Abstract:
A lighting system for use in areas of low-level lighting, such as a planetarium, theater, museum, or auditorium, which improves visibility of objects without detracting from the overall desired low-level lighting. The lighting system provides a safe and low cost way to illuminate certain areas of a darkened room while maintaining an overall dimly lit environment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a lighting system for use in areas of low-level lighting which improves visibility of objects held adjacent to a light source of the lighting system, without detracting from an overall desired low-level lighting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lighting systems designed to improve safety in theaters, planetariums, aircraft and auditoriums are known. In particular, lighting systems which illuminate walkways, stairs and handrails are known in the art. One area which has not been improved is lighting which enhances visibility of objects while maintaining an intended overall low-level lighting environment and minimizing the direct projection of light into a person&#39;s eyes. 
     Some theaters and auditoriums employ overhead lighting to provide sufficient illumination of objects such as playbills. Such lighting systems suffer disadvantages. First, overhead lighting scatters within the theater or auditorium, thereby increasing ambient light levels and interfering with a person&#39;s ability to view a movie or show. Second, even if scattering is minimized by limiting the size and quantity of overhead lighting, a human viewer must hold an object such as a playbill up to the light to be able to see the object. Looking up at the light prevents a viewer&#39;s eyes from adjusting to the ambient low-level lighting, thus preventing the viewer from fully enjoying the movie or show. 
     Lighting systems used in exhibits of nocturnal creatures in museums are also generally only used as safety aids to improve the visibility and illumination of walkways therein. 
     Instrument panels of aircraft flown at night are known to be equipped with post-lights that emit red light downwardly toward the instrument panel but not upwardly directly toward the eyes of a pilot. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a low-level lighting system for theaters, planetariums and auditoriums that permits a person to read a playbill, star chart or other written material while maintaining the low-level lighting environment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The system of the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and deficiencies which are characteristic of the prior art. The system of the present invention also has the further advantages of being relatively simple and economical to prepare. The system of the present invention has still further advantages of enhancing educational or enjoyment aspects of a performance or similar display. 
     The present invention employs a light source, for example, a light-emitting diode, disposed in a room such that it will illuminate only a desired small area of an otherwise darkened room. The lighting system of the present invention not only maintains a desired low level of ambient lighting, it also allows the eyes of a person using the lighting system to remain adapted to darkness, even when viewing objects with the lighting system. The present lighting system permits a person to see distant objects in a low-level ambient-lighting area and hand held objects held by the person. 
     Thus, one aspect of the invention provides a lighting system for use in a theater, auditorium, museum or planetarium having a low level of ambient light. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system of the present invention includes a first seating structure having a back disposed along a plane which is substantially vertical and preferably disposed at an angle of 30 to 120 degrees and most preferably disposed at an angle or 60 to 90 degrees relative to a first supporting surface disposed beneath said seating structure, a support affixed to the back of the first seating structure, at least one light source, and a cover extending from the back of the first seating structure for blocking a major portion of light emitted from the light source in an upward direction, such that the emitted light does not project directly into the eyes of a person adjacent the lighting system. The lighting system does not significantly increase the level of ambient light in a theater, auditorium, museum or planetarium. 
     Preferably, the first seating structure is a bench, chair, seat, pew, bleacher or other similar structure generally used for the provision of seating. 
     Preferably, the light source emits any visible light. More preferably the light source emits red or green light and most preferably the light source emits green light. 
     Preferably, the lighting system permits a user&#39;s eyes to remain dark adapted in areas with low-evel ambient lighting. 
     The lighting system preferably includes more than one light source. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an image projection system for use in an auditorium, planetarium, museum or theater having low-level ambient lighting. The projection system includes an image projector and one or more lighting systems. According to this embodiment, the lighting system includes a body including a first side and a surface defining a bore extending upwardly into the body; and one or more light sources disposed within the bore for emitting light downwardly such that light emitted by the one or more light sources is not projected upwardly directly into the eyes of a person adjacent the light system in which the one or more lighting systems do not significantly increase the low level of ambient lighting. 
