U.S. patent application number 09/567957 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-29 for lighting system employing glass block lens.
Invention is credited to LeVasseur, Craig.
Application Number | 20020118542 09/567957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26831398 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020118542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LeVasseur, Craig |
August 29, 2002 |
LIGHTING SYSTEM EMPLOYING GLASS BLOCK LENS
Abstract
A decorative lamp fixture includes a housing with a generally
rectangular cross-section formed of a pair of identical
interlocking extruded members. An opening or window is formed on
each side of the housing. The housing includes a plurality of
internal grooves or channels for holding fasteners supporting a
bracket which secures a glass block in position, such that its face
surfaces are adjacent or protrude slightly from the openings. A
lamp is positioned within the housing such that it directs light at
an edge of the glass block. Other edges of the glass block are
coated with a light reflecting coating, such as white paint. The
housing includes a cover, and the lamp may be secured to the cover,
or it may be positioned below the glass block.
Inventors: |
LeVasseur, Craig;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John E Wagner
Law Offices of John E Wagner
3541 Ocean View Boulevard
Glendale
CA
91208
US
|
Family ID: |
26831398 |
Appl. No.: |
09/567957 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60133469 |
May 10, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 8/08 20130101; F21W
2131/109 20130101; G09F 13/04 20130101; F21V 3/00 20130101; G02B
6/0095 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/351 |
International
Class: |
F21V 011/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A lighting fixture comprising: a upstanding housing having at
least one opening on one side; a lamp in said housing; wiring in
said housing connecting a source of electrical energy to said lamp;
a glass block in said housing having one surface directed toward
said opening and another surface facing said lamp.
2. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said glass
block has two opposing face surfaces and a plurality of edge
surfaces, one of said opposing face surfaces is directed toward
said opening, one of said edge surfaces is light conductive and
faces said lamp, and the other edge faces are coated with a
light-reflecting material, whereby one of said face surfaces emits
light from said fixture, said light conducting edge surface
introduces light into said glass block and said other edge faces
reflected light in said glass block.
3. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 2 wherein said housing
has a second opening on the opposite side from said first opening
and said glass block has a second face surface facing said second
opening.
4. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said glass
block includes light-emitting walls and said light-emitting walls
are ornamented.
5. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
ornamentation of said light-emitting walls is chosen to provide a
desired illumination pattern.
6. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said glass
block is positioned in and extends slightly beyond said
opening.
7. A lighting fixture comprising: a housing of generally
rectangular cross-section having a pair of openings on opposite
sides thereof; a lamp in said housing; wiring in said housing for
connecting a source of electrical power to said lamp, and a glass
block in said housing having a pair of oppositely directed face
surfaces facing said openings and a plurality of edge surfaces, one
of said edge surfaces facing said lamp.
8. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein said housing
includes a plurality of internal fastener grooves and a bracket
secured to said fastener grooves for supporting said glass block in
said housing.
9. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein said edge
surfaces not facing said lamp are coated with light-reflecting
material.
10. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein said glass
block is partially transparent.
11. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein said housing
has a cover and said lamp is mounted with said housing in the
region of said cover.
12. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 8 wherein said housing
is formed of a pair of identical extruded parts which are
interlocked to form a rectangular cross section.
13. A walkway light comprising: a housing including an opening in
one face thereof; a glass block secured within said housing with
one face positioned in said housing for emission of light from said
housing through the opening in said housing; lamp means within said
housing directed toward said glass block; said glass block having a
light transmitting surface exposed to said lamp; means for
introducing power into said housing for illuminating said lamp; and
means for mounting said housing adjacent to a walkway.
14. A walkway light in accordance with claim 13 wherein said means
for mounting said walkway light includes bracket means for securing
said walkway light to a support adjacent to a walkway.
15. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 13 wherein said housing
is embedded in a wall adjacent to a walkway and power is supplied
to said power-introducing means through said wall.
16. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 13 wherein said housing
is generally rectangular with a major face defining said opening as
rectangular in shape; and wherein said glass block is rectangular
in shape including four edges within said housing; three of said
edges of said block being substantially light reflective; and the
fourth edge being substantially light transmissive and directed
toward said lamp means for introducing light into said glass
block.
17. A walkway light in accordance with claim 14 wherein said glass
block is ornamented.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application is based upon provisional
serial No. 60/133,469 filed May 10, 1999, and hereby claims the
benefit of the filing date thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has been over fifty years since the structural glass
block and glass bricks became popular as an architectural feature
in residences and commercial and industrial structures.
