U.S. patent application number 12/203825 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for lighting device with anti bird-perch system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orion Energy Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Donald C. Heimerman, Neal R. Verfuerth.
Application Number | 20090000217 12/203825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40158775 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090000217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verfuerth; Neal R. ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
LIGHTING DEVICE WITH ANTI BIRD-PERCH SYSTEM
Abstract
An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility that
includes a plurality of dome-shaped light collectors disposed on a
rooftop of the facility, with a projection extending from an apex
of the light collector, and at least one filament extending from
substantially all of the projections so that each projection is
connected to two or more of the other projections to define a
filament network disposed above the roof and proximate a top of the
plurality of light collectors.
Inventors: |
Verfuerth; Neal R.;
(Plymouth, WI) ; Heimerman; Donald C.; (Random
Lake, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
40158775 |
Appl. No.: |
12/203825 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11771317 |
Jun 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
12203825 |
|
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|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/101 ;
52/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 2013/0345 20130101;
E04D 13/004 20130101; E04D 13/0315 20130101; E04D 13/0335
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/101 ;
52/200 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/03 20060101
E04D013/03 |
Claims
1. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility, the
system comprising: a plurality of light pipes, each having a
substantially dome-shaped light collector; a projection extending
from the light collector; and at least one filament extending
between two or more of the projections to define a filament
network.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the projection extends from an
apex of the light collector.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light collectors are disposed
on a roof of the facility.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the filament comprises a
substantially clear monofilament material.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein each projection is connected to
at least two other projections by the filament.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein each projection is connected to
each of the other projections by the filament.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the filament is a continuous
filament.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tensioning device
configured to maintain a desired taughtness of the filament
network.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the filament network comprises a
contoured topography.
10. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility, the
system comprising: a plurality of dome-shaped light collectors
disposed on a rooftop of the facility; a projection extending from
an apex of the light collector; and at least one substantially
clear filament connected to two or more of the projections to
define a filament network disposed above the rooftop and proximate
a top of the plurality of light collectors.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the filament network comprises
a topography that is substantially planar.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the filament network defines a
pattern of filaments that is asymmetric.
13. The system of claim 10, further comprising one or more objects
suspended from a filament at a location between two light
collectors.
14. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility
having a rooftop, the system comprising: a plurality of light
collectors disposed on the rooftop of the facility and configured
to collect sunlight; a projection extending from each of the light
collectors; and a filament interconnecting the projections on the
light collectors to define a filament network disposed above the
rooftop and proximate a top of the plurality of light
collectors.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the light collectors comprise
dome-shaped covers for a light pipe device.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the projections comprise a
retention feature configured to retain the filament in connection
with the projection.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the filament comprises a
substantially transparent material.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the filament network comprises
a non-planar topography.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Application claims the benefit of priority as a
continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/771,317 titled "Method and System for Controlling a Lighting
System" filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The field of the disclosure relates generally to natural
lighting systems. More specifically, the disclosure relates to
natural lighting systems that include light pipes. More
particularly, the disclosure relates to a light pipe device having
an anti-bird perch system to discourage birds from perching,
nesting or roosting on or around the light pipes on the rooftop of
a building.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context
to the invention recited in the claims. The description herein may
include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily
ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore,
unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this
section is not prior art to the description and claims in this
application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in
this section.
[0004] Natural lighting devices such as skylights, domed windows,
domed light pipes and the like for allowing ambient or natural
lighting (e.g. sunlight, etc.) to enter an enclosure such as a
building are generally known and have an effectiveness that relies
at least partially on an amount of light that can enter through (or
be received by) the lighting device. Accordingly, objects that tend
to block or reduce the transmission of light from local
surroundings into the lighting device will tend to decrease the
effectiveness of the lighting device. Among objects that tend to
block the light from being received by the lighting device are
birds that occasionally roost, perch or nest on the rooftops of
buildings and on, or in close proximity to, the lighting device.
However, the known anti-bird perch features, such as an array of
spines, spikes or the like are generally not desirable as they tend
to interfere with transmission of light from local surroundings
into the lighting device.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a lighting
device with an anti-bird perch system that reduces the tendency of
birds to perch, roost or nest on the rooftop of a building near the
lighting device, and minimizes any associated reduction in natural
light reception by the lighting device.
