Abstract:
A photographic lighting apparatus is adapted to rest upon a support surface, and comprises an operative panel having a light reflective and/or light transmissive wall, and a support member which supports the operative panel in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface. Such photographic lighting apparatus may be used as a light reflector or a light diffuser and is of particular utility for lighting the subject of a photograph from below.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to lighting apparatus for use in photography, and in particular to apparatus for reflecting and/or diffusing light. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When illuminating the subject of a photograph, it is common to utilise apparatus for reflecting and/or diffusing light provided by a natural or artificial light source, such as a flash unit. In particular, a photographer may utilise one or more light reflectors and/or one or more light diffusers, which may be positioned to illuminate different surfaces of the subject. Light reflectors typically comprise a panel that has a reflective surface on at least one side, and is adapted to reflect incident light from a natural or artificial light source. The reflective surface may be adapted to at least partially determine the colour and/or other properties of the light falling on the subject. Light reflectors are commonly hand-held. 
         [0003]    Light diffusers may also be hand-held, but often have the form of a light diffusion box, commonly known as a “softbox”. Light diffusion boxes typically comprise a generally pyramidal, tensioned fabric enclosure that is mounted on a lamp. The sides of the enclosure are usually opaque, while the base is translucent, typically being covered by a fabric sheet through which light from the lamp passes. The effect of the fabric sheet is to “soften” the light falling on the subject. 
         [0004]    A disadvantage suffered by conventional apparatus for reflecting and/or diffusing light is that hand-held apparatus is typically difficult to arrange accurately and may require one or more assistants, whereas apparatus that includes a support structure is typically rather cumbersome and difficult to erect. 
         [0005]    There has now been devised improved photographic lighting apparatus which overcomes or substantially mitigates the above-mentioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided photographic lighting apparatus adapted to rest upon a support surface, the apparatus comprising an operative panel having a light reflective and/or light transmissive wall, wherein a support member is provided that is attachable to the operative panel, such that the light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is supported in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0007]    The photographic lighting apparatus preferably comprises a base adapted to rest upon a support surface, wherein the support member is attachable to both the operative panel and the base, such that the light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is supported in an inclined orientation relative to the base and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0008]    The apparatus according to the invention is advantageous principally because it enables accurate lighting of the subject of the photograph from below and does not require the presence of an assistant or the erection of a cumbersome support structure. In addition, apparatus according to the invention enables accurate lighting of the subject of the photograph from below without any need for the apparatus to support the subject. 
         [0009]    The photographic lighting apparatus is preferably adapted to be self-supporting, and hence be positionable upon a suitable surface, such as a floor, in a free-standing configuration during use. The base preferably has a substantially flat supporting surface, and is preferably of similar construction to the operative panel. 
         [0010]    The support member is preferably attachable to both the operative panel and the base, at one end of the operative panel. The support member preferably supports the most elevated portion of the operative panel. The remainder of the operative panel may be unsupported. However, less elevated portions of the operative panel are preferably also attachable to the base. In particular, the least elevated portion of the operative panel is most preferably attachable to the base, and this attachment may be a permanent or removable attachment. In one embodiment, the least elevated portion of the operative panel is permanently attached to the base by a web of flexible material. In another embodiment, the least elevated portion of the operative panel is removably attached to the base by a fastener, for example strips of hook-and-loop fasteners on both the operative panel and the base. 
         [0011]    In addition, the photographic lighting apparatus is preferably adapted to be collapsible. By “collapsible” is meant that the apparatus is reducible in size, most preferably by at least 75%, along at least one dimension. In presently preferred embodiments, the support member is removably attachable to the operative panel and/or the base, and most preferably removably attachable to both the operative panel and the base. However, the support member may instead be permanently attached, but also foldable, relative to the base and/or the operative panel. 
         [0012]    The light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is preferably held under tension by a frame so as to form the operative panel of the apparatus. In particular, the frame is preferably resilient, and preferably comprises a fabric tube to which the light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is fixed and a resilient hoop accommodated within the fabric tube. 
         [0013]    Where the support member is removably attachable to the operative panel and/or the base, the support member preferably includes one or more releasable fasteners, which are adapted to engage a peripheral portion of the operative panel and/or the base. The one or more releasable fasteners preferably have the form of a clamp, which is preferably resiliently biased into its engaged configuration. Where the operative panel and/or the base include a relatively rigid frame, the one or more releasable fasteners are preferably adapted to fasten to that frame. In particular, the one or more releasable fasteners may include a depression adapted to receive a portion of that frame, and the depression is preferably reducible in size in order to engage that portion of the frame. In addition, the one or more releasable fasteners may be adapted to be movable relative to the remainder of the support member. For instance, the one or more releasable fasteners may be mounted on support arms that are extendible and/or rotatable relative to the remainder of the support member. 
