GB2246463A

GB2246463A - Illuminating display material

Info

Publication number: GB2246463A
Application number: GB9013920A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grant Hamilton Manning
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-06-22
Filing date: 1990-06-22
Publication date: 1992-01-29
Also published as: GB9013920D0

Abstract

Optical fibre strands which emit laterally along their length are woven into a web or mat. The strands (2) are connected to a light source (1) in order to illuminate the web or mat. The web or mat is assembled or incorporated into a plastic sheet or other material in order to illuminate a surface e.g. a fascia for the purposes of display or decoration. <IMAGE>

Description

ILLUMINATING DISPLAY MATERIAL.

This invention relates to illuminating display material that incorporates an integral light source. No external back of front light source is required other than a single remote light source that is connected to the material.

All display materials used for advertising or decoration have until now needed illumination from the back or front of the surface. Back lighting is usually in the form of flourescent tubes or neon tubes and front lighting is by flood lights. In particular signs which have messages printed onto the surface for advertising purposes are normally made from rigid translucent plastics or flexible translucent vinyls. The lighting methods are difficult to arrange to avoid shadows or intensive light and the systems used require regular maintenance. Lighting systems have to be housed in a weather proof box constructed of metal or wood. Lighting systems consume high high voltage electrical current and are therefore potentially dangerous and costly to run.

According to the present invention, fibre optic strands which emit light laterally along their length are woven together and assembled to a sheet of suitable material. The strands are then connected to a remote light source suitable to illuminate the entire surface of the material. Illumination is even and free from shadows, no light box is required and no electrical current passes through the material which provides for a safe andlow cost system.

A specific description of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows the light source 1 to which the fibre optic strands 2 are connected.

Figure 2 shows the fibre optic strands 2 secured to the edge clamp 3.

Figure 3 shows the strands 2 woven together and incorporated or assembled to the material 4.

Figure 4 shows a typical installation.

Refering to FIgure 1. A light source 1 is housed in a small box (3" x 6" x 12" approx). The light emitting is concentrated onto the fibre optic strands 2 which are grouped together by a connector. This light source can be fixed away from the illuminated material in a convenient position for maintenance and control.

Refering to Figure 2. The fibre optic strands 2 are fixed to the edge clamp 3 along one or more edges of the material.

Refering to Figure 3. The fibre optic strands 2 are woven together inte a mat which is assembled to or incorporated into a sheet of material the surface of which is suitable according to the use required.

Refering to Figure 4. The illuminated material 4 is installed for example onto a fascia to display a brand or message. The light source 1 is fitted to the fibre optic strands or cable 2 which is connected to the edge of the fascia to illuminate the entire surface evenly. As no current is passing through the fascia the system is inherently more safe than conventionally illuminated surfaces and the system also consumes less power.

Claims

1. A woven web or mat comprising a plurality of strands of optical fibre material, such fibre material being adapted for the lateral emission of light.

2. A woven web or mat according to claim 1, which is assembled to a plastic sheet.

3. A display sign comprising a translucent plastic sheet bearing display material and assembled to or incorporating a woven web according to claim 1 which is adapted for connection to a light source thereby to illuminate said plastic sheet and display material borne thereby.

4. A curtain, mat or other material assembled to a woven web according to claim 1, which is adapted for connection to a light source thereby to illuminate said curtain, mat or other material.