Illumination – Light source and modifier – Adjustable or repositionable modifier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-26
2001-03-27
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Adjustable or repositionable modifier
C362S217060, C362S227000, C362S319000, C362S322000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206548
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a luminaire, and more particularly, to a luminaire having adjustable reflectors positionable to increase efficiency and energy conservation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Luminaires or light fixtures for use with fluorescent bulbs have been in use for many years. Luminaires typically have rectangular box-like bodies which are adapted to be mounted in ceilings. The luminaire is generally provided with some type of reflectors positioned longitudinally behind or alongside of the fluorescent bulb to reflect light outwardly from the luminaire into the area desired to be lit.
Recently, energy conservation and efficiency of luminaires has been improved by the use of reflectors formed of specular material, such as silver or aluminum. These materials reflect light with greater precision than previous materials and permit the lighting engineer to control the manner in which the light is reflected.
State of the art luminaires are currently custom manufactured to meet luminosity criteria desired for the installation site. To ensure the installation of the most suitable lighting fixtures, on-site measurements are taken, appropriate reflector designs are chosen, and the reflector material, usually in the form of sheet metal, is bent or molded into reflectors composed of many precise angles at which the light is to be reflected without causing unsightly overlap with the resultant beams of light. Such a procedure is time consuming and expensive. If the measurements are not carefully taken, it may be necessary to rebuild the luminaire or to make other adjustments which lead to diminution of the efficiency of the energy utilized.
It is also known to provide a luminaire with movable reflectors which may be positioned to change the physical dimensions of the light column produced by the light fixture, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,403 to Strawick.
It is also known as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,253 to provide a luminaire having a plurality of movable slats or reflectors positioned outwardly from fluorescent bulbs. The reflectors are movable together like a Venetian blind to simulate natural light coming through a Venetian blind.
However, none of the presently known devices provide the necessary adjustments to increase energy efficiency and energy conservation.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a luminaire which has adjustable and interchangeable reflectors which are easily positionable to provide maximum efficiency for a full range of applications or adjusted for a different application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus disclosed is a novel luminaire having an outer body and a support structure for mounting of both fixed and pivotable reflectors. The support structure is positionable within the body to widen or narrow the width of the beam of light emitted from the luminaire. Additionally, the support structure can be angled within the body to provide an asymmetrical light beam if desired. The movable reflectors are mounted to pivotal mounts connected to positioning rods to provide precise adjustment of the directional light reflectivity. The reflectors are mounted to brackets to permit ready substitution of reflectors having different reflection characteristics. Alteratively, the luminaire can be provided with a two-sided or three-sided reflector. Each of the sides having different reflective characteristics. The reflectors are pivotable so that the side with the desired characteristics can be chosen.
Also disclosed is a novel reflector assembly for reflecting light from a bulb in a luminaire. The luminaire is of the type having an elongated body with a top and a pair of sidewalls defining an opening for permitting a beam of light to be emitted. The luminaire also has first and second ends and supports a bulb in the elongated body between the light emitting opening and the top. The reflector assembly includes a reflector support unit which can be mounted within the body of the luminaire between the opening and the top. The ends of the support unit are configured to interconnect with the ends of the luminaire body and are independently, vertically adjustable in a linear direction so as to adjust the distance between each end of the support unit and the corresponding end of the opening in the luminaire body. The reflector assembly includes one or more reflectors mounted to the support unit that reflect light from the bulb. In some embodiments, a plurality of reflectors is included, each positioned to reflect a portion of the light coming from the luminaire bulb. In some embodiments, the reflectors are pivotally mounted to the support unit so that they can pivot around their longitudinal axis.
Finally, there is disclosed a modular luminaire and the modules for constructing such a module luminaire. The modules include a housing with a cavity therein. The housing is either configured to mount within a luminaire frame or to connect to the end of a luminaire shell and to cooperate with the second module so as to form a complete luminaire. The module has at least one bulb holder that is supported by the housing and a plurality of rotatably adjustable reflector holders supported by the housing. The rotatably adjustable reflector holders are designed to engage the ends of elongated reflectors. The module also has at least one geared reflector adjuster to adjust the rotational position of at least one of the reflector holders. The reflector adjuster is at least partially disposed in the cavity of the housing.
A more complete understanding of this invention may be obtained from the following detailed description as well as taken with the accompanying drawings.
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Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Negron Ismael
Sember Thomas M.
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