Technical field

The present invention relates to a lamp, for example a table lamp or a floor lamp. The lamp can also be used on the ceiling or wall.

Prior art

Different models of table lamps exist on the market which allow to control the emission of light radiation, for example by adjusting the position of the light diffusing element or by electronically adjusting the intensity or colour variation of light or colour temperature (for example by using RGB).

Some models have sliding elements which can assume positions of partial coverage of the light source so as to modify the diffusion of light.

In general, all the lamps on the market have a predefined shape and limited adjustment possibilities, which is why each lighting need requires a specific type of lamp.

For example, a reading lamp cannot be used to illuminate an entire environment at 360°, and vice versa. To modify the emission of radiation in some lamps, it is possible to act on the lampshade (for lamps which include it), disassembling it or reassembling as needed.

There is a need by the user to have a lamp which adapts to different needs with greater versatility, such as use as a reading lamp, or to illuminate the entire environment, etc.

Object of the invention

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a lamp, in particular a table lamp, which overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art as described above.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a lamp, in particular a table lamp, which is more versatile than the known lamps, i.e., adaptable to different needs of use (e.g., for reading, for ambient lighting, etc.). Another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp, in particular a table lamp, which can be easily configured by the user as a function of changing needs.

The stated technical task and specified aims are substantially achieved by a lamp, comprising:

- at least one light source;

- a support for the light source;

- at least one light guide mounted on the support so as to receive and convey the light radiation emitted by the light source;

- at least one light shielding element applicable in contact with the light guide and magnetically coupled to the light guide.

In particular, the lamp comprises at least one magnet arranged on the light guide or inside the light guide. The shielding element is at least partially made of ferromagnetic material to couple with the magnet.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the magnet has an annular shape.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light guide has a first portion that is substantially transparent and a second portion having an opaque finish.

In accordance with an embodiment, the light guide has a substantially cylindrical or prismatic extension.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shielding element has the shape of a cap and is magnetically coupled to a base of the light guide so that the concavity of the cap faces the light guide.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light guide has the shape of a full hemisphere having a flat circular surface.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shielding element has the shape of a flat plate and is magnetically coupled to the flat circular surface of the hemispherical light guide.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the support has at least one finned surface to allow the dissipation of the heat emitted by the light source.

For example, the light source is a LED light source or a halogen bulb, or a neon bulb.

Preferably, the light guide is made of one of the following materials: polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, glass, silicone.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the support comprises a compartment and an opening for access to the compartment. The light source is arranged in the compartment so as to emit light radiation towards the opening.

The light guide is mounted on the support at the opening so as to receive the light radiation.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shielding element has a reticulated extension or has holes.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light guide is a light guide which is not full, or it is totally transparent or it is totally opaque.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the light source is of the LED type and the support, the light source and the light guide form a LED light bulb.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a lamp as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a lamp, in accordance with the present invention, in a perspective view;

- figure 2 shows the lamp of figure 1 in which the shielding element is decoupled from the light guide;

- figure 3 shows the lamp of figure 1 in a disassembled state of the components thereof;

- figures 4 and 5 show the lamp of figure 1 , in sectioned side view, respectively assembled and disassembled; - figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a lamp, in accordance with the present invention, in perspective view, respectively in an assembled and disassembled state.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a lamp comprising a support 2 for at least one light source 4.

At least one light guide 6 is mounted on the support 2 so as to receive and convey the light radiation emitted by the light source 4.

For example, in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the support 2 has a shape such as to be rested on a surface, for example the surface of a table or a piece of furniture.

Alternatively, the support 2 is positionable on a floor, thus the lamp is a floor lamp.

According to another variant, the support 2 is fixable to the ceiling or to a wall, thus the lamp is a ceiling or wall lamp.

In accordance with the embodiments described and illustrated herein, a compartment 3 for housing the light source 4 is obtained inside the support 2. The support 2 also has an opening 5 for access to the compartment 3. Advantageously, the light source 4 is arranged in the compartment 3 so as to emit light radiation towards the opening 5.

Preferably, the light source 4 is a LED light source. For example, a COB- type LED is used, where COB stands for the acronym “Chip On Board”. This is a unique module on which multiple LEDs are welded to the substrate.

Preferably, the COB LED 4 is fixed in the compartment 3 by a thermally conductive paste.

Alternatively, the LED light source 4 consists of a strip of LEDs.

In accordance with a variant, the light source 4 is a halogen lamp or a neon lamp.

In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the support 2 comprises a base 21 and a tubular element 22 protruding from an upper surface 21 a of the base 21 .

The tubular element 22 delimits the compartment 3, thus it houses the light source 4.

The tubular element 22 protrudes from a central area of the upper surface 21 a of the base 21 .

Alternatively, the tubular element 22 can be arranged in a different zone with respect to the central zone of the upper surface 21 a of the base 21 .

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the support 2 has at least one finned surface 20 to allow the dissipation of the heat emitted by the light source 4.

In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the finned surface 20 is a portion of the lateral surface of the tubular element 22.

Such a finning is optional, for example it is not present when the light source 4 is a cold-powered LED.

For example, the base 21 has a discoidal shape or it is a parallelepiped or a cube.

In accordance with an embodiment, the tubular element 22 is fixed to the base 21 by mechanical means, such as screws or rivets.

In accordance with another embodiment, the tubular element 22 is welded to the base 21 . In this case, the support 2 is an indivisible piece.

In accordance with another embodiment, the tubular element 22 is fixed to the base 21 by an adhesive means.

In accordance with the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the tubular element 22 has a substantially cylindrical extension.

In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the light guide 6 is mounted on the support 2 at the opening 5 for access to the compartment 3.

For example, the light guide 6 can have a threaded end screwable into a recess of the support 2.

Preferably, the threaded end of the light guide 6 is screwable into a threaded hollow end of the tubular element 22. For example, the threaded end of the light guide is of the male type, while the threaded hollow end of the tubular element 22 is of the female type.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light guide 6 has a first portion 16 that is substantially transparent and a second portion 26 having an opaque finish.

The light radiation coming from the light source 4 passes through the opening 5 for access to the compartment 3 and is received by the light guide 6 which lets it pass through the first (transparent) portion 16. Being opaque, the second portion 26 leads to a softer emission of light, but still effective in terms of illumination.

The opaque finish of the second portion 26 is obtained, for example, by satinizing or micro-shot peening or turning.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the light guide 6 has a main extension along a predefined longitudinal direction d.

In accordance with the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the light guide 6 has a substantially cylindrical extension from the opening 5 up to a free upper base 62.

For example, the first (transparent) portion 16 extends from the threaded end 6a to a predefined height of the light guide 6. The second (opaque) portion 26 instead extends from such a predefined height to the upper base 62.

In accordance with a variant (not illustrated), the cylindrical light guide 6 has the upper base 62 inclined. In other words, the cylinder is cut at the free end thereof. Therefore, the upper base 62 is substantially elliptical.

For example, the upper base 62 is inclined about 60° with respect to the predefined longitudinal direction d.

In this variant, it is the upper base 62 which forms the second portion 26, i.e., the opaque portion, while the rest of the light guide 6 is transparent (thus representing the first portion 16).

In accordance with another embodiment (not illustrated), the light guide 6 has a prismatic extension. Also in this case, as for the cylindrical light guide, the first (transparent) portion 16 preferably extends up to a predefined height of the light guide 6. The second (opaque) portion 26 instead extends from such a predefined height up to the upper base 62 of the prism.

As with the cylindrical light guide, a variant in which the upper base 62 is inclined is also included for the prismatic light guide. In other words, the prism is cut at the free end thereof. Therefore, the upper base 62 is substantially a polygon which is longer with respect to the polygonal section of the prism.

For example, the upper base is inclined about 60° with respect to the predefined longitudinal direction d.

In this variant, it is the upper base 62 which forms the second portion 26, i.e., the opaque portion, while the rest of the light guide 6 is transparent (thus representing the first portion 16).

In accordance with another embodiment (not illustrated), the light guide 6 is shaped like a truncated pyramid or a truncated cone.

In accordance with a further embodiment (not illustrated), the light guide 6 has the shape of a full hemisphere in which a circular base forms the second (opaque) portion 26, while the rest of the hemisphere forms the first (transparent) portion 16.

In general, the light guide 6 can also have non-geometric, arbitrary shapes. Beyond the specific shape, the light guide 6 receives and conveys the light radiation emitted by the light source 4 and lets it exit with an intensity which depends on the finish, for example on the degree of transparency/opacity of the portions 16, 26 thereof.

Originally, the lamp 1 comprises a light shielding element 7 of the light which is applicable in contact with the light guide 6 and magnetically coupled to the light guide 6.

In accordance with an embodiment, illustrated for example in figures 1 to 5, the shielding element 7 has the shape of a shell (e.g., a hollow hemisphere) which, when magnetically coupled to the light guide 6 (e.g., cylindrical or prismatic), has the concavity facing the light guide 6.

With this combination of light guide 6 and shielding element 7, the light radiation is conveyed downwards. This deviation of the light is particularly suitable for reading. In other words, in this case the shielding element 7 represents a lampshade.

When the light guide 6 is a cylinder or a prism with the upper base 62 inclined, it is possible to couple a shielding element 7 in the form of a flat plate, as illustrated in figures 6-7. For example, the shielding element 7 is a flat plate having a substantially elliptical extension in the case of a cylindrical light guide 6, while it is a flat plate having a substantially polygonal extension in the case of a prismatic light guide 6.

Even when the light guide 6 has the shape of a full hemisphere, the shielding element 7 can have the shape of a flat plate. For example, the shielding element 7 is a flat plate having a substantially circular extension. Alternatively, there can be two shielding elements 7, both having the shape of a flat plate with substantially semicircular extension. Thereby, it is possible to position only one shielding element 7 or both shielding elements 7 on the circular base, to obtain different light diffusion effects.

Preferably, the shielding element 7 is magnetically coupled to the light guide 6 by means of at least one magnet 8 arranged on the light guide 6 or therein and the at least partial realisation of the shielding element 7 in ferromagnetic material.

For example, the magnet 8 is a permanent magnet in Neodymium.

For example, the magnet 8 is a ring or a Neodymium disc having a diameter of about 20 mm, a thickness of about 2 mm and an attraction force of about 2.9 kg.

The ring shape is particularly suitable for further mitigating the shielding effect of the magnet upon the passage of the light radiation.

In accordance with an embodiment, the magnet 8 is fixed to the light guide 6 by means of an adhesive.

In accordance with another embodiment, the magnet 8 is arranged in a recess 63 obtained in the light guide 6. Preferably, the magnet 8 is interlocked by pressure in such a recess 63.

In accordance with another embodiment, the magnet 8 is arranged inside the light guide 6.

In accordance with another embodiment, the magnet 8 is screwed to the light guide 6.

Preferably, in the case of cylindrical or prismatic light guide 6 or truncated pyramid or cone, the magnet 8 is located at the upper base 62, fixed thereto with adhesive or inserted in the recess 63.

Preferably, in the case of a hemispherical light guide 6, the magnet 8 is on the circular base, fixed thereto with adhesive or inserted in a recess.

As mentioned above, the shielding element 7 is at least partially made of ferromagnetic material so as to be able to couple with the magnet 8.

Preferably, the shielding element 7 is made entirely of ferromagnetic material, for example steel or iron.

In an embodiment variant, multiple magnets 8 are arranged on the light guide 6.

In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the shielding element 7 in the form of a cap (fig. 1 -5) or a flat plate (fig. 6-7) or other shape is made of ferromagnetic material.

It is also included to realise the magnetic coupling between the shielding element 7 and the light guide 6 in a dual manner to that just described, i.e., obtained by means of a magnet arranged on the shielding element 7 and a ferromagnetic element in the light guide 6.

A further variant includes using two magnets: one in the light guide 6 and one in the shielding element 7. In this case, the shielding element 7 can be made of any material.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shielding element 7 can have a reticulated extension or holes which allow to create appropriate light games or decorations. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shielding element 7 can also have a reflective surface, for example a polished or mirrored or white- painted surface. By facing such a surface towards the light guide 6, a modification of the lighting capacity is obtained.

For example, when the shielding element 7 is a cap of ferromagnetic material, an inner surface of the cap, indicated with the number 7a, is polished so as to reflect light.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the surface of the shielding element 7 facing the light guide 6 can have a coloured coating such as to change the colour temperature of the light beam.

In accordance with an embodiment not illustrated, the support 2, the LED light source 4 and the light guide 6 form a LED bulb.

The light guide 6 preferably has the shape of a bulb and the support 2 is mounted on a threaded area.

The shielding element 7 is applicable to the light guide 6 and magnetically couples to the light guide 6. In particular, the magnet 8 is present on the bulb-shaped light guide 6 or therein.

A further embodiment, not illustrated, includes the use of two light guides: a first light guide of the LED bulb and a second light guide placed to cover the first light guide.

The shielding element 7 always rests on a light guide, in this case the outermost one (i.e., the second light guide). The magnet can be on or inside the first light guide or on or inside the second light guide.

A bulb support is further included, for example a base, a stem and a threaded attachment portion for screwing the led bulb.

In the embodiments of figures 1 to 7, on the other hand, it was the support 2 to already perform the support function for the lamp 1 .

As for the materials, the following are different alternatives for the various components introduced in the different embodiments described above.

The base 21 of the support 2 is preferably made of one of the following materials: metal, plastic, wood. The tubular element 22 is preferably made of a metal material, for example aluminium.

The light guide 6 is preferably made of one of the following materials: polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, glass, silicone, quartz.

Other materials which can be used to make the light guide 6 are: marble, resin, onyx or other stones, paper, fabrics with a weft able to let light pass at least partially.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the lamp 1 can be powered from the mains by means of a suitable cable protruding from the support 2. In an embodiment, the lamp 1 is provided with a power supply battery so as to be autonomous from the mains power supply.

From the description provided the characteristics of a lamp according to the present invention are clear, as are the advantages.

In particular, by virtue of the magnetic coupling between the light guide and the shielding element it is possible to change the orientation of the light radiation as required.

Furthermore, differently shaped shielding elements can be applied to the light guide to modify the light beam in terms of intensity, orientation, etc., and to change the overall shape of the lamp. The shielding elements applicable to the light guide can also be commonly used objects or tools, such as a bowl, a coaster, a bookend.

By virtue of the versatile configuration thereof, the proposed lamp adapts to different needs and uses.