SUMMARY
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch lighting
system for use with a facility includes a plurality of light pipes,
each having a substantially dome-shaped light collector and a
projection extending from the light collector, and at least one
filament extending between two or more of the projections to define
a filament network.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch lighting
system for use with a facility includes a plurality of dome-shaped
light collectors disposed on a roof of the facility, with a
projection extending from an apex of the light collector, and at
least one filament extending from substantially all of the
projections so that each projection is connected to two or more of
the other projections to define a filament network disposed above
the roof and proximate a top of the plurality of light
collectors.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment an anti bird-perch lighting
system for use with a facility having a roof includes a plurality
of light collectors disposed on the roof and configured to collect
sunlight, and a projection extending from each of the light
collectors, and a filament interconnecting the projections on the
light collectors to define a filament network disposed above the
roof and proximate a top of the plurality of light collectors.
[0009] Other principal features and advantages of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the
following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like
numerals denote like elements.
[0011] FIG. 1a depicts a cross sectional side view of a light pipe
system providing natural light and including an anti-bird perch
feature in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 1b depicts a detailed side cross sectional view of the
mounting between a diffuser and a reflective tube of the light pipe
system of FIG. 1a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a light collection
system of the light pipe system of FIG. 1a in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the light
collection system of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the light collection system of
FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a flashing of the light
collection system of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the flashing of FIG. 5 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged, side view of the flashing of
FIG. 6 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8a depicts a detailed cross sectional side view of the
mounting between a light collection system and the reflective tube
of the light pipe system of FIG. 1a in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8b depicts a detailed cross sectional side view of the
mounting between a flashing and a mounting flange of the light pipe
system of FIG. 1a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of a facility
having a plurality of the light pipes of FIG. 1a with an anti-bird
perch system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1a, a light pipe system 102 is shown
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary
embodiment, light pipe system 102 is formed of components having a
generally circular shape though other shapes may be used without
limitation. Light pipe system 102 may include a diffuser 200, a
reflective tube 202, and a light collection system 204. Reflective
tube 202 is a sheet of highly efficient, reflective material. For
example, silver coated aluminum, MIRO.RTM., etc. may be used as
known to those skilled in the art. The sheet of reflective material
is rolled to form a tube having a wall 206 and joined along an
joint 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the joint 208 is joined
using rivets 210 though other fastening methods and mechanisms may
be used without limitation. Aluminum tape may be placed over the
rivets 210. Reflective tube 202 may be formed to have a variety of
lengths and to form a tube having a variety of diameters based on
the characteristics of diffuser 200, of light collection system
204, of the roofing/wall defining the interior space, and of the
interior space to be lit.
[0023] Diffuser 200 may be a prismatic diffuser. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 2a, diffuser 200 is mounted within reflective
tube 202 so that a concave portion 212 is concave relative to the
interior space. With reference to FIG. 2b, diffuser 200 may include
concave portion 212 and a tapered portion 214. Tapered portion 214
extends from concave portion 212 to transition a concave surface of
concave portion 212 to form an approximately parallel surface to
reflective tube 202. A caulk 216 may be used to seal diffuser 200
within wall 206 of reflective tube 202 to reduce condensation,
dust, heat loss, and the build-up of other materials within an
interior space formed by wall 206 of reflective tube 202. Caulk 216
may comprise a silicone material. In an exemplary embodiment, no
fastener is used to mount diffuser 200 within reflective tube 202.
A bead of caulk 216 may be applied to an inner surface of wall 206
of reflective tube 202 near a mounting edge 218. Mounting edge 218
of wall 206 of reflective tube 202 may be positioned over diffuser
200 with concave portion 212 positioned as shown in FIGS. 1a and
1b. As wall 206 of reflective tube 202 is positioned adjacent
tapered portion 214 of diffuser 200, caulk 216 fills any gap
between wall 206 of reflective tube 202 and tapered portion 214 of
diffuser 200. As used herein, the term "mount" includes join,
unite, connect, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach,
fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, and
other like terms.