[0003] The glass blocks characteristically have an ornamented
interior wall to each face. The ornamentation typically is in the
form of ribs, or grids, or other ornamental designs. These provide
an attractive appearance, particularly with sunlight streaming
through the double layer of patterns. They also provide sufficient
distortion so that the blocks may be used to provide a degree of
privacy, for example, for bathroom wall use.
[0004] The edges of the faces of the glass blocks typically have a
partial, circular, cross section extending slightly above the
surface of the rest of the wall to provide some light diffusion
across the face of the wall. The actual edge of the block or brick
is usually recessed slightly and sandblasted or otherwise roughened
to provide a good bonding surface for conventional masonry
mortar.
[0005] The glass block is hollow, as mentioned above, and in the
process of manufacture is sealed with a moisture-free,
atmosphere-free, sealed interior. The many year development of
glass blocks and bricks has produced a myriad of styles from the
simple unornamented, nearly undistorted, transmission versions to
complex designs. Despite the variety of blocks and bricks
available, the costs remain measured in just a few dollars
each.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] For years, I have designed exterior architectural lighting
fixtures and have faced and solved the problems in each fixture of
designing an effective housing, lamp socket and mount, and lens
assembly, as well as any other requirements. The sealing of the
fixture from moisture entrance has often been the most difficult
problem, while allowing for easy relamping or other servicing of
the fixture.
[0007] It appeared to me that the variety of standard glass blocks
or bricks as they stand provide:
[0008] a) a sealed rugged lens;
[0009] b) internal patterns for light dispersion over two generally
semi hemispherical patterns;
[0010] c) come in a wide variety of patterns and some colors;
[0011] d) include a built in diffuser and ideal surfaces as
internal reflector.
[0012] Given these inherent features of glass blocks and bricks, I
have invented a number of embodiments of novel lighting fixtures
which employ glass blocks in combination with housings, lamp
sockets and mounts, that produce remarkable lighting features,
particularly valuable for walkway lighting.
[0013] In a first embodiment, a generally rectangular cross section
bollard or post has a depth corresponding to the thickness of a
glass block to be used as the lens of a walkway light. The bollard
includes a hollow interior, at least in the region intended for
light emission. A glass block is mounted within the bollard with
its faces exposed on opposite sides of the bollard. A light source
is located within the bollard exposed to one sidewall of the glass
block. A socket and suitable cabling are also located in the
bollard for mounting and powering the light source.
[0014] The normal sandblasted surface of each edge of the glass
block, other than the edge surface directly exposed to the light
source, is preferably painted or otherwise coated with a reflective
coating, such as white paint, to provide a surface for reflecting
any light energy reaching that side wall. Multiple reflections
within the glass block produce a relatively uniform pattern and
intensity of the light emitted from the two faces of the glass
block whenever the light source is illuminated.
[0015] Each face of the glass block naturally produces a generally
hemispherical pattern in the case of a square block and semi
ellipsoidal or generally a semi egg-shaped pattern in the case of a
rectangular glass block.
[0016] Various patterns are available for desired decorative
effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] This invention may be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description and by reference to the drawing in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bollard type exterior
walkway lighting fixture employing a glass block as the lens of the
fixture and which is positioned beside a walkway;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the lighting fixture
of FIG. 1 with portions broken away to show the interior;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the fixture of
FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the fixture of FIG. 1
with a portion broken away to show the glass block lens;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a vertical, light-distribution pattern for the
lighting fixture of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a horizontal, light-distribution pattern for the
lighting fixture of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the lighting fixture
of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in front of a tree showing the interior
ornamental pattern and the partial transparency of the glass block
lens region of the lighting fixture;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded side elevational view of an alternate
embodiment of this invention employing a top mounted compact
fluorescent lamp assembly;
[0026] FIG. 9 is an exploded front elevational view of the lighting
fixture of FIG. 8 showing its ballast and its mount exploded from
the bottom of the housing;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a horizontal sectional view of the housing
extrusion of the fixture of FIG. 9, taken along line 10-10 of FIG.
