GB2577278A

GB2577278A - A lighting arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2577278A
Application number: GB1815271.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Upshall Neil
Original assignee: Knox & Wells Ltd
Current assignee: Knox & Wells Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2018-09-19
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-19
Also published as: GB2577278B; GB201815271D0

Abstract

A modular lighting arrangement 10 has a base module 20 and a number of elongate lighting modules 30. One lighting module 30 is connected to the base module 20 and other lighting modules 30 can be added to form an elongate upstanding lighting column. The base module 20 is adapted to be provided with electrical power, either from an internal battery source or an external power supply. Some lighting modules may include sockets from which lateral lighting spurs can run.

Description

A Lighting Arrangement The present invention relates to a lighting arrangement and in particular to a modular lighting arrangement. The modular lighting arrangement is primarily intended for temporary use on stair wells or lift shafts during construction of buildings, although other uses will be readily apparent.

On construction sites there are common problems associated with lighting in stair wells and lift shafts, for example. Often there are trailing power leads/cables which are potential trip hazards for workers in that area and which are vulnerable to damage. Additionally, lights that are suspended from unfinished walls and ceilings hinder construction progress particularly in the final, finishing stages of construction. Power and lights which become built into or through walls and bulkheads have to be cut out rendering them useless and unserviceable. Often the levels of light with known systems, both for access and construction, are unsafe and/or insufficient.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular lighting arrangement comprising: i) a base module configured to provide electrical power to the lighting arrangement, the base module having a base connector adapted to be provided with said electrical power, and ii) a number of elongate lighting modules each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends and each incorporating a light source, the module connectors being electrically linked; wherein the module connector at one end of a first lighting module is connectable to the base connector of the base module so as to be upstanding therefrom with a second lighting module being connectable to the module connector at the other end of the first lighting module in alignment therewith to form an elongate upstanding lighting column with optional further lighting modules being connectable end on end to increase the height of the lighting column.

Ideally the modular lighting arrangement further comprises a number of elongate spacer modules, each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends, the module connectors of each spacer module being electrically linked, wherein one or more spacer modules can be provided between a pair of elongate lighting modules so that the lighting column has portions of its length which are lit and portions which are unlit.

In some preferred arrangements there is further provided one or more elongate auxiliary modules, each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends, the module connectors of each auxiliary module being electrically connected, wherein each auxiliary module also provides an auxiliary connector which is electrically connected to the module connectors to enable a lateral lighting spur to be attached to the upstanding lighting column by connecting one or more additional lighting modules and optional spacer modules.

Conveniently the connectors are in the form of plug and socket connectors, each module having a plug at one end and a socket at the opposite end. Often the plug and socket connectors have mating male and female components which provide electrical connection between modules and which provide structural rigidity for the lighting column against lateral movement out of the elongate direction.

With preferred constructions each lighting module is generally tubular in form and has a transparent, translucent or semi-transparent section. Preferably the light source in each lighting module comprises a series of LEDs. Similarly it is usual that each spacer module is generally tubular in form, the tubular form corresponding to that of the lighting modules.

In some arrangements there is further provided one or more emergency light modules, each having a connector at each end to connect with the lighting modules and/or spacer modules, the emergency light modules including an emergency light source and a battery back up in case of a loss of electrical power to the base module.

Normally, the base module is adapted to be powered by an external power source such as 110V or 240V or 12V or 24V or by an internal power source such as a battery (rechargeable or replaceable) or by any combination thereof. Conveniently the base module may have a flat base and the base connector is orientated such that the lighting module first lighting/spacer module attached thereto extends in a direction perpendicular to the flat base. In some arrangements the base unit has adjustable feet to ensure that the lighting column is substantially vertical. The base module may incorporate ballast weighting to improve stability.

It may be useful in practise for the lighting/spacer modules to be provided in a variety of lengths to enable versatility in the lighting column so that light can be provided at desired locations.

There is further provided a method of producing a lighting column by connecting together the modules described above.

The modular lighting arrangement described above can be installed up the centre of a stair well and has no adverse effect on access or work being undertaken in the area. Trailing power leads/cables are eliminated, except of course to power the base module and the arrangement eliminates the need for power leads and lights to be suspended from walls and ceilings. The arrangement can provide light to all areas of the stair case or light shaft and can be configured to suit all lighting needs within the stairwell or lift shaft. The modular arrangement is quick to install and does not require skilled trades or testing. In some arrangements emergency lighting can be incorporated for times when there is a power failure. The lighting arrangement can be used as a semi-permanent or temporary lighting during construction or refurbishment projects.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a modular lighting arrangement according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a simplified plan view of a modular lighting arrangement according to the present invention provided in a stair well, Figure 3 is a simplified side view of the figure 2 arrangement, Figure 4 is a sectional side view of a lighting module of a modular lighting arrangement according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a sectional side view of a spacer module for use with the lighting module of figure 4, Figure 6 is a sectional side view of an auxiliary module for use with the modules of figure 4 and 5, Figure 7 is a sectional side view of a base module of a modular lighting arrangement according to the present invention, and Figure 8 is a detailed sectional view showing mating module connectors of the lighting arrangement according to the present invention.