[0024] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, light pipe
system 102 may further include a cone skirt 220 and reflector 222.
Cone skirt 220 may be formed of a reflective material. Cone skirt
220 may be mounted to light pipe system 102 or may be mounted to an
interior surface of the roofing/wall. Cone skirt 220 directs light
toward the interior space to be lit. Reflector 222 may be formed of
a white reflective material such as Anolux.RTM. manufactured by
Anofol S.r.I. of Italy. Reflector 222 may be positioned on an
interior surface of reflective tube 202 above or adjacent to or
overlapping caulk with 216. In an exemplary embodiment, reflector
222 may have a length of approximately twelve inches. Reflector 222
reduces glare from diffuser 200 without significantly reducing the
light output from diffuser 200.
[0025] With reference to FIG. 2, light collection system 204 is
shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Light collection
system 204 may include a light collector 300, a clamp ring 302, a
mounting flange 304, and a flashing 306. Flashing 306 is positioned
to encircle and to mount to a first portion of reflective tube 202.
The first portion of reflective tube 202 is opposite diffuser 200.
Flashing 306 is positioned on a surface to which the light pipe
system is mounted for use. The surface, for example, may be a roof
or an exterior wall of a building. Flashing 306 may be formed of
aluminum. Reflective tube 202 extends through the surface to the
interior space to allow natural light into the interior space.
Mounting flange 304 mounts to a first portion of flashing 306
opposite the surface to which the flashing 306 is mounted.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 3, light collector 300 includes a
shell 404, a projection 405, and flange 406. Projection 405 is
shown for example as a generally cylindrical post located at an
uppermost point (e.g. peak, apex, etc.) of the generally
dome-shaped shell 404. However, projection 405 may be formed with
any suitable shape and at any desired location on the shell. For
example, projection 405 may include a retention feature intended to
retain a filament in connection with the projection, such as a
hook-shape, or formed as a ringlet or as a tab with an eyelet, etc.
In an exemplary embodiment, light collector 300 is formed of a
sheet of acrylic material using a free forming process that uses
air pressure differentials to form shell 404 of light collector 300
without a mold. According to other embodiments, the shell may be
formed by a molding process where the projection may be formed as a
sprue in the molding process. In an exemplary embodiment, shell 404
has an oblate shape. Products formed using this method generally
have improved optical characteristics over those formed using
molds. Flange 406 of light collector 300 defines a generally
circular opening which is positioned so that shell 404 covers the
interior space formed by reflective tube 202.
[0027] Clamp ring 302 is positioned over flange 406 of light
collector 300. Clamp ring 302 may include first fastener holes 400.
Mounting flange 304 may include a flange 408 and a wall 410 which
extends from flange 408 at an approximately 90 degree angle though
other angles may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, flange 408
and wall 410 extend approximately 1.5 inches. Flange 408 of
mounting flange 304 may include second fastener holes 402. In
general, first fastener holes 400 are formed in clamp ring 302 to
align with second fastener holes 402 of mounting flange 304 so that
flange 406 of light collector 300 can be mounted and held between
clamp ring 302 and flange 408 of mounting flange 304. Mounting
flange 304 and clamp ring 302 may be formed of aluminum.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 4, a side view of light collection
system 204 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In
an exemplary embodiment, wall 410 of mounting flange 304
frictionally abuts the first portion of flashing 306. To avoid any
water freezing therebetween, there is no gap between wall 410 of
mounting flange 304 and the first portion of flashing 306. Flange
408 of mounting flange 304 extends outward away from the interior
space formed by reflective tube 202. Flange 406 of light collector
300 is positioned against flange 408 of mounting flange 304. Clamp
ring 302 is positioned against flange 406 of light collector
300.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 5, flashing 306 is shown in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary
embodiment, flashing 306 is formed of a single sheet of spun
aluminum with no seams. Flashing 306 may include a wall 600, a
transition wall 602, a flange 604, a mounting wall 606, and a
peripheral edge 608. Transition wall 602 extends from a first side
of wall 600 of flashing 306. Flange 604 of flashing 306 extends
from a first side of transition wall 602. The first side of
transition wall 602 is opposite wall 600 of flashing 306.
Transition wall 602 provides a transitional surface between wall
600 and flange 604 of flashing 306. Mounting wall 606 extends from
a second side of wall 600 of flashing 306. The second side of
transition wall 602 is opposite the first side of transition wall
602. Peripheral edge 608 forms a generally circular shape along
mounting wall 606 opposite the second side of wall 600 of flashing
306. As known to those skilled in the art, roofing or siding
materials may be positioned to cover at least a portion of flashing
306 including flange 604, transition wall 602, and/or wall 600.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 6, transition wall 602 forms an angle
.alpha. between wall 600 and flange 604 of flashing 306. In an
exemplary embodiment, angle .alpha. is greater than 90 degrees.
Mounting wall 606 may include a first mounting surface 702, a
transition surface 704, and a second mounting surface 706. First
mounting surface 702 extends from an edge 700 of wall 600 of
flashing 306. Transition surface 704 provides a transition between
first mounting surface 702 and second mounting surface 706.
Peripheral edge 608 is formed along second mounting surface
706.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 7, wall 600 of flashing 306 extends a
height B from flange 604 of flashing 306 to edge 700. In an
exemplary embodiment, height B is approximately six inches for a
light pipe including a diffuser having a diameter of 22.25 inches.
First mounting surface 702 extends a height C from edge 700 to
transition surface 704. In an exemplary embodiment, height C is
approximately 1.5 inches for a light pipe including a diffuser
having a diameter of 22.25 inches. First mounting surface 702
extends in a generally perpendicular direction relative to a
horizontal surface 800. Transition surface 704 extends in a
generally parallel direction relative to horizontal surface 800.
Second mounting surface 706 extends a height D from transition
surface 704 to peripheral edge 608. In an exemplary embodiment,
height D is approximately one inch for a light pipe including a
diffuser having a diameter of 22.25 inches. Second mounting surface
706 extends in a generally perpendicular direction relative to
horizontal surface 800. In an exemplary embodiment, flange 604 of
flashing 306 is parallel to or extends down from horizontal surface
800. In general, horizontal surface 800 extends in the direction of
the surface to which the light pipe system is mounted. Flange 604
of flashing 306 extends a length E from transition wall 602. In an
exemplary embodiment, length E is approximately three inches for a
light pipe including a diffuser having a diameter of 22.25
inches.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 8a, a detailed cross sectional side
view of the mounting between light collection system 204 and
reflective tube 202 is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. Wall 410 of mounting flange 304 frictionally abuts
first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306 to maintain light
collector 300 in position relative to flashing 306. A fastener 900
extends through a first fastener hole of the first fastener holes
400 and through a first fastener hole of the second fastener holes
402 to mount clamp ring 302 to flange 408 of mounting flange 304.
Clamp ring 302 and flange 408 of mounting flange 304 extend further
than flange 406 of light collector 300 so that fastener 900 does
not extend through flange 406 of light collector 300. In an
exemplary embodiment, clamp ring 302 extends approximately 1.5
inches. Fastener 900 clamps flange 406 of light collector 300
between clamp ring 302 and flange 408 of mounting flange 304. In an
exemplary embodiment, flange 406 of light collector 300 extends
approximately 0.375 inches from shell 404. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 8a, fastener 900 includes a screw 902, a nut
904, and a washer 906. In an exemplary embodiment, screw 902 is a
one inch screw formed of aluminum. In an exemplary embodiment, nut
904 is a nylon locking hex nut formed of aluminum. In an exemplary
embodiment, washer 906 is formed of aluminum.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, a different fastening
mechanism may be used to connect the components of light pipe
system 102. For example, a question mark fastener comprising a band
clamp or a barrel clamp type of fastener may be used with a T-bolt
or straight hex bolt to close the clamp. Flange 408 of mounting
flange 304 and flange 406 of light collector 300 are positioned
within an open upper end of the question mark section of the
question mark fastener. The clamp may replace fastener 900 and
clamp ring 302. A V-section clamp may also be used with bolt anchor
points added to a V section of the V-section clamp.
[0034] A first gasket 908 may be positioned between first mounting
surface 702 of flashing 306 and wall 206 of reflective tube 202 to
abut against transition surface 704 of mounting wall 606. In an
exemplary embodiment, first gasket 908 is a horsehair gasket. A
second gasket 910 may be positioned between shell 404 of light
collector 300 and second mounting surface 706 of flashing 306. In
an exemplary embodiment, second gasket 910 is a horsehair gasket.
First gasket 908 and second gasket 910 reduce airflow and keep
contaminants from entering light pipe system 102. Fewer or
additional gaskets may be included. In an exemplary embodiment,
silicone may be applied between flashing 306 and reflective tube
202 to reduce airflow and keep contaminants from entering light
pipe system 102. A second fastener 912 extends through a first
fastener hole in second mounting surface 706 of flashing 306 and
through a first fastener hole of wall 206 of reflective tube 202 to
mount flashing 306 to reflective tube 202. Second fastener 912
extends into the interior space formed by reflective tube 202.
Second fastener 912 is positioned above flange 406 of light
collector 300 along shell 404 of light collector 300. In an
exemplary embodiment, second fastener 912 is a sheet metal screw
formed of stainless steel. Clamp ring 302 may be formed of a
plurality of sections which may overlap to form various size
rings.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 8b, a detailed cross sectional side
view of a mounting between flashing 306 and mounting flange 304 is
shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall 410 of
mounting flange 304 frictionally abuts first mounting surface 702
of flashing 306 to maintain light collector 300 in position
relative to flashing 306. To provide additional stability over the
frictional fitting, a joint 914 may be formed between wall 410 of
mounting flange 304 and first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306.
For example, joint 914 may be formed using a Tog-L-Loc.RTM. sheet
metal joining system such as that developed by BTM Corporation of
Marysville, Mich. A sealant also may be applied between wall 410 of
mounting flange 304 and first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306
to minimize any airflow or water leakage between wall 410 of
mounting flange 304 and first mounting surface 702 of flashing
306.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, an insulation sleeve may be
positioned between flashing 306 and reflective tube 202 to reduce
airflow and keep contaminants from entering light pipe system 102
and to reduce heat loss from light pipe system 102. The insulation
sleeve may be formed of a fiberglass material. The insulation
sleeve may be taped to an inside surface of flashing 306 and may
extend from approximately adjacent first gasket 908 to the
roofing/wall or 2-3 inches below/into the roofing/wall. A counter
flashing may be positioned between mounting flange 304 and an
exterior surface of the roofing/wall to deflect moisture away from
light pipe system 102. The counter flashing may be mounted to
mounting flange 304 using first fastener holes 400 and second
fastener holes 402. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a
plurality of rods (not shown) may mount to mounting flange 304
extending upward toward shell 404. A filament may be extended
between the plurality of rods to discourage birds from roosting on
light pipe system 102.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 9, an anti-bird perch system for use
with a plurality of light pipes in a lighting system provided on a
rooftop of a building or facility is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. Each of the light pipes 102 are shown to
include a light collector 300 having a projection 405. A filament
110 (e.g. line, wire, string, etc.) is extended (e.g. run, strung,
wrapped, wound, stretched, drawn, etc.) between several or all of
the plurality of projections in any one of a variety of suitable
patterns to create a filament network 112 (e.g. mesh, net, web,
etc.). According to one embodiment, filament 110 may be a
monofilament material (e.g. such as fishing line or the like).
Filament network 112 is intended to create an obstruction that
creates minimal interference with light reception by the light
collectors, but discourages birds from flying in close proximity to
light pipes 102 and minimizes the likelihood that birds, after
encountering or becoming aware of the filament network, will roost
or perch on the rooftop or near the light pipes.
[0038] The Applicants believe that a substantially clear or
transparent filament tends to be more effective because it is less
readily detectable (and thus not easily circumvented) by birds and
thus constitutes more of a potential hazard that, once the birds
are familiar with the network (i.e. after a suitable "learning
period") and develop a certain "discomfort" with the network, they
tend to avoid. Whereas, when the filament network is readily
visible or detectable, it is more readily noticed and circumvented
by birds, and tends to be less effective in discouraging the birds
from perching, nesting or roosting on the rooftop in the vicinity
of the network and lighting devices. The Applicants currently
believe that the effectiveness of the filament network is
attributable (at least in part) to the creation and presence of a
potential hazard that birds become aware of over time, but have
difficulty detecting and circumventing; rather than the formation
of a physical barrier (e.g. in the manner of a screen of the like).
Accordingly, the filament network is more effective in discouraging
birds from perching, roosting or nesting not only on the individual
collectors 300, but also over the broader rooftop area of the
building (unlike conventional spikes or the like which are
effective only on the particular object from which the spikes
extend).
[0039] According to one embodiment the network comprises a
geometrically symmetric pattern; according to other embodiments,
the network comprises geometrically asymmetric patterns, depending
on the number and arrangement of light pipes, obstructions (if any)
between the light pipes, or other factors. The Applicants believe
that asymmetric patterns that have a more "random" structure may
also tend to create a certain discomfort for birds because the
randomness tend to creates more difficulty for the birds to
circumvent. The filament(s) may also be coupled to other structures
on the roof, such as stacks, utility supports, ventilation hoods or
equipment and the like.
[0040] According to other embodiments, the filaments may be
provided with visual indicators to further establish the presence
of the network. Such visual indicators may include coloring (e.g.
monochrome or multi-colored) of the filament itself, or suspension
of objects (e.g. tags, flags, markers, etc.--which may be
stationary or movable, such as by wind or other source) from the
filament, or the filament may have a light-reflective surface
configured to reflect light from the sun or other sources to
enhance visual perception of the presence of the network.
[0041] Although the light pipes are shown by way of example as
installed on a substantially planar rooftop with a correspondingly
planar filament network, the anti-bird perch system is equally
adaptable for use with light pipes (or other suitable lighting
devices) installed on a sloped, contoured, or multi-level rooftops
where the filaments, as extended from one light pipe to the next,
tend to follow the contour of the rooftop. According to a further
embodiment, the filaments may be provided with one or more
tensioning device(s) 12 (e.g. springs, mass-pulley, etc.) intended
to maintain a desired tension on the filaments during various
weather conditions (e.g. hot, cold, wet, dry, wind, etc.) and to
accommodate creep or stretch of the filament material, so that the
filament network retains a desired tension or taughtness so that
the filament network extends over the plurality of light pipes on
the facility. According to other embodiments, a certain level of
"sag" or "droop" of the network is permitted and tensioning devices
may be omitted. According to one embodiment, network 112 is
intended to appear as a "floating" web or filament network
extending along at an elevation at, or slightly above, the top of
the collectors 300 of the light pipes on the rooftop of the
building. The Applicants believe that the network positioned at
such an elevation tends to be most effective at discouraging the
presence of birds on the rooftop in the vicinity of the light
pipes, and is usually sufficiently high to avoid being covered by
snow during the winter months or in cold climates, yet is
sufficiently low and unobtrusive to avoid being an unsightly
detraction from the building's aesthetic appearance.
[0042] Each segment of the filament network 112 may be a separate
segment connected at each end to a projection 405 on an associated
light collector 300. According to another embodiment, the segments
of the filament network may be provided by one or more
multi-segmented filaments that are coupled to their associated
projections 405, or a single filament may be used for the entire
network. The filament(s) may be coupled to the projections by
tying, wrapping, routing through an aperture, or any other suitable
manner intended to secure the filament(s) to the projection to
create the filament network. According to a further embodiment, one
or more posts may be provided to elevate certain portions of the
filament network to create a filament network with a contoured
topography.
[0043] According to any exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch
system provides a network of filaments (which may be substantially
clear) suspended from a top of the light collectors on light pipes
disposed on the rooftop of a building, in order to discourage birds
from populating the area of a rooftop around the location of the
light pipes.
[0044] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further,
for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified,
"a" or "an" means "one or more".
[0045] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and of
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be
acquired from practice of the invention. The functionality
described may be distributed among modules that differ in number
and distribution of functionality from those described herein.
Additionally, the order of execution of the functions may be
changed depending on the embodiment. The embodiments were chosen
and described in order to explain the principles of the invention
and as practical applications of the invention to enable one
skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments
and with various modifications as suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *