[0001] The present invention relates to a diffuser for a lamp, such as a floor, pendant, or ceiling lamp. In particular, the present invention concerns a diffuser integrated with the light source, consisting of a plurality of LED strips.

[0002] In order to respond to the tastes of consumers, the lighting fixture sector provides countless aesthetic solutions, often the product of the inventiveness of famous and highly regarded designers. At the same time, with the object of making the industrial production of such solutions feasible and cost-effective, they often incorporate innovative technical solutions .

[0003] This is also the context of the present invention, which consists of a diffuser for a lamp, provided with innovative technical solutions that enable its practical industrial implementation.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to industrially manufacture a diffuser for a lamp, such as a floor, wall, ceiling, or pendant lamp, having a distinctive aesthetic appearance.

[0005] This object is achieved by a diffuser according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe additional advantageous embodiments. [0006] The features and advantages of the diffuser according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example in accordance with the figures in the appended drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 depicts a pendant lamp fitted with a diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 2 shows the lamp in Fig. 1, in separate parts;

Fig. 3 depicts a light rod of the diffuser, according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 4 illustrates a first core of the light rod in Fig. 3;

- Fig. 5 depicts a first casing of the light rod in Fig. 3;

- Fig. 6 shows an enlargement of Box VI in Fig. 4, showing an initial end of the light rod;

- Fig. 7 depicts an enlargement of Box VII in Fig. 4, showing a final end of the light rod;

- Fig. 8 illustrates an assembly with dark rods of the diffuser, according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 9 depicts an assembly in separate parts with second cores of the dark rods in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 shows an enlargement of Box X in Fig. 9, showing an initial end of the dark rod;

Fig. 11 represents an enlargement of Box XI in Fig. 9, showing a final end of the dark rod;

- Fig. 12 illustrates the mounting of the light rods and the dark rods to a main base of the diffuser;

- Fig. 13 illustrates the mounting of the dark rods to the main base of the diffuser.

[0007] For clarity of description, reference will be made below to a pendant lamp; however, as will become apparent, the invention is applicable to a different lamp, such as a ceiling, wall, or floor lamp.

[0008] With reference to the figures in the attached drawings, 1 has been used to denote a pendant lamp comprising a diffuser 2, provided with the lighting means discussed hereinafter. Preferably, the lamp 1 further comprises a support cable 4 for suspending the diffuser from the ceiling, a ceiling rosette 6 intended to be applied to the ceiling and suitable for holding an electronic power supply device, and a power supply cable 8 for electrically connecting the electronic device to the lighting means.

[0009] According to further embodiments (not shown) , the diffuser 2 may be applied to the ceiling or to a wall directly through the ceiling rosette (ceiling wall lamp) or is suitable for being supported by a support structure to make a floor lamp.

[0010] The diffuser 2 comprises at least one light rod 10; preferably, said diffuser comprises a plurality of light rods 10.

[0011] Each light rod 10 comprises a first core 12 extended along a first core axis X having a predefined configuration, e.g., curvilinear, between an initial end 14 and a final end 16; preferably, the first core axis X lies on an imaginary plane.

[0012] Preferably, the first core 12 is made in one piece, such as by injection molding, e.g., in thermoplastic polymer. For example, said polymer is a reinforced polyamide, for example a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide .

[0013] The first core 12 has an outer side surface 17 consisting of a supporting face 19, which, when the light rod 10 is mounted to form the diffuser, is arranged inside the diffuser, i.e., on the light-emitting side, and an opposite secondary face 21, which, when the light rod 10 is mounted to form the diffuser, faces the outside of said diffuser.

[0014] The light rod 10 further comprises an LED strip 15, applied to the supporting face 19, preferably along the entire length of the core 12, i.e., from the initial end 14 to the final end 16. For example, the LED strip 15 is applied by means of an adhesive.

[0015] The diffuser further provides electrical connection means for the electrical connection of the LED strip 15, which means are operatively connected to the power cable 8; for example, said electrical connection means comprise a tab 18 protruding from the initial end 14 of the core 12 of the light rod 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the light rod 10 comprises releasable mechanical connection means for mounting the light rods to form the diffuser; for example, said mechanical connection means comprise a first connection element 20, e.g., a prismatic connection element, arranged at the initial end 14 and a second connection element 22, e.g., a cross-shaped connection element, arranged at the final end 16.

[0017] The light rod 10 further comprises a first casing 24, within which the entire first core 12 and its corresponding LED strip 15 are arranged; in other words, the first casing 24 contains the entire first core 12, said casing extending from the initial end 14 to the final end 16. Preferably, the first connection element 20, the second connection element 22 and the tab 18 are outside the first casing 24.

[0018] Preferably, the first casing 24 comprises two, preferably open, opposite ends. In particular, the ends of the first casing 24 are located at the initial end 14 and the final end 16 of the first core 12, respectively.

[0019] The first casing 24 is a tubular body made of textile material (in other words, a sock without a toe) which is soft and suitable for being threaded onto the first core 12 so that it remains adhered thereto and to the corresponding LED strip 15.

[0020] The first casing 24 completely circumferentially surrounds the first core 12 to which the LED strip 15 is applied. In other words, in cross-section, the first casing 24 is located on the entire outer side surface 17, i.e., the supporting face 19 to which the LED strip 15 is applied and the secondary face 21. In other words, the first casing 24 encircles, so it goes all the way around, the first core 12 to which the LED strip 15 is applied.

[0021] Preferably, the first casing 24 follows the shape of the first core 12 to which the LED strip 15 is applied. In other words, the first casing 24 fits on the first core 12 to which the LED strip 15 is applied.

[0022] The first casing 24 has a dark face 26 and a light face 28; the dark face and light face 26, 28 extend along the entire length of the first casing, i.e., from the initial end 14 to the final end 16 of the core 12, divided by a first generating line 30 and a second generating line 32, each substantially for half the total outer surface of the first casing.

[0023] Preferably, the light face 28 is white and corresponds to a portion of the first casing made from a white textile material; preferably, also, the dark face 26 is colored (also white, in one embodiment) and corresponds to a portion of the first casing made from a colored textile material.

[0024] When the first casing 24 is threaded onto the core 12, the dark face 26 is arranged on the side of the upper core surface 12a (without a light source) and the light face 28 is arranged on the side of the lower core surface 12b, i.e., on the side of the LED strip 15.

[0025] Due to the bi-zone configuration of the first casing (dark face and light face) , from the inner part of the diffuser, the light diffuses from the LED strips through said first casing, while the outer part of the diffuser remains in shadow and the coloring of the dark faces of the light rods is visible.

[0026] Preferably, the first casing 24 is made of synthetic fiber, such as polyester. Preferably, the mesh of the first casing, particularly in the portion of the light face 28, is sufficiently dense to avoid direct light from the light rays emitted by the LEDs; said rays are reflected and refracted by the fabric of the first casing, so that the light escapes indirectly and is dispersed .

[0027] Preferably, the di f fuser 2 comprises a coupling group 40 for mounting the light rods 10 ; preferably, there is one coupling group 40 for each light rod 10 .

[0028] For example , the coupling group 40 comprises a male coupling 42 and a female coupling 44 , which may be coupled together, suitable for holding the light rod 10 stably therebetween at the final end 16.

[0029] For example , the male coupling 42 has a male coupling hal f-seat 46 and the female coupling has a female coupling hal f-seat 48 , so that , when coupled together, they form a coupling seat 46 , 48 having an overall shape complementary to that of the second element 22 of the light rod 10 , so that the second element 22 is enclosed in said coupling seat 46 , 48 and stably bound to the coupling group 40 .

[0030] Preferably, the end of the first casing 24 at the final end 16 also remains enclosed in the coupling seat 46 , 48 , so that it is not visible and prevents the first casing from slipping of f the core 12 .

[0031] Preferably, moreover, the male coupling 42 comprises at least one coupling pin 50 , preferably a plurality of coupling pins 50 , and the female coupling 44 comprises at least one corresponding coupling hole 52 , preferably a plurality of corresponding coupling holes 52 . [0032] For the coupling of the male coupling 42 and the female coupling 44, the coupling pins 50 couple with their respective coupling holes 52, and the male coupling 42 and the female coupling 44 are permanently joined by ultrasonic welding.

[0033] Preferably, the male coupling 42 extends predominantly along a male coupling axis Y, which is preferably arcuate, and the female coupling 44 along a female coupling axis Z, which is preferably arcuate, with the same course as the male coupling axis Y.

