WO2025215332A1

WO2025215332A1 - Lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2025215332A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/050967
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fariz Khellaf
Original assignee: L&Co Trading Ltd
Current assignee: L&Co Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2024-04-12
Publication date: 2025-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-12

Abstract

There is described a lighting system (100) comprising a power supply (104), at least one lighting unit (102), electrically conducting magnet tape (106), and an electrical bridge section (124) for the magnetic tape (106). The lighting unit (102) comprises first magnetic coupling means and electrical power connectors. The electrically conducting magnet tape (106) comprises electrical conducting means and second magnetic coupling means. The electrical conducting means receive power from the power supply (104), and the second magnetic coupling means are configured to magnetically couple with the first magnetic coupling means to hold the lighting unit (102) in a position to connect the electrical power connectors of the lighting unit to the electrical conduction means of the tape (106). The electrical bridge section (124) is configured to electrically couple a first segment (126) of electrically conducting magnet tape with a second segment (128) of the electrically conducting magnetic tape.

Description

LIGHTING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

[01] The present disclosure relates to a kitchen lighting system for providing under cabinet lighting and, optionally, worktop lighting. More specifically the present disclosure relates to a system which allows kitchen lighting to be easily replaceable (i.e. attachable and removeable) or interchangeable. The lighting system can also be used in other suitable environments, such as hotel desks.

Background

[02] Under cabinet lighting is of course very well-known, particularly in kitchens, for illuminating work surfaces arranged beneath the cabinet.

[03] Often such under cabinet lighting requires specialist installation, for example in order to connect electrical power from mains supply in nearby walls to the lighting. Despite requiring specialist skills, such installation can usually be readily achieved without great difficulty as it is typically performed at a time when the cabinet is first secured to the wall. However it is not always equally as straight forward to perform maintenance on the lighting - e.g. in order to replace a faulty light - or to install under cabinet lighting at a later time than the original cabinet installation.

[04] Another problem faced by consumers is that, due to the aforementioned installation difficulties, it is typical for a kitchen cabinet to come with a set type of lighting unit pre-configured to operate with that cabinet, by e.g., having a body shaped matched to a specific housing part of the cabinet. Thus if a consumer wishes to change only the lighting type (e.g. a white only light for a colour variable one) they must either obtain a specific replacement lighting unit or replace the entire cabinet.

[05] Hence a new approach to undercabinet lighting which attempts to address such deficiencies is highly desirable.

Summary

[06] The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention.

[07] The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current under cabinet lighting whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein or more generally. [08] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting system comprising a power supply, at least one lighting unit, electrically conducting magnet tape, and electrical bridge section for the magnetic tape. The lighting unit comprises first magnetic coupling means and electrical power connectors. The electrically conducting magnet tape comprises electrical conducting means and second magnetic coupling means. The electrical conducting means receive power from the power supply, and the second magnetic coupling means are configured to magnetically couple with the first magnetic coupling means to hold the lighting unit in a position to connect the electrical power connectors of the lighting unit to the electrical conduction means of the tape. In this way power may be supplied from the power supply to the lighting unit via the tape. The electrical bridge section is configured to electrically couple a first segment of electrically conducting magnet tape with a second segment of the electrically conducting magnetic tape. Suitably, different arrangements of lighting system may be readily deployed and a vast array of modular configurations utilised, thereby making installation of cabinet lighting systems more convenient for installer as well as user, who can remove, add, and change components over time without costly reinstalls.

[09] In an example, the electrical bridge section is configured to receive an end of the first segment of tape and an end of the second segment of tape, and may be configured to receive the ends of the first and second segments of tape at an angle to each other in order to facilitate allowing the tape to be used at different orientations. For example, the bridge section may be right angled in shape.

[10] In an example, the electrical bridge section may be configured to electrically couple the first and second segments of tape with a third segment of electrically conducting magnet tape. For example, the bridge section may be a T-shape.

