WO2014080203A1

WO2014080203A1 - Carrier

Info

Publication number: WO2014080203A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/053069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Liddle
Original assignee: Cohda Design Limited
Priority date: 2012-11-21
Filing date: 2013-11-21
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: GB201320144D0; GB2508298A; GB201220955D0

Abstract

A carrier (1) for mounting an object between a pair of spaced apart sheets (10, 10') comprises a centre portion (2) and at least two arms (3) extending radially outwards from the centre portion (2). The arms (3) are resiliently mounted with respect to the centre portion (2) and each arm (3) comprises a proximal end that is connected to the centre portion (2) and a distal end; and wherein the distal end of each arm (3) is provided with an engaging portion (5) that, in use, engages with one of the spaced apart sheets (10, 10'). A least one of the engaging portions engages with the first of the pair of spaced apart sheets and at least one of the engaging portions engages with the second of the pair of spaced apart sheets. At least one of the engaging portions mounts a magnet (6).

Description

Carrier

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a carrier for mounting an object between a pair of spaced apart sheets. Background of the Invention

French patent application no 2,836,985 describes a lighting system comprising a lighting element mounted between an electrically conductive transparent surface and another electrically conductive surface. Electricity from the respective electrically conductive surfaces power the lighting element mounted therebetween. The lighting element includes at least one magnet situated substantially adjacent to a backing plate. The lighting unit is held in place by a magnet aligned with the magnet of the lighting element, but on the other side of the backing plate. The lighting element may be moved by moving the magnet on the other side of the backing plate, and a hand-grip is provided to facilitate this.

GB2423144 describes a lighting system in which lighting elements are mounted between spaced apart transparent sheets. The lighting elements comprise pairs of plates which are biased apart, forcing the outer surface of the plates of the lighting element into contact with the inner surfaces of the sheets, holding the lighting elements in place. The lighting elements also include magnets located between the plates. Aligning an external magnet with the lighting element allows the element to be moved as application of the external magnet causes one of the pair of plates to be moved out of contact with the inner surface of the sheet. Systems for carrying lights between pairs of spaced apart sheets could be improved and could be used to carry objects other than lights.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier for mounting an object between a pair of spaced apart sheets, the carrier comprising a centre portion and at least two arms extending radially outwards from the centre portion; wherein the arms are resiliently mounted with respect to the centre portion and each arm comprises a proximal end that is connected to the centre portion and a distal end; and wherein the distal end of each arm is provided with an engaging portion that, in use, engages with one of the spaced apart sheets; and wherein at least one of the engaging portions engages with the first of the pair of spaced apart sheets and at least one of the engaging portions engages with the second of the pair of spaced apart sheets; and wherein at least one of the engaging portions mounts a magnet.

The arms are preferably resiliently biased to cause the engaging portions to engage with one or other of the spaced apart sheets.

The centre portion of the carrier may mount the object.

Each arm may include one element extending radially outwards from the centre portion of the carrier. Alternatively, each arm may include two or more elements extending radially outwards from the centre portion of the carrier. Connector elements may extend between the proximal ends of the arms. The connector elements may provide a vertex. A cross member may extend across the connector elements below the vertex, and preferably in a different plane to the plane of the wall elements.

The carrier may be provided with wall portions which are arranged to surround each engaging portion.

The carrier may be provided in at least two parts. The cross members associated with the arms may provide a means for securing a component in the centre portion of the carrier.

Preferably, the carrier is provided in two parts. Preferably the engaging portions of the or each arm of the first part of the carrier are arranged to engage with the first of the pair of spaced apart sheets and the engaging portions of the or each arm of the second part of the carrier are arranged to engage with the second of the pair of spaced apart sheets.

Preferably the carrier is provided in two parts and each part includes three engaging portions.

Preferably the wall portions surrounding the engaging portions of one part of the carrier locate between the wall portions surrounding the engaging portions of another part of the carrier.

Advantageously, the opposing faces of the wall portions of the parts of the carrier engage with one another. In one embodiment, one opposing face is provided with at least one recess and another opposing face is provided with at least one protrusion. The wall portions surrounding each engaging portion may include two side walls and the arrangement of recess and/ or protrusion on one of the two side walls is matched by a mirror image arrangement of recess and/or protrusion on the other side wall.

