U.S. patent application number 12/657156 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-13 for method and apparatus for lighting with reflection.
Invention is credited to Robert Cornelissen, Serge Cornelissen, Irwin Kotovsky.
Application Number | 20100118546 12/657156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990491 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100118546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kotovsky; Irwin ; et
al. |
May 13, 2010 |
Method and apparatus for lighting with reflection
Abstract
An apparatus for lighting. The apparatus includes a first light
source. The apparatus includes a first housing in which the first
light source is disposed. The apparatus includes a support
structure to which the first housing is attached. The apparatus
includes a reflection portion having a least two reflectors. The
reflection portion attached to the support structure and in spaced
relationship with the first housing such that light from the first
light source is directed to desired locations. Alternatively, the
apparatus includes a first light source. The apparatus includes a
first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The
apparatus includes a support structure to which the first light
source is attached. The apparatus includes a second light source.
The apparatus includes a second housing in which the second light
source is disposed. The second housing attached to the support
structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing. The
apparatus includes a first reflector disposed with the second
housing and opposing the first light source so light emitted by the
first light source is reflected by the first reflector.
Inventors: |
Kotovsky; Irwin;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; Cornelissen; Serge; (Roeselare,
BE) ; Cornelissen; Robert; (Roeselare, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ansel M. Schwartz;Suite 304
302 N. Craig Street
Pittsburgh
PA
15213
US
|
Family ID: |
32990491 |
Appl. No.: |
12/657156 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11977707 |
Oct 25, 2007 |
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12657156 |
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|
10428795 |
May 2, 2003 |
7300176 |
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11977707 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/296.01 ;
362/427; 445/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 7/0008 20130101;
F21V 17/02 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; F21V 17/162 20130101;
F21V 14/04 20130101; F21S 2/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/296.01 ;
362/427; 445/23 |
International
Class: |
F21V 7/00 20060101
F21V007/00; F21S 8/00 20060101 F21S008/00; H01J 9/24 20060101
H01J009/24 |
Claims
1. A lighting apparatus comprising: a lamp compartment having a
gimbal having a light; a motor disposed outside the lamp
compartment; and mechanical elements connected to the motor and the
gimbal through which the motor moves the gimbal in the compartment
to move the light.
2. A lighting apparatus comprising: a housing having a central axis
and apertures; a light source disposed in the housing; and
reflectors disposed in the housing which reflect light from the
light source through the apertures.
3. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the light source
includes a plurality of lamps disposed symmetrically about the
central axis, and wherein the reflectors are positioned in
alignment with the lamps, to reflect light emitted from each lamp
through the apertures in the housing.
4. A method for lighting comprising: attaching a first housing in
which a first light source is disposed to a support structure; and
attaching a reflection portion having at least two reflectors to
the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first
housing such that light from the first light source is directed to
desired locations by the reflectors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/977,707 filed Oct. 25, 2007, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/428,795 filed May
2, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,176 issued Nov. 27, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to lighting with
reflectors. More specifically, the present invention is related to
lighting with reflectors that are connected to housings having
light sources that are in spaced relation with the reflectors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Lighting is second nature in this day and age. It can serve
both the function of illuminating locations as well as making
artistic statements. Furthermore, the generally recognized form of
lighting that is the most pleasing to the eye is indirect lighting,
such as that obtained through reflection. The present invention is
just such a type of lighting; it can make an artistic statement,
and provide indirect lighting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention pertains to an apparatus for lighting.
The apparatus comprises a first light source. The apparatus
comprises a first housing in which the first light source is
disposed. The apparatus comprises a support structure to which the
first housing is attached. The apparatus comprises a reflection
portion having a least two reflectors. The reflection portion
attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with
the first housing such that light from the first light source is
directed to desired locations.
[0005] The present invention pertains to an apparatus for lighting.