[11] In an example, the electrical bridge may be further configured to electrically couple the first, second and third segments of tape with a fourth segment of electrically conducting magnet tape. For example, the bridge section may be a cross.

[12] In an example, the system may also include a cover for the segments of electrically conducting magnet tape. Suitably, the electrically conducting magnet tape and the cover may comprise mutually corresponding fastening means.

[13] In an example, the system may also comprise at least one sensor. The sensor may comprise electrical connectors and third magnetic coupling means configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetic coupling means of the tape to hold the sensor unit in a position to connect the electrical connectors of the sensor to the electrical conduction means of the tape,

[14] In an example, the light unit may comprise a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor (via the tape). The controller may be configured to control an operation of a light source of the light unit based on the sensor signal. [15] In an example, the lighting unit may comprise a plurality of light sources, each of which comprises electrical power connectors for coupling with the electrically conducting magnet tape. For example, the plurality of light sources may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a line corresponding to the shape of the tape. In this way strips of lighting unit may be readily cut to the desired size.

[16] In an example, each light source comprises a controller configured to control an operating state of the corresponding light source. In particular, each controller may be configured to control the operating state based on the sensor signal received from the sensor. Again, this allows for a strip of LEDs to be provided which can be later cut to size as needed for a particular system installation.

[17] In an example, the power supply may be configured to transmit power inductively, and the system further comprises a power receiving section comprising an inductive power receiver and connectors to electrically couple to the electrical conducting means of the electrically conducting magnet tape. Suitably, the power receiving section may be configured to receive an end of one of the first or second segment of electrically conducting magnet tape.

[18] In an example, the system may further comprise a USB connector comprising fourth magnetic coupling means and electrical power connectors. The second magnetic coupling means of the tape are configured to magnetically couple with the fourth magnetic coupling means to hold the USB unit in a position to connect the electrical connectors of the USB unit to the electrical conduction means of the tape thereby providing power to the USB connector. Here the USB connector may comprise at least one of a USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, micro-USB or mini-USB ports.

[19] In a related aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen storage system comprising a first cabinet, a second cabinet, and the aforementioned lighting system. The first segment of electrically conducting magnetic tape is attached to the first cabinet and the second segment of electrically conducting magnetic tape is attached to the second cabinet. The electrical bridge section is arranged at a shared edge between the first cabinet and the second cabinet to couple the first segment of tape to the second segment of tape. In this way the modular lighting system may be readily deployed in a convenient way on multi-cabinet kitchen storage solutions.

[20] In an example, the bridge section may be integral to at least one of the first and second cabinet. In another example, the bridge section may be formed from a first part and a second part, the first part being provided on the first cabinet, and the second part being provided on the second cabinet. The first and second parts may be configured to attach to each otherto form the complete bridge section.

[21] In another related aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitchen worktop or a desk comprising the aforementioned lighting system. In an example, the power supply is arranged on an underside of the worktop/desk, and the power receiving section is arranged on a top side of the worktop. Brief Description of the Drawings

[22] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[23] Fig. 1 shows an example lighting system in use on a cabinet;

[24] Fig. 2 shows a cut through of an example tape used in an example cabinet lighting system;

[25] Fig. 3 shows a cut through another example tape;

[26] Fig. 4 shows an example lighting system;

[27] Fig. 5 shows another example lighting system;

[28] Fig. 6 shows another example lighting system;

[29] Fig 7 shows a kitchen storage system comprising an example lighting system;

[30] Fig. 8 shows a kitchen worktop comprising an example lighting system;

[31] Fig. 9 shows an alternative type of light unit for the example of Fig. 8.

Detailed Description

[32] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved kitchen lighting system, as might be used with kitchen cabinets. Although the disclosure is not limited thereto, and other implementations of the example system are envisaged, such as on kitchen worktop counters or even on office or hotel desks. Advantageously the described system is modular in order to allow individual lighting units (comprising e.g., one or more LED light sources) to be readily replaceable; in other words, lights (and optionally other components) of the presently described system are swappable.

