Illumination – Photographic lighting – Including specific light modifier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-30
2001-05-22
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Photographic lighting
Including specific light modifier
C362S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234638
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to reflectors for lights generally employed by professional photographers, and particularly relates to supporting structure for supporting such reflectors in the immediate area of photographic strobe lights.
In professional photography and graphic arts, indirect lighting effects are employed to produce reduced shadows and highlighting on a subject or area. The indirect lighting effects are commonly achieved by coupling an artificial light source such as an electronic flash or incandescent headlight to a diffuse reflector. The reflector is then situated so that the reflected light is directed onto the surface of the subject sought to be depicted. This light is often referred to as “bounce” light.
Bounce light is often achieved through the use of fabric reflectors which are fan-shaped or umbrella-shaped. The initial source of the bounce light is typically a flash or strobe which is mechanically connected to the center pole of the umbrella, the light being directed from the source toward the interior surface of the umbrella. The umbrella and source are then coupled to a stand or support which can be of a variety of shapes and heights and it is usually adjustable to suit various photographic situations. A representative example of an umbrella-type reflector is that shown in Waltz, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,374. Another example of an umbrella-type reflector, which is mechanically coupled to a camera, is shown in Larson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,535.
A fan-type reflector can be thought of as merely a portion of an umbrella-type reflector wherein the reflecting surface is supported on a plurality of radial arms extending outward from a laterally positioned yet central point which also provides an axis for a support for the fan-shaped reflector. Again, the source of light is coupled or arranged with respect to the fan reflector so that light from the source is directed initially toward the fan-shaped reflector and the reflected or bounce light is directed toward the subject sought to be photographed. An example of such a fan-shaped reflector is found in Heard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,405.
Planar reflectors having diffuse surfaces are also known in the prior art and used in connection with sources to achieve the desired diffuse bounce light. The character of the surface of such planar reflectors has to be carefully controlled to avoid any specular reflection which tends to highlight hard edges and not achieve the desired lighting effect. Such planar reflectors are usually self-supporting on stands which are situated adjacent to light sources so that the source of light is directed toward the planar surface to produce bounce light directed toward the object sought to be photographed. An example of a substantially planar light modifying screen is found in Henry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,804. Another example of a substantially planar light modifying screen mechanically coupled to a camera is found in Sloop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,170.
While each of the prior art devices has achieved the overall objective of providing bounce light which can be directed toward a subject, often the apparatus requires considerable manipulation and assembly in order to direct the light in the appropriate direction. Further, the devices are complicated to manufacture and often awkward to set up or assemble at the point of use. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to achieve a novel design for an indirect lighting reflecting which is easy to manufacture, compact when not in use, and simple to set up at the point of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is essentially an apparatus for use in connection with a light source, the light source including a generally ring-shaped reflector having a rim and projecting outwardly from the light source for directing light from the source in a first direction. In the absence of a ring reflector, a circular ring-like bracket can be positioned in front of the light source so that the principal direction of the light emanating from the source travels axially through the ring-like bracket.
The apparatus for use with the light source comprises a support and a frame connected to the support adapted to extend over the ring-like reflector to support a sheet of material in a position relative to the light source to redirect a substantial portion of the light from the direction of initial travel of the light to a second direction. The sheet of material can be of any desired shape and curvature as best suited to the photographic situation in which the apparatus is to be employed. In a preferred embodiment, sheet of material is planar in character having a diffuse surface so that specular reflection of the light from the initial direction to the second direction is avoided.
The apparatus further includes a pair of straps, a first end of each strap being coupled to the support so that the straps extend laterally on opposite sides of the ring reflector or ring-like bracket. Each strap includes a longitudinal slot for engaging the rim of the ring-like reflector or the rim of the ring-like bracket. The engaging relationship between the straps and the rim of the reflector or bracket couples the apparatus in operative position relative to the light source in a simple, uncomplicated manner so that positioning of the reflector relative to the light source is facilitated.
In the preferred embodiment, each of the pair of the straps includes a second end, the second ends being connected to each other in a spaced apart relationship at a distance less than the diameter of the rim, the straps being elastically displaceable to a distance greater than the diameter across the rim so that the longitudinal slots can be engaged with the rim. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of straps are two portions of a single strap-forming member unitarily joined together at the second end by a bight portion.
The apparatus can also include a spill guard coupled to the supporting strap at a position remote from the support to prevent the transmission of unreflected light from the light source in the second direction toward the subject to be photographed. The spill guard is most conveniently coupled to the strap by means of a permanent magnet.
The support preferably takes the form of a box-like casing having a first two opposing sides for engaging the first ends of the pair of straps and at least one other side including structure for engaging the frame supporting the sheet of material over the light source. The supporting structure of the box-like casing for engaging the frame preferably includes a set of holes for receiving an end portion of the frame. The box-like casing can also include locking elements for locking the box-like casing and reflecting sheet supporting frame together. While the reflecting sheet supporting frame can be of a variety of shapes, in a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises a perimeter-defining element having two end portions adjacent to each other adapted to be coupled to the support. In the preferred embodiment, the sheet material comprises a fabric material including a plurality of straps for connecting the fabric material sheet to the frame.
One feature of the present invention is the compact arrangement of the pair of straps when the object is collapsed ready for transport or storage. Another feature of the present invention is the simplicity of set up and coupling of the reflector to the light source which is achieved by merely deflecting the straps elastically to opposite sides of the rim of the reflector or ring-like bracket situated in the immediate vicinity of the light source, the straps being received on the rim or bracket by inter-engagement with the slots present in the straps.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art and upon consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 342273 (1993-12-01), Couch
patent: 1283963 (1918-11-01), Takahashi
pa
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Neils Peggy A
O'Shea Sandra
LandOfFree
Photographic light diffusing reflector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Photographic light diffusing reflector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photographic light diffusing reflector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2440456