Box with integrated interstitial lighting

Abstract

The invention relates to a box (10) formed of a case (11) and a lid (12) having a joining interface, the lid being shaped so as to close an internal storage volume delimited by the case, the lid being movable relative to the case and capable of adopting an interstitial position in which the interface 14a of the lid is contiguous with the interface 14b of the case. According to the invention, the box also integrates a member for emitting a luminous flux masked by a flap when the flap is in a rest position, the flap being capable, when the flap is in a so-called active position and the lid is in the interstitial position, of releasing the luminous flux into the interstitial gap thus formed.

Description

[0001] P3088PC00

[0002] INTEGRATED INTERSTITIAL LIGHTING BOX

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to the field of containers, and in particular to that of mobile containers.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a lighting device.

[0006] More specifically, the invention finds application in jewelry boxes.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] When gifting jewelry, such as rings or watches, it is common practice for jewelers to sell them in boxes or cases. Despite the care taken with the packaging, this presentation seemed dull or at least lifeless to some customers when they presented their gifts.

[0009] To add a bit of dynamism, pulsed light lighting was imagined in the boxes, whose beams "play" with the facets of the cut stones.

[0010] Furthermore, gemologists and other jewelers know that some precious stones, such as diamonds, sometimes contain phosphorescent elements, invisible in natural light, but which can become fluorescent under ultraviolet light. These elements, often in the form of nitrogen, boron, or hydrogen atoms, are present in certain diamonds. To exploit this effect, some have had the idea of ​​integrating ultraviolet lighting into jewelry boxes to highlight the phosphorescent properties of certain gems. This allows the phosphors to produce visible fluorescence, offering a range of varied hues.

[0011] However, such lighting techniques are not without drawbacks.

[0012] Indeed, such lighting does not allow for highlighting all types of products.

[0013] One drawback of these lighting methods is that the effect obtained depends on the objects being highlighted. For example, in the absence of precious stones containing phosphorescent elements, ultraviolet light is ineffective.

[0014] Another drawback is that the characteristics of the inside of the box, such as the interior color, have an impact on the effect obtained.

[0015] Another drawback is that the intended effect of pulsed light is negated if the object inside the container lacks multiple reflective facets. Another disadvantage of using ultraviolet light is that it has no effect on objects that do not contain phosphorescent elements.

[0016] Objectives of the invention P3088PC00

[0017] The invention therefore aims in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0018] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a box highlighted by lighting.

[0019] An objective of the invention is also to provide such a technique in which the light source is not visible.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique with improved efficiency.

[0021] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique whose effect is not dependent on the choices made by the designers on the inside of the box.

[0022] An objective of the invention is also to provide such a technique which arouses the appeal of the box on the one hand and increases the user's curiosity about its contents on the other.

[0023] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique which, when the lighting is active, masks the contents of the box from view.

[0024] One objective of the invention is also to offer such a technique whose effect surprises the user.

[0025] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique which arouses the curiosity of the user, particularly at the time of opening.

[0026] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique which is simple to implement and of reduced cost.

[0027] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique which is reliable and safe for the consumer.

[0028] Description of the invention

[0029] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved using a box formed of a casing and a lid with a junction interface, the lid being shaped to close an internal storage volume delimited by the casing,

[0030] the movable lid relative to the case and capable of adopting an interstitial position in which the interface of the lid is contiguous with the interface of the case.

[0031] According to the invention, the box further incorporates a luminous flux emission element masked by a flap in the flap's rest position, the flap being capable, in a so-called active position, of releasing the luminous flux into the interstitial position of the lid within the formed gap. P3088PC00

[0032] In other words, for the purposes of this invention, the active position of the shutter is defined as any position that allows the light emanating from the emitting element to pass through. Therefore, the term "active position" refers to any position other than the shutter's rest position.

[0033] Thanks to these technical features, light only emitted when the cover is in the gap between the box and the main body. With light emitted directly into the gap, the lighting effect is independent of the optical properties of the box's interior or the surrounding environment. Color, reflectance, and internal design elements do not affect the result. Furthermore, the light-emitting element is concealed from view by the cover when the box is open. Direct light emission into the gap also increases the efficiency of the solution, allowing for higher intensity lighting and / or energy savings.Furthermore, the solution is applicable and the result is obtained, both for small gaps, for example on the order of a millimeter on boxes of a few decimeters, and for large gaps for example of several centimeters on much larger boxes.