         [0014]    The light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is preferably adapted to modify light from an external light source, such that the photographic lighting apparatus according to the invention is free of any light sources. 
         [0015]    The support member is preferably adjustable in length to allow the angle at which the light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is supported to be altered. The adjustable support member is preferably telescopic in form, with a threaded fastener for securing the support member at the desired length. 
         [0016]    The light reflective and/or light transmissive wall is preferably supported at an angle relative to the base of between 10° and 80°, and most preferably between 20° and 60°. 
         [0017]    The light reflective and/or light transmissive wall preferably comprises a sheet of flexible material, and is most preferably held in tension in order to remove any creases or wrinkles. The light reflective and/or light transmissive wall may be formed of a woven or knitted fabric. However, in order to facilitate the removal of creases and wrinkles from the wall, the wall may be formed of an elastic material, such as a knitted fabric. Furthermore, the light reflective and/or light transmissive wall preferably has a smooth external surface, and therefore preferably includes a plastics coating on its external surface. The plastics coating is preferably smooth in form. 
         [0018]    Where the operative panel includes a light transmissive wall, this wall preferably has a uniform partial transparency to visible light, and preferably acts to diffuse visible light that is transmitted therethrough. In addition, the light transmissive wall is preferably of white colouration. 
         [0019]    Where the operative panel includes a light reflective wall, this wall preferably has an externally facing reflective surface. This reflective surface may be adapted to at least partially determine the colour and/or other properties of the light illuminating the photographic subject. The reflective surface may therefore be of white, silver or gold colouration. 
         [0000]    In presently preferred embodiments, the operative panel and the base have a similar construction, as described above. In particular, the operative panel is preferably also adapted to rest upon a support surface, and the base preferably also has a light reflective and/or light transmissive wall, such that the base and the operative panel are interchangeable. In particular, the photographic lighting apparatus may be adapted to be repositioned, eg inverted, and/or assembled in a different configuration, such that the base functions as the operative panel, and the operative panel functions as the base. 
         [0020]    The apparatus may be a light reflector and/or a light diffuser. 
         [0021]    Hence, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a light reflector adapted to rest upon a support surface, the apparatus comprising an operative panel having a light reflective wall, wherein a support member is provided that is attachable to the operative panel, such that the light reflective wall is supported in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0022]    The light reflector preferably has the features described above in relation to the photographic lighting apparatus. 
         [0023]    The operative panel preferably has a light reflective wall with a reflective surface on at least one side. The light reflector is preferably adapted to be assembled such that the reflective surface is an external surface of the light reflector, and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0024]    The base of the light reflector may also have a light reflective wall with a reflective surface on at least one side. The light reflector is preferably adapted to be assembled such that the reflective surface of the base is an external surface of the light reflector. In this configuration, the light reflector is preferably positionable on a support surface such that the base functions as the operative panel, and the operative panel functions as the base. 
         [0025]    In addition, the operative panel and/or the base may have a light reflective wall with a reflective surface on both sides, such that the operative panel and the base are adapted to be assembled in any one of a plurality of configurations, in each of which one of the reflective surfaces of the operative panel and/or the base is an external surface of the light reflector, and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0026]    In presently preferred embodiments, the light reflector comprises two operative panels, each adapted to also function as the base of the light reflector, wherein the operative panels are adapted to be assembled in a plurality of configurations, in which different reflective surfaces of the operative panels are external surfaces of the light reflector, and are adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0027]    According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a light diffuser adapted to rest upon a support surface, the apparatus comprising an operative panel having a light transmissive wall, wherein a support member is provided that is attachable to the operative panel, such that the light transmissive wall is supported in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface and is adapted to direct light upwardly, in use. 
         [0028]    The light diffuser preferably has the features described above in relation to the photographic lighting apparatus. 
         [0029]    The light diffuser preferably includes an enclosure that is partially defined by the operative panel having a light transmissive wall. In this arrangement, the enclosure may also be partially defined by the base. Most preferably, the operative panel and the base of the light diffuser are connected by a web of flexible material, which together define the enclosure. 
         [0030]    The light diffuser may also include a support for a light source, such that the light source is adapted to direct light into the enclosure. In particular, the support member that is attachable to the operative panel and the base may provide a support for the light source. In particular, the support member may include a mounting that is releasably attachable to a light source, such as a flash unit. 