The apparatus comprises a first light source. The apparatus
comprises a first housing in which the first light source is
disposed. The apparatus comprises a support structure to which the
first light source is attached. The apparatus comprises a second
light source. The apparatus comprises a second housing in which the
second light source is disposed. The second housing attached to the
support structure and in spaced relationship with the first
housing. The apparatus comprises a first reflector disposed with
the second housing and opposing the first light source so light
emitted by the first light source is reflected by the first
reflector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of
the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are
illustrated in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a lighting apparatus of the
present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment
of modules attached to a support structure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another view of the
first embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment
of modules attached to a support structure.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another view of the
second embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an overhead
prospective view of several embodiments of modules attached to
support structures in a row.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another view of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of two circular
housings having reflector portions.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an overhead
prospective view of the circular housings having reflector portions
shown in FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a motorized reflector
module.
[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a motorized reflector module
and its wiring.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of an exploded view of
the motorized mirror element and the mounting box.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the motorized
mirror module assembled.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a
lighting apparatus of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c are schematic representations of a
housing with a light source and a plurality of reflectors.
[0024] FIGS. 18-29 show different embodiments of modules of the
present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 30-32 show isomeric, front and top views,
respectively, of three circular housings of a different height with
lamps.
[0026] FIGS. 33-35 show isometric, front and top views of a
singular circular housing having four lamps and four
reflectors.
[0027] FIGS. 36-38 show isometric, front and top views,
respectively, of three circular housings of varied height, each of
which has a lamp, with a single reflection portion having three
adjustable reflectors.
[0028] FIGS. 39-41 show isometric, front and top views,
respectively, of three circular housings, each of which have a
lamp, and three reflectors, with one reflector positioned over each
housing.
[0029] FIGS. 42-44 show isometric, front and top views,
respectively, of three square shaped housings of varying height,
each of which have a lamp and a single reflection portion having
three adjustable reflectors, with each housing having a reflector
positioned over it.
[0030] FIG. 45 is a bottom view of a drum with lamps and internal
reflectors.
[0031] FIG. 46 is a side view of a drum with lamps and internal
reflectors.
[0032] FIG. 47 is a bottom view of a drum with internal luminescent
tubes.
[0033] FIG. 48 is a side view of a drum with internal luminescent
tubes.
[0034] FIG. 49 is a bottom view of a drum with external luminescent
tubes.
[0035] FIG. 50 is a side view of a drum with external luminescent
tubes.
[0036] FIG. 51 is a schematic representation of a lamp with two
reflectors.
[0037] FIG. 52 is a schematic representation of two lamps with
three reflectors.
[0038] FIG. 53 is a schematic representation of two lamps with four
reflectors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several
views, and more specifically to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown an
apparatus 10 for lighting. The apparatus 10 comprises a first light
source 12. The apparatus 10 comprises a first housing 14 in which
the first light source 12 is disposed. The apparatus 10 comprises a
support structure 16 to which the first housing 14 is attached. The
apparatus 10 comprises a reflection portion 18 having a least two
reflectors 20. The reflection portion 18 attached to the support
structure 16 and in spaced relationship with the first housing 14
such that light from the first light source 12 is directed to
desired locations.
[0040] Preferably, the reflectors 20 in the reflection portion 18
are movable in the reflection portion 18 so the reflectors 20 can
be moved so light is reflected by the reflectors 20 to desired
locations. The first housing 14 preferably has a curved or
rhombohedron cross-section. Preferably, the first housing 14
includes a housing reflector 22 which reflects light reflected from
the reflection portion 18. The apparatus 10 preferably has a
secondary reflector 24 attached to the support structure 16 and
reflecting light from the light source and the housing reflector
22. The reflection portion 18 disposed between the secondary
reflector 24 and the first light source 12.
[0041] Preferably, the support structure 16 includes a second light
source 26 disposed in the first housing 14 emitting light in a
direction opposite the direction the first light source 12 emits
light, and a bottom reflector 28 disposed adjacent to the housing
and positioned to reflect light from the second light source 26.
The reflectors 20 in the reflection portion 18 preferably are
motorized.
[0042] The present invention pertains to an apparatus 10 for
lighting. The apparatus 10 comprises a first light source 12. The
apparatus 10 comprises a first housing 14 in which the first light
source 12 is disposed. The apparatus 10 comprises a support
structure 16 to which the first light source 12 is attached. The
apparatus 10 comprises a second light source 26. The apparatus 10
comprises a second housing 30 in which the second light source 26
is disposed. The second housing 30 attached to the support
structure 16 and in spaced relationship with the first housing 14.
The apparatus 10 comprises a first reflector 32 disposed with the
second housing 30 and opposing the first light source 12 so light
emitted by the first light source 12 is reflected by the first
reflector 32.
[0043] Preferably, the first reflector 32 is movable. The apparatus
10 preferably has at least a second reflector 34 disposed with the
second housing 30 and opposing the first light source 12 so light
emitted by the first light source 12 is reflected by the second
reflector 34. Preferably, the apparatus 10 includes a third housing
attached to the support structure 16 adjacent the second housing 30
and in spaced relationship with the first housing 14. There is a
third light source disposed in the third housing and a second
reflector 34 disposed with the third housing opposing the first
light source 12 so light emitted by the first light source 12 is
reflected by the second reflector 34.
[0044] The apparatus 10 preferably has a third reflector 36
attached to the support structure 16, in spaced relationship with
the second light source 26 and positioned to reflect light emitted
by the second light source 26. Preferably, the apparatus 10
includes a fourth reflector 38 attached to the support structure
16, in spaced relationship with the third reflector 36, and
positioned to reflect light emitted by the second light source 26,
with the third reflector 36 between the second light source 26 and
the fourth reflector 38. The first reflector 32 preferably is
motorized. Preferably, the second and third reflectors 34, 36 are
motorized.
[0045] In the operation of the invention, in a first embodiment, a
lighting apparatus 10 is formed of a combination of mirror modules
68 and light modules 68 that are attached to a support structure
16. Each light module 68 comprises a housing with a lamp disposed
in the housing and an opening at the top of the housing through
which light from the lamp can be emitted from the housing. A light
module 68 can also have a mirror disposed in the housing at its
bottom. The mirror module 68 comprises a housing with a mirror
disposed in its. Electrical wiring 48 can be run to the lamps in
each housing module 68 through the support structure 16 so it is
not visible.
[0046] The light modules 68 and mirror modules 68 can be positioned
in any arrangement desired. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
there is a first set of light modules 68 that are comprised of two
adjacent light modules 68 attached to the support structure 16
alongside each other and adjacent the base of the support structure
16. There is also a second set of light modules comprised of two
light modules 68 attached to the support structure 16 alongside
each other and above the first set of light modules 68. The second
set of light modules 68 disposed above the first set of light
modules 68 have mirrors in them which reflect the light emitted
from the first set of light modules 68. Attached to the support
structure 16 alongside each other above the second set of light
modules 68 are two mirror modules 68. The mirrors of the mirror
modules 68 reflect the light emitted from the second set of light
modules 68.
[0047] On the other side of the support structure 16 are two larger
light modules 68 than those light modules 68 described above, with
one light module 68 positioned on the support structure 16 above
the other light module 68, and having a mirror at its bottom to
reflect light emitted by the lower light module 68 attached to the
support structure 16. Attached to the support structure 16 above
the higher light module 68 of the two light modules 68 on the other
side of the support structure 16 is a mirror module 68 which
reflects light emitted from the higher light module 68. Each of the
light modules 68 and the mirror module 68 is in spaced relation
from each other, as are the twin mirror modules 68 and the first
and second sets of light modules 68 attached to the support
structure 16.
[0048] FIGS. 4 and 5 show another example of light modules 68 and
mirror modules 68 attached to a support structure 16. FIGS. 4 and 5
show two light modules 68 attached to the support structure 16
alongside each other, but on opposite sides of the support
structure 16. Attached in a similar fashion above the two light
modules 68 are two motorized mirror modules 68 which reflect light
emitted by the two light modules 68. The mirror modules 68 are in
spaced relation with the light modules 68. The mirror modules 68
are operated by remote control so that each mirror module 68 can
independently be positioned to reflect light at a desired angle
emitted by the two light modules 68.
[0049] Another example is based upon a modular system with 3 types
of elements: 1. a support structure 16, 2. one or more
light-generating elements, and 3. one or more mirror-elements.
[0050] To illustrate the example, four different fixtures with the
same height (approx. 2 m) are shown.
[0051] The basic idea is to make a free-standing structure that can
be fixed on the floor or onto walls. This structure also contains
the wiring 48 that goes to the light modules 68. The structure
consists of two T-shaped hollow elements (extrusions) (see FIG. 6),
that can be connected to one another if this is necessary for the
strength or for aesthetic reasons. This connecting element is
X-shaped, but, in fact, it can have any shape.
[0052] On this structure is fixed the lighting elements that each
contain one or more lamps with the necessary gears. It is also
possible to add a movable mirror at the bottom of the module 68. In
this case, it is possible to "stack" two or more lighting elements
on top of each other, so that the top module 68 reflects the light
of the module 68 beneath.
[0053] The mirror-elements are visually collinear with the matching
lighting modules 68. They contain a movable mirror in order to
control the direction of the reflected light. Possibly the big
mirror elements could contain four independently movable small
mirrors instead of one big mirror. Or possible, the mirror-elements
cold even contain a V-shaped or convex reflector that is not
movable. But no matter what mirror element is used, the fixture
always looks the same way because the reflectors 20 are hidden in a
small volume.
[0054] The illustrations show combinations of CDM-PAR30 modules
(profile size 120.times.120) and MR16 modules 68 (60.times.60).
From a functional point of view, it could be interesting to use the
discharge sources to light a large area, and to use narrow-beam
MR16 bulbs to put accents. Of course, also other sources could be
used, for instance, compact fluorescent lamps in a wide rectangular
volume.
[0055] The distance between the two T-shaped structure elements is
defined by the largest lighting module 68. So in case of
fluorescent sources, the fixtures will be wide; but when only small
bulbs (e.g. MR16) are used, it is possible to make small fixtures
that can be used in private gardens.
[0056] To resume the main characteristics: the apparatus 10 is
flexible, technical and modular concept, designed to customize the
product to the needs of a client.
[0057] Another example approaches the "multiple source/multiple
reflector" idea from a completely different angle. In this example,
the sources are always on top of the fixture, and their light is
reflected by multiple reflectors 20 that are at the same level. The
idea is to divide the light coming from the source(s) into two
parts: a small "nucleus" or hotspot, and the surrounding rest of
the beam, the fall-off.
[0058] To illustrate this, one single design was made and given two
different sources (again CDM-PAR30, or 4.times. MR16). In the
cut-away FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, it is shown where these sources are
located in the fixture.
[0059] Both apparatuses have a large screen made of non-brilliant
material that captures all the light coming from the source(s) and
that provides a soft general lighting to the environment. This
screen can be tilted back and forth to direct this light; to
increase the directing angle, the whole of screen plus source(s)
can also be tilted over an angle of approx. 15 to 30.degree.,
depending on the source. The support structure extending from the
screen to the light source can be linked so the screen and light
source move in tandem and their relationship stays fixed. The
cut-away view shows that the MR16 version is tilted in this manner,
while the PAR30 has a horizontal screen to provide the same amount
of general lighting in all directions. Within the large screen,
there can be one or more small mirrors made of highly brilliant
reflector material (e.g. aluminum or dichroic glass) that can be
directed independently. Each small reflector has its own small
directing mechanism, placed into a hole in the large screen. The
function of the small mirrors is to capture only the nucleus of the
light beam(s), and to put accents to certain details in the
environment.