[0034] Thus, the user of the box has the impression that the light is emitted by its contents. For example, when the box is a jewelry box, the user thinks that the light emanates from the jewelry inside, such as the ring in the box. The user does not perceive the light as coming from the box itself. This perception creates a particular atmosphere, a "magical" effect.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the box includes a means for deploying the flap into the active position.

[0036] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the box includes a flap return means capable of returning the flap to the rest position.

[0037] Thus, the shutter is movable, thanks to these technical characteristics. It conceals the light-emitting element. In other words, the shutter also blocks the light if the light-emitting element is active when the shutter is in its resting position.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light-emitting element, the shutter, and the return mechanism are integrated into the housing and the lid, while the shutter deployment mechanism is integrated into the housing and the lid, or vice versa. In other words, the light-emitting element, the shutter, and the return mechanism are integrated into the lid, while the shutter deployment mechanism is integrated into the housing, and vice versa.

[0039] This distribution of the components makes it possible to manage space constraints in small boxes. P3088PC00

[0040] Alternatively, the return mechanism and the deployment mechanism are grouped with the shutter. In this case, the light-emitting element, the shutter, the return mechanism, and the deployment mechanism are integrated into either the casing or the cover.

[0041] In this case, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retraction means and the deployment means form a single component. Such a component is, for example, a motor. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the box includes a means for transmitting the light flux.

[0042] Thanks to these technical features, regardless of the technology used to emit a light beam, the light is distributed evenly within the gap between the housing and the lid in the interstitial position. This even light distribution creates the impression of a continuous light source across the entire perimeter of the interface. Furthermore, this even distribution allows the lighting device to be concealed.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminous flux is transmitted by the transmission means in the active position of the shutter.

[0044] Thus, the origin of the light source is not identifiable by the user of the box, creating a "magical" effect.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission means is a means of the reflective and / or diffusing type.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light transmission means is composed of an inner face of the flap shaped so as to transmit the released light flux into the gap formed between the box and the cover in the interstitial position.

[0047] Thus, the shutter mechanism and / or the light emission device are hidden from the user's view.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap releases the light flux in the interstitial position of the lid when the lid moves from the closed position of the internal volume of the box to the open position of said volume. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deployment and / or retraction means implements a magnetic field to actuate the flap. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is made of a material capable of cooperating with the magnetic field implemented by the retraction and / or deployment means.

[0049] Thanks to these technical characteristics, magnets can be used as a means of deployment and / or return to control the movement of the shutter. The attractive force of the magnet(s) is thus chosen according to the distance between the housing and the lid in the interstitial position and the weight of the shutter. This force of the deployment magnets P3088PC00

[0050] allows the shutter to be deployed, in the active position, up to a limit of movement beyond which return magnets bring the shutter back to the rest position.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the return means is of the elastic type.

[0052] Thus, leaf springs, helical springs, elastomer springs, or other types of springs are used, thanks to these technical characteristics. This alternative expands the range of applications when the use of magnets is not the most suitable, particularly for adapting to the weight of the shutter.

[0053] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is an elastic blade forming the elastic return means.

[0054] Thanks to these technical features, the shutter operates like a spring-loaded blade that returns to its resting position, blocking the light-emitting element. Thus, the shutter combines the function of an elastic return mechanism with that of a mask for the light-emitting element. In fact, it also blocks the light if it is active when the shutter is closed and in its resting position.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deployment means is an actuator.

[0056] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator is capable of pushing the flap of the elastic blade type.

[0057] Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, at rest, the elastic blade-type flap is held in position by a notch or hook. This notch is capable of releasing the flap under the pushing force exerted by the actuator forming the deployment means.

[0058] Thus, the shutter combines the functions of a mask and a return mechanism, simplifying the system. This simplification also results in reduced costs. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a travel limiter for the shutter.

[0059] Thanks to these technical characteristics, the flap that opens under the action of the deployment device does not exceed a technical limit. Thus, the flap is not at risk of being moved beyond a point of no return. That is to say, beyond the effective limit of the retraction device. For example, outside the magnetic field of attraction of the retraction device composed of magnets or electromagnets.

