Illumination – Light source and modifier – Including reflector
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-03-27
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Including reflector
C362S346000, C362S347000, C362S348000, C362S349000, C362S350000, C362S518000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206549
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional flashlights or the like incorporate a light bulb and a cup-shaped parabolic reflector for focusing the light from the light bulb into a parallel light beam. It is found that only the central portion of the reflecting surface of the reflector surrounding the light bulb actually serves to produce the parallel light beam to form a bright spot, with the outer portion producing trail light in random directions. Such trail light is undesirable for blurring unevenly around the bright spot. Cup-shaped reflectors, having their entire reflecting surface faceted, are also known for even illumination, but they do not focus light into a parallel light beam.
The invention seeks to mitigate or to at least alleviate such problems by providing an improved light reflector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a light reflector for use in a lighting device including a light bulb having a filament, which reflector comprises a cup-shaped body having a parabolic internal reflective surface which is divided transversely into an inner portion for surrounding the light bulb to focus light from the light bulb into a parallel light beam for shining to produce a bright spot and an outer portion adjoining the inner portion, said outer portion being faceted to smooth out blurring around the bright spot.
In a preferred embodiment, the inner portion of the reflective surface is arranged to extend axially beyond the filament.
Preferably, the outer portion of the reflective surface is in the form of at least one ring of facets which are packed close together.
It is further preferred that the outer portion of the reflective surface is in the form of a plurality of rings of facets, with the facets between adjacent rings packed close with each other.
It is further preferred that the outer portion of the reflective surface is in the form of a plurality of rings of facets of the same number, with the facets between adjacent rings radially aligned with each other.
Preferably, the outer portion of the reflective surface is faceted to form facets having a shape which is substantially trapezoidal.
Preferably, the outer portion of the reflective surface extends to reach an open rim of the body.
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Hobden David V.
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
O'Shea Sandra
World Hint Limited
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