WO2012131440A1

WO2012131440A1 - A decorative apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012131440A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/051409
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rorisang MOLAKALAKA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2011-04-01
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative apparatus, more specifically to a decorative apparatus which can be installed in a structure or integrated with an article of furniture. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a chamber and at least one translucent window in a form of a glass panel. The chamber is configured to accommodate a body of liquid and the window allows the chamber and its contents to be viewed from outside the chamber. An agitator arrangement agitates the liquid when the chamber is at least partially filled with the liquid in order to create a decorative ripple effect viewable though the window. The decorative apparatus has various applications, for example, as an article of furniture, in flooring or in ceilings, etc.

Description

TITLE: A DECORATIVE APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

THE invention relates generally to interior decoration and more specifically to a decorative apparatus which may be installed in a structure or integrated with an article of furniture.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The Inventor is aware of a number existing decorating practices, specifically aimed at produces ripple effects. The simplest is to print sheets having rippled patterns and apply the sheet to the surfaces to be decorated. This tends to be dull and static.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a decorative apparatus operable to display a dynamic and attractive looking ripple effect/pattern, which will be cost effective and convenient.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a decorative apparatus which includes:

a housing defining a chamber and at least one translucent window, the chamber being configured to accommodate a body of liquid and the window being configured to allow the chamber and its contents to be viewed from outside the chamber; and

an agitator arrangement operable to agitate the liquid when the chamber is at least partially filled with the liquid, thereby to create a decorative ripple effect viewable though the window. The decorative apparatus may be a constructional component configured for use in flooring. Alternatively, the decorative apparatus may be a structural component configured for integration into an article of furniture, for example, a table. In other embodiments, the decorative apparatus may be a constructional component configured for use in roofing/ceilings.

The window may be configured to be generally flat or recumbent in use and preferably to be sufficiently strong to support the weight of at least one person standing thereon or article placed thereon or article hung therefrom.

In an example embodiment, the agitator arrangement may include a pump connected in fluid-flow communication with the chamber and which is operable to circulate the liquid through the chamber, thereby to create the decorative ripple effect. The agitator arrangement may further include an output pipe downstream of the pump and within the chamber, the output pipe defining a plurality of outlet openings thereby to provide current flow along its length.

The output pipe may be arranged around a periphery of the chamber, thereby to provide current flow, and hence agitation, to a majority of the liquid within the chamber, in use. The decorative apparatus may include a spacer to space the window away from the output pipe.

The adjacent outlet openings may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of between 10 mm to 100 mm, for example, 50mm

The liquid may include a water-alcohol mixture. Alternatively, the liquid may be waterless and include a chemical liquid.

In an example embodiment, the chamber may be partially filled with liquid, in use, such that there is an air-gap between the liquid surface and the window, thereby to allow formation of ripples. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a structure defining a floor, the floor including at least one decorative apparatus as defined above, installed therein.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an article of furniture, such as a table, including at least one decorative apparatus, integrated therein.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing decoration in a structure defining a floor, or ceiling, or to an article of furniture including at least one decorative apparatus, as defined above, installed therein, the method including:

operating the agitator thereby to agitate or circulate the liquid, thereby to create a decorative ripple effect viewable though the window.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing decoration in a structure defining a table, the method including at least one decorative apparatus, installed therein, the method including:

The method may include the prior step of installing the decorative apparatus in the floor, ceiling or article of furniture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the invention is described, by way of a non- limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a decorative apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2a, and 2b show schematic views of configurations of enclosing a pump of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view showing the decorative apparatus of Figure 1 in operation; and

Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of an article of furniture incorporating the apparatus of Figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details or any specific manner.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a reference numeral 10 generally indicates a decorative apparatus in accordance with the invention. The decorative apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 and an agitator arrangement 14. The decorative apparatus 10 is operable to provide a decorative ripple effect. The decorative apparatus 10 can be a constructional component configured for use in flooring/ceilings. Alternatively, the decorative apparatus 10 can be configured for use in an article of furniture, for example, a table. The housing 12 defines a chamber 16 and at least one translucent window 18.

The chamber 16 is configured to accommodate a body of liquid. It will be appreciated that liquid can be water. In one version, the liquid includes a water-alcohol mixture (to minimise spotting). Alternatively, the liquid can be waterless and include a chemical liquid. In other embodiments, the colour of the liquid can be changed by, for example, by mixing the water with a colorant. The viscosity of the liquid could be varied to modify the ripple effect (e.g. by using an oil or a liquid wax). The liquid could include plural liquids of different density, e.g. an oil/water combination. In order to enhance the aesthetic view of the liquid further, the liquid can be mixed with stones such as pebbles, artificial plants and/or animals etc. In other embodiments, water-resistant Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) can be combined with the liquid to enhance the aesthetic view of the liquid.

The translucent window 16 is a glass window (of a suitable strength for its intended application). The window can be configured to be generally flat or recumbent

(i.e. horizontal) in use and to be sufficiently strong to support the weight of at least one person standing thereon or an article placed thereon. The window can be made of a shatterproof or safety glass in order to increase the safety of the window when pressure such a weight of a person is subjected thereon. In an example embodiment, where the decorative apparatus 10 is a constructional component configured for use in flooring, such as a floor tile, the floor tile can have a dimension of 2 m x 1 m, while the window 18 will have a dimension of 2 m x 1 m x 20 mm. It will be appreciated that the floor tile may also be a standard conventional tile having dimensions that are smaller than the above-mentioned dimensions. In that instance, the dimensions of the glass panel will also be reduced accordingly. The floor tile may have ceramic components, e.g. a marble or a granite. The window 18 is configured to allow the chamber 16 and its contents to be viewed from outside the chamber 16.

The agitator arrangement 14 includes a pump 20 connected in fluid-flow communication with the chamber 16. The pump 20 is operable to circulate or agitate the liquid through the chamber 16, thereby to create the decorative ripple effect. The pump 20 is any suitable pump which is capable of providing a suitable power for the agitation of the liquid. The type of pump 20 used will be dependent the application of the apparatus 10, i.e. whether the decorative apparatus 10 component is configured for use in flooring, as an article of article of furniture, for example, a table or as a ceiling component. For example, if used in flooring, for example, as a floor tile, then a smaller- sized pump with a lower output specification may be used. However, if used in a ceiling component, a high pressure pump may be appropriate. The rate at which the liquid is agitated/circulated is important because it affects the effectiveness of the creation of the decorative ripple effect visible through the window 16.

The chamber 16 may be sealed and self-contained, or openable and tillable by a user. The agitator arrangement 14 further includes an output pipe 22 downstream of the pump 20 and within the chamber 16. The output pipe 22 defines a plurality of outlet openings 24 to provide current flow along the length of the pipe 22. The output pipe 22 is spaced around a periphery of the chamber 16in order to provide the current flow, and 5 hence agitation, to a majority of the liquid within the chamber 16, in use. The agitator arrangement 14 includes an inlet pipe 28 to allow the liquid to flow from the chamber 16, through the pump 20, and out via the outlet pipe 22. However, it will be appreciated that the outlet pipe 22 can be located anywhere within the chamber 16. Typically, the pipe 22 will be sized to fit within the chamber 16. The housing 12 also includes two openings i o 12a and 12b through which the pipes 22 and 28 extend. The output pipe 22 is made of a rigid and plastic material. The material may be of any colour, but preferably the material is transparent. The material may be a plastic material under a brand name of Perspex. The output pipe 22 can have a diameter of between 10 mm and 50 mm depending on the use of the decorative apparatus 10, and preferably about 20 mm for a

15 flooring application. The pipe 22 can have dimensions of 1 mm x 30 mm.

The chamber 16 can be partially filled with the liquid, in use, such that there is an air-gap between the liquid surface and the window 18, thereby to allow formation of ripples and hence a visible decorative ripple effect.

20

Adjacent outlet openings 24 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance of between 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably, 50 mm. In other embodiments, the openings 24 can be randomly spaced apart. Each opening 24 has a diameter of between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1 .5 mm. The diameter of the openings is important because it 25 affects the current flow, and hence the agitation and the effective formation of the visible decorative ripple effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the decorative apparatus 10 includes a spacer 26 to space the window 18 away from the output pipe 22 in order to prevent the output pipe 30 22 from enduring unnecessary pressure. The spacer 26 can be a solid rod with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 30 mm in order to support the window as well. In Figure 1 , the window 18 is supported by six rods 26, which are located along a centre portion of the window 18. The rods 26 can be made of a material which is marketed under a brand name of Perspex. The housing 12 will typically, be shaped to receive the window 18 snugly. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the housing 12 further includes a base portion and side portions. The side portions extend vertically upwards from the base portion and are joined to each other at edges thereof. In this alternative embodiment, the window 18 will be snugly received within the housing 12 and rest against the side portions.

Turning to Figures 2a and 2b, a pump 20 in different configurations is shown. In Figure 2a, the pump 20 has a pump inlet 30 and a pump outlet 32. The pump 20 is enclosed inside a frame 34. The frame 34 can be an aluminium casing with a thickness of about 2 mm to 5 mm with a dimension of 600mm x 400mm x 600 mm. The 34 frame includes openings 34a and 34b as shown in Figure 2b to allow the pump inlet 30 and the pump outlet 32 to extend therethrough. The frame 34 is mainly used to conceal the features of the pump 20 and to provide for an aesthetically pleasing look to the pump 20. The pump 20 can also be connectable to a powering means through connector 36 in order to provide power to the pump 20 so as to enable the pump 20 to circulate the liquid through the chamber 16 (as shown in Figure 1 ), thereby to create the decorative ripple effect. The pump 20 further includes an auxiliary inlet 38 to receive the liquid from a liquid reservoir (not shown) for initial filling. The operation of the system 10 will now be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 3.

In use, the initial step is to connect the output pipe 22 to the pump 20. In particular, the outlet 32 of the pump 20 is connected and sealed to the outlet pipe 22. Liquid (e.g. water) is initially pumped into the system to a desired level by the pump 20 through the auxiliary inlet 38. Once the desired level of the water has been reached, the inlet 30 of the pump 20 is connected and sealed to the end inlet pipe 28. The pump 20 is then activated, for example, switched on if it is an electrical pump through the use of a powering means 40. In response to the pump 20 being switched on, water will circulate within the chamber 18 through the output pipe 22 and disperse or pass through the openings 24. During the dispersing period, the pump 20 will agitate the liquid, thereby to create a decorative ripple effect viewable though the window 18. Water is sucked out of the chamber 16 through the inlet pipe 28 . This water is circulated back into the chamber 16. The suction motion is indicated by arrows with reference 42. In other embodiments and as shown in Figure 3, the pump 20 can be submersible within the liquid. The submersible pump 20 will be more suitable where the apparatus is configured for use as an article of furniture where the article is shaped and 5 sized in such a manner which is unable to cater for an external pump mechanism. This embodiment is explained in detail below.

Turning to Figure 4, the Figure illustrate example embodiment of another aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, an article of furniture in the form of a table 100 is i o shown. The table 100 includes at least one decorative apparatus 10 installed therein.

In this embodiment, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. The decorative apparatus 10 includes the window 18 (now functioning as a tabletop), through which the decorative ripple effect is visible . The table 100 is made of a wooden frame which or any other desired material,

15 with only the ripple effect visible from the top view through the window 18. The decorative apparatus 10 includes a submersible pump 20 which connected to an outlet pipe 22 with opening 24 (not shown). The submersible pump 20 pushes the liquid to the surface through to the output pipe 22. The liquid water passes through the openings and thus creates a decorative ripple effect when viewed through the window 18. Again,

20 artificial elements like flowers, weeds, and fish may be combined with the liquid in order to enhance the decorative ripple effect.

The Inventor believes that the decorative apparatus as exemplified has various applications, for example, as an article of furniture, in flooring or in ceilings, etc. The 25 apparatus 10 provides a dynamic and real three-dimensional visual decorative effect.

Claims

5 1 . A decorative apparatus which includes:

i o an agitator arrangement operable to agitate the liquid when the chamber is at least partially filled with the liquid, thereby to create a decorative ripple effect viewable though the window.

2. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , which is a constructional 15 component configured for use in flooring.

3. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , which is structural component configured for integration into an article of furniture.

20 4. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , which is a constructional component configured for use in roofing/ceilings.

5. A decorative apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, in which the window is configured to be generally flat or recumbent in use and to be sufficiently strong to

25 support the weight of at least one person standing thereon or article placed thereon or article hung therefrom.

6. A decorative apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the agitator arrangement includes a pump connected in fluid-flow communication with the

30 chamber and which is operable to circulate the liquid through the chamber, thereby to create the decorative ripple effect.

7. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which agitator arrangement includes an output pipe downstream of the pump and within the chamber, the output pipe defining a plurality of outlet openings thereby to provide current flow along its length.

8. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the output pipe is arranged around a periphery of the chamber, thereby to provide current flow, and hence agitation, to a majority of the liquid within the chamber, in use.

9. A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, which includes a spacer to space the window away from the output pipe.

10. A decorative apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9 inclusive, in which adjacent outlet openings are spaced apart from each other by a distance of between 10 mm to 100 mm.

1 1 . A decorative apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which the distance is 50mm.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the liquid includes a water-alcohol mixture.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 inclusive, in which the liquid is waterless and includes a chemical liquid.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the chamber is partially filled with liquid, in use, such that there is an air-gap between the liquid surface and the window, thereby to allow formation of ripples.

15. A structure defining a floor, the floor including at least one decorative apparatus, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, installed therein.

16. An article of furniture including at least one decorative apparatus, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 inclusive, integrated therein.

17. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 16, which is in the form of a table.

18. A structure defining a ceiling, the ceiling including at least one decorative apparatus, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 inclusive, installed therein.

19. A method of providing decoration in structure defining a floor, or ceiling, or to an article of furniture including at least one decorative apparatus, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 inclusive, installed therein, the method including:

20. A method as claimed in 19, which includes the prior step of installing the decorative apparatus in the floor/ceiling.