9;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view partly broken away of
another embodiment of this invention in which the housing is a
single extrusion and a top mounted compact fluorescent lamp
assembly is employed;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view partly broken away of
the fixture of FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view of the fixture of
FIGS. 11 and 12 taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 14 is an enlarged end sectional view of one form of
extrusion for forming the housing of the fixtures of this
invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a series of perspective views of forms of glass
blocks suitable for use in this invention;
[0033] FIG. 15 is an enlarged side elevational view of a compact
fluorescent lamp assembly of the type shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11 and
12;
[0034] FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the compact
fluorescent lamp assembly of FIG. 15;
[0035] FIG. 17 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of an
extruded two-part housing for use in this invention with a glass
block in place;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wall mounted fixture
series in accordance with this invention showing a typical
horizontal light distribution pattern;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view through the wall of
FIG. 18 showing the fixture of FIG. 18 and its horizontal light
distribution pattern.
[0038] FIGS. 20-23 are a series of front elevational views 20a-23a
of a variety of shapes and sizes of housings in accordance with
this invention with the top plan view 20b-23b of each shown above
the front elevational views 20a-23a, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] A typical walkway scene for use of this invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1, with a hard surface walk W extending through
a landscaped area of grass G or garden bed. The walkway WW requires
lighting for its safe use at night. Typically, this is accomplished
by a series of fixtures located beside the walkway powered by
underground conduits from a power supply. Often the lighting
systems are of low voltage, e.g., 12v AC but sometimes by standard
household supplies 115 V. AC. In some other cases, the walkway
lighting is powered by solar cells and rechargeable batteries.
[0040] Regardless of the type of power source to be used, there is
a need to provide illumination along the walkway WW in both
directions, either continuously or at sufficient intervals, to
define a path for the user. In certain cases, there is a need to
provide directional information as well, as in the case of a fork
in a walkway. A typical application is in a resort where guests
must find their accommodations or return to them after dark. It is
desirable if the walkway lighting can also provide directional
information.
[0041] From the standpoint of the property owner, the lighting
fixture should be attractive, adding to the landscape or being
unobtrusive, yet effective, free from maintenance, and reasonable
in cost.
[0042] Each of these objectives is achieved in accordance with this
invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. In FIG. 1, a generally
rectangular bollard-type fixture, generally designated at 10, is
shown, including a housing 11 mounted on a base 12 and having a
thickness which approximates the thickness of a standard glass
block or brick 13. The glass block 13 shown, itself is a
rectangular hollow block having walls in the order of 3/8 inch in
thickness with a pair of generally flat, exterior faces often with
slightly elevated smooth curved edges.
[0043] Usually the interior of the glass block has ornamented
surfaces of molded in patterns with multi levels or thickness of
the face walls. The ornamentation is visible to the viewer looking
at the surface of the glass block or through it to see the
combination of the visual effects of both faces. Often, the viewer
may see objects which are located on the opposite side of the glass
block depending upon the clarity of the glass and the degree of
ornamentation present on its interior. Examples of suitable glass
block designs for use in this invention are shown and described
below. In the example of FIG. 1, the glass block lens has
horizontal interior ribs or striations on the inner surface of the
glass block 13.
[0044] Now referring specifically to FIGS. 2- 4, the fixture 10 of
FIG. 1 is shown as a hollow, extruded, aluminum housing 11 on base
12, with a pair of openings O in major faces of the housing to
receive a glass block 13. The housing 11, which is shown in section
in FIG. 3, has a depth which approximates the thickness of the
glass block 13 that has been selected for use. As shown in FIG. 4,
the glass block 13 extends slightly beyond the faces of the housing
11 to allow some of the light emerging from the glass block 13 to
illuminate the area around the base of the fixture 10.
[0045] The glass block 13 is secured within the housing 11 by a
bracket 14, only a small portion of which appears in FIG. 2 since
the bracket rests in the lower edge recess of the glass block 13.
The bracket 14 is secured by fasteners which engage the internal
integral fastener grooves shown in FIG. 3. After mounting the glass
block 13 it is sealed to the openings in the housing 11 by suitable
sealants, such as a transparent silicone sealer.
[0046] Positioned below the glass block 13 within the housing 11 is
a lamp-mounting bracket 15, secured to the inner side of the
housing 11 and mounting a socket 16 and lamp 20. For purpose of
illustration, the lamp illustrated in FIG. 2 is a metal halide
PAR-20 lamp, although the lamp selected will vary with the fixture
size, location and the requirements the glass block utilized.
[0047] The lamp 20 is directed toward the adjacent edge of the
glass block 13, which characteristically is a diffusing surface
since it normally arrives sandblasted for good bonding when
installed in a masonry wall. The sandblasted surface acts as a
diffuser to introduce the light from lamp 20 into the glass block.
The remaining three-edge sandblasted surfaces of block 13, the
sides and the top, are coated with a reflective coating, such as
white paint, to provide three internally reflecting surfaces, and
thereby enhance the illumination level exiting from the two major
faces of the glass block 13. The power for the lamp 20 is supplied
over cable or conductor within a conduit 21.
[0048] The housing 11 is secured to the base 12 by a bracket 22,
which may also act as the entry point for underground power to the
fixture 10. The housing 11 is closed at its top by a cover plate 24
which provides access for changing the block 13, if desired, or to
replace lamp 20 when needed.
[0049] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate typical light distribution patterns
for the fixture 10 in the vertical (FIG. 5) and horizontal (FIG. 6)
planes. The patterns and light levels are determined by the lamp
and glass block and its pattern selected. For example, a ribbed
pattern glass block, as illustrated below can change the vertical
versus horizontal patterns by change of orientation from vertical
to horizontal rib orientation. This is easily accomplished when the
openings O and the glass block 13 are square.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates that near 90 degrees of coverage in the
vertical plane is provided on each face of the fixture 10, which is
desirable for walkway illumination. In the horizontal plane as
shown in FIG. 6, nearly 180 degrees of coverage is provided from
each face constituting nearly 360 degree illumination.
[0051] The fact that the use of glass blocks as the lens for a
fixture affords an additional advantage is illustrated in FIG. 7.
The fixture 10 is partially transparent in the illuminated area of
the glass block 13. The ornamentation of the internal surfaces of
the glass block 13 is visible to the observer, and the viewer also
has a view of the environment beyond the fixture 10. In this case,
the vegetation, namely the tree T, is partly visible through the
glass block. To this extent, at least, the fixture enhances the
environment. This effect can be enhanced further by surface
treatment of the housing 11, such as powder coating or anodization,
to a color which fits in well with the environment.
[0052] Reference is now hereby made to FIGS. 8 and 9 for an
alternate embodiment of this invention in which a different light
source is used, and it is mounted above the glass block 13. In this
embodiment, components common to the previous embodiment are given
the same reference numerals for ease of understanding.
[0053] In this case, a compact fluorescent lamp assembly 40
includes a metal reflector 41, and a three U-lamp combination is
mounted on or just below the top closure of the housing 11. It may
be attached to the bracket 23, which also acts as the holder for
the glass block 13. Any transformer or ballast need for the
fluorescent lamp assembly is shown as component 44 mounted on the
bracket. Employing this embodiment, to change a lamp only requires
opening the cover, for example 40, lifting the lamp assembly 40 out
of the housing 11 on the free length of cable 21C, and remove and
replace the lamps 42 in the lamp socket 43. Next, the housing
closure is replaced. To exchange a ballast or transformer 44, the
housing 11 is removed from the base, unshown.
[0054] The housing 11 of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is in the
form of a simple rectangular cross section extrusion with four
internal nut capture grooves, which are used to secure mechanical
assemblies, such as the brackets 22 and 23, to the housing at any
place along the length of the housing. These internal nut capture
grooves eliminate the need for any undesirable fasteners or
openings in the exterior walls of the fixture 10.
[0055] The advantages of the use of extrusions for the housing 11
is further illustrated in FIG. 14. In this case, the housing is
made up of four interlocking parts, the cross section of which is
best seen in FIG. 14. In FIG. 12, the only detectable difference
from the previous embodiments is the seam line between the edge
parts at the side edges of the glass block 13. As shown in FIG. 14,
the edges of the housing are extruded as parts 111A and the central
section making up the major faces of the housing 111 is provided by
parts 111B. The parts 111A and 111B have mating edge grooves in the
parts 111A and tabs in the parts 111B for longitudinal sliding
engagement. The extruded parts 111B may be made in a variety of
widths, each one to accommodate a different width of glass block
13. No cutting of openings in the face of the housing 11 is
required to provide an opening for the glass block 13. The parts
111B are selected in width to match the glass block lateral
dimension and then the parts 111B for each side are cut to the
length of the parts 111A, less the vertical height of the glass
block 13.
[0056] For an understanding of the variety of effects available
with this invention, reference is now made to FIG. 13 in which
three different patterns are shown. In FIG. 13, a free form
interior surface on each face is present in block 13a giving a
cloud effect. In block 13b, the faces are clear with an internal
directional arrow to convey information as well as illumination. In
block 13c internal horizontal grooves providing radiation pattern
control in the vertical direction, ideal for walkway
illumination.
[0057] FIGS. 15 and 16 show in more detail the light source
assembly 40 of the fixture of FIGS. 8 and 9, and the embodiment of
FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 in which the lamp assemblies 40 are mounted
above the glass block with their ballasts 44 separately mounted
toward the bottom of the housings 11 and 111.
[0058] Further utilization of the capabilities of extrusion
technology in forming the housing 11 of this invention is
illustrated in FIG. 17. In this case, the housing 120 is formed
from two identical extruded parts 120, each with one Y-shaped rib
121 and one partial tubular section 122. These two parts 120A
interlock to form a generally rectangular cross section housing
120. Also formed in each extrusion part 120A are the nut capturing
grooves 123 and the screw capturing grooves 124. The grooves 123
position nuts which are used to secure the brackets for the glass
blocks 13 and any ballast while the grooves 124 are used for
receiving self tapping screws which hold the lamp assemblies or
separate covers in place.
[0059] The edges of a typical glass block 13 may also be best seen
in this FIG. 18. The slight recess in the edges forms a channel for
receiving the bracket 23 of FIGS. 8. Each of the edge surfaces,
except the surface which is exposed to the light source, is
rendered reflective as by a coat of white paint or a metallic
reflective surface coat.
[0060] Samples of various freestanding bollard-type fixtures of
this invention are shown in FIGS. 20-23 in four different heights
and two different widths. The shortest form, FIG. 20a and 20b, and
the tallest form, FIGS. 23a and 23b, are formed from a mating pair
of the same extrusion parts as shown in FIG. 17 and can accommodate
a square or a horizontally disposed glass block 13. The fixtures of
FIGS. 21 and 22 are produced using a single closed extrusion and
are particularly adapted to receive vertically oriented glass
blocks 13.
[0061] In addition to bollard or freestanding fixtures. this
invention may be applied equally well in other forms of mounts.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show wall mounting and typical light distribution
patterns shown as the curved lines surrounding the fixture. When
the fixtures 130 are mounted in a wall W, which borders a walkway
WW, the pattern intersects a short distance from the wall. When the
fixture is placed away from the wall, the coverage is more
complete. If a double-sided fixture, as is used in bollards
described above, is mounted a distance outward from the wall,
walkway lighting as well as wall washing illumination is possible
in accordance with this invention.
IN SUMMARY
[0062] To summarize, my invention involves a series of lighting
fixtures which use a glass block or brick as a lens, where the
major faces are used as the light-emitting surfaces, and the other
sides or edges are used either as reflectors of a clear or
translucent surface or receiving light from a light source. The
light source may be any of a number of types, incandescent, HID,
tungsten halogen, fluorescent, LED or other type. Light from the
lamp is introduced into the block and emitted out of large,
decorated or plane front and rear sides of the glass block.
[0063] A series of fixtures and products range from bollard type,
wall mounted, well light (in ground), and ceiling mounted
applications. Etching the glass lens allows for unusual signage
incorporated into the fixture.
[0064] Advantages of using the glass block as the fixture lens
are:
[0065] 1. The structure of the hollow body, cube or brick shape
allows for a pleasing unusual appearance while reducing glare from
the lamp source and allowing the user to see through the lens
thereby illuminating all the colors and shapes surrounding the
fixture. This makes for a mystical appearance unlike any lighting
fixtures on the market today.
[0066] 2. The glass block is permanently sealed during manufacture
in a high temperature, low humidity environment that eliminates
moisture permanently on the inside of the lens glass wall. Moisture
elimination within an outdoor fixture is a constant challenge for
the fixture designer and the user.
[0067] 3. The glass block lens is of very durable construction
being originally designed for structural use, it is also designed
to stand the rigors of human interface.
[0068] 4. There is a wide selection of block styles and one can
increase the selection by etching or sandblasting designs into the
face of the blocks and the image is backlit by the direction of the
lamp transmission. It should be clear that the glass block can be
etched with letters, words, symbols, numerals or directional arrows
which produces a pleasing back lit sign.
[0069] 5. Colors can be incorporated into the lens block or color
filters or dichroic filters can be places between the lamp and the
glass block lens creating a further custom look to the product.
[0070] 6. The glass block as a fixture lens also totally compatible
with use of extruded or otherwise fabricated housing in dimensions
matching the glass block thickness for dual direction illumination.
The edges of the glass block are directly usable as a light
diffuser and entry surface and when reflectively finished as
internal reflectors.
[0071] The foregoing embodiments are illustrative of this invention
and are not to be considered as limiting. Instead, the scope of
this invention is to be measured by the claims allowed including
the benefit of the Doctrine of Equivalents.
* * * * *