[0060] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stroke limiter is a stop limiting the stroke of the flap moved under the action of the deployment means.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flap is movable in translation. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap is movable in rotation. P3088PC00

[0062] Thus, thanks to these technical characteristics, different solutions are available to adapt to the volumetric configurations of the box imposed by aesthetic choices. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the junction interface forms an opening plane.

[0063] Certain aspects of the invention stem from the idea of ​​providing a "magical" lighting device that illuminates when a hinged part is opened relative to a fixed part, as is the case with the lid of a box, such as a jewelry box, relative to the box itself. In other words, the hinged part can be considered a movable door relative to a fixed part. It is understood that such a door could very well be that of a safe, or even a piece of furniture. Luggage such as a trunk or briefcase can also be considered a box within the meaning of the invention.

[0064] List of figures

[0065] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description of four particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which: Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a box shown closed, equipped with a lighting device according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 2 is a partially open representation of the box shown with reference to Figure 1; Figure 3 is an open representation of the box shown with reference to Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional representation of a detail of the box shown with reference to Figure 1;

[0067] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional representation of a detail of the box shown with reference to Figure 2;

[0068] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional representation of a detail of the lid shown with reference to Figure 4;

[0069] Figure 6b is a wireframe representation of the lid shown with reference to Figure 6a; Figure 7 is a wireframe representation of a detail of the lid according to a second embodiment;

[0070] Figure 8 is a wireframe representation of a detail of the lid according to a third embodiment;

[0071] Figure 9 is a wireframe representation of a detail of the box according to a fourth embodiment;

[0072] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a piece of luggage forming an interstitial lighting box according to the invention; P3088PC00

[0073] Figure 11 is a perspective representation of a piece of furniture forming an interstitial lighting box according to the invention.

[0074] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numbers from one figure to another.

[0075] Detailed description of the invention

[0076] Reference will now be made in detail to specific implementations illustrated in the attached drawings and figures.

[0077] In the following detailed description, many specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.

[0078] However, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that implementations can be put into practice without these specific details.

[0079] In other cases, well-known components or circuits are not described in detail or are presented in the form of a simple functional diagram in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0080] Thus, the specific details presented are simply exemplary.

[0081] Specific implementations may differ from these detailed examples and yet be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] Example of an embodiment of the invention

[0083] With reference to figures 1 to 3, a box 10 has been represented consisting of a casing 11 and a lid 12 forming a shell and presenting a junction interface 14 between the casing 11 and the lid 12.

[0084] Figure 1 illustrates the box 10 in its closed position. The lid 12 is shaped to block access to an internal storage volume 15, delimited by the box 11 and the lid 12. Thus, the interaction of the lid 12 with the box 11 prevents access to the internal storage volume 15 of the box 10. Furthermore, the lid 12 also prevents visibility into the interior of the box 10 when it is closed.

[0085] When the box 10 is opened, the lid 12 is movable relative to the casing 11 and can assume an interstitial position 20, or substantially interstitial position 20, illustrated in Figure 2. In this interstitial position, the interface 14a of the casing 11 is contiguous with the interface 14b of the lid 12. The interfaces 14a and 14b form a space, called a gap 21 or interstice 21. In Figure 2, di is the dimension of the typical distance between the interfaces 14a and 14b in the contiguous position, with interface 14a serving as the reference position and surface. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the interfaces are P3088PC00

[0086] represented according to planes. It should also be noted that these planes here are parallel or nearly parallel.

[0087] Finally, once box 10 is opened, the lid 12 provides free access to the internal storage volume 15 of box 10. This means that the user of box 10 can, on the one hand, view its contents. On the other hand, the user can also access and take possession of these contents.

[0088] The lid 12 is hinged relative to the box 11. This mobility of the lid 12 relative to the box 11 is ensured by a hinge, not shown.

[0089] According to a first embodiment, the hinge, upon opening, provides an initial movement, a translational movement of the lid 12. This initial movement moves the lid 12 away from the box 11. It displaces the lid into the interstitial position, creating the gap 21, substantially constant around its entire periphery, between the opening formed by the lid 12 and the fixed part formed by the box 11. It should be noted that this gap position is not intended to allow access to the contents of the internal volume 15. Nor is this gap position intended to allow viewing the contents of the box 10.

[0090] The hinge also ensures a second movement during opening. This second movement is a rotation of the lid 12 relative to the case 11, so as to free up visibility and access to the internal volume 15 of the box 10, as illustrated in figure 3. It is during this rotational movement that the lid leaves the interstitial position zone 20, forming the gap 21.

[0091] The closing kinematics of the lid are reversed, starting with the rotational movement until approximately the half-open position, followed by the translational movement.

[0092] In other words, in this first embodiment, the hinge ensures on the one hand a translational movement, and on the other hand a rotational movement, of the lid 12 relative to the case 11.

[0093] Furthermore, in all embodiments of the invention, the box 10 incorporates a flap 30 which masks a radiating device, the emission of which of the luminous flux emerges in the gap 21, in interstitial position 20.

[0094] Figure 4 illustrates, in the closed box configuration shown in Figure 1, the shutter 30 in its rest position. As this cross-sectional view shows, the shutter 30 conceals the radiating device comprising a luminous flux emitting element 40 and a luminous flux transmission means. This luminous flux transmission means consists of a light reflector 41 and a light diffuser 42. As can be seen, the diffuser 42 is positioned, at least partially, in the path of the direct luminous flux emitted by the emitting element 40. In other words, the diffuser 42 receives at least part, and possibly all, of the luminous flux from P3088PC00.

[0095] the emitting element 40. When the diffuser 42 does not receive all of the direct luminous flux, the reflector 41 receives part of the luminous flux from the emitting element 40. According to an alternative embodiment, the reflector receives at least part of the direct luminous flux.

[0096] Furthermore, the radiating device also includes, coupled to the emitting element 40, an electronic control unit (not shown), consisting of an electronic control module powered by a battery ensuring its electrical autonomy, and a detector of the position of the lid 12 relative to the box 11. When the box 10 is opened, the electronic module uses the position detector to determine if the lid 12 is in the gap 20. When the electronic module identifies the lid in the gap 20, during the opening phase, it activates the emitting element 40 so as to produce light emission in the gap 21. Advantageously, the light emitted in the gap 21 masks the interior of the box 10. Very advantageously, the light is sufficiently intense so as not to allow the gap created between the interfaces 14a of the box 11 and 14b of the lid 12 to be perceived.Thus, although the box is slightly open, the user has the impression that it is the casing that is radiating, creating a "magical" atmosphere. The box produces a radiant effect. Preferably, the light emission begins at the start of the opening movement and continues throughout the entire travel time to cover the distance di. In other words, the light emission occurs during the movement of the lid in the so-called interstitial position 20. Thus, the flap 30 is in the active position during this movement of the lid in the so-called interstitial position 20. Consequently, the light effect is progressive, with increasing intensity, from the beginning of the opening of the box 10 until the moment the lid 12 reaches the limit of the interstitial position 20.

[0097] Depending on the intensity of the desired effect, the light can appear locally "blinding" in the area of ​​the gap 21, without however harming the user's health, but sufficiently to mask the gap 21. Thus, this effect gives the impression that the intense light pushes, that is to say, separates, the lid 12 of the box 11. There is therefore a perception that the light separates the two parts of the box 10.

[0098] The luminous flux emission element 40 is ensured by any means of light emission in the visible spectrum. In the context of this embodiment of a self-contained box, means of light emission with low electrical energy consumption are preferred, such as light-emitting diodes or LEDs (English acronym for "Light Emitting Diode"), assemblies of LEDs, or COB LEDs (English acronym for "Chip-on-Board"), LED filaments or sets of LEDs grouped in the form of filaments.

[0099] Furthermore, the flap 30 also masks the luminous flux emitting element 40 when the cover 12 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 3. The flap 30 is therefore generally in its rest position, except in the interstitial position 20. Consequently, the flap 30 is capable, in a so-called active position of the flap, of releasing the P3088PC00 in the interstitial position 20.

[0100] cover 12, the luminous flux in the gap 21 formed. Thus, advantageously, the emitting element 40 is globally masked, except in the interstitial position 20.

[0101] Figure s represents the shutter 30 in its active position, where it allows the passage of light through the gap 21. Thus, the shutter 30 is movable and moves between its rest position and its active position, and vice versa. For this purpose, the housing 11 is equipped with a deployment means 50, in the form of deployment magnets 50. These deployment magnets 50, positioned opposite the shutter 30, attract the shutter 30 over a predetermined distance. In other words, the strength of the deployment magnets 50 is determined to ensure the movement as a function of the gap distance di of the opening 21. Furthermore, the shutter 30 is made of a ferromagnetic material or contains ferromagnetic elements, so that it is attracted by the deployment magnets 50.

[0102] Furthermore, to return the flap 30 to its rest position, the cover 12 includes a return means 51, in the form of return magnets 51, illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. In addition, Figure 6b, which is a wireframe view of the cover 12, shows a travel limiter 60 for the movement of the flap 30. Thus, the flap 30 can open under the effect of the deployment means 50 during the movement of the cover 12 in the gap 21 and prevents the deployment of the flap 30 beyond this gap 21. When the cover 12 continues its opening stroke, the flap 30 is locked in its maximum travel position, limited by the travel limiter 60. The deployment magnets 50 then move away from the cover and therefore from the flap 30. The force exerted by the deployment magnets 50 (deployment force) decreases until it becomes less than the force exerted by the return magnets 51 (return force).The return means 51 brings the flap 30 back into its rest position. Indeed, with the evolution of the distances between the flap 30 and the deployment magnets 50 on the one hand, and the flap 30 and the return magnets 51 on the other hand, the return force has become greater than the deployment force.

[0103] Thus, when the box is opened, the flap 30 is automatically deployed during the movement of the lid over the distance di, then returned to the rest position to conceal the radiating device.

[0104] It should also be noted, firstly, that in this embodiment, the light diffuser 42 is fixed to and rests on the flap 30. Secondly, the light-emitting element 40 is fixed to the cover 12. In other words, the light diffuser 42 is movable with the flap 30, relative to the light-emitting element 40. Other examples of embodiments of the invention

[0105] Figure 7 shows, in wire view, a second embodiment of the invention, in which the return means 71 is an elastic means, here of the helical spring type. This elastic means 71 is, on the one hand, integral with the cover 72, which serves as a fixed reference point for the movement of the flap 70. On the other hand, this elastic means 71 is integral with the flap 70, so as to return it to its rest position, pressed against the cover. P3088PC00

[0106] As in the previous embodiment, the elastic means is dimensioned to return the flap 70 beyond a certain distance of displacement of the cover 12 relative to its opening stroke. This is done so as to limit the opening of the flap 70 to the interstitial position 20 of the cover 12. As can also be seen in this figure, the helical spring is protected by the stroke limiter 60 which, as before, constrains the stroke of the flap 70 and prevents the spring from being stretched, and therefore deformed, beyond its elastic modulus.

[0107] It is understood that any elastic means can perform the return function of flap 30. Thus, it is notably possible to replace a helical spring with a spiral spring, a leaf spring, a pre-stressed composite fiber spring, an elastomer spring, a foam spring, for example.

[0108] The figure illustrates, in wireframe view, a third embodiment of the invention, in which the cover 82 is equipped with an actuator 81 as a deployment means. This actuator 81 pushes the flap 80 into the active position. For this purpose, the actuator 81 is controlled by the electronic control module. The flap 80 is returned to its rest position by an elastic means (not shown), as in the previous embodiment. By way of illustration and without limitation, the actuator 81 is, for example, a piezoelectric actuator, a motor such as a brushed or brushless DC motor, a linear motor or servo motor, or an induction motor.

[0109] According to a first variant of the 3 èmeIn this embodiment, the actuator 81 also acts as a means for returning the flap 80. In other words, the actuator 81 performs the function of a means for moving the flap 80. The means for moving the flap 80 therefore combines the functions of a means for deploying and a means for returning the flap 80. These two means are then located, along with the flap 80, in the cover 82.

[0110] In a second variant (not illustrated) of the 3 ème In this embodiment, the flap deforms under the pressure exerted by the actuator 81 and returns to the active position. In this embodiment, the flap is made of a flexible and / or shape-memory material. When the actuator 81 no longer exerts pressure on the flap, the flap returns to its initial position.

[0111] Figure 9 illustrates, in wireframe view, a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the flap 90 fitted to the cover 92 is an elastic blade forming the elastic return means. Furthermore, this flap 90 is ferromagnetic and attracted by magnets 50, forming the deployment means. The flap 90 automatically returns to its rest position as soon as it is no longer subjected to the magnetic attraction of the deployment means 50. The flap 90, of the spring-blade type, then obscures the radiating device, i.e., the luminous flux emitting element 40. Here again, the internal surface of the cover 92 serves as a reflector 41, obtained using a dedicated treatment or by adding a reflective element. To improve the light output in the gap 21, the internal face P3088PC00

[0112] The shutter 91 is also treated so as to reflect the luminous flux emitted by the emitting element 40 towards the gap 21. This inner face 91 is in the field of the luminous flux emitted by the emitting element 40. In addition, the inner face 91 is also opposite the reflector 41.

