WO1999066259A1

WO1999066259A1 - Backlighting box for support of a picture frame

Info

Publication number: WO1999066259A1
Application number: PCT/CA1998/000597
Authority: WO
Inventors: France Jean
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-16
Filing date: 1998-06-16
Publication date: 1999-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2000-12-16
Also published as: AU7902998A

Abstract

A backlighting box (10) for support of a picture frame (100) and associated art work (200) provides a peripheral frame (20) having left and right side elements (22) joined by top and bottom elements (24, 26). A back wall (40) is attached to the frame (20), thereby defining an interior cavity (36) within which a lighting assembly (60) is carried. In some applications, the lighting assembly (60) requires a transformer, which is typically carried by the frame (20). A switching assembly (80) allows manual control of the operation of the lighting assembly (60) by manipulation of a side mounted switch toggle (82) which extends through an opening typically defined in the side (22) of the frame (20). With the lighting assembly (60) turned on, light from within the backlighting box (10) permeates a translucent work of art (200), adding to the artistic effect, and also providing diffuse ambient room lighting, the nature of which is influenced by the specific work of art displayed.

Description

BACKLIGHTING BOX FOR SUPPORT OF A PICTURE FRAME

A variety of backlighting devices are known. Most are adapted to illuminate a viewing surface where direct illumination would cause glare or objectionable contrast and associated eye-strain. As a result, the structures of such devices are typically intended to reduce glare, contrast and eye-strain.

There has been a general standard method and apparatus to illuminate generally planar works of art, such as paintings. This typically includes ceiling- mounted spot lights which illuminate the art work, frame and a surrounding area of a supporting wall. Such lighting systems reflect light off the art, and do not transmit light through the work of art. Thus, few if any backlighting devices have been directed to cooperation with a work of art, substantially changing the appearance of the art by the uneven translucence of the work.

What is needed is a novel backlighting box for the support of a picture frame that can create a substantial difference in the appearance of a work of art by causing light to be transmitted through the work of art, and to cause light to be unevenly absorbed by the art, as it is viewed.

The present invention is directed to a backlighting box for support of a picture frame which provides:

(a) a backlighting box frame, a portion of the backlighting box frame defining a switch passage;

(b) a back wall, carried by the backlighting box frame;

(c) a lighting assembly, carried by the backlighting box frame;

(d) a switching assembly in electrical communication with the lighting assembly, a portion of the switching assembly extending through the switch passage, whereby a toggle switch portion is accessible for manual manipulation;

(e) a picture frame, carried by the backlighting box frame; and

(f) a substantially planar and translucent work of art, carried by the picture frame, whereby light from the lighting assembly passes through the work of art.

It is therefore a primary advantage of the present invention to provide a novel backlighting box for support of a picture frame that illuminates a substantially planar and translucent work of art for viewing, even in areas having a low lighting level.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel backlighting box for support of a picture frame that may also be used to provide low-level, subtle lighting for an adjacent area, and which may be used as a lamp or lighting fixture.

A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel backlighting box for support of a picture frame that interacts with the work of art, enhancing and altering the colours and intensities of the work, in some cases changing the appearance of the art by making visible textures and other features resulting from different levels of light transmission through different areas of the work.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

Figure 1 is a rear orthographic view of a version of the backlighting box for support of a picture frame of the invention having a multi-tube fluorescent bulb. The back wall has been removed to allow view into the lighting cavity.

Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the backlighting box of Fig. 1 , having the back wall installed and having a work of art shown in cross-section.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lamp made of four of the backlighting boxes of Fig. 1, having a supporting cable to allow suspension form the ceiling.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a small end table or similar piece of furniture made of four of the backlighting boxes of Fig. 1 , arranged in a manner suitable to support a table surface.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a coffee table or similar piece of furniture having a table surface comprising one of the backlighting boxes of Fig. 1.

Referring generally to the figures, a backlighting box 10 for support of a picture frame 100 and associated art work 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention is seen. The backlighting box provides a peripheral frame 20 having left and right side elements joined by top and bottom elements. A backwall 40 us attached to the frame, thereby defining an interior cavity within which a lighting assembly 60 is carried. In some applications, the lighting assembly requires a transformer, which is typically carried by the frame 20. A switching assembly 80 allows manual control of the operation of the lighting assembly by manipulation of a side-mounted switch which extends through an opening typically defined in the side of the frame. With the lighting assembly turned on, light from within the backlighting box permeates a translucent work of art, adding to the artistic effect, and also providing diffuse ambient room lighting, the nature of which is influenced by the specific work of art displayed.

Referring to the figures, the frame 20 is typically constructed of parallel side elements 22 connected by a top element 24 and a bottom element 26. The material used in the construction can be selected from a wide range of choices based on the individual needs of the picture frame support desired. In general, the depth of the frame elements (i.e. the distance between the picture frame 100 and the back wall 40) is typically 3 to 4 inches, but may be a greater or lesser depth, as desired. The requirement is only that sufficient space be provided within the lighting cavity 36 to allow for the lighting assembly, possibly including any needed transformers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a switch passage 28 is defined in one of the side elements 22, and allows the installation of a switch in a manner that allows access to the switch toggle, that supports the switch assembly and that allows access within the lighting cavity 36 to electrical contacts carried by the switch. In the version of the invention of Fig. 1 , the switch passage 28 is a notch defined in one of the side elements. Alternatively, the switch and switch passage 28 may be located on the front or back of the backlighting box.

The frame 20 may be assembled with joining hardware 30 of an appropriate known variety. Where the frame is rectangular, the joining hardware may include angle braces, as seen in Fig. 1. Where the frame comprises a greater or lesser number of sides, the joining hardware may be appropriately selected for the application.

The frame 20 provides a forwardly facing peripheral surface 32 for connection to the picture frame 100. The shape and dimensions of the frame, including particularly the peripheral surface 32 should be sized for support of the picture frame, which in turn should be sized for support of the work of art 200.

A rearwardly facing peripheral surface 34 of the frame 20 may carry a back wall 40. Alternatively, the back may be left open, particularly where the backlighting box is to be used against a wall or window. If used, the back wall is typically sized to equal the outside dimensions of the frame. The back wall is typically light coloured to reflect light toward the rear surface 212 of the art work 200. If desired, the back wall may be made of material that is heat resistant, not overly flammable and that resists discoloration.

A cord passage hole 42 is typically defined in the back wall, but may alternatively be defined by the frame. The cord passage hole allows the power cord to enter the lighting cavity 36 and connect to the lighting assembly 60.

A lighting assembly 60 provides illumination within the lighting cavity 36, and causes light to shine into the rearward surface 212 of the work of art, and to be emitted from the forward surface 210. The lighting assembly typically includes a socket 62 and a lighting element 64. The lighting element preferably includes a fluorescent tube to minimize heat production within the lighting cavity. Wiring 66 connects the socket 62 with the switching assembly. Where needed, a transformer may be provided to operate longer fluorescent tubes. When a transformer is used, it is typically carried by the frame 20, and installed in any location that provides convenient wiring.

Referring to Fig. 1 , the switching assembly 80 allows the user to manually control the operation of the lighting assembly by manual manipulation of an externally extending switch toggle 82. As seen in Fig. 1 , the switch is typically visible from the side of the unit, but is behind the picture frame 100 and is therefore not visible from the front of the unit 10. Wiring connectors 84 allow the wiring 66 to be connected to the switch. Alternatively, the switch could be front or rear mounted.

In an alternative to a manual switch, a light-sensitive automatic switch could be substituted. Such a switch would automatically turn the lighting assembly on when the ambient lighting was low, and off when the ambient lighting was elevated.

The picture frame 100 is supported by the backlighting box frame 20, and provides an attractive display environment for the work of art 200. The rear surface 120 of the picture frame is seen in Fig. 1 , while the forward and rear surfaces 110, 120 are seen in Fig. 2.

The art work selected for display should be semi-transparent or translucent in nature. As a result, light will pass into the rearward surface 212 and a lesser quantity of light, having a lower intensity and different colour, will exit from the forward surface 210. The colour and intensity of the light leaving the forward surface is dependent on the nature of the work of art, and the art should be chosen accordingly. The art work displayed with the invention is typically "substantially planar" in nature. However, it may include elements of a three-dimensional nature, including relief drawings, collages and other works having characteristics not strictly planar in nature.

In a typical application, single backlighting boxes 10 may be hung on the wall to display individual works of art. However, as seen in Fig. 3, a plurality of such boxes may be joined to form a lamp 400 or similar lighting fixture which may be supported on a table, pedestal or by a cable 410 from the ceiling.

Similarly, as seen in Fig. 4, a plurality, including at least three, but typical four, backlighting boxes 10 may be joined along adjacent side elements 22 to form a base upon which a table surface 310 may be supported. In this manner, small end tables 300, coffee tables and other pieces of furniture may be formed. Such furniture would have the characteristics of the backlighting boxes, i.e. the furniture would be attractive, luminous, and would advantageously display art. As seen in Fig. 5, in a variation of the table of Fig. 4, the backlighting box 10 is used as the table surface of a coffee table 300. Narrow legs or other supports carry the table surface at a desired elevation.

The previously described versions of the present invention have many advantages, including a primary advantage of providing a novel backlighting box for support of a picture frame that illuminates a substantially planar and translucent work of art for viewing, even in areas having a low lighting level.

The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail and with reference to certain preferred versions, other versions are possible. For example, while a number of reasons, including heat production and light diffusion favour fluorescent tube lighting elements, other types of light sources, such as incandescent, laser, diode and others could also be employed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions disclosed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A backlighting box (10) for support of a picture frame (100), the backlighting box (10) comprising:

(a) a backlighting box frame (20), defining a lighting cavity (36);

(b) a lighting assembly (60), carried by the backlighting box frame (20);

(c) a switching assembly (80) in electrical communication with the lighting assembly (60); and

(d) a picture frame (100), carried by the backlighting box frame (20).

2. The backlighting box (10) for support of a picture frame (100) of claim 1 , further comprising:

(a) a back wall (40), carried by the backlighting box frame (20).

3. The backlighting box (10) for support of a picture frame (100) of claim 2, further comprising:

(a) a substantially planar and translucent work of art (200), carried by the picture frame (100) adjacent to the lighting cavity (36), whereby light from the lighting assembly (60) passes through the work of art (200).

4. A backlighting box (10) for support of a picture frame (100), the backlighting box (10) comprising:

(a) a backlighting box frame (20), a portion of the backlighting box frame (20) defining a switch passage (28);

(b) a back wall (40), carried by the backlighting box frame (20);

(c) a lighting assembly (60), carried by the backlighting box frame (20);

(d) a switching assembly (80) in electrical communication with the lighting assembly (60), a portion of the switching assembly (80) extending through the switch passage (28), whereby a toggle switch portion (82) is accessible for manual manipulation; (e) a picture frame (100) , carried by the backlighting box frame (20); and

(f) a substantially planar and translucent work of art (200), carried by the picture frame (100), whereby light from the lighting assembly (60) passes through the work of art (200).

5. A piece of furniture comprising: (i) at least three backlighting boxes (10) joined to form a base, each backlighting box (10) comprising:

(b) a back wall (40), carried by the backlighting box frame (20);

(c) a lighting assembly (60), carried by the backlighting box frame (20);

(d) a switching assembly (80) in electrical communication with the lighting assembly (60), a portion of the switching assembly (80) extending through the switch passage (28), whereby a toggle switch portion (82) is accessible for manual manipulation;

(e) a picture frame (100), carried by the backlighting box frame (20); and

(f) a substantially planar and translucent work of art (200), carried by the picture frame (100), whereby light from the lighting assembly (60) passes through the work of art (200); and

(ii) a table surface (310), supported by at least three backlighting boxes (10).