The figures show various embodiments relating to a modular lighting arrangement 10. The lighting arrangement 10 is particularly suited for use in stair wells or lift shafts on building construction sites or in building renovation environments. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an example of the lighting arrangement 10 in use in a stair well 11 in which a first flight of stairs 12 ends at a landing 13 and a second flight of stairs 14 continues from the landing 13. There is a central, vertically extending void between the stairs and the landing, in which void is disposed the modular lighting arrangement 10, the height of the lighting arrangement being variable depending on the height of the staircase which may of course contain numerous flights of stairs and associated landings as is well known.

The modular lighting arrangement 10 comprises a base module 20 which is shown as being a shallow, square pyramid in general form, but any suitable shape will be possible. Usually the base module 20 has a flat base 21 which in use sits on the ground, a wider base 21 giving the arrangement 10 greater stability in use. The base may also have adjustable feet (not shown) so that the orientation of the base module can be adjusted to ensure stability and correct alignment with the void in the stairwell. The base module may also incorporate ballast weighting to improve stability. Centrally located on the base module 20 is a base connector 22 in the form of a socket. The base connector 22 is adapted to receive electrical power via suitable electrical connections (not shown) in channelling 23, for example from a power socket 24 which in use would be connected to a suitable power source such as 110V or 240V A.C. or 12V or 24V D.C. via cable 25. Alternatively, a rechargeable or replaceable battery could be provided in the base module 20 in order to provide electrical power to the base connector 22.

The modular lighting arrangement 10 further comprises a number of lighting modules 30 and optionally a number of spacer modules 40 and auxiliary modules 50, all of which modules 30, 40, 50 can be connected to provide a customised, upstanding, elongate lighting column 15 which provides lighting and may have sections along its length which are unlit.

Each lighting module 30 is elongate and has a module connector 31 at each of its opposite ends. Usually one module connector will be a socket 31a and the other module connector will be a plug 31b. Joining the two module connectors 31 is a tubular section 32 which is transparent or semitransparent or translucent. The tubular section is conveniently made of plastic. Inside the tubular section is a light source (not shown) and one suitable light source would be a string of LEDs. The two module connectors 31 are electrically connected via the light source and/or via an additional electrical connection (not shown).

A first lighting module 30 can, therefore, be connected via its plug 31b to the base connector 22 (which is a socket) of the base module 20 so as to be upstanding therefrom such that the lighting module 30 will emit light through its tubular section 32 when the base module 20 provides electrical power to its base connector 22. Usually the configuration will be such that the first lighting module 30 extends substantially vertically upwards from the base module 20 due to the connection axis of the base connector 22 being generally perpendicular to the base 21.

A second lighting module 30 can then be connected to the first lighting module 30 so as to provide an aligned extension to the lighting column, the light source of the second lighting module 30 being powered by electrical power via the coupled socket 31a of the first lighting module and the plug 31b of the second lighting module, This process can be repeated with third, fourth, fifth etc. lighting modules 30 until a desired height of lighting column is achieved.

Optionally, spacer modules 40 are provided and these can be provided between lighting modules 30, perhaps in areas where light is not required or is not so important. The construction of each spacer module 40 is similar to that of the lighting modules 30 in that they are elongate and have a module connector 31 at each of its opposite ends. Again, for ease of use, one module connector will be a socket 31a and the other will be a plug 3113. Between the two module connectors 31 is a tubular section 42, but this does not have to be transparent or semi-transparent or translucent because the spacer module 40 does not have a light source. The two connectors 31 of each spacer module 40 are, however, electrically linked (not shown) such that electrical power can be continued along the length of the lighting column.

Optionally, auxiliary modules 50 are provided and these can be provided between any of the modules 30, 40. The construction of each auxiliary module 50 is similar to that of a lighting module 30 or a spacer module 40 (in that it can emit or not emit light) but the auxiliary module 50 also has one or more auxiliary connectors 51 which are electrically connected to the module connectors 31 provided at each end of the auxiliary module 50. In the figures only a single auxiliary connector 51 is provided and this is provided at a location along the length of the tubular section 52, although it is possible that further auxiliary connectors 51 may be provided and that any auxiliary connectors 51 could be provided in an alternative form of module connector 31 at one or both ends of the auxiliary module 50. Each auxiliary connector 51 may be a plug or a socket and enables a lateral lighting spur to depend from the main upstanding lighting column. Such an arrangement may be useful to provide lighting on a landing part of a stairwell for example. The connection axis of the auxiliary connectors 51 is ideally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the auxiliary module 31, but other angles would be possible.