[33] Figure 1 shows an example lighting system 100 for use with a cabinet 1 , such as a kitchen cabinet.

[34] Suitably, the lighting system 100 comprises a lighting unit 102 comprising a light source which provides illumination and electrical power connectors (positive and negative) for receiving power to drive the light source. Suitably the system also comprises a power supply 104 for driving the light source of the lighting unit. More specifically, the power supply 104 is a voltage source configured to provide direct current ‘DC’ power to the lighting unit 102 and is therefore suitably configured with positive and negative power connections corresponding to the positive and negative connections of the lighting unit 102.

[35] The lighting unit 102 also comprises first magnetic coupling means configured to magnetically couple with corresponding second magnetic coupling means provided as part of electrically conducting magnet tape 106. That is, the system 100 comprises tape 106 which comprises electrical conducting means and the second magnetic coupling means, and is therefore both electrically conductive and magnetic.

[36] The electrical conducting means is suitably configured to carry electrical power by providing a positive electrical path and a negative electrical path which are coupleable to the power supply 104. Suitably the tape 106 may be directly connected to the supply 104, connected by a suitable electrical lead/cable 108 or, as in an example embodiment discussed in further detail below, may be inductively connected to the supply 104. In the example of Figure 1 the supply is shown as an independent unit, incorporating at least one battery providing suitable voltage such as 24V, although may also be configured to receive mains power and transform the voltage to a suitable output (e.g., 24V).

[37] The second magnetic coupling means is suitably configured to provide a magnetic coupling to the first magnetic coupling means via which the lighting unit 102 is held in position under magnetic attraction. For example, the second magnetic coupling means of the tape 106 may include ferrous material, while the first magnetic coupling means of the lighting unit 102 may include a suitably oriented bar magnet. In another example, the lighting unit 102 may include an electromagnet which is powered when the lighting unit is held in abutment with the tape 106 by a user and then the lighting unit 102 held in place thereafter by the magnetic field of the electromagnet.

[38] When the lighting unit 102 is magnetically held in place, the power connectors of the lighting unit 102 are arranged so as to be held in electrical communication with the conducting means of the tape 106. Suitably the power connections of the lighting unit 102 are separated on the lighting unit 102 to correspond to the separation of the conducting paths of the tape 106; e.g., being centrally aligned with the conduction paths, or being arranged to align with an outer edge of the conduction paths.

[39] Suitably the present system 100 allows for greater ease of inter-changeability of lighting units 102 within the lighting system 100. Whilst there are of course caveats in that a lighting unit 102 developed for use with the system must include a magnetic coupling, and suitably arranged power connectors to touch the conduction means of the tape, such a system still represents a significant improvement over known systems which simply do not allow for such versatility. Moreover, a number of likewise configured lighting units 102 may be magnetically attached to the tape 106, as shown, such that a multi-light system may be readily deployed with almost no additional effort compared to installing up a single light system. Beneficially a user of the present lighting system may readily adapt the lighting system without a need to call in specialist lighting/electrical experts to do so. The present invention has essentially rendered the field of kitchen lighting as “plug-and-play”, representing a paradigm shift for the industry.

[40] It will also be appreciated that the present system 100 is not limited to under cabinet lighting. For example, the system 100 may instead be used to light the inside of the cabinet by using the tape 106 along an inside wall or shelf, and providing appropriate holes through the cabinet 1 for access by the cable 108.

[41] As will be appreciated from the above, a key component to the system 100 is the conducting and magnetic tape 106. Figure 2 shows a cut through an example tape 106 in more detail.

[42] The tape 106 is formed of three parts: a fastening part 112, magnetic part 114 (i.e., second magnetic coupling means), and conducting part 116 (i.e., electrical conducting means). In the example of Figure 2, each part is a separate layer of the tape 106. In general, each of the constituent parts of the tape are configured to allow flexibility of the final tape, so that the tape 106 may be readily rolled during/after manufacture to facilitate ease of transport.

[43] The fastening part 112 comprises means for attaching the tape 106 to the cabinet 1. Preferably the fastening part 112 comprises adhesive, so that the tape 106 sticks to a surface of the cabinet 1 and is held in position on the cabinet 1 by the strength of the adhesive bond.

[44] It will be appreciated that other means for fastening, such as forming the fastening part as a hook and loop fastener, one side of which being attached to the cabinet 1 , the other side remaining congruous with the tape 106, could also be employed.

[45] The magnetic part 114 provides the magnetic coupling by which the tape holds the lighting unit 102 under magnetic attraction. Suitably the magnetic part 114 comprises magnetic material.

[46] In a preferred example the magnetic material is a ferrous metal such as stainless steel; stainless steel is strongly magnetic when exposed to an external magnetic field, but not considered a good electrical conductor. In one example the magnetic part 114 is entirely metallic, being made thin enough to be flexible for use as a tape (for example rolling when stored). In another example the magnetic part 114 is formed from a soft, flexible, substrate body which comprises metallic magnetic material within it; that is, the magnetic part 114 has a matrix like structure where magnetic material is dispersed throughout the substrate. In such an example the substrate is preferably non-metallic and further preferably an electrical insulator. In one such example the substrate may form 50% or more by weight of the magnetic part 114, while the magnetic material may form 50% or less by weight of the magnetic part 114. In another example, the magnetic part 114 may comprise a plurality of magnets (e.g. bar magnets) spaced along a length of the tape. These magnets may be set within a flexible substrate, similar to the above.

[47] The electrical conduction means 116 comprises a first electrical conduction path 118 and a second electrical conduction path 120. Two distinct paths are provided to correspond to the positive and negative power connectors of the lighting units 102 and power supply 104. Suitably the conduction paths 118, 120 are formed from an electrically conducting material such as aluminium, copper, or gold. The conduction paths may be preferably formed in order to conduct voltages of substantially 24V (volts), corresponding to the typical voltage of kitchen lighting units 102. As with the magnetic part 114, the electrical conduction means 116 should also be formed so that it is flexible (i.e., not a rigid metal). [48] The two conductions paths 118, 120 are spaced suitably far apart that electrical breakdown across an air gap between the paths cannot occur; similarly so that electrical breakdown across the magnetic part 114 is also unlikely to occur.

[49] To further inhibit the possibility of electrical breakdown an electrical insulator 122 may be provided in between the first and second conduction paths 118, 120. In the example of Figure 2 the insulator 122 sits on top of the magnetic part 114 filling the gap between the conduction paths 118, 120, however the disclosure is not limited thereto and the insulator may also extend at least partly (or fully) through the magnetic part 114 and at least partly (or fully) through the fastening part 112.

[50] Figure 3 shows a cut through another example tape 106 which demonstrates an example of extending the insulator 122 through all the parts (more specifically, layers). That is, each part 112, 114, 116 is divided into two by the insular 122. Put another way, the tape 106 may be considered of being formed from an insulating core 122 on each side of which a fastening part, magnetic part, and conducting part (only one path here) is attached/provided.

[51 ] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, there is shown an example embodiment of a lighting system 100 which builds on the discussion above.

[52] Here the system 100 similarly comprises a power supply (not shown) and at least one lighting unit 102 and electrically conducting magnetic tape 106. Operation of the power supply, lighting unit 102 and tape 106 is the same as described above and so repeat description is omitted.

[53] In the previous example a singular section of tape was described. In the present example, however, the system 100 is formed from a plurality of separate segments of tape 106. To connect different segments of tape together, the system 100 comprises a plurality of bridging sections 124 configured to couple tape 106 segments together, Suitably, for n tape 106 segments there may be no more than n-1 bridge sections 124, and possibly even fewer bridges 124.

[54] Put another way, the system 100 may comprise at least two segments of electrically conductive tape, a first segment 126 of electrically conductive magnetic tape 106, and a second segment 128 of electrically conductive magnetic tape 106. Suitably, a (first) electrical bridge section 124 is configured to electrically couple the first segment 126 and second segment 128, so that electrical power may conduct from one segment to the other: i.e., the first segment 126 and second segment 128 are connected together by the bridging section to form part of compete electrical circuit for the system 100.

[55] Preferably, the bridge section 124 is configured to receive and electrically couple with an end 130 of the first segment of tape 126 and receive and electrically couple with an end 132 of the second segment of tape 128. In other words, a bridge section 124 in its most convenient implementation connects the first segment of tape 126 and second segment of tape 128 in series. As shown, one convenient advantage of the bridge section 124 is that it can be used to connect tape segments which are oriented in different directions. That is, the bridge section 124 may be configured to receive the first end 130 and second end 132 at different angles; for example, as shown, the tape segments 126, 128 (and therefore the ends thereof) may be angled at 90 degrees to each other.

[56] In other implementations, not shown, the bridge 124 may instead be configured to electrically couple with the segments of tape 106 at a position that is not an end - e.g., in the middle - by suitably connecting with the tapes conduction means. In other words, the bridge section 124 may alternatively be configured to connect the first segment 126 and segment 128 in parallel.

[57] Not all bridge sections 124 need be configured in the same way, however; rather, different types of bridging section 124 may be provided. For example, the above has described a two-way bridge (i.e., one tape segment to one tape segment), which may be regarded as a first type of bridging section 124a, however the system 100 may also be provided with a second type of bridging section 124 which is configured to connect three tape segments together to e.g., form two parallel circuits.

[58] More specifically, the second type of electrical bridging section 124b may be configured to electrically couple the first tape segment 126 and second tape segments 128 with a third tape segment 134. Like with the first type of bridging section 124a, the second type of bridging section 124b is preferably configured to receive ends of the first to third tape segments so as to be able to join together tape sections in different orientations.

[59] Moreover, as shown in Fig. 5, a third type of bridging section 124c may be used which is configured to provide a four way connection. That is, the third type of bridging section 124c may be configured to electrically couple together the first tape segment 126, second tape segments 128, third tape segment 134, and a fourth tape segment 136.

[60] As shown in Figures, the system 100 may also comprise a sensor 138. The sensor 138 comprises third magnetic coupling means which are configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetic coupling means of the tape 106 to hold the sensor 138 in position with respect to the tape 106. Here the sensor 138 is shown attached to a fifth segment of tape 140, although it will be appreciated that the sensor could be on any segment of tape (e.g., one of the first to fourth segments of tape 106). It will be appreciated that preferably the third magnetic coupling means are of the same type (i.e., function in the same way) as the first magnetic coupling means, but it should also be appreciated the means could be different, provided that they likewise couple to the second magnetic coupling means. Suitably the sensor also comprises electrical connectors which are arranged to couple with the electrical conduction means of the tape 106 when the sensor 138 is held in position by virtue of the magnetic coupling to the tape 106. [61] The sensor 138 is configured to sense a surrounding environment of the sensor (e.g., an area of a kitchen around where the sensor is located) and transmit a corresponding signal corresponding to a triggering event (or non-event). That is, the sensor 138 is configured to transmit a signal when a suitable sensing component thereof detects and event or situation that the sensing component is configured to detect. Preferably the sensor signal is transmitted via the electrical conduction means of the tape, as this provides a reliable route for the sensor signal to travel; in other examples, however, the sensor 138 may be provided with a wireless transmitter for sending a sensing signal.

[62] For example, the sensor 138 may be configured to trigger in response to a proximity of a person, animal, etc, to the sensor 138; suitably the sensing component may include a PIR sensor. In another example the sensor 138 may be configured to trigger in response to ambient light in the vicinity of the sensor 138. In yet a further example the sensor 138 may be configured to trigger in response to both proximity and ambient light level.

[63] Suitably, in the present example the lighting unit(s) 102 may comprise a controller configured to receive the sensor signal transmitted by the sensor 138. Again, preferably, the sensing signal is received via the lighting units electrical connection to the tapes 106 electrical conduction means. Suitably, the controller is configured to control an operation state of the lighting unit 102 (more specifically, a light source thereof) based on the signal received from the sensor 138.

[64] In one example, the lighting unit 102 may be configured to turn on or off in response to the trigger. For example, where the sensor 138 detects that a person is within proximity of the sensor 138, then the lighting unit may be controlled to turn on in order to illuminate. In the context of under cabinet lighting, the lighting unit may be arranged to illuminate a work surface below the cabinet. If the sensor 138 detects that the user leaves its proximity, then the lighting unit 102 may be controlled to turn off.

[65] In another example, the lighting unit may be controlled to vary a brightness and/or wavelength of light emission from a light source of the lighting unit 102 in response to the signal from the sensor 138 (i.e., the light source may be a variable light source, including a colour temperature controllable light source). For example, where the sensor 138 detects that an ambient light level is high, the brightness or colour temperature of the lighting unit 102 may be decreased. Similarly, the brightness and/or colour temperature of the lighting unit 102 can be increased or indeed turned off entirely depending on the signal received from the sensor 138.

[66] As shown particularly by Figure 6, different types of lighting unit 102 may be used with the present system 100. One type of lighting unit 102a may comprise a plurality of light sources 142, such as light emitting diodes, which are formed in a line corresponding generally to the shape (mainly the width) of the electrically conducting magnetic tape 106. Ensuring the widths of this lighting unit 102a and the tape 106 generally corresponding (i.e., are substantially the same) helps with alignment of the LED unit 102a. Suitably, this type of lighting unit 102a may be termed an LED strip.

[67] Here each of the plurality of light sources 142 comprises electrical power connectors for coupling with the electrical conduction means of the electrically conducting magnet tape 106. Suitably, the LED strip 102a may be readily manufactured as a singular continuous length (of suitable size for factory handling, packing, delivering, etc) and then cut to length as needed for use with a particular tape segment 126, 128, etc, of the system 100. Put another way, each of the light sources 142 form a parallel circuit when attached to the electrically conducting magnet tape 106, which not only allows the LED strip 102a to be cut to size, but also prevents failure of a single LED 142 causing the whole strip to fail.

[68] Moreover, in examples where the LED strip 102a is intended for use with a system comprising a sensor 138, each of the light sources 142 may independently comprise a controller configured to control an operating state of that light source (i.e., that LED) based on a signal received from the sensor 138. Put another way, each light source is controlled separately by its own controller, in particular based on a signal from the sensor 138. Again, such a design means that the LED strip 142 may be manufactured to be cuttable to any length ready for use with any length of a segment of tape 106.

[69] The system 100 of the present example may also comprise a power receiving section 144 configured to receive power from the power supply 104. In particular, the power receiving section 144 may be configured to receive mains power and transform the mains power into a voltage more suitable for use with the components of the system 100. Suitably, the power receiving section comprises connectors for electrically coupling to the electrical conducting means of the electrically conducting magnet tape 106. Suitably, the power receiving section may be configured to couple to an end of a segment of tape or configured to couple anywhere along a length of tape segment.

[70] In a preferred example, the power supply 104 is configured to transmit power inductively, and the power receiving section also comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive the inductive power from the power supply 104. In this way the system 100 may be provided with power without needing direct connection to the power supply 104, which might otherwise require unsightly wiring, Moreover, inductive powering allows the system to be used even where it would otherwise be tricky (or again, unsightly) to install the lighting system with connection wired power.

[71] It will be appreciated that other electronic apparatus beyond lighting may also be used with the present system. In particular, in the examples shown the system 100 further comprises one or more USB connector units 146. Each unit suitably comprises fourth magnetic coupling means configured to magnetically couple with the second magnetic coupling means to hold the USB unit in a position. The USB connector unit(s) 146 also comprise electrical power connectors configured to couple to the electrical conduction means of the tape to receive power therefrom when the connector unit 146 is magnetically coupled to the tape. It will be appreciated that different types of USB connector are available such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, micro USB, mini USB, etc.

[72] Other optional features of the system 100 include a cover 148 configured to overlap the tape 106 to prevent exposure of the electrical conduction means thereof. The cover may be configured to attach to the surface surrounding the location of the tape - e.g., using similar adhesion or fastening means - or may be configured to attach to the tape directly (requiring the tape 106 and cover 148 comprise corresponding coupling or fastening means).

[73] Figures 7 and 8 show preferred use cases of the system 100 described herein.

[74] Figure 7 shows a kitchen storage system 200 comprising a first cabinet 202 and a second cabinet 204 which are installed adjacent (optionally abutting) to each other. The lighting system 100 is provided on the cabinets, in this example by being arranged on an underside of the cabinets 202, 204.

[75] Here, the first segment 126 of electrically conducting magnetic tape 106 is arranged on the first cabinet 202, while the second segment 128 of electrically conducting magnetic tape 106 is arranged on the second cabinet 204. The bridge section 124 is arranged at a shared edge 206 between the first and second cabinets and, as above, is suitably configured to electrically couple the first tape segment 126 to the second tape segment 128. In this way it can be seen that the presently described system allows for advantageously quick and easy setup of a joined-up lighting system for a kitchen storage system comprising multiple cabinets. Current approaches to kitchen lighting has each cabinet having its own (under cabinet) lighting (i.e., the lighting is a combination of different systems, not a joined up singular system).

[76] Here it is assumed that the bridge section 124 is attached to the cabinet units 202, 204 as an after market accessory, however it should also be appreciated that the units could also be configured to have the bridge section 124 as an integral component.

[77] In one example one of the first unit 202 and second unit 204 may comprise the bridge section 124 or, preferably, may each comprise a bridge section pre-installed (integrally) to a same edge of the unit, so that when a plurality of units are being installed, there is a bridging section 124 present between each pair of adjacent units.

[78] In another example, the bridging section 124 may be formed from two parts (preferably halves), so that a first part of the bridging section 124 is provided on the first cabinet 202 and the second part of the bridging section 124 is provided on the second unit 204. The first part and second part may each comprise suitable means for mating with the other part. Suitably, when the two units are arranged next to each other during installing, the first part and the second part may be mated together to form the completed (whole) bridging section 124.

[79] Figure 8 shows an example of a kitchen worktop 300 being fitted with the lighting system 100. Here the system 100 is arranged on an upper surface 302 of the worktop 300. In this example the lighting units 102 may be those of the sort shown in Figure 9, whereby the illumination angle may be manually controlled, rather than the fixed downlight type presented in previous embodiment.

[80] Here, the power supply 104 may be arranged underneath the worktop 300 (and optionally enclosed), thereby hiding from view mains power wiring to the power supply 104. Suitably this embodiment includes that the power supply is configured to provide power inductively, and the system 100 comprises the power receiving the power receiving section 144 to receive that inductive power.

[81] In summary, exemplary embodiments of an improved lighting system for e.g., kitchen cabinets, worktops, and the like have been described. The improved lighting system provides a modular arrangement which allows for ease of installation, maintenance, and changing of the components of the system.

[82] The example lighting system is significantly more convenient for the user in terms of interchangeability than previous kitchen light systems. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[83] Although preferred embodiments) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[84] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[85] All of the features disclosed in this specification, and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[86] Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[87] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, orto any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A lighting system, comprising: a power supply; at least one lighting unit comprising first magnetic coupling means and electrical power connectors; electrically conducting magnet tape comprising electrical conducting means and second magnetic coupling means, wherein the electrical conducting means receive power from the power supply, and wherein the second magnetic coupling means are configured to magnetically couple with the first magnetic coupling means to hold the unit in a position to connect the electrical power connectors of the light unit to the electrical conduction means of the tape thereby providing power to the light unit; an electrical bridge section configured to electrically couple a first segment of electrically conducting magnet tape with a second segment of the electrically conducting magnetic tape.

2. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical bridge section is configured to receive an end of the first segment of tape and an end of the second segment of tape.

3. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein the electrical bridge section is configured to receive the ends of the first and second segments of tape at an angle to each other.

4. The lighting system of any claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical bridge section is further configured to electrically couple the first and second segments of tape with a third segment of electrically conducting magnet tape.

5. The lighting system of claim 4, wherein the electrical bridge section is further configured to electrically couple the first, second and third segments of tape with a fourth segment of electrically conducting magnet tape.

6. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical bridge section is configured to electrically couple the first and second segments of electrically conducting magnet tape in series.

7. The lighting system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrical bridge section is configured to electrically couple the first and second segments of electrically conducting magnet tape in parallel.

8. The lighting system of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one sensor comprising third magnetic coupling means and electrical connectors, wherein the second magnetic coupling means are configured to magnetically couple with the third magnetic coupling means to hold the sensor unit in a position to connect the electrical connectors of the sensor to the electrical conduction means of the tape.

9. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the light unit comprises a controller configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor via the tape and control an operation of a light source of the light unit based on the sensor signal.

10. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the light unit comprises a plurality of light sources, and each light source comprises electrical power connectors for coupling with the electrically conducting magnet tape.

11. The lighting system of claim 10, wherein each light source comprises a controller configured to control an operating state of the corresponding light source.

12. The lighting system of claim 11 when also dependent on claim 8, wherein each controller is configured to control the operating state of the corresponding light source based on the sensor signal received from the sensor.

13. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the power supply is configured to transmit power inductively, and the system further comprises a power receiving section comprising an inductive power receiver to receive inductive power and electrical connectors to electrically couple to the electrical conducting means of the electrically conducting magnet tape.

14. The lighting system of claim 13, wherein the power receiving section is configured to receive an end of one of the first or second segment of electrically conducting magnet tape.

15. The lighting system of any preceding claim, further comprising a USB connector comprising fourth magnetic coupling means and electrical power connectors, wherein the second magnetic coupling means are configured to magnetically couple with the fourth magnetic coupling means to hold the USB unit in a position to connect the electrical connectors of the USB unit to the electrical conduction means of the tape thereby providing power to the USB connector.

16. The lighting system of claim 15, wherein the USB connector comprises at least one of a USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, miro-USB and mini-USB port.

17. The lighting system of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover for the segments of electrically conducting magnet tape.

18. The lighting system of claim 17, wherein the electrically conducting magnet tape and the cover comprise corresponding fastening means

19. A kitchen storage system comprising a first cabinet, a second cabinet, and the lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the first segment of electrically conducting magnetic tape is attached to the first cabinet and the second segment of electrically conducting magnetic tape is attached to the second cabinet, and the electrical bridge section is arranged at a shared edge between the first cabinet and the second cabinet to couple the first segment of tape to the second segment of tape.

20. The storage system of claim 19, wherein the bridge section is arranged integral to at least one of the first and second cabinet.

21 . The storage system of claim 19, wherein the bridge section is formed from a first part and a second part, the first part being provided on the first cabinet, and the second part being provided on the second cabinet, and wherein the first part is configured to engage with the second part to form the complete bridge section.

22. The storage system of any of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the tape is attached to an underside of an external surface of the cabinet.

23. A kitchen worktop comprising the lighting system of any of claims 1 to 18.

24. A desk comprising the lighting system of any of claims 1 to 18.

25. The worktop or desk of claims 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the power supply is arranged on an underside of the worktop, and the power receiving section is arranged on a top side of the worktop.