Supports: cabinet structure – For particular electrical device or component – Illumination means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-07
2001-10-02
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
For particular electrical device or component
Illumination means
C211S133400, C108S023000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296335
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present patent application relates to a luminous vertical rod used to support revolving shelves inside cabinets, especially in the kitchen, and corner cupboards.
2. Description of Related Art
As it is known, revolving shelves or baskets are often mounted inside cabinets. They are inserted and supported by suitable vertical rods fixed between the two horizontal walls of the cabinets. The cabinets are often very deep since the rotation of the internal shelves makes it comfortable for the user to get the objects positioned on the shelves.
The practical use of this type of cabinets, however, has shown a significant disadvantage due to the poor visibility inside the cabinets, which is mainly due to the considerable depth that prevents the external light from reaching the most distant areas with respect to the access opening.
It appears evident that the reduced visibility can create considerable discomfort for the users, first of all, the difficult identification of a specific object inside the cabinet or of a specific space on which to place the object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above inconvenience, the luminous vertical rod according to the invention has been devised. As explained in more detail in the description, when installed inside a cabinet, the luminous vertical rod provides an efficient light source, while improving the esthetical appearance and technological character of the cabinet, as requested by consumers.
In particular, the vertical rod according to the invention is made of transparent plastic materials and is capable of internally housing a neon tube. Thanks to the transparent structure of the rod, the light emitted by the neon tube can efficiently light the entire cabinet compartment, thus allowing for the optimal use of the space by the users.
To facilitate the disassembly of the rod when replacing the neon tube, the ends of the rod are fixed against the internal side of the two horizontal walls of the cabinets by means of suitable sleeves. Each sleeve is made up of two identical half shells that are suitably tightened, but at the same time easy to uncouple, in order to free the end of the rod according to the invention.
The electrical connections that allow for inserting the ends of the neon tube and its power supply components are preferably contained inside the sleeves used to fix the rod according to the invention. One of the sleeves externally supports the box with the electrical components necessary to operate the neon tube, which are connected to the electrical mains by a switch.
To this end, it must be noted that on/off switch of the neon tube contained in the vertical rod can be of manual (in this case mounted outside or inside the cabinet, in an easily accessible position for the user) or automatic type, automatically activated when opening or closing the cabinet door.
Two or more luminous vertical rods can be used in the case of very high cabinets. The presence of a single rod with considerable height would cause problems in finding a neon tube with the same height, assembling and permanently fixing it inside the cabinet.
When installing several rods, a special coupling with electrical contacts must be provided in intermediate position between two consecutive rods so that the switch can simultaneously turn on all the neon tubes contained in the same cabinet.
This coupling is preferably represented by a sleeve internally provided with a central horizontal element. The element limits two cylindrical cavities aligned in vertical position. The function of the lower cavity is to allow for inserting the top end of the lower tube neon, while the purpose of the upper cavity is to allow for inserting the lower end of the upper tube neon.
For major clarity the description of the invention continues with reference to the enclosed drawing, which is intended for purposes of illustration and not in a limiting sense, whereby:
REFERENCES:
patent: 3819924 (1974-06-01), Thomas et al.
patent: 5057978 (1991-10-01), Conti
Bloom Leonard
Compagnucci-S.P.A.
Cuomo Peter M.
Fisher Michael J.
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