Preferably each engaging portion mounts a magnet. Preferably the magnet is mounted on the engaging portion such that it does not come into contact with the spaced apart sheets.

Preferably the magnet is mounted in a recess located on the underside of the engaging portion. Preferably the recess has a depth that is greater than the depth of the magnet. This ensures that the magnet does not make contact with the spaced apart sheets.

Advantageously, the engaging portion forms part of a magnet holder. The magnet holder may further comprise a clip configured to engage with the recess and the magnet. Preferably, the clip comprises arms configured to engage with seats in walls of the recess. The clip may also include a rib configured to engage with another part of the recess. It is preferred that the recess includes spaced apart side walls and a cross member joining the side walls, and that the rib engages with the cross member, preferably with an indent on the cross member.

The carrier may include means adapted to restrict movement of the arms in a direction against their resilient bias.

In one embodiment, a protrusion is arranged on the wall portions surrounding each engaging portion, and the magnet holder is provided with a part to engage the protrusion, thereby limiting the extend of movement of the engaging portion. The protrusion may be a part of the aforementioned rib. Alternatively, the protrusion may be formed in an outer wall of the recess receiving the magnet.

Preferably, the at least one engaging portion mounting a magnet is adapted to move away from the spaced apart sheet with which it is engaged when a magnet having a polarity opposing that of the magnet is presented up to and aligned therewith.

The object mounted by the carrier may be a lighting element comprising at least one light and means for delivering electricity to the or each light.

The object mounted by the carrier may be an electrical device and may comprise means for delivering electricity to the device.

The carrier may mount one or more electrical contacts. Preferably, one end of an electrical contact is attached to the carrier and one end to an electrical device mounted in the carrier. The carrier may include a protrusion and the electrical contact a bracket including a hole for engaging the protrusion.

The object mounted by the carrier may be a speaker and may comprise means for delivering electricity to the speaker.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting system comprising a carrier mounting a lighting element as hereinbefore defined and a carrier moving means, the carrier moving means including at least one magnet and when the said at least one magnet of the carrier moving means is aligned with the at least one magnet mounted on the at least one engaging portion of the carrier the said engaging portion and carrier moving means are attracted to each other. Preferably, the lighting system further includes a pair of spaced apart sheets and the carrier is mounted between the sheets and the engaging means of the carrier are in contact with the inner surfaces of the sheets. The sheets may be translucent or two-way mirrored. At least one the sheets may be electrically conductive to enable power to be delivered to the lighting element. At least one of the sheets may be provided with an electrically conductive layer for delivering power to the lighting element.

Preferably, aligning the magnets of the carrier moving means with the magnets of the carrier, through the first of the spaced apart sheets, causes all of the engaging means engaged with the second of the spaced apart sheets to be pulled towards the carrier moving means and away from the inner surface of the second of the spaced apart sheets. The resilient nature of the arms of the carrier allows the arms to move towards the carrier moving means. After the carrier moving means is removed the flexible arms spring back to their original position, causing the engaging means to re-engage with the inner surface of the second of the spaced apart sheets. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of lighting comprising the step of supplying electrical power to carriers mounting lighting elements as hereinbefore defined forming part of a lighting system as hereinbefore defined.

The method may include the further step of aligning a carrier moving means with a carrier mounting a lighting element and moving the carrier moving means thereby moving the carrier and the lighting element mounted thereon.

The electrical power supply to the lighting element may be low voltage direct current or an alternating current from a mains supply. The carrier of the present invention provides a convenient means of mounting an object between a pair of spaced apart sheets. The object may be a light or an electrical device. The object mounted in the carrier can be moved easily from one position to another simply by aligning magnets located outside the sheets with the carrier. The magnets located outside the sheet are attracted to magnets forming part of the carrier. The attraction of the magnets causes part of the carrier to be pulled out of contact with an inner surface of one of the transparent sheets. This allows the carrier to be easily re-positioned within the space between the spaced apart sheets.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of a lighting arrangement according to the invention:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a carrier according to the invention mounted between panes of glass;

Figure 2 is a side view of the carrier shown in Figure 1; Figure 3a is a front view of one of the two parts making up the carrier illustrated in figures 1 and 2;

Figure 3b is a perspective view of the upper side of the part of the carrier illustrated in figure 3a