         [0031]    The enclosure preferably includes an additional light transmissive wall or an opening, through which light may be directed into the enclosure. The interior surface of the enclosure is preferably adapted to reflect at least a portion of the light directed into the interior of the enclosure by the light source, so that said light is reflected about the interior of the enclosure before being transmitted through the light transmissive wall. A major part of the interior surface of the enclosure is preferably adapted to reflect light incident thereon, and is preferably of white colouration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a rear view of a light reflector according to the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the light reflector of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a panel that forms part of the light reflector of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is a first fragmentary side view of the light reflector of  FIGS. 1 and 2  showing a close-up view of a retainer for engaging with a first panel of the apparatus; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a second fragmentary side view of the light reflector of  FIGS. 1 and 2  showing a close-up view of a retainer for engaging with a second panel of the apparatus; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of a light diffuser according to the invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the light diffuser of  FIG. 7 , upon which a flash unit has been mounted. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a light reflector according to the invention, which is generally designated  10 . The light reflector  10  comprises a first panel  20 , a second panel  30 , and an adjustable support  40 . The first and second panels  20 , 30  are fastened together at one end of the panels  20 , 30 , and are separated by the adjustable support  40  at the other end. 
         [0042]    The first and second panels  20 , 30  each comprise a sheet of flexible material  22 , 32  mounted within a resilient frame  26 , 36 . The sheets of flexible material  22 , 32  are formed of a fabric, with each of the four major surfaces of the two flexible sheets  22 , 32  defining a separate reflective surface. In particular, the four reflective surfaces each have different reflective properties. For instance, the light reflector  10  may include a matte white reflective surface, as well as three reflective surfaces having different shades of gold and silver. Where necessary, the flexible sheets  22 , 32  carry a coating, for example an elastomeric coating, to provide a reflective surface having the desired properties. 
         [0043]    The first panel  20  of the light reflector  10  is shown in isolation in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first panel  20  comprises a fabric tube  26  stitched to the periphery of the flexible sheet  22 , and a resilient hoop  24  within the fabric tube  26  that acts to maintain the sheet of flexible material  22  of the panel  20  in tension. The hoop  24  is typically formed from a band of carbon spring steel having a width of about 10 mm and the ends of which are clipped, welded or riveted together to form the hoop. The flexible sheet  22  is shaped so that the panel  20  is generally rectangular in shape, but with rounded corners, and the flexible sheet  22  is substantially free from wrinkles and creases. In particular, the first panel has two shorter sides of substantially equal length, and two relatively longer sides of substantially equal length. The second panel  30  has a similar structure to the first panel  20 , save for the different properties of their reflective surfaces, as discussed above. 
         [0044]    In addition, the first and second panels  20 , 30  include cooperating strips of hook-and-loop fastener  28 , 38 , which are adapted to fasten the panels  20 , 30  together. In particular, each panel  20 , 30  has four strips of hook-and-loop fastener  28 , 38  arranged around each reflective surface. Each strip of hook-and-loop fastener  28 , 38  is mounted on the fabric tube  26  of the panel  20 . 
         [0045]    The strips of hook-and-loop fastener  28 , 38  are adapted so that the light reflector  10  may be assembled with any of the four reflective surfaces being inclined and facing upwardly, and hence adapted to illuminate a photographic subject. In addition, the panels  20 , 30  may be attached on either of the shorter sides, or either of the longer sides, in order to vary the height and width of the reflective surface, in use. 
         [0046]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 1 , the adjustable support  40  comprises a central strut  42 , an upper cross-bar  44  at the upper end of the central strut  42 , and a lower cross-bar  46  at the lower end of the central strut  42 . The central strut  42  is telescopic in form, with a threaded fastener  48  that secures the central strut  42  with a desired length. 
         [0047]    The upper cross-bar  44  includes a retainer  50  at each end, the retainers  50  extending upwardly and being adapted to engage the frame of the first panel  20 . Similarly, the lower cross-bar  44  includes a retainer  50  at each end, the retainers  50  extending downwardly and being adapted to engage the frame of the second panel  30 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are close-up views of the retainers  50  of the first and second panels  20 , 30 , respectively. Each retainer  50  comprises a collar  52  that is mounted on a generally cylindrical projection  49  of the associated cross-bar  44 , 46 . Each collar  52  is has a variable radius, and is adapted to be rotatable about the cylindrical projection  49 , until the collar  52  is reduced in size sufficiently for the collar  52  to frictionally engage the cylindrical projection  49  to maintain the retainer  50  in a desired position. 
         [0049]    Each retainer  50  also includes a cylindrical housing  56 , within which is mounted a spring-loaded retainer head  54  and an associated grip  58 . The retainer-head  54  includes a depression adapted to receive the frame of either of the panels  20 , 30 , and a projection adapted to be located alongside the interior surface of the resilient hoop  24 . The retainer-head  54  is biased into the cylindrical housing  56 , but is extendible using the associated grip  58 , such that the frame of the associated panel  20 , 30  may be captivated between the retainer head  54  and a surface of the cylindrical housing  56 . 
         [0050]    As discussed above, the light reflector  10  may be assembled with any of the four reflective surfaces of the two panels  20 , 30  being inclined and facing upwardly. In addition, the panels  20 , 30  may be attached on either of the shorter sides, or either of the larger sides, in order to vary the height and width of the reflective surface. 