[0113] With reference to Figure 10, a piece of luggage 110 is shown, here a rigid case or suitcase, which, for the purposes of this application, is a box comparable to the case described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As with the case, the luggage comprises a box 111 delimiting an internal storage volume and a lid 112 hinged relative to the box 111. The lid 112 and the box 111 have a junction interface 114 (114a, 114b) which, when the lid 112 adopts an interstitial position 20 between the closed and open positions, provides a peripheral gap 21.

[0114] By strict transposition of the device described in figures 4 to 9, as described, the luggage 110 implements an interstitial lighting mechanism comprising in particular a flap 30 masking a luminous flux emission element 40, a means of transmitting the luminous flux such as a reflector 41 and / or a diffuser 42, as well as a deployment means 50 and a return means 51 of the flap 30, and possibly a travel limiter 60. When the cover 112 is in the interstitial position 20, the luminous flux is distributed in the gap 21 in accordance with the principles set out with reference to figures 4 to 9, providing on the periphery of the luggage 110 the same interstitial lighting effect as that obtained on the case.

[0115] This implementation illustrates that luggage 110 is a box within the meaning of the claims, the opening / fixed architecture, the peripheral interface and the interstitial lighting being strictly transposed.

[0116] With reference to Figure 11, a piece of furniture 210, for example a storage unit or a safe, is shown, which also constitutes, within the meaning of the invention, a box similar to the case shown in Figures 1 to 3. The piece of furniture comprises a box 211 delimiting an internal storage volume and a door 212 mounted movable relative to the box 211. The door 212 and the box 211 have a junction interface 214 (214a, 214b) forming an opening plane. The door 212 is movable between a closed position, an open position, and an interstitial position 20 in which the interface 214a of the box 211 is contiguous with the interface 214b of the door 212, so as to form a peripheral interstice 21.By transposing the detailed embodiments in Figures 4 to 9, as described, the door 212 implements the interstitial lighting mechanism comprising the flap 30 masking the emitting element 40, the means for transmitting the light flux including the reflector 41 and / or the diffuser 42, as well as the deployment means 50 and the return means 51 of the flap 30, and optionally the travel limiter 60. When the door 212 is in the interstitial position 20, the light is distributed in the gap 21 on the periphery of the interface 214a, 214b, producing the same lighting effect as that perceived when opening the jewelry box. P3088PC00.

[0117] This transposition, which only applies to the opening / fixed parts of the furniture 210 the characteristics already described for the jewelry box, shows that the term "box" used in the claims naturally covers luggage and furniture with a door, without the addition of new material.

[0118] Other optional features and advantages of the invention

[0119] In variations of the embodiments of the invention detailed above, it may also be provided that:

[0120] to use a simple hinge which ensures a classic rotational movement of the lid relative to the case, which allows in the interstitial position a substantially variable gap.In other words, with this hinge, called simple or classic, the gap is not constant over the entire periphery of the opening / fixed interface; to treat the proximal face of the diffusion element in relation to the gap, so that on the one hand the proximal face reflects light rays from the reflecting element into the gap, and on the other hand, allows diffused light rays from the emitting element to pass through in the direction of the gap; to limit the shutter to a portion of the periphery of the box: for example a shutter on three sides of a parallelepiped, and a hinge on the 4th side, or any other configuration; to integrate the shutter and the radiating device into the periphery of the box instead of that of the lid;

[0121] to implement a flexible component;

[0122] to group the two means, the means of deployment and the means of recall, with the flap (either all in the lid, or all in the box);

[0123] to use an end stop as a limiter of the shutter's travel under the action of the deployment means;

[0124] to use electromagnets as a means of deployment and / or retraction of the flap; to make the flap in several portions, for example, one portion per side of the box; that the interface between the box and the lid is a so-called left-handed surface, or so-called complex surface, instead of the plane represented in the embodiment of figure 3;

[0125] to provide a dimension di of distance in the interstitial position as a function of the dimensions of the box, that is to say the dimensions of the case and the lid

[0126] to make a box with several lids or a lid in several parts, for example in two parts that separate when opened

[0127] to integrate the emitting element 40 on the peripheral inner face of the cover, in place of the reflector 41, or to reverse the arrangement of the emitting element 40 with the reflector 41.P3088PC00

[0128] The technique described above for creating an interstitial lighting box can be used in various configurations, for example, to provide interstitial lighting for luggage, such as a briefcase or attaché case, but also for the interstitial lighting of a cabinet door, a safe, or other similar items. Indeed, although these items are not jewelry boxes, they can be considered boxes within the meaning of the invention. It should be understood that the elements shown in the figures can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed multipurpose devices, which may include a processor, memory, and input / output interfaces.