Figure 3c is a side view of the part of the carrier illustrated in figure 3b, viewed along the line labelled A; Figure 3d is a perspective view of the lower side of the part of the carrier illustrated in figure 3b;

Figure 4 is a side view of a carrier moving means;

Figure 5 is a front view of the carrier moving means illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 6 is a side view of the carrier moving means illustrated in Figure 5 aligned with the carrier illustrated in Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a carrier according to the invention mounting a light;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the upper side of one part of the carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 a side view of the carrier according to the second embodiment of the invention, shown in between two panes of glass;

Figure 10 is a side view of the carrier moving means illustrated in Figure 5 aligned with the carrier illustrated in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a detail view of the carrier shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an exploded view showing parts of the carrier of the third embodiment of the invention; and Figure 14 illustrates the electrical contacts of the third embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 1, a carrier 1 is mounted between a pair of spaced apart glass panes 10, 10'. The carrier 1 comprises a centre portion 2 and sets of arms 3 which extend radially outwards from the centre portion 2. At the end of each set of arms 3 there is mounted a magnet holder 4 comprising an engaging part 5, 5' which in use engages with the inner surface of the glass panes 10, 10'. On the opposite side of the engaging part 5, 5' there is recess 8 in which a magnet 6 is located. As shown in the drawing, the recess 8 has a depth which is deeper than the magnet 6. This prevents the magnet 6 from coming into contact with the inner surfaces of the glass panes 10, 10'. The arms 3 are resiliently mounted with respect to the centre portion 2.

In the illustrated example the carrier also includes walls 7 which extend out from the centre portion 2 and surround the magnet holder 4 and the engaging part 5 thereof in order to protect the resilient arms 3 and to give the carrier 1 increased stability. In this example the walls 7 are generally pentagonal in shape. When more than one carrier 1 is present between the glass panes 10, 10' the walls 7 also prevent magnets 6 from different carriers 1 from coming into contact with eachother.

In the illustrated example the carrier 1 comprises six sets of arms 3 and each set of arms 3 mounts a pane a magnet holder including engaging part 5, 5' and a magnet 6. As shown more clearly in Figure 2, in use, three of the engaging parts 5 are in contact with the inner surface of the first glass pane 10 and three of the engaging parts 5' are in contact with the inner surface of the second glass pane 10'. The contact of the engaging parts 5, 5' with the two panes is sufficient to hold the carrier in place between the glass panes 10, 10'.

Unless under the influence of an external magnetic field, the engaging parts 5, 5' do not lie in the same place as the arms 3, the centre portion 2, or the walls 7, this is shown more clearly in figures 2, 3b and 3c. This allows the carrier 1 to maintain optimum pressure on the inside of the glass panes 10, 10', holding the carrier 1 in place.

As shown in Figures 3a to 3d, the carrier is preferably provided in two parts la, lb. The two parts are preferably identical. To make the carrier 1 one of the parts is inverted and overlaid on the other part such that arrangement of magnets 6 and pane engaging parts 5 alternates on each side of the carrier 1 as shown in Figure 1. The inner walls 7 of each part of the carrier abut each other and in this example the carrier 1 is generally hexagonal in shape.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a device 20 for moving the carrier 1. The moving device 20 comprises a backing plate 11 which includes recesses 12 inside which magnets 13 are located. Alternatively, the moving device 20 may be cast as a single part with the magnets 13 embedded therein.

As illustrated in Figure 6, in order to move the carrier 1, the moving device 20 is aligned with a carrier 1 on the outside of a glass pane 10, such that the magnets 6 of the carrier 1 are aligned with, and attracted to, the magnets 13 of the moving device 20. The magnets 6 of the carrier 1 are attracted to the magnets 13 of the moving device 20 and the engaging parts 5' are hence pulled away from the inner surface of the opposite glass pane 10' as shown in Figure 6. This reduces the friction between the panes 10, 10' and allows the carrier 1 to be moved about within the glass panes 10, 10' by a person grasping and moving the moving device 20.

When the moving device 20 is removed from the glass pane 10, the resilient nature of the arms 3 causes the engaging parts 5' to spring back into contact with the inner surface of the glass pane 10', holding the carrier 1 in its new position.

The centre portion 2 of the carrier 1 may mount an object, such as a light. Figure 7 illustrates a carrier 1 mounting a light 15 and associated circuitry 16. Preferably the light 15 and circuitry 16 clip onto the centre portion 2 of the carrier 1. When the object mounted on the carrier requires electricity the inner surface of each glass pane 10, 10' is preferably coated with an electrically conductive layer. The circuitry 16 also preferably includes an electrical contact element which is so dimensioned that the ends thereof brush the electrically conductive inners surfaces of the class panes. Power can then be delivered to the light via the electrical contact element.

Where the carrier is used to mount a light, a lighting system may comprise two spaced apart panes of glass 10, 10' with a plurality of carriers mounted light located therebetween. The system may include one or more moving devices 20.

The carrier 1 may mount other objects such as speakers or other electrical devices.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a part of the carrier in which the walls 17 have a more tapered shape. In addition, the connection point of the arms 3 to the engaging portion 5 is closer to the top of the engaging portion 5 to help reduce vibrations. As before magnets (not shown) would be located in the recesses 8 on the underside of the engaging portions 5. Two identical parts would be overlaid as before to made the carrier.

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a carrier 21 comprising two parts illustrated in figure 8 situated between panes of glass 10, 10'. As before, unless under the influence of an external magnetic field, the engaging parts 5, 5' do not lie in the same plane as the walls 17 and maintain contact with the inner surfaces of the glass panes 10, 10'.

Figure 10 illustrates the carrier 21 of Figure 9 under the influence of the external magnetic field of the moving means 20. As describe previously, in order to move the carrier 21, the moving device 20 is aligned with a carrier 21 on the outside of a glass pane 10, such that the magnets 6 of the carrier 21 are aligned with, and attracted to, the magnets 13 of the moving device 20. The magnets 6 of the carrier 21 are attracted to the magnets 13 of the moving device 20 and the engaging parts 5' are hence pulled away from the inner surface of the opposite glass pane 10' as shown in Figure 6. This reduces the friction between the panes 10, 10' and allows the carrier 21 to be moved about within the glass panes 10, 10' by a person grasping and moving the moving device 20. When the moving device 20 is removed from the glass pane 10, the resilient nature of the arms 3 causes the engaging parts 5' to spring back into contact with the inner surface of the glass pane 10', holding the carrier 21 in its new position.

The embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 14 differs in some small ways to the embodiments shown in earlier drawings. For the sake of clarity, only those parts where there are differences are described in detail. The magnet holder 4 provides a recess 8 in which a magnet 6 is located. The recess 8 is formed by a two spaced apart side walls 8a which extend upwards from the reverse side of the engaging part 5. The side walls are joint together by a cross-member 8b. The cross member 8b includes an indent 8c.

The face of each side wall 8a in the region where the arm 3 joins the side wall 8a includes a recess 8d.

The magnet 6 is secured in place in the recess 8 by a clip 30. The clip 30 includes a wall 32, a cap 33 and a rib 34 extending dowdwardly and substantially parallel to the wall 32, from the free end of the cap 33. The clip 30 also includes two arms 31 extending outwardly from the wall 32. In the illustrated example the arms 31 extend from the free end of the wall 32.

Referring in particular to Figure 13, in order to assemble a magnet 6 in a magnet holder 4, the magnet 6 is inserted into the clip 30 between the opposing faces of the wall 32 and rib 34. The clip is then presented up to the recess 8 with the free ends of the arms 31 aligned with the recesses 8d. The face 34b of rib 34 sits in the indent 8c. The outer face of rib 34 extends beyond the outer face of cross member 8b.

The magnet is may therefore be removably attached to the walls of the recess. This provides an efficient method of assembly without requiring adhesives.

It is preferred that the clip 30 is a snap fit with the recess 8.

A protrusion 7a extends inwardly from the wall 7. As described above in relation to the first and second embodiments, the arms 3 provide for movement of the magnet holder 4. The function of the protrusion 7a is to limit the movement of the magnet holder 4 when a moving means is used to lift the engaging portions out of engagement with the panes of glass.

It is desirable to limit the movement of the magnet holder 4 because by doing so the degree to which the arms 3 are flexed is minimised. It is necessary to flex the arms 3 sufficiently that the engaging portions disengage from the glass panes so that the carrier may be moved. However, flexing of the arms beyond that which is necessary is likely to result in fatigue in the material from which the arms 3 are fabricated. This may result in a reduction in their resilience, reducing the force they can exert on the glass pane when the moving means is removed, or the arm failing. In the illustrated example, it is not the cross-member 8a but the rib 34, in fact the face 34b thereof, that engages the protrusion 7a to limit movement of the magnet holder 4. Using a part of clip 30 to engage the protrusion 7a is advantageous since the clearances between the protrusion 7a and the components of the recess 8 can be greater, making manufacture and assembly easier. The protrusion 7a also supports one end of an electrical contact 40. In the illustrated embodiment six electrical contacts 40 are provided to conduct electricity from the electrically conductive glass to the power consuming component mounted centre portion of the carrier. One end of each contact 40 is provided with a bracket 41 which includes a hole 42. The hole 42 corresponds in shape and dimension to the shape and dimension of the protrusion 7a, so that the bracket 41 may be pushed on to the protrusion 7a. The other end of the electrical contact 40 is provided with an electrical connector for connecting to an electrical connector 43 mounted on the power consuming device support 50 of the carrier. The electrical contacts 40 are flexible and resilient. In the configuration shown in Figure 14 are the electrical contacts are in a curve state, but their natural configuration would be flat. The flexible and resilient nature of the contacts ensures that when attachment of the bracket 41 to the protrusion 7a has been made the electrical contact will hold itself on the protrusion, due to the moment exerted on the bracket 41 by the material from which the contact is made.

The power consuming device support 50 is mounted in the centre portion 2 of the carrier 1 between the two parts la, lb in the manner described with reference to Figures 3a to 3d. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 14, the walls 7' and 7" to the sides of the resilient arms 3 and magnet holder 4 include locking elements which lock together the two parts la, lb.

Each wall includes two protrusions 7a, 7a' and two indents 7b, 7b'. The two protrusions 7a, 7a' lie on one axis and the two indents 7b, 7b' lie on another axis and the two axis intersect each other at 90 degrees. In this way one protrusion is always next to two indents and one indent is always next to two protrusions. The arrangement of protrusions and indents in the outer surface of the wall 7" is a mirror image of the arrangement of protrusions and indents on the outer surface of wall 7' so that when the two parts are aligned and pushed together the protrusions of walls 7' of one part la engage with the indents of a walls 7" of the other part lb and vice versa.

The proximal end of each arm 3 is attached to a connector element 15 which provides a vertex 18. A cross-member 16 extends across the connector elements 15 below the vertex. As can be seen from Figure 13, the cross-member 16 lies in a different plane to the connector elements 15. When two parts of the type shown in Figure 13 are brought together, the vertices 18 correspond to the vertices of the support 50, and the cross members 16 secure the support in the carrier.

Claims

1. A carrier for mounting an object between a pair of spaced apart sheets, the carrier comprising a centre portion and at least two arms extending radially outwards from the centre portion; wherein the arms are resiliently mounted with respect to the centre portion and each arm comprises a proximal end that is connected to the centre portion and a distal end; and wherein the distal end of each arm is provided with an engaging portion that, in use, engages with one of the spaced apart sheets; and wherein at least one of the engaging portions engages with the first of the pair of spaced apart sheets and at least one of the engaging portions engages with the second of the pair of spaced apart sheets; and wherein at least one of the engaging portions mounts a magnet.

2. A carrier according to Claim 1, wherein the arms are resiliently biased to cause the engaging portions to engage with one or other of the spaced apart sheets.

3. A carrier according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the centre portion of the carrier mounts the object.

4. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein each arm includes at least one element extending radially outwards from the centre portion of the carrier.

5. A carrier according to Claim 4, wherein each arm includes two or more elements extending radially outwards from the centre portion of the carrier.

6. A carrier according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein connector elements may extend between the proximal ends of the arms.

7. A carrier according to Claim 6, wherein the connector elements provide a vertex.

8. A carrier according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein a cross member extends across the connector elements, in a different plane to the plane of the wall elements.

9. A carrier according to any preceding claim, further comprising wall portions arranged to surround each engaging portion.

