Light fixture flexible reflector

Details Light fixture flexible reflector Light fixture flexible reflector

1999-04-16

2001-01-23

O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)

Illumination

Light modifier

Translucent or opaque

C362S355000, C362S360000, C362S278000, C362S320000, C362S450000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06176598

ABSTRACT:

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to photographic, videographic, digital imaging, cinemagraphic, theatrical, imaging of any type, or even environmental lighting, and in particular to a new and useful light fixture which is meant for use with umbrella-like reflectors having flexible struts and flexible sheet material walls.
In recent years it has become common for photographers and videographers to use softer, more distributed and diffuse light sources to illuminate their subjects, in preference to direct open faced or lensed lighting fixtures.
To achieve this effect it has become the norm to take a conventional lighting fixture and mount it at the rear of a large fabric reflector or lightbox approximating a parabola or any other curve in the manner of an umbrella without a stem or handle. Mounting is achieved by means of a ring assembly mounted to the lighting fixture in question and forms a secondary mount on to which umbrella-like struts of the reflector are mounted, with fabric stretched between them. Light diffusing fabric can then be stretched across the mouth of this reflector to break up the resulting light pattern, or is already attached across the mouth of the reflector.
This method requires the user to buy a special mounting ring for each of his or her conventional lighting fixtures in order to use them in the light box assembly. In addition to this, most conventional fixtures (by design) direct most of their output forward in a linear manner. A more efficient design would be to remove the lighting fixture and replace it with simply a lamp. In this way the entire fabric reflector surface is utilized by the rays of the lamp. Light would be emitted in a more efficient and diffuse manner. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,446,506; 4,633,374 and 4,807,089 for examples of umbrella reflectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple lamp that can be used with umbrella-like reflectors and with the added benefit of removing the need for an additional mounting ring.
The lamp or lampholder assembly in a preferred version of the invention is mounted on the end of a piece of tube, the power connection being made by a portable cord at the base of this tube. Folding, hollow arms are mounted at the side of this tube and beneath the lamp assembly or to any light. The arms can be moved to the correct length and/or position to receive free ends of the struts of the reflector. Holes are provided at each of the free ends of arms to accept ends of the struts. Inserting the struts into the arms causes the whole assembly to brace into a rigid structure.
Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide a light fixture for a reflector having flexible walls and a plurality of flexible struts connected to the walls for creating a light-reflecting enclosure when the struts are extended into a braced position, each strut having a free inner end, the light fixture comprising a housing with a socket adapted to receive a lamp, power connection means connected to the socket for powering the lamp, a plurality of receivers connected to the housing, each positioned and oriented to receive a free end of a strut for holding the struts in the braced position, and mounting means connected to the housing for mounting the light fixture to a support.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a light fixture which can receive multiple flexible reflectors, and which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2205860 (1940-06-01), Olds
patent: 3294962 (1966-12-01), Hilzen
patent: 4834126 (1989-05-01), Sweet, Jr.

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