[0129] This description illustrates the principles of this disclosure. It will therefore be appreciated if those skilled in the art are able to devise various arrangements which, while not explicitly described or shown here, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within its scope.

[0130] Thus, it is important to understand that the basis of the invention relates to an opening system interposed between a first volume and a second volume, comprising a fixed part and an opening part having a junction interface, the junction interface forming a boundary between the first volume and the second volume.

[0131] Furthermore, the sash is movable relative to the frame and capable of assuming an interstitial position in which the interface of the sash is contiguous with the interface of the frame. In addition, the system includes a luminous flux-emitting element masked by a shutter in its rest position; the shutter is capable, in an active position, of releasing the luminous flux into the interstitial position of the sash within the resulting gap.

[0132] All examples and conditional language cited here are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the principles of disclosure and the concepts brought by the inventor to advance the art, and should be interpreted as not being limited to those specifically cited examples and conditions.

[0133] Furthermore, all statements of principles, aspects, and implementation methods of disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass their structural and functional equivalents. Moreover, it is anticipated that these equivalents will include both currently known equivalents and those developed in the future—that is, any developed element that fulfills the same function, regardless of its structure. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will understand that the principle diagrams presented here represent conceptual views of illustrative plans implementing the principles of disclosure.

[0134] Insofar as embodiments of the invention have been described as being implemented, at least in part, by a software-controlled data processing device, onP3088PC00

[0135] It will be understood that a machine-readable, non-transient medium carrying such software, such as an optical disc, a magnetic disc, a semiconductor memory, or the like, is also considered to represent an embodiment of the present invention. The functions of the various elements illustrated in the figures can be performed using dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of running software in conjunction with suitable software. When performed by a processor, the functions can be carried out by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared.Furthermore, the explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be interpreted as referring exclusively to the hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, a digital signal processor (DSP), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage media. In addition, certain elements may be independent or grouped together, for example, in a microcontroller (MCU) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0136] Other hardware, both conventional and / or custom, may also be included. In the claims of this document, any element expressed as a means of performing a specified function is intended to encompass any manner of performing that function, including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements that perform that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode, or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry to execute that software in order to perform the function. The disclosure as defined by such claims lies in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various means cited are combined and brought together in the manner contemplated by the claims. It is therefore considered that all means that can provide these functionalities are equivalent to those presented herein.

Claims

P3088PC00 DEMANDS 1. Box (10) formed of a casing (11) and a lid having a joining interface (14), the lid (12) being shaped so as to close an internal storage volume delimited by the casing, the movable cover relative to the case and capable of adopting an interstitial position in which the interface of the cover is contiguous with the interface of the case, characterized in that the box further integrates a luminous flux emission device masked by a flap in the rest position of the flap, the flap being capable, in a so-called active position of the flap, of releasing the luminous flux into the interstice formed in the interstitial position of the cover.

2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a means for deploying the flap into the active position.

3. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flap return means capable of returning the flap to the rest position.

4. Box according to claim 3 in combination with claim 2, wherein the light emission element, the flap and the return means are integrated into the lid, when the flap deployment means are integrated into the box, and vice versa.

5. Box according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the deployment means and / or the retraction means implements a magnetic field for actuating the flap.

6. Box according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the return means is of the elastic type.

7. Box according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the recall means is a ne u r action.

8. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a means for transmitting the luminous flux.

9. Box according to the preceding claim, in which the luminous flux is transmitted by the transmission means in the active position of the shutter.

10. A box according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the transmission means is a reflective and / or diffusing type. P3088PC00 11. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap releases, in the interstitial position of the lid, the luminous flux, during a movement of the lid from the closed position of the internal volume of the box to the open position of said volume.

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