[0060] In case of four MR16 s, each small mirror reflects the light
of one particular bulb. (The bulbs are mounted on a slightly convex
socket-holder, so their beams diverge to match the centers of the
small mirrors in the screen.) In case of CDM-PAR30, the beam
nucleus is divided into four parts, each captured by one mirror. Of
course, in both cases, it would have been possible to have only one
mirror (with an increased diameter) in the center of the screen,
instead of four.
[0061] Resuming the main characteristics, the apparatus 10 is a
more architecturally designed range of fixtures that always provide
two types of light (even with one type of source, and even with one
single bulb): both general and accent lighting. The example only
shows free-standing pole-shaped fixtures, but it is also possible
to apply the embodiment to relatively compact wall fixtures. A
variation on the theme could be made by fixing the small mirrors to
the individual sources by means of a thin canopy, as shown in FIG.
9.
[0062] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the
lighting apparatus 10 has two different light sources, providing
two completely different kinds of lighting. On top, there is a
powerful AR111 that provides a lighted accent (with a highly
brilliant mirror) or a large softly lighted area (with a matte
reflector 20). The top reflector 21 can be turned around, so the
light beam can be pointed into any direction. This can be done
without changing the look of the fixture at the outside; the
reflector 20 is put into a cylindric housing for this reason. The
AR111 is located deep into its housing, which is painted black at
the inside; this is to prevent dazzling.
[0063] At the bottom of the lighting apparatus 10, there is a
second light source 26 (for instance, PAR20); the light coming from
this source is reflected by a mirror that is located at the very
bottom of the tube, so that the light will skim the ground surface
and, for instance, accentuate its beautiful texture. Or also,
indicate a walking area. To protect the reflector 20 from dirt, it
is covered by a cylindric glass tube.
[0064] An interesting point in this design is that reflectors 20
can also be used to allow the light to reach places that would
otherwise be hard to reach. If one would try to skim the surface
directly with the lamp instead of by a reflecting mirror, there
would be 1. a need for a larger pole diameter, 2. problems ensuring
a good visual comfort, and 3. problems connecting the lamp in a
safe and waterproof way.
[0065] FIG. 12 shows a motorized mirror module 68 that is comprised
of a mirror housing, a mounting box 42 that fits in the mirror
housing and a motorized element 54 that is disposed in the mounting
box 42. The mirror housing mounts, for example, to the support
structure 16. The mounting box 42 is fixed to the housing through
pins or screws. The motorized element 54 is fixed to the mounting
box 42 through its base plate 44 that is connected to the mounting
box 42 through an axis 50 screw at the central axis 50 of the
mirror module 68 about which the motorized element 54 rotates. The
motorized element 54 has a motorized wheel 62 mounted to the base
plate 44 and extending through a slot 56 in the base plate 44. The
motorized wheel 62 moves along a pre-defined path 52 on the
mounting box 42 with a stop 40 present at +90 degrees and a stop 40
present at -90 degrees to define a range of motion of the motorized
wheel 62 and thus the motorized element 54 in a rotational
direction around the axis 50.
[0066] FIG. 13 shows how the motorized element 54 receives its
control and power wiring 48. Wiring 48 from the first motor 58 and
the second motor 64 of the mirror element extends up through the
mounting block through the housing and then to the support
structure 16.
[0067] FIG. 14 shows the mirror element in more detail. There is a
first motor 58 mounted to the base plate 44 that has a cylinder 60
on which the motorized wheel 62 is attached, as explained above,
which extends to a slot 56 in the base plate 44. The first motor 58
provides rotational or left-to-right movement between a +90 degrees
and a -90 degrees. There is a second motor 64 mounted to the base
plate 44 that provides a belt driven wheel 62 up-to-down movement
of 0 degrees to 33 degrees. There is a mirror mounting plate 46
attached to a stem 66 which extends from the base plate 44, on
which the reflector 20 is fixed. The first and second motors 58, 64
themselves are well known in the art. What is unique is how the
first and second motors 58, 64 are used in regard to a reflector 20
element. For example, a mirror set at 30 degrees, causes light
reflected from the mirror fixed to the mirror mounting plate 46 to
be at 60 degrees. FIG. 15 shows the assembled motorized mirror
module 68 from below.
[0068] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c, the
light source is disposed in the housing with a first reflector 32
positioned in spaced relation in front of the housing and so light
emitted from the light source is reflected by the first reflector
32. There is a second reflector 34 also positioned in front of the
housing and behind the first reflector 32. Light that passes the
first reflector 32 is reflected by the second reflector 34. In
addition, if desired, a third reflector 36 can be positioned along
the circumference of the inner diameter of the housing with a hole
in its center so light can be emitted from the light source through
the hole to the first and second reflectors 32, 34. Then light that
is reflected from the first and second reflectors 32, 34 which is
directed back to the housing is reflected by the third reflector 36
back up to either the first or the second reflectors 32, 34,
depending on how the third reflector 36 is angled. In addition,
there can be a fourth, and even a fifth or sixth, or even any
number of additional reflectors 20 positioned on the back of the
first reflector 32 so that light reflected from the second
reflector 34 towards the back of the first reflector 32 is then
reflected by the reflectors 20 on the back of the first reflector
32 towards the second reflector 34 at a desired angle and then by
the second reflector 34 out. In this way, multiple reflections can
be achieved with the light in a similar way light is reflected
inside a diamond. If desired, the first reflector 32 can have one
or more apertures to allow light to directly pass through the first
reflector 32.
[0069] The modules 68 can take on many different variations in
shapes, but can be of a standard form and shape so that they can be
easily interchanged. FIGS. 18-29 show, respectively, a module 68
having a bottom reflector 28 only, a top lamp 13 and bottom
reflector 28, a top lamp 13 and a bottom lamp 15, a top reflector
21 and a bottom lamp 15, a top reflector 21 and a bottom reflector
28, a top reflector 21 and a bottom reflector 28 with a side
reflector 23 directed down, a top lamp 13 and bottom lamp 15 with a
side lamp reflector 25, a bottom lamp 15, a top lamp 13, a top
reflector 21 and a bottom reflector 28 with a side lamp 17 facing
down, a top reflector 21 and a bottom reflector 28 with a side lamp
17 facing up and a top reflector 21 and bottom reflector 28 with a
side reflector 23 facing up. It should be noted that in FIGS. 23,
24 and 29, where there is a side reflector 23 facing up or down,
there can be a reflecting surface on both sides of the reflector 23
to provide reflection of light striking the respective reflector 23
from above or from below.
[0070] FIGS. 30-32 show isomeric, front and top views,
respectively, of three circular housings of a different height with
lamps. FIGS. 33-35 show isometric, front and top views of a
singular circular housing having four lamps and four reflectors 20.
FIGS. 36-38 show isometric, front and top views, respectively, of
three circular housings of varied height, each of which has a lamp,
with a single reflection portion 18 having three adjustable
reflectors 20. FIGS. 39-41 show isometric, front and top views,
respectively, of three circular housings, each of which have a
lamp, and three reflectors 20, with one reflector positioned over
each housing. FIGS. 42-44 show isometric, front and top views,
respectively, of three square shaped housings of varying height,
each of which have a lamp and a single reflection portion 18 having
three adjustable reflectors 20, with each housing having a
reflector positioned over it.
[0071] Another configuration that uses reflectors with one or more
light sources utilizes a drum 61, as shown in FIGS. 45-50. In a
first embodiment, a drum 61, which can be attached to a ceiling,
floor wall or floor, comprises a housing 14 with a plurality of
lamps, preferably disposed symmetrically about a central axis of
the housing 14 and emitting light radially outwards. It should be
noted that any configuration with light sources 12 can be used to
obtain whatever desired lighting effect. The lamps 12 can be placed
asymmetrically in the drum 61, as an alternative example.
[0072] Positioned in front of each lamp and at a desired angle are
reflectors mounted inside the housing of the drum 61. The light
emitted from a lamp 12 in the drum 61, strikes the reflector 20 and
is reflected out of the drum 61 through an aperture in the housing
14 in a desired direction, depending on the angle of the reflector
relative to the lamp 12. If desired, each reflector 20 can be
motorized, as explained above. From the prospective of an
individual in a room with the drum 61 mounted in it, all the
individual sees are apertures in the drum 61 with light emitted
from the apertures.
[0073] In another embodiment with the drum 61, there is a central
light source disposed at the central axis of the housing 14.
Radiating radially outwards from the central axis are internal
luminescent tubes 63 that have apertures at the end of a tube 63,
or reflectors that reflect light propagating down the luminescent
tube 63 through an aperture in the bottom face of the housing 14.
In regard to tubes 63 that have apertures at their end in the side
of the housing, reflectors are mounted in alignment with the tubes
to reflect light to a desired location in the room. If desired, the
reflectors can be motorized, as explained above. The luminescent
tubes 63 have a common central location from which light at the
central axis feeds each of the luminescent tubes 63.
[0074] In an alternative embodiment, FIGS. 49 and 50 show a drum 61
with external luminescent tubes 63, instead of internal tubes 63,
as described above. In regard to this alternative embodiment, the
ends of the luminescent tubes 63 extend beyond the sides of the
housing, and any tube with internal reflectors, has its internal
reflector 20 mounted at the end of the tube. Like the internal
luminescent tubes 63 that have their apertures in the side of the
housing, in this alternative embodiment, there are reflectors
mounted in front of the apertures of the end of the luminescent
tubes 63 to reflect light emitted from the luminescent tubes 63 to
desired locations in the room. As an aside, it should be noted that
these drums 61 can also be used on a lawn or wall or ceiling
outside a building, to achieve desired lighting effects.
[0075] The light source and reflectors do not need to be connected
by a support structure. They can be mounted on separate walls or
ceilings or floors, but aligned so the light emitted from a light
source is reflected by the reflectors. FIG. 51 shows a first light
source 12 in a first housing mounted to a first wall emitting light
that is reflected by a first reflector 20 mounted on the ceiling,
to a second reflector mounted on a second wall. FIG. 52 similarly
shows a first and second housing having first and second light
sources, respectively, emitting light to a reflector 20 mounted on
the first wall and a reflector 20 mounted on the ceiling, which
reflect the light to a third reflector 20 mounted on the second
wall. FIG. 53 shows a similar relationship to FIG. 52 except the
two light sources are disposed in the same housing and there is an
additional reflector on the ceiling.
[0076] It should be noted that lamps can also be motorized. See
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/123,798, incorporated by
reference herein, for a complete description of motorized lamps.
Alternatively, the lamps and the reflectors can have an arm that
extends from them, and the lamp or the reflector are mounted on a
pivotable support. In this way, the lamp or the reflector can be
manually moved through gripping the arm and moving it to a desired
position, thus moving the lamp or the reflector. In addition, a
screw can extend from the housing surface to the pivotable support,
when tightened against the pivotable support. The screw locks the
pivotable support and, thus, the lamp or reflector in place. For a
description of lamp fixtures generally, See U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,234,644 and 6,511,208, incorporated by reference herein.
[0077] The reflectors themselves generally can be of a specular or
diffuse finish, as is well known in the art. The reflector can also
be made of a diochroic glass which allows certain wavelengths of
light through and causes other desired wavelength to be reflected.
Alternatively, the reflector can be made out of a translucent
material.
[0078] Although the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that
variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it
may be described by the following claims.
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