     The image projection system of the present invention preferably includes two or more different lighting systems. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a rear elevation of a seating structure incorporating a lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 a  is a side elevation of a second embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 b  is a side elevation of a third embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a planetarium employing the lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a fourth embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a fifth embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a sixth embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention; and 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a seventh embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The lighting system of the present invention can be used in areas wherein low-level ambient lighting is required such as in a theater, auditorium, planetarium or museum. The lighting system incorporates at least one light source which is not readily directly visible to a user either standing or seated adjacent the lighting system. The lighting system is capable of illuminating objects held near its light source while at the same time not directly projecting light into the eyes of a user and not significantly increasing the level of light in a low-level ambient lighted area. 
     FIG. 1 depicts one of several preferred embodiments of the lighting system according to the invention. A seating structure  2  is resting upon a surface, support structure or ground  5 . The seating structure  2  has a back  3  having affixed thereto a lighting system  1  which comprises at least one light source and preferably plural light sources  4   a - 4   e.    
     FIG. 2 a  depicts a second embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention. The seating structure  6 , wherein the seating area is not shown, has a rear surface or back  7  onto which is attached or affixed the lighting system  8  which comprises a cover  10  and a support structure  11  by which the lighting system  8  is attached to the back  7 . The lighting system  8  can also be integral with or can comprise a portion which is integral with the back  7 . The lighting system  8  also comprises a light source  9   a  which is depicted as being associated with the support  11 . The cover  10  blocks light emitted upwardly from the light source  9   a  but permits light emitted downwardly toward the ground  5  to escape the lighting system. The cover  10  can further include a lip  12  which projects downwardly toward the ground thereby occluding even further the light source  9   a  and reducing even further the amount of light emitted from the lighting system. The back  7  extends along a plane substantially vertical to the ground  5 . In preferred embodiments, the back  7  is inclined with respect to a plane vertical to the ground  5 . The support  11  is affixed to the back  7  by any of a number of attachment means known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as an adhesive, glue, screw, nail, joint, weld, fitting, connection, coupling and the like. The cover  10  extends substantially perpendicular to the back  7  and is affixed to either the support  11  or the back  7 . The cover  10 , support  11  and optionally the lip  12  can form an integral structure which is affixed to the back  7 . By using molded plastic and materials of the like, the lighting system  8  can also be integral with the back  7 . 
     FIG. 2 b  depicts a third embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention. The seating structure  6  has a seating area  6   b  disposed on a front surface  6   c  and a lighting system according to the invention  8  disposed on a rear surface  7  of the seating structure  6 . The lighting system  8  is attached to the rear surface  7  by way of the support  11 . The cover  10  is affixed to the support  11 . In one embodiment, the light source  9   a  is disposed adjacent or within the support structure  11  and in a second embodiment the light source  9   b  indicated by dashed lines is disposed within or affixed to the cover  10 . In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the cover  10  extends outwardly from the back  7  a sufficient length to block or occlude light rays which are emitted upwardly from the light source  9   a  thereby minimizing the direct projection of light into the eyes of a user adjacent the lighting system  8 . 
     According to the embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b , a reinforcing member may be disposed between the cover  10  and the support  11  so as to maintain the proper orientation of the cover  10  with respect to the support  11  and to resist upward or downward force on the cover  10  that would tend to break or deform the cover  10 . 
     FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a planetarium employing the lighting system according to the invention. Preferably, the planetarium employing the lighting system according to the invention includes a circular theater. The planetarium has low level ambient lighting and images of stars and other celestial objects are projected onto the wall, roof or screen  16 . Audiences viewing a show in the planetarium are seated on the benches  17   a  and  17   b . The bench  17   b  comprises a bench-type seating area  19  and an elongated lighting system according to the invention  18   b  which is disposed on the back of the seating structure  19 . A person seated in the bench  19  is able to hold an object adjacent the lighting system  18   a  and specifically below the cover of the lighting system  18   a  and will be able to see or read a hand-held object while advantageously not significantly increasing the level of ambient lighting in the planetarium  15 . The eyes of a user will also generally be able to remain dark adapted since the lighting system according to the invention emits light rays that minimize interference with dark adapted or night vision. 
     FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment according to the invention wherein the seating structures  20   a  and  20   b  and  20   c  comprise seating areas  22   a  and  22   b , respectively, and the light systems  21   a  and  21   b , and  21   c  respectively. The seating structures  20   a    20   b  and  20   c  are mounted onto a lower support structure, surface or ground  23 . The seating structures  20   a  and  20   b  and  20   c  are bench-type structures wherein users are seated on the seating areas  22   a  and  22   b , respectively. A person seated in the seating area  22   a  will be able to hold an object adjacent the lighting system  21   b  and will be able to view the object with light emitted downwardly toward the ground  23  from a light source of the lighting system  21   b . A cover on the lighting system of  21   b  blocks light emitted upwardly from a light source of the lighting system such that light is not emitted directly into the eyes of a person seated adjacent the lighting system  21   b . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the lighting system according to the invention can be disposed in a handrail or other device disposed on the seating structure and can also comprise a handrail, barrier, panel, railing, wall, parapet or banister disposed in front of the frontmost seating structure and the lighting system can be mounted on said barrier, panel, handrail, railing, wall, parapet or banister. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a fifth embodiment of the invention wherein the lighting system is comprised within a projection system  25  which projects images of celestial objects in the direction of arrows S 1 , S 2  and S 3  onto the ceiling  31  of a planetarium. Adjacent the projection system is a seating structure  29  toward which is projected light emitted, from the light source  27 , in the direction indicated by the arrow L. The projection system comprises a body having one or more lighting systems according to the invention. The lighting system comprises a body having a tube  26  shown in dashed lines. An upper surface  32  of the tube  26  intersects with the outer surface  31  of the projection system  25  at the juncture  28 . The juncture  28  is disposed vertically below the light source  27  so that light emitted from the light source  27  does not project directly into the eyes of a person seated on the structure  29 . 
     FIG. 6 depicts a sixth embodiment of the invention wherein the lighting system is comprised within a wall  34  adjacent a seating structure  35 . The lighting system  33  comprises a light source  36  mounted on a rear portion  40  of a tube or bore  37  within the wall structure  34 . The light emitted from the light source  36  is projected through the opening  38  on the wall  34  and onto the seating structure  35  which is mounted on the support structure, surface or ground  41 . An upper portion of the hole  38  and the bore  37  intersect at a juncture  39  which is disposed vertically below the light source  36  such that light emitted by the light source  36  does not project directly into the eyes of a user seated on the seating structure  35  while the user is holding and viewing an object not shown with the lighting system  33 . 
     FIG. 7 depicts a seventh embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the seating structure  42  includes a base  48  upon which is mounted a seating area  43 , a back  44  and an arm rest  51 . The back  44  has a rear surface  45  and is pivotally mounted on the rod  49 . The back  44  may be pivoted about rod  49  so as to be inclined at an angle a with respect to the support structure, surface or ground  50 . The back  44  is shown as being disposed at an angle t o  with respect to the ground  50  and may be oriented at various positions corresponding to various angles ranging from t n  to t -n . According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back  44  may be disposed at an angle ranging from 30 to 120 degrees with respect to the ground  50 . According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back  44  may be disposed at an angle ranging from 60 to 90 degrees with respect to the ground. 
     As shown in FIG. 7, the lighting system of the present invention may be disposed in a cavity  46  indicated by dashed lines in the back  44  so that little to no part of the lighting system protrudes from the back  44 . According to this embodiment of the present invention, the light source  47  is located within the cavity  46  so as to minimize the direct projection of light into the eyes of a user adjacent the light source  47 . Although not shown in FIG. 7, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the light source  47  could be disposed in other parts of the seating structure  42  such as the armrest  51  so long as the direct projection of light into the eyes of a user adjacent the light source  47  is minimized. 
     According to all embodiments of the present invention, the lighting system is preferably a very low-voltage system on the order of 4 Volts. Preferably, the lighting system is constructed so that the flow of electricity can be controlled to individual seats or groups of seats. Preferably, multiple LED bulbs or a superbright LED bulb may be utilized as a light source when the light source is located a long distance from a seat or a group of seats. Also preferably, when the lighting system of the invention projects light onto a remote object, the lighting system can comprise optical elements such as lenses, mirrors, films and the like to facilitate projection, focusing, and/or targeting of the light onto the distant object. 
     The above is a detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention. Those with skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that obvious modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All of the embodiments disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. The full scope of the invention is set out in the claims that follow and their equivalents. Accordingly, the claims and specification should not be construed to unduly narrow the full scope of protection to which the present invention is entitled.