a structural connector may be provided to connect the light portion to the at least one electrical connector portion.

[0041] The electrical connector socket or plug may be configured to connect electrically and also structurally. For example, the electrical connector socket or plug may have electrical connectors as well as a fastening system to allow the light portion to be attached to the electrical connector socket or plug.

[0042] The electrical connector may be a socket or a plug with the corresponding socket or plug provided on the light portion. Any type of connector may be used, but particular connectors such as M8 connectors or M12 connectors may be preferred, as these types of connectors allow both electrical and basic structural connections to be formed.

[0043] More than one electrical connector portion may be provided associated with each base portion. More than one electrical connector socket or plug may be provided associated with each electrical connector portion.

[0044] A removable cover may be provided on the at least one electrical connector portion and / or electrical connector socket or plug and / or structural connector portion. The configuration of the cover may correspond to the configuration of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or electrical connector socket or plug and / or structural connector portion to appropriately cover the component. The cover may be structural or entirely aesthetic. The cover is preferably replaceable as required to adjust the visual appearance of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or electrical connector socket or plug and / or structural connector portion, to configure the appearance as desired by the user. The cover may engage with the base portion, and / or the cover for the base portion and / or the electrical connector socket or plug.

[0045] The modular light fitting may include a light portion comprising a corresponding electrical connector socket or plug to removably attach and connect to the at least one electrical connector portion and at least one light source.

[0046] The light portion may have any configuration. For example, any number of light sources and light types may be provided in association with the light portion. More than one light source and more than one type of light source may be provided. The light portion may for example, attach directly to the base portion with the electrical connector socket or plug provided on a part of the base portion and the corresponding electrical connector socket or plug on the light portion engaging therewith.

[0047] Each of the components within the modular light fitting of a preferred embodiment may be identified using a unique identifying code. This may allow each of the components to be identified within a system including particularly the specification and operating parameters of each of the components. This may allow a system to identify the components and advise a user as to their compatibility and / or safety or any issues which may arise by use of the components together.

[0048] The system may include a computer system comprising a memory storing a specification and / or operating parameters of each of the base portion and light portion according to the respective unique identifying code.

[0049] The system may further comprise a reader to acquire the respective unique identifying code of the base portion and light portion and produce an alert where the specification and / or operating parameters of the base portion and light portion are incompatible.

[0050] Each base portion may have one or more electrical connector portions connected thereto. Each electrical connector portion may have one or more electrical connector sockets or plugs associated therewith. Each light portion may have one or more light sources associated therewith. One or more sensors may be provided on the light portion and / or the base portion.

[0051] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0052] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of a ceiling mounted modular light fitting showing the principles of the present invention.

[0054] The illustrated modular light fitting 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figure comprises a) a base portion 11 with an electrical power supply 12, b) a removable cover 13 for at least partially covering the base portion 11, c) an electrical connector portion 14 mounted to the base portion 11 and terminating in an electrical connector plug 15; and d) a light portion 16 comprising a corresponding electrical connector socket 17 to removably attach and connect to the electrical connector portion 14 and mounting at least one light source 18.

[0055] As shown, the modular light fitting is also provided with a light shade 19 detachably mounted relative to the light portion 16.

[0056] The modular light fitting may be provided in any form including particularly a pendant as shown in Figure 1 which is suspended from a ceiling 20, a lamp (table or floor), or a wall fitting. In the pendant form illustrated, the upper portion, Part A may remain attached to the ceiling and the light portion 16 and shade 19 (Part B) may be interchangeable with cover 13 and cover 25 to adjust the appearance of the light fitting.

[0057] The configuration of the base portion 11 will preferably depend upon the form of the light fitting which, as stated above can be of any type including a pendant, table or floor lamp or a wall fitting for example. The base portion may be provided with mains power supply 12 for example with an electrical cable permanently connected to the base portion 11 as shown in Figure 1. The modular light fitting may use an AC or DC power supply. The modular light fitting 10 may utilise power over ethemet.

[0058] A controller 21 may be provided in the base portion 11 to control the function and operation of the modular light fitting 10. The controller 21 may be associated with a wired or wireless communication network to receive and implement instructions from a user.

[0059] The base portion 11 may include one or more sensors to sense information in relation to the modular light fitting and / or a surrounding environment. Preferably, information sensed by the one or more sensors may be provided to the controller 21 to control functionality of the modular light fitting in response to the sensed information.

[0060] The base portion 11 may be associated with a unique identifying code. A system may be provided to utilise the unique identifying code of the base portion 11 to allow a user to access characteristics of the base portion 11 and / or any potential connections to the base portion 11 which are available.

[0061] The illustrated base portion 11 includes a housing within which components of the base portion 11 such as the controller 21, any power connection and any sensor may be housed. The housing is substantially closed. The housing may be mountable to a surface, such as for example a ceiling as shown. The housing may have one or more attachment points to allow the housing to be attached relative to a surface. If attachment points are provided, any attachment points will preferably be obscured from view by the removable cover 13 at least.

[0062] The removable cover 13 is associated with the base portion 11 utilising a suitable attachment system allowing removable attachment. It is preferred that the attachment system used to be invisible or hidden. A particularly preferred attachment system is a magnetic attachment system of the cover to the base portion. The magnetic attachment system may utilise a magnet to magnet attachment 22 with at least one magnet provided on the base portion 11 and at least one corresponding magnet provided on the removable cover 12. The removable cover 13 may preferably be shaped to cover the base portion 11 to provide a better aesthetic appearance. The removable cover 13 may be shaped to provide aesthetic aspects to the base portion 11 which go beyond simply covering the base portion 11.

[0063] The removable cover may have any shape. For example, in its simplest form such as that illustrated in Figure 1, the removable cover 13 may be a substantially planar shield to obscure the base portion 11 from sight.

[0064] The external size and shape of the removable cover 13 may be independent of the size and shape of the base portion 11 for example, the removable cover 13 may be larger than the base portion 11 as shown in Figure 1, and / or more ornate than the base portion 11.

[0065] At least one access opening (obscured in Figure 1) may be provided on the removable cover 13 to allow the electrical connector portion 14 to extend through the removable cover 13 and into the base portion 11. An enlarged boss 23 or similar may be provided to cover any opening about the electrical connector portion 14 and the base portion 11 to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish but also allow removal of the cover 11 and / or the electrical connector portion 14.

[0066] As illustrated, the base portion 11 and the electrical connector portion 14 are associated with a structural connector portion 24 used to separate and / or space the base portion 11 from the electrical connector socket or plug 15 and / or light portion 16. The structural connector portion 24 illustrated may also bear the load of the electrical connector socket or plug 15 and / or light portion 16 rather than the electrical connector portion 14 bearing this weight.

[0067] As illustrated in Figure 1, the electrical connector portion 14 extends within a tubular structural connector portion 24. The structural connector portion may be provided of any material. The structural connector portion 24 may have any length, shape and / or configuration which is required for structure or desired by user to provide the light fitting with a particular visual appearance. The electrical connector portion 14 may be elongate or not. The electrical connector portion 14 may be provided in an elongate form for a pendant light fitting for example, as shown in Figure 1.

[0068] The electrical connector portion 14 will preferably include a cable including one or more wires to carry electrical power from the base portion 11 to the electrical connector socket or plug 15.

[0069] An electrical connector socket or plug 15 is preferably provided at the terminal end of the electrical connector portion 14 to electrically connect the controller 21 in the base portion 11 to the light portion 16.

[0070] The electrical connector socket or plug 15, 17 may be configured to connect electrically and also structurally. For example, the electrical connector socket or plug

[0071] 15, 17 may have electrical connectors as well as a fastening system to allow the light portion 16 to be attached to the electrical connector socket or plug 15.

[0072] The electrical connector may be a socket or a plug with the corresponding socket or plug provided on the light portion 16. Any type of connector may be used, but an M8 connectors may be preferred, as this type of connector allows both electrical and basic structural connections to be formed.

[0073] In the illustrated form, a removable cover 25 is provided over the structural connector portion 24. The configuration of the cover 25 may correspond to the configuration of the structural connector portion 24 to appropriately cover the component. The cover 25 may be structural or entirely aesthetic. The cover 25 is preferably replaceable as required to adjust the visual appearance of the structural connector portion 24, to configure the appearance as desired by the user.

[0074] The light portion 16 may have any configuration. For example, any number of light sources 18 and light types may be provided in association with the light portion

[0075] 16. More than one light source 18 and more than one type of light source 18 may be provided.

[0076] Each of the components within the modular light fitting of a preferred embodiment may be identified using a unique identifying code. This may allow each of the components to be identified within a system including particularly the specification and operating parameters of each of the components. This may allow a system to identify the components and advise a user as to their compatibility and / or safety or any issues which may arise by use of the components together.

[0077] Each base portion 11 may have one or more electrical connector portions 14 and / or structural connector portions 24 connected thereto. Each electrical connector portion and / or structural connector portion 24 may have one or more electrical connector sockets or plugs 15, 17 associated therewith. Each light portion 16 may have one or more light sources 18 associated therewith.

[0078] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular light fitting comprising: a. a base portion with an electrical power supply, b. a removable cover for at least partially covering the base portion, c. at least one electrical connector portion mounted to the base portion and terminating in an electrical connector socket or plug and d. a light portion comprising a corresponding electrical connector socket or plug to removably attach and connect to the at least one electrical connector portion and mounting at least one light source.

2. A modular light fitting as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one light shade portion detachably mounted relative to the light portion.

3. A modular light fitting as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 provided as a pendant, a lamp, or a wall fitting.

4. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a controller provided in the base portion to control function and operation of the modular light fitting.

5. A modular light fitting as claimed in claim 4 wherein the controller is associated with a wired or wireless communication network.

6. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion further comprises one or more base connectors to attach one or more additional base portions thereto.

7. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein base portion has more than one electrical connector portion mounted thereto.

8. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion further comprises one or more illumination sources to illuminate the base portion or parts thereof.

9. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion further comprises one or more actuation arrangements to control the function of the modular light fitting.

10. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion further comprises one or more sensors to sense information in relation to the modular light fitting and / or a surrounding environment.

11. A modular light fitting as claimed in claim 10 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5 wherein information sensed by the one or more sensors is provided to the controller to control functionality of the modular light fitting in response to the information.

12. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion removable cover and / or light portion further comprises one or more display screens or projectors.

13. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion further comprises a motor and storage area allowing for changes in a length of the at least one electrical connector portion and / or a structural connector portion.

14. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the removable cover is associated with the base portion utilising a magnetic attachment system.

15. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an external size and shape of the removable cover is independent of a size and shape of the base portion.

16. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base portion and / or at least one electrical connector portion is associated with a structural connector portion to support load separately from the at least one electrical connector portion.

17. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical connector socket or plug on the at least one electrical connectorportion and the corresponding electrical connector socket or plug on the light portion are configured to connect electrically and structurally.

18. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one electrical connector portion is provided associated with the base portion.

19. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one electrical connector socket or plug is provided associated with the at least one electrical connector portion.

20. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a removable cover provided on the at least one electrical connector portion and / or electrical connector socket or plug.

21. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more sensors provided on the light portion.

22. A modular light fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the base portion and light portion are identified using a unique identifying code.

23. A modular light fitting system including a modular light fitting as claimed in claim 22 and a computer system comprising a memory storing a specification and / or operating parameters of each of the base portion and light portion according to the respective unique identifying code.

24. A modular light fitting system as claimed in claim 23 further comprising a reader to acquire the respective unique identifying code of the base portion and light portion and produce an alert where the specification and / or operating parameters of the base portion and light portion are incompatible.

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