Illumination – Light source and modifier – Including reflector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-21
2001-11-27
Sembers, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Including reflector
C362S346000, C362S016000, C362S018000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322235
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the priority of German Patent Application Serial No. 299 00 991.2, filed Jan. 21, 1999, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to a light reflector for use in photographing, filming or taping, especially for outdoor shooting.
The use of collapsible reflectors of metallized fabric is known in the art. These types of reflectors have only a slight flexural strength and thus are not sufficiently stable to realize a secure and constant brightening of an object being shot so that their outdoor use is rather limited in view of possible exposure to extreme wind and weather conditions. The problem of lacking stability of such collapsible reflectors could be overcome by employing large, rigid reflectors. As a consequence of their great dimensions, these reflectors are, however, unsuitable for a rapid, mobile use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved light reflector, obviating the afore-stated drawbacks.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved light reflector, which is sufficiently rigid to withstand weather influences and wind influences while yet is suitable for rapid, mobile use.
These objects, and others which will become apparent hereinafter, are attained in accordance with the present invention by a light reflector, which includes a plurality of panels of same size and having at least one reflecting side, and connectors butt jointing the panels to one another.
A light reflector according to the present invention is thus designed as a modular system, which exhibits a high flexural strength in view of the panel construction and thus is suitable for outdoor use even at extreme weather conditions. The light reflector can be dismantled without effort and thus is easy to transport and suitable for mobile use as a consequence of its modular configuration.
According to another feature of the present invention, the panels may be of rectangular configuration, and may be made of rigid foam. Panels of rigid foam are relatively light and yet display a sufficient flexural strength.
A desired reflective capability of the reflector can be accomplished by laminating a reflecting film at least on one side of the panels. Suitably, both sides of the panels are so configured that their reflective capabilities are different. This may be realized, for example, by laminating reflecting films of varying reflective characteristics on both sides of the panels. Thence, the light reflector according to the present invention offers a wide variety of applications.
According to another feature of the present invention, the panels are each enclosed by frames of profiled strips to enhance the stability of the light reflector and to protect the edges of the panels. The profiled strips may have a U-shaped configuration and may be made of aluminum that is light, exhibits a stable shape and is reflective.
The connection of abutting panels may be realized by connectors of U-shaped configuration which can be pushed over the edges of abutting panels and thereby bridge the joint therebetween. The U-shaped connectors may be attached to the panels in a form-fitting manner, or may be swingably mounted to one end of the panels.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the panels has in each of its edges a bore in the area of each corner, and each of the connectors includes two bores which are spaced at a distance which is twice the distance from the panel bore to the nearest corner, so that the bores of the connectors can be brought into alignment with the bores of the panels for engagement of suitable cotter pins.
According to another feature of the present invention, the connection between adjoining panels may also be realized by a tension lever type locking mechanism.
A further stability of the light reflector can be realized by interconnecting four or more panels in their center, or in the area where their corners meet, with two metal plates between which the panel corners are disposed and which serve as central connector.
According to another feature of the present invention, the corners of all panels are slanted, and the metal plates are clamped to one another by a central screw bolt. As a consequence of the slanted configuration of the corners of each panel, there is always an opening in the area where the corners of four contiguous panels meet, for passage of the screw bolt, regardless of the orientation of a single panel.
Suitably, one of the metal plates has eight pins for traversal of eight bores, respectively provided in the borders of four adjoining corner areas of the panels and for insertion in aligned holes formed in the other metal plate.
Optionally, the light reflector according to the present invention may include a mounting for attachment to a head portion of a stand, tripod and/or other auxiliary parts.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1935045 (1933-11-01), Doane
patent: 3803401 (1974-04-01), Drews
patent: 4428030 (1984-01-01), Baliozian
patent: 4460946 (1984-07-01), Tinz
patent: 4616293 (1986-10-01), Balliozian
patent: 4833571 (1989-05-01), Granovsky
patent: 5508902 (1996-04-01), Shoemaker
patent: 5568680 (1996-10-01), Parker
patent: 6152579 (2000-11-01), Reed et al.
Feiereisen Henry M.
Sembers Thomas M.
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