U.S. patent application number 12/809057 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for frame having integrated lighting and power supply.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cool Mountain Collection AG. Invention is credited to Peter Grauer.
Application Number | 20110041371 12/809057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39315388 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110041371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grauer; Peter |
February 24, 2011 |
FRAME HAVING INTEGRATED LIGHTING AND POWER SUPPLY
Abstract
Frame having integrated lighting and power supply. The frame has
a structure having side, front, and rear surfaces, which enclose an
inner chamber. A solar module is situated in the area of at least
one of the surfaces. A power accumulator is provided, which is
connectable to the solar module, in order to store electrical
energy which is provided by the solar module) in the case of
incident light. Lighting means are situated inside the frame, which
can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator. A
transparent plate is provided in the area of the front surface and
an object can be presented in the inner chamber. Furthermore, the
frame comprises means for opening and closing the frame, in order
to be able to introduce the object into the inner chamber so that
it can be lighted by the lighting means.
Inventors: |
Grauer; Peter; (Meggen,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS LLP - (prev. San Francisco);IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Assignee: |
Cool Mountain Collection AG
Meggen
CH
|
Family ID: |
39315388 |
Appl. No.: |
12/809057 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2008/068044 |
371 Date: |
October 8, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 11/10 20130101;
A47G 1/0622 20130101; A47G 1/12 20130101; A47F 3/001 20130101; G09F
13/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2007 |
EP |
07123945.3 |
Claims
1. A frame with integrated lighting and power supply comprising, a
frame having a structure with side, front and rear surfaces and
enclosing an inner chamber a solar module situated in the area of
at least one of the surfaces a power accumulator connectable to the
solar module, in order to store electrical energy which is provided
by the solar module, lighting means inside the frame, which can be
supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator, a
transparent plate in the area of the front surface, means for
opening and closing the frame in order to introduce an object into
the inner chamber so that it can be lighted by the lighting
means.
2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the solar module is
fastened flatly on a side surface.
3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the solar module is
protected against destruction or contamination by a protective
layer.
4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the lighting means
comprises a plurality of flatly situated light sources.
5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are
situated in equidistant rows and columns.
6. The frame according to claim 4, wherein the lighting means
comprise a diffusor pane and/or diffusor elements and/or scattering
lenses.
7. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a
programmable controller.
8. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises
a processor and at least one sensor to detect an environmental
condition.
9. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises
a processor and an external interface.
10. The frame according to claim 9, wherein the controller is
programmable via the external interface.
11. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller
comprises a processor and remote communication means.
12. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency
interface for feeding energy from an external power source for
emergency opening.
13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein after the connection
of the external power source to the emergency interface,
electromagnetic unlocking for opening and closing the frame is made
possible.
14. The frame according to claim 12, further comprising
electromagnetic locking means to block opening of the frame if no
current or switching pulse is applied to the locking means.
15. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising an object
which is a two-dimensional image seated on a carrier.
16. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a
communication module and one or more.
17. The frame according to claim 16, wherein the communication
module can send out a message or an alarm to get help.
18. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a supporting
basic structure, which is assembled from frame profiles, said frame
profiles being designed so that elements and/or components of the
frame are directly connectable to the frame profiles.
19. The frame according to claim 18, wherein the frame profiles
have slots and/or grooves in order to be able to plug in or insert
one or more of the following elements or components: side surfaces,
front surfaces, rear surfaces, transparent plate, lighting means,
diffusor pane, carrier, solar module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the priorities of the Patent
Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/EP2008/068044, as filed on
Dec. 19, 2008; and
[0002] European Patent Application No. EP 07 123 945.3, as filed on
Dec. 21, 2007, which all are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a frame having integrated
lighting and power supply for the protected presentation of
objects.
[0004] There are various possibilities for presenting
two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects. Posters or other
two-dimensional objects, which are applied to a carrier, or are
located between two plates, the front of which is transparent, are
frequently used in advertising.
[0005] Three-dimensional objects, such as goods which are to be
presented, are frequently presented in display windows or display
cabinets.
[0006] In order to draw attention to such objects, they are
sometimes lighted. Either the lighting is integrated, or it is
external lighting which is directed onto the object.
[0007] A further possibility for displaying two-dimensional objects
are lighted signs. There are numerous approaches here, which are
all relatively expensive and inflexible, however.
[0008] The demand increasingly exists for offering solutions for
the presentation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects,
which ensure a high degree of attention, but, on the other hand,
require little or no installation effort.
[0009] Especially for the presentation of art objects such as
paintings, prints, or also sculptures, the need additionally exists
to protect these objects, while they are presented and lighted as
ideally as possible.
[0010] For some time, there has been the need for offering a
corresponding solution which meets greatly varying requirements and
is nonetheless relatively cost-effective. On the one hand, this
solution is to be as autonomous as possible, in order to reduce the
installation effort. On the other hand, however, a large amount of
attention is to be drawn to the presented object.
[0011] In addition, the protection of the presented objects places
special demands on the novel solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A frame is provided according to the invention which has
integrated lighting and power supply. The frame is self-supporting
per se and has side, front, and rear surfaces, which enclose an
inner chamber. A solar module is situated in the area of at least
one of these surfaces and a power accumulator is provided, which is
connectable to the solar module in order to store electrical
energy, which is provided by the solar module in the case of
incident light. Lighting means are situated inside the frame, which
can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator. A
transparent plate is provided in the area of the front surface,
behind which an object is presentable in the inner chamber.
Appropriate means are provided for opening and closing the frame,
so that the object can be introduced into the inner chamber. The
object is lighted by the lighting means in the inner chamber.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, it is a so-called intelligent,
autonomous frame, which is as free of maintenance as possible.
[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a
special frame profile is used, which is designed and dimensioned so
that all parts or all essential parts of the entire frame may be
connected to the frame profile or fastened on the frame profile.
The frame profile is designed so that it can be cut to size and
used for the frame in various sizes. A stable basic framework can
be prepared using few actions from the frame profile according to
the invention, which is used as the support element for all other
components and parts of the frame.
[0015] It is thus viewed as an essential advantage of the frame
according to the invention that it does not require any type of
electrical installation. The frame is thus suitable for exhibition
and/or attachment at any arbitrary location.
[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the frame according to the
invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in
greater detail hereafter with reference to the drawings. In the
figures:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first frame according to
the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the first frame according
to the invention in open form;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an upper area of
a further frame according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of specific components of a
frame according to the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a shows a schematic block diagram of a
controller of a further frame according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an emergency
circuit of a further frame according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a two-dimensional object which can be exhibited
in a frame according to the invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a lateral area of
a further frame according to the invention in the closed state;
[0026] FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a lateral area of
the frame according to FIG. 8 in the open state;
[0027] FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of lighting means
according to the invention having diffusor elements;
[0028] FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of an LED having
diffusor, which can be used as the lighting means according to the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a further frame according
to the invention in the closed state;
[0030] FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of the frame according to the
invention from FIG. 12 in open form;
[0031] FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a further frame according
to the invention, which is fastened to a wall like a lighted
sign;
[0032] FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a further frame according
to the invention, which is fastened on a pedestal;
[0033] FIG. 16 shows a schematic front view of a further frame
according to the invention, which is constructed using a frame
profile according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 17 shows a schematic sectional view of a further frame
according to the invention from the rear according to FIG. 16;
and
[0035] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of a frame profile according
to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention relates to so-called frames 10, which
are capable of receiving and presenting one or more objects 20 in
an inner chamber 14.
[0037] The term frame 10 is used to refer to housings, containers,
display cabinets, and the like, which have a protected inner
chamber 14. The word frame 10 implies that there is a basic
structure like a frame or framework which is equipped with paneling
elements, parts, or components. The basic structure like a frame or
framework is preferably constructed or built from special frame
profiles, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example. However, other
basic structures may also be used.
[0038] The frame preferably, but not necessarily, has a rectangular
or square shape and its height H and length L are significantly
greater than its thickness D, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, in the case
of the preferred embodiments: H>>D and L>>D. However,
the frame can also have other dimensions depending on the type and
size of the object 20 to be exhibited.
[0039] The term object 20 is used, inter alia, to refer to the
following two-dimensional objects: pictures, posters,
advertisements, logos, trade-marks, inscriptions, company or
product names, prints, works of art, illustrations, and the like.
The term object 20 is also used to refer to, inter alia, the
following three-dimensional objects: works of art, sculptures,
trophies, goods, and products, three-dimensional trademarks, and
the like. These lists are not to be viewed as restrictive, but
rather as an open list which was incorporated in order to indicate
the manifold objects which may be exhibited or presented and thus
also the broad usability of the invention.
[0040] A first embodiment of a frame 10 according to the invention
is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The frame 10 has an integrated
lighting unit 17 having power supply 16. The frame 10 has a
supporting (basic) structure having side surfaces 11, front
surfaces 12, and rear surfaces 13. Both the top and bottom and also
the lateral surfaces are designated here as the side surfaces 11.
The surfaces 11, 12, 13 enclose an inner chamber 14, which is
rectangular in the present case. A solar module 15 is situated in
the area of at least one side surface 11. If the frame 10 is
subjected to a light source, such as the sun, the solar module 15
generates electrical energy. A power accumulator 16 is provided,
which is connectable to the solar module 15, in order to store the
electrical energy which is provided by the solar module 15 in the
case of incident light.
[0041] Lighting means 17 are situated inside the frame 10, which
can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator 16.
A transparent plate 12.1, which is rectangular in the present case
and whose length and height is somewhat less than the length L and
height H of the frame 10, is provided in the area of the front
surface 12.
[0042] The frame 10 is implemented so that an object 20 is
presentable in the inner chamber 14. Furthermore, means 50 are
provided for opening and closing the frame 10, in order to be able
to introduce the object 20 into the inner chamber 14, so that it
can be lighted by the lighting means 17. Exemplary means 50 are
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0043] FIGS. 2 and 4 show that in this embodiment the lighting
means 17 have a plate-shaped carrier 17.2, which is occupied by a
large number of LEDs 17.1. The plate-shaped carrier 17.2 rests or
is preferably seated on the rear wall 13 of the frame 10, as is
also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or the plate-shaped carrier 17.2 is
plugged into slots of a (basic) structure, which is constructed
from special frame profiles.
[0044] LEDs 17.1 which are situated connected in series are
preferably used. Multiple such series circuits may be placed
adjacent to one another in columns on the carrier 17.2, for
example, and fastened thereon. A possible embodiment of the
lighting means 17 is shown in FIG. 4. Each of the series circuits
comprises 15 LEDs 17.1. 26 such series circuits were situated
adjacent to one another. A type of matrix having R=15 rows and S=26
columns thus results.
[0045] The individual LEDs 17.1 are preferably situated in relation
to one another so that both the spacing in the longitudinal
direction and also the spacing in the transverse direction are
equal (equidistant configuration). The equidistant configuration is
schematically indicated in FIG. 4 by a small square Q. It is
ensured by the equidistant configuration that after the placement
or fastening of a translucent plate 19 (diffusor pane or scattering
plate), a uniformly illuminating background light is externally
visible. The diffusor pane 19 forms the lighting means 17 together
with the carrier plates 17.2 and the LEDs 17.1.
[0046] Instead of using a continuous (one-piece) diffusor pane 19,
diffusor elements 19.1 (scattering elements) may also be used,
which are placed over each LED series circuit, or LEDs may be used
which each have a separate diffusor 19.2 (scattering lens). An
example of lighting means 17 having corresponding diffusor elements
19.1 is shown in FIG. 10. The diffusor elements 19.1 preferably
have the form of a hollow semi-cylinder. An LED 17.1 having
integrated (separate) diffusor 19.2 is indicated in FIG. 11. The
diffusor elements 19.1, the diffusor pane 19, or the diffusor 19.2
is preferably manufactured from PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate,
acrylic glass, Plexiglas.RTM., or Limacryl.RTM.), or another
synthetic plastic similar to glass and is to have a degree of
transmission greater than 60%, preferably greater than 80%, in
order to be able to ensure uniform background lighting.
[0047] So-called LED strip modules or LED chains are preferably
used, each strip or each chain having multiple LEDs. The length,
the brightness, and/or the color temperature of the LED strip
modules or LED chains may be selected as needed, so that they match
the particular use of the frame.
[0048] High-performance LEDs in COB (chip on board) technology are
particularly preferred. The lighting means 17 and/or the LEDs 17.1
are preferably immersion-lacquered or coated using a spray material
in order to prevent the penetration of moisture.
[0049] The lighting means 17 are preferably implemented as
dimmable. Preferably, LEDs which may be dimmed using pulse width
modulation (PWM) are used for this purpose. The overall height of
the LEDs 17.1, possibly including a strip-shaped circuit board, if
the LEDs are situated in a series circuit, is preferably less than
5 mm. The lighting means 17 made of LEDs 17.1 and diffusor plate 19
or element 19.1, or scattering lens 19.2, are thus very thin and
compact.
[0050] One or more solar modules 15 are preferably fastened flatly
on a side surface 11, preferably the upper side surface 11, as
shown in FIG. 1. The solar module 15 is to have a length which is
somewhat shorter than the total length L and the width which is
somewhat shorter than the thickness D. The solar module(s) 15
is/are preferably plugged into slots of a (basic) structure, which
is constructed from special frame profiles (see FIG. 18, for
example).
[0051] The solar module 15 is preferably inlaid in a recess 11.1,
which is provided in the area of the upper side surface 11 of the
frame 10. The recess 11.1 has a depth which at least corresponds to
the thickness of the solar module 15. The rear side of the solar
module 15 is preferably glued over its entire surface to the top
side of the recess 11.1. In order to protect the solar module 15, a
cover or protective layer 15.1 can be situated above the solar
module 15 or applied to the solar module 15, as indicated in FIG.
3. The solar module 15 is protected from destruction or
contamination by the protective layer 15.1.
[0052] An embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 in which the frame 10 has a
supporting frame structure (basic structure) made of frame profiles
18. In other embodiments, in contrast, the frame 10 can also be
implemented as self-supporting (i.e., it does not have a supporting
frame structure).
[0053] A frame 10 which has a programmable controller 30 in order
to be able to configure the lighting behavior of the frame 10 is
particularly preferred. A particularly preferred controller 30 is
shown in FIG. 5 in the form of a block diagram.
[0054] A central element of such a controller 30 is a processor 31,
for example, in the form of a microprocessor, which is connected to
multiple peripheral components. At least one sensor 32.1 (referred
to as sensor 1) is provided, which provides the processor 31 with
information about at least one external environmental state (such
as temperature, brightness, incident light, movement, etc.). In
order that the controller 30 can be configured, an interface 33 is
provided.
[0055] Configurability is understood hereafter as relating to one
or more of the following aspects:
[0056] light duration, and/or
[0057] luminosity, and/or
[0058] color temperature, and/or
[0059] emergency program, and/or
[0060] size (dimensions) of the area which can be lighted.
[0061] Further examples of the configurability are explained in
greater detail in the following description. A dedicated block 36
is shown in FIG. 5, which is to indicate that the controller 30 can
be implemented as configurable. This element 36 is shown by dashed
lines (as are some of the other elements), because this is an
optional feature.
[0062] For example, the configuration can be loaded, edited, or
erased via the interface 33 using an external computer or using a
PDA. The approach of working with an externally configurable
controller 30 makes the frame 10 into a so-called intelligent
frame, which can be adapted depending on the purpose and field of
use.
[0063] Preferably, further sensors 32.2, 32.3 (e.g., sensors 2 and
3) are provided in addition to the listed sensor 32.1. The frame 10
can thus, for example, adapt its lighting behavior to the
situation. If one of the sensors is a movement sensor (for example,
as the sensor 32.2), the lighting means 17 may only be turned on if
someone approaches the frame 10. Through this measure, electrical
energy can be saved and the period of use is lengthened for the
case in which no sun shines on the solar module 15.
[0064] If a brightness sensor is used (for example, as the sensor
32.3), the lighting means 17 may be turned on as soon as it is
dark. Electrical energy can also be saved by this measure.
[0065] An optional memory 37 may be used in order to be able to
load various programs or settings (and/or configurations).
[0066] The solar module 15 is shown on the right side in FIG. 5.
The lighting means 17 may be activated via an optional voltage
regulator 38 (referred to as regulator) and an optional voltage
supply 39. The activation is preferably performed via a special
activation circuit 51. The activation circuit 51 can dim the LEDs
17.1 using PWM, for example, if this is predefined by the
configuration.
[0067] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller 30
has communication means 34 (communication). These communication
means 34 allow the controller 30 to send out signals, for example,
if an emergency situation occurs. However, the communication means
34 may also be used in order to play back information to service
personnel. This can be information about recent events, for
example, which was recorded by the processor 31 and stored in the
memory 37, for example. By analyzing the recorded information, the
service personnel can change settings/configurations or replace
parts which are defective, for example.
[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the columns and/or
rows of the lighting means 17 may be activated individually.
Special light effects may thus be generated, or the number of the
LEDs 17.1 which light up may be reduced, as soon as the brightness
sensor detects that ambient light is present. In this way, the
sides (dimensions) of the lighted or backlighted area can also be
set.
[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame 10 is
locked and cannot be opened without authorization. The closure or
the locking is ensured by electromagnetic means. Exemplary
electromagnetic means 56 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. These
electromagnetic means 56 require electrical energy, for example, in
the form of a switching pulse, in order to open a bolt.
[0070] If the frame 10 no longer has electrical energy, for
example, because the power accumulator 16 is empty, because
sunlight has no longer fallen on the solar module 15 for some time,
such electromagnetic means 56 can no longer be opened. According to
the invention, the frame 10 has an emergency interface 35 for
feeding energy from an external power source 40, as schematically
shown in FIG. 6, for this purpose. This is either an emergency
interface 35 in the form of a plug/coupling connection, or a
wireless or contactless emergency interface 35 (for example, an
emergency interface 35 for inductive or optical power coupling).
Service personnel can bring a power source 40 into proximity to the
contactless emergency interface 35, or connect a power source 40 to
the emergency interface 35 (or plug it therein), in order to be
able to actuate (unlock) the means 56. The frame 10 can be opened
after the unlocking of the means 56. The amount of energy which is
supplied via the emergency interface 35 must be sufficient to give
a switching pulse to the means 56, for example.
[0071] Means 56 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which are situated in
the area between a front part of the frame 10 and a rear part of
the frame 10. The front side 12 of the frame 10 forms a peripheral
edge and has a planar rear side, which is pressed against a seal 55
when the frame is closed as shown in FIG. 8. The frame 10 is shown
in the open position in FIG. 9. It may be seen here that the means
56 have an upper element 56.2 and a lower element 56.1. Upon
opening, these two elements 56.1, 56.2 are separated. A mechanical
bolt (not shown) is preferably connected to the means 56 so that
upon application of the switching pulse, the bolt unlocks and the
two elements 56.1, 56.2 may be separated.
[0072] The means 56 are preferably self-locking means which may be
remotely actuated electrically (e.g., via a switching pulse).
[0073] In the case of a further embodiment, the opening of the
frame 10 is performed externally via authorization check
(transponder, wireless remote operation). For example, service
personnel can establish a communication link (e.g., via the
interface 33) using a computer or PDA, in order to announce
themselves to the controller 30 of the frame 10. When a
corresponding authentication has been performed in the interaction
between controller 30 and computer or PDA, the unlocking can occur
as described.
[0074] FIG. 7 shows a poster having an imprint as an example of the
object 20 which could be shown in a frame 10 according to the
invention. The object 20 can be stretched on a flat frame or
carrier 22, for example. It may be seen in FIG. 8 how the poster
may be held in the frame 10. It is obvious that there are greatly
varying ways and possibilities for fixing an object 20 inside the
frame 10. Quick-acting connections, e.g., using magnets or clamping
means, are particularly preferred.
[0075] A partial section through a lateral area of a further frame
10 is shown in FIG. 8. Parts of the means 50 for opening and
closing the frame 10 are shown in this figure. A block 52 having a
rail 52.1 is fastened to the rear of the front part of the frame
10. The block 52 including rail 52.1 extends perpendicular to the
front side 12 and thus protrudes into the inner chamber 14. A
further block 53 having a carriage 53.1 is provided on the inside
on a side wall 11. The carriage 53.1 engages in the rail 52.1 and
allows a displacement movement of the front part upward, as
indicated by the arrow P1. When the front part is moved upward, the
carriage 53.1 slides along the rail 52.1 and the means 50 move
apart like a cantilever or a drawer guide. The frame is shown in
the open state in FIG. 9. The frame 10 can be closed again by a
movement of the front part in the direction P2. The carriage 53.1
slides along the rail 52.1 again and the means 50 telescope.
[0076] A schematic illustration of a further frame 10 according to
the invention is shown in the closed state in FIG. 12. The frame 10
shown has a front part 23 and a rear part 24. The front part 23
essentially comprises the front surface 12, a transparent plate
12.1, and means 50 for opening and closing the frame on the rear
side. The rear part 24 essentially comprises a rear side 13, which
is enclosed by perpendicular side walls or side surfaces 11. An
inner chamber 14 is thus defined, which is covered at the front by
the front part 23. An image (object 20) having multiple houses is
exhibited in the frame 10.
[0077] After the (electromagnetic) unlocking, the front part 23 can
be pulled forward, as indicated by the two arrows P1 in FIG. 13.
The front part is guided by the means 50 like a drawer for opening
and closing. These means 50 preferably have a stop so that the
front part 20 cannot detach from the rear part 24.
[0078] One of the means 50 is shown in the gap between the front
part 23 and the rear part 24 in FIG. 13. For example, an object 20
can be introduced from below or above into the inner chamber 14 in
the open position shown in FIG. 13. For example, a poster 20 or a
painting 20 can be introduced into the inner chamber 14. After the
opening of the frame 10, the object 20 (image having houses) was
removed.
[0079] FIG. 14 shows that a further frame 10 according to the
invention, which is equipped with an inscription or logo like a
lighted sign, can be fastened on the wall 60 or on another surface.
Preferably, the frame 10 has appropriate fastening means. It is an
advantage of this embodiment that a costly lighted sign, which is
complex to install, can be replaced by such a frame 10.
[0080] Frames 10 of this type may also be readily installed on
traveling or moving platforms, for example, on trains, ships,
buses, streetcars, and the like. However, the frames may also be
used in elevators, or they may be used as display elements for
train, bus, and roadway connections. For example, they may be used
for advertising purposes or for displaying menu suggestions in the
hotel or restaurant field.
[0081] A further possible use is shown in FIG. 15. The frame 10 can
be fastened on a pedestal 61 or frame, for example. It is
advantageous that no power or other terminals are required.
[0082] A further particularly preferred embodiment can be inferred
from FIGS. 16, 17, and 18. This embodiment builds on the
embodiments which were described up to this point. I.e., the
embodiment described hereafter shares all essential elements with
the above-described embodiments. Only those elements or components
which are implemented differently are explained explicitly
hereafter. The frame 10 has a (basic) structure which is assembled
from a special frame profile. This frame profile comprises multiple
oblong sections 18.1, 18.2, 18.4. The front view of a frame 10 is
shown in FIG. 16, which is formed by the frame profiles 18.1 and
18.2. Joints 18.3 (similarly to a picture frame) are located in the
corners, where the frame profile sections 18.1 and 18.2 abut one
another. Viewed from the rear side (see FIG. 17), it can be seen
that four frame profiles 18.4 stand perpendicular to the
rectangular frame element, which is formed from the frame profiles
18.1 and 18.2. These four frame profile sections 18.4 are
perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
[0083] On the rear side, the frame profile sections 18.1, 18.2,
18.4 have slots or grooves, as indicated in FIG. 17. The section
through one of the frame profile sections 18.4 is shown in FIG. 18.
For example, the solar module 15 can be inserted or pushed into an
upper first slot 18.5. For example, a carrier or housing plate 15.2
can be inserted or pushed into a second slot 18.6 below the solar
module 15. For example, a lateral housing wall or plate 11 can be
inserted or pushed into a third slot 18.7. A further slot 18.8 can
receive a circuit board or carrier plate 16.1, for example, which
carries an electronic circuit or electrical parts (such as the
power supply or power accumulator 16), for example (not shown in
FIG. 18).
[0084] The corresponding frame profile 18 is implemented so that it
is used, on the one hand, as the basic structure for the frame 10
and provides it with the required mechanical stability. On the
other hand, the frame profile 18 offers possibilities for being
able to fasten components and elements of the frames 10 thereon, as
indicated for exemplary purposes in FIG. 18.
[0085] For the exhibition of high value objects 20, such as works
of art, the frame 10 can be implemented as particularly solid, in
order to avoid destruction. Such a frame 10 preferably comprises a
communication module (such as a module 34), in order to send out an
alarm in case of sabotage, movement, heat, or light action. The
transparent plate 12.2 is preferably designed as scratch-proof
and/or destruction-proof.
* * * * *