[0034] Preferably, said coupling axes Y, Z lie on an imaginary plane, and said imaginary plane is orthogonal to the core axis X.

[0035] Preferably, moreover, each light rod 10 is mounted so that the LED strip 15 is arranged on the side of the center of curvature of said couplings 42, 44.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the diffuser 2 further comprises a main frame 60 having, for example, an annular shape, for example circular. For example, the main frame 60 delimits a main opening 62 from which the light emitted by the lamp diffuses when it is turned on. [0037] Preferably, the main frame 60 consists of a profile, typically continuous or continuous in segments, having a U-shaped cross-section, within which a main groove 64 is defined. Preferably, the main frame 60 is flat, i.e., it extends along a frame axis W lying on an imaginary plane. [0038] The coupling groups 40 of the diffuser 2 are successively applied in a releasable manner to the main frame 60, e.g., housed in the main groove 64. For this purpose, preferably, the male coupling 42 and the female coupling 44 have the same course as the main frame 60; in other words, the coupling axes Y, Z have the same radius of curvature as the frame axis W.

[0039] Also at the initial end 14, the end of the first casing 24, close to the first element 20, is fixed to the core 12, preferably pinched by, for example, an 0-ring 66.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the diffuser 2 further comprises a main base 70, having for example a flat shape, for example circular. For example, the main base 70 is fixed to the support cable 4.

[0041] Said electrical connection means further comprise at least one connection slot 72, preferably a plurality of connection slots 72, operatively connected to the power cable 8. Said connection slots 72 are carried by the main base 70.

[0042] The main base 70 further comprises at least one head seat 74, preferably a plurality of head seats 74, suitable for coupling with a relevant light rod 10, at the initial end 14 thereof. [0043] In particular, a relevant connection slot 72 is placed at each head seat 74, e.g., aligned therewith, so that at the initial end 14, an end segment of a light rod 10 is releasably accommodated in the relevant head slot 74, so that the first element 20 is engaged with said head seat 74, and the tab 18 of said light rod 10 is releasably coupled with the relevant connection slot 72, to secure the electrical connection.

[0044] For example, said head seats 74 are arranged circumferentially, peripherally to said main base 70, and said connection slots 72 are arranged circumferentially, radially internally to said head seats 74.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the diffuser 2 further comprises at least one dark rod 80, preferably a plurality of dark rods 80, free of light sources.

[0046] Each dark rod 80 comprises a second core 82 having main extension along a second core axis X' ’ between an initial end 84 and a final end 86. For example, the second core axis X' ' is three-dimensional, i.e., it is not contained on an imaginary plane.

[0047] Preferably, the dark rod 80 further comprises releasable mechanical connection means for mounting to form the diffuser 2 at the initial end 84 and the final end 86; for example, said second mechanical connection means comprise an eyelet 88 at the initial end 86 and a third connection element 90, e.g., a cross-shaped connection element, at the final end 86.

[0048] Furthermore, preferably, each dark rod 80 comprises a second casing 92, within which the entire second core 82 is arranged; in other words, the second casing 92 contains the entire second core 82, itself extending from the initial end 84 to the final end 86. Preferably, the second means of mechanical connection, i.e., the eyelet 88 and the third connection element 90, are external to the second casing 92.

[0049] The second casing 92 is a tubular body made of textile material (in other words, a sock without a toe) which is soft and suitable for being threaded adhesively onto the second core.

[0050] Preferably, the second casing 92 is made of synthetic fiber, preferably the same as the first casing, such as polyester.

[0051] At the initial end 84, the end of the second casing 92, close to the eyelet 88, is fixed to the second core 82, preferably pinched by, for example, an 0-ring 94.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the dark rods 80 are of two types: right-hand dark rods 80a and lefthand dark rods 80b. Each right-hand dark rod 80a comprises a second right-hand core 82a and each left-hand dark rod 80b comprises a second left-hand core 82b. The second right-hand core 82a is mirrored by the second left-hand core 82b . Preferably, at the relevant final end 86 , a second left-hand core 82b and a second right-hand core 82a share the same third connection element 90 .

[0053] Preferably, the di f fuser 2 comprises a second coupling group 100 for mounting the dark rods 80 ; preferably, there is a second coupling group 100 for a pair of dark rods 80 .