10. A carrier according to any preceding claim, comprising at least two parts.

11. A carrier according to Claim 10, wherein the engaging portions of the or each arm of the first part of the carrier are arranged to engage with the first of the pair of spaced apart sheets and the engaging portions of the or each arm of the second part of the carrier are arranged to engage with the second of the pair of spaced apart sheets.

12. A carrier according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the carrier is provided in two parts and each part includes three engaging portions.

13. A carrier according to Claim 9 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the wall portions surrounding the engaging portions of one part of the carrier locate between the wall portions surrounding the engaging portions of another part of the carrier.

14. A carrier according to any of Claims 10 to 13 when dependent on Claim 9, wherein the opposing faces of the wall portions of the parts of the carrier engage with one another.

15. A carrier according to Claim 14, wherein one opposing face is provided with at least one recess and another opposing face is provided with at least one protrusion.

16. A carrier according to Claim 9 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the wall portions surrounding each engaging portion include two side walls and the arrangement of recess and/ or protrusion on one of the two side walls is matched by a mirror image arrangement of recess and/or protrusion on the other side wall.

17. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein each engaging portion mounts a magnet.

18. A carrier according to Claim 17, wherein the magnet is mounted on the engaging portion such that it does not come into contact with the spaced apart sheets.

19. A carrier according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the magnet is mounted in a recess located on the underside of the engaging portion.

20. A carrier according to Claim 19, wherein the recess has a depth that is greater than the depth of the magnet.

21. A carrier according to any of Claims 17 to 20, wherein the engaging portion forms part of a magnet holder.

22. A carrier according to any of Claims 17 to 21, wherein the magnet holder further comprises a clip configured to engage with the recess and the magnet.

23. A carrier according to Claim 22, wherein the clip comprises arms configured to engage with seats in walls of the recess.

24. A carrier according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the clip includes a rib configured to engage with another part of the recess.

25. A carrier according to Claim 24, wherein the recess includes spaced apart side walls and a cross member joining the side walls, and the rib engages with the cross member.

26. A carrier according to Claim 25, wherein the rib engages with an indent on the cross member.

27. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier includes means adapted to restrict movement of the arms in a direction against their resilient bias.

28. A carrier according to Claim 27, wherein a protrusion is arranged on the wall portions surrounding each engaging portion, and the magnet holder is provided with a part to engage the protrusion, thereby limiting the extend of movement of the engaging portion.

29. A carrier according to Claim 28 when dependent on Claim 25, wherein the protrusion is a part of the rib, or is formed in an outer wall of the recess receiving the magnet.

30. A carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one engaging portion mounting a magnet is adapted to move away from the spaced apart sheet with which it is engaged when a magnet having a polarity opposing that of the magnet is presented up to and aligned therewith.

31. A carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the object mounted by the carrier is an electrical device and further comprises means for delivering electricity to the device.

32. A carrier according to any preceding claim, mounting one or more electrical contacts.

33. A carrier according to Claim 32, wherein one end of an electrical contact is attached to the carrier and one end to an electrical device mounted in the carrier.

34. A carrier according to Claim 32 or 33, wherein the carrier includes a protrusion and the electrical contact a bracket including a hole for engaging the protrusion.

35. A lighting system comprising a carrier mounting a lighting element comprised in a carrier according to any of Claims 1 to 34 and a carrier moving means, the carrier moving means including at least one magnet and when the said at least one magnet of the carrier moving means is aligned with the at least one magnet mounted on the at least one engaging portion of the carrier the said engaging portion and carrier moving means are attracted to each other.

36. A lighting system according to Claim 35, wherein the lighting system further includes a pair of spaced apart sheets and the carrier is mounted between the sheets and the engaging means of the carrier are in contact with the inner surfaces of the sheets.

37. A lighting system according to Claim 36, wherein at least one the sheets is electrically conductive to enable power to be delivered to the lighting element.

38. A lighting system according to Claim 35, wherein at least one of the sheets is provided with an electrically conductive layer for delivering power to the lighting element.

39. A lighting system according to any of Claims 35 to 38, wherein aligning the magnets of the carrier moving means with the magnets of the carrier, through the first of the spaced apart sheets, causes all of the engaging means engaged with the second of the spaced apart sheets to be pulled towards the carrier moving means and away from the inner surface of the second of the spaced apart sheets.

40. A carrier substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.

41. A lighting system substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.