Abstract:
This specification describes technologies relating to the modification of pre-existing light fixtures such that the fixtures produce diffuse indirect lighting instead of direct lighting. Implementation of said technology comprises: a modular apparatus that attaches to pre-existing light fixtures to convert direct lighting into diffuse indirect lighting, and a method by which said apparatus is used for said purpose. Said technology enhances the aesthetics of an artificially illuminated environment and increases the comfort of users in said environment. Compared to alternative implementations comprising light fixture replacement, the technology specified herein presents reduced time, money, and skill barriers for users, is highly modular for simple user customization, and can be cleanly installed, adjusted, and removed without damage to the pre-existing