It will be appreciated from the above that the lighting column arrangement provides a versatile lighting system for construction/renovation sites and not just in the stairwells/lift shafts of such sites. All of the lighting modules, spacer modules, auxiliary modules can be interchanged as desired due to the common module connectors 31/51 and can be provided in a number of fixed lengths (such as 100mm or 500mm) or even a range of fixed lengths in order to maximise versatility in providing light at desired locations. It is also envisaged that variable length modules could be made, such as telescopic modules which can be locked to a chosen length, although such arrangements may be more complicated/expensive to produce.

Although plastic tubular sections 32, 42, 52 have been disclosed it is possible that more open arrangements such as wire mesh or elongate rods could be used to interconnect the module connectors, such arrangements still enabling light to be emitted from the lighting modules, although perhaps providing less protection for the light sources therein.

In further embodiments, emergency lighting modules can be provided or even incorporated in any of the lighting/spacer/auxiliary modules described above. Such emergency lighting modules will incorporate an emergency light source (perhaps low power) powered by a stand-alone battery which can power the emergency light when the main electric power from the base module 20 fails.

The precise form of the module connectors 31 is a matter of design choice. Clearly the connectors 31 will require electrical connection when the two connectors are mated and this can be in a standard male/female connection. Ideally the connectors 31 have rigid side walls 35, perhaps circular cylindrical/tubular in the lengthwise coupling direction which provide a tight male/female interconnection so as to provide rigidity and stability to the lighting column which could extend for a number of floors of a building. Interconnecting bayonet type fittings are also envisaged in place of simple push-fit connectors.

It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that most of the materials of construction and precise shapes/sizes are a matter of design choice.

Claims

Claims A modular lighting arrangement comprising: i) a base module configured to provide electrical power to the lighting arrangement, the base module having a base connector adapted to be provided with said electrical power, and ii) a number of elongate lighting modules each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends and each incorporating a light source, the module connectors being electrically linked, wherein the module connector at one end of a first lighting module is connectable to the base connector of the base module so as to be upstanding therefrom and a second lighting module being connectable to the module connector at the other end of the first lighting module in alignment therewith to form an elongate upstanding lighting column with optional further lighting modules being connectable end on end to increase the height of the lighting column.
2. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising a number of elongate spacer modules, each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends, the module connectors of each spacer module being electrically linked, wherein one or more spacer modules can be provided between a pair of the elongate lighting modules so that the lighting column has portions of its length which are lit and portions which are unlit.
3. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 2 and further comprising one or more elongate auxiliary modules, each having a module connector at each of its opposite ends, the module connectors of each auxiliary module being electrically connected, wherein each auxiliary module also provides an auxiliary connector which is electrically connected to the module connectors to enable a lateral lighting spur to be attached to the upstanding lighting column by connecting one or more additional lighting modules and optional spacer modules.
A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the connectors are in the form of plug and socket connectors, each module having a plug at one end and a socket at the opposite end.
5. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plug and socket connectors have mating male and female components which provide electrical connection between modules and which provide structural rigidity for the lighting column against lateral movement out of the elongate direction.
6. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein each lighting module is generally tubular in form and has a transparent, translucent or semi-transparent section.
7. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the light source in each lighting module comprises a series of LEDs.
8. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein each spacer module is generally tubular in form, the tubular form corresponding to that of the lighting modules.
9. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein there is further provided one or more emergency light modules, each having a connector at each end to connect with the lighting modules and/or spacer modules, the emergency light modules including an emergency light source and a battery back up in case of a loss of electrical power to the base module.
10. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the base module is adapted to be powered by an external power source such as 110V or 240V or 12V or 24V or by an internal power source such as a battery (rechargeable or replaceable) or by any combination thereof.
11. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to wherein the base module has a flat base and the base connector is orientated such that the lighting module first lighting/spacer module attached thereto extends in a direction perpendicular to the flat base.
12. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the base unit has adjustable feet to ensure that the lighting column is substantially vertical.
13. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the base module incorporates ballast weighting.
14. A modular lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the lighting modules and/or the spacer modules are provided in a variety of lengths to enable versatility in the lighting column so that light can be provided at desired locations.
15. A method of producing a lighting column comprising the steps of connecting together a number of lighting modules to the base module as set out in any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15 comprising the steps of including a number of spacer modules, auxiliary modules or emergency modules as set out in claims 2, 3 and 9.