         [0051]    In use, the light reflector  10  is therefore assembled with the desired reflective surface being inclined and facing upwardly, and with a desired height and width. The light reflector  10  is then placed upon a suitable surface, typically the floor, such that the upper surface of the upper panel  20 , 30  is adapted to reflect light towards a photographic subject, from below. The light reflected by the light reflector  10  may be provided by an artificial light source, such as a flash unit, by sunlight, or by a combination of natural and artificial light. 
         [0052]    With the adjustable support  40  engaged with the first and second panels  20 , 30 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light reflector  10  retains its shape during use. When the light reflector  10  is no longer needed, it can be collapsed by removing the adjustable support  40 . In particular, the adjustable support  40  is removed by disengaging the retainers  50  from the first and second panels  20 , 30 . Once the adjustable support  40  has been disengaged from the panels  20 , 30 , the panels  20 , 30  may be laid alongside one another. If desired, the light reflector  10  may then be collapsed further by grasping opposite sides of the folded panels  20 , 30  and twisting the folded panels  20 , 30  to form loops which can then be folded over. The panels  20 , 30  are adapted to maintain this folded configuration either without assistance, or when placed in an appropriately sized bag. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows a light diffuser according to the invention, which is generally designated  110 . The light diffuser  110  comprises upper and lower panels  120 , 130 , which have essentially the same structure as the panels  20 , 30  of the light reflector  10  described above, save for the absence of any strips of hook-and-loop fastener and also the different light modifying properties of the panels  120 , 130 , as described in more detail below. The light diffuser  110  also comprises a connecting web  115  and a support member  140 . The connecting web  115  and the panels  120 , 130  together define an enclosure of the light diffuser  110 . 
         [0054]    The connecting web  115  is generally tubular in form, and extends between the frames of the panels  120 , 130 , thereby defining the enclosure of the light diffuser  110 . In particular, the upper and lower edges of the connecting web  115  are stitched to the fabric tubes of the panels  120 , 130 . A full-height, rectangular opening  116  is formed in the connecting web  115  at one end of the light diffuser  110 , and the connecting web  115  has a gradually decreasing height towards the other end of the light diffuser  110 . Indeed, at the end of the light diffuser  110  in which the opening  116  is formed in the connecting web  115 , the panels  120 , 130  are separated by the support member  140 , but at the other end the panels  120 , 130  simply rest upon one another. 
         [0055]    Each panel  120 , 130  of the light diffuser  110  comprises a flexible sheet  122 , 132  that is formed of a translucent fabric having the desired light-modifying properties. In particular, each flexible sheet  122 , 132  is adapted to diffuse light transmitted therethrough. In contrast, the connecting web  115  is formed of an opaque fabric, with a matte white internal surface. 
         [0056]    The support member  140  comprises two struts  142  that each extend between the frames of the upper and lower panels  120 , 130 . In particular, each strut  142  has a retainer  150  extending axially from each of its ends, each retainer  150  consisting of the cylindrical housing, spring-loaded retainer head  54  and associated grip  58 , as described above in relation to the light reflector  10 . 
         [0057]    The support member  140  also includes a cross-bar  144  that extends between the mid-portions of the two struts  142 , the cross-bar  144  being orientated perpendicularly to the two struts  140  and parallel to the lower panel  130 . A light source support arm  146  extends from a mid-portion of the cross-bar  144 , and includes a mounting  148  for the light source  160  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). The light source support arm  146  is orientated parallel to both the two struts  142  and the cross-bar  144 , and extends away from the opening  116  into the enclosure of the light diffuser  110 . 
         [0058]    In use, the support member  140  is arranged with the two struts  142  either side of the opening  116 , and a light source  160  is mounted on the mounting  148 , such that the light source  160  directs light, in use, into the enclosure of the light diffuser  110 . In addition, the light diffuser  110  is placed upon a suitable surface, typically the floor, such that the upper surface of the upper panel  120  is adapted to transmit diffused light towards a photographic subject, from below. 
         [0059]    With the support member  140  engaged with the first and second panels  120 , 130 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the light diffuser  110  retains its shape during use. When the light diffuser  110  is no longer needed, it can be collapsed by removing the support member  140 . In particular, the support member  140  is removed by disengaging the retainers  150  from the upper and lower panels  120 , 130 . Once the support member  140  has been disengaged from the panels  120 , 130 , the panels  120 , 130  may be laid alongside one another, with the connecting web  115  folded between the panels  120 , 130 . If desired, the light diffuser  110  may then be collapsed further by grasping opposite sides of the folded panels  120 , 130  and twisting the folded panels  120 , 130  to form loops which can then be folded over. The panels  120 , 130  are adapted to maintain this folded configuration either without assistance, or when placed in an appropriately sized bag. 
         [0060]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.