[0054] For example , the second coupling group 100 comprises a second male coupling 102 and a second female coupling 104 , which may be coupled together and are suitable for holding the dark rod 90 stably therebetween at the final end 86 .

[0055] For example , the second male coupling 102 has a second male coupling hal f-seat 106 and the second female coupling has a second female coupling hal f-seat 108 , such that , when coupled together, they form a second coupling seat 106 , 108 having an overall shape complementary to that of the third connection element 90 of the dark rod 80 , so that the third connection element 90 is enclosed in said second coupling seat 106 , 108 and stably bound to the second coupling group 100 .

[0056] Preferably, the end of the second casing 92 at the final end 86 also remains enclosed in the second coupling seat 106 , 108 , so that it is not visible and prevents the second casing 92 from slipping of f the second core 82 .

[0057] Preferably, having placed the final end 86 of the second core 82 in the mounting position, the second male coupling 102 and the second female coupling 104 are permanently j oined by ultrasonic welding .

[0058] The second coupling group 100 , connected to the final end 86 of the relevant dark rod 80 or to the final end 86 of the respective dark rods 80a, 80b, is releasably coupled to the main frame 60 , preferably snapped into the main groove 64 .

[0059] In contrast , the initial end 84 of each dark rod 80 is releasably fixed to the main base 70 .

[0060] For this purpose , the main base 70 comprises at least a second head seat 110 , for example side by side with the first head seat 74 . In a preferred embodiment , the first head seat 74 and the second head seat 110 are placed side by side alternating with each other, preferably circumferentially .

[0061] Moreover, preferably, the main base 70 comprises at least one connecting hole 112 , preferably a plurality of connecting holes 112 , for screwing in the eyelet 88 of the dark rod 80 .

[0062] For this purpose , each connecting hole 112 is arranged aligned with the relevant second head seat 110 ; for example , the connecting holes 112 are arranged circumferentially, radially internally to said second head seats 110 .

[0063] In particular, an end segment of a dark rod 80 is housed in the relevant second head seat 110 , so that the eyelet 88 is screwable to said connecting hole 112 .

[0064] In a preferred embodiment , an end segment of the initial end 84 of a right-hand dark rod 80a and an end segment of the initial end 84 of a left-hand dark rod 80b are coupled to each second head seat 110 ; for example , the respective eyelets 88 are superimposed and coaxial , and screwed to the connecting hole 112 corresponding to said second head seat 110 .

[0065] Finally, the di f fuser 2 comprises a cover 120 , mounted above the main base 70 , so as to conceal the mechanical and electrical connection of the light rods 10 and the mechanical connection of the dark rods 80 from view .

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment , the main frame 60 is placed on an imaginary plane spaced apart from and parallel to an imaginary plane on which the main base 70 is placed, and the light rods 10 define the overall domelike shape of the di f fuser .

[0067] Preferably, moreover, the dark rods 80 are arranged according to said dome-like shape and in such a way as to form, intersecting with each other, a lattice 130 , characterized by quadrangular lattice openings 132, delimited by curvilinear opening edges.

[0068] Moreover, along each light rod 10, the lattice openings 132 are intersected by said light rods 10, preferably at two vertices of said lattice openings 132.

[0069] Innovatively, the diffuser according to the present invention is provided with a peculiar aesthetic impact, by virtue of the light sources distributed along the light rods, without the light emission being blinding or unpleasant .

[0070] Advantageously, moreover, the diffuser exhibits such geometric and perceptual uniformity between light rods and dark rods that, when the lamp is turned off, it is not possible to understand from where the light will be emitted, thus increasing the surprise effect for an observer .

[0071] Also advantageously, the assembly of the diffuser is simple, and some maintenance tasks, such as replacing a light rod due to LED strip failure or a dark rod, are particularly easy, so that they may be carried out even by an inexperienced consumer.

[0072] It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent needs, could make modifications to the diffuser described above.

[0073] For example, according to one variant, the diffuser does not include dark rods.

[0074] According to a further variant, the main frame is polygonal in shape.

[0075] According to yet another variant, the diffuser has a basically flat shape, in which, for example, the main frame and main base are on the same plane, one inside the other .

[0076] According to a further variant, the main base is annular and externally surrounds the main frame. [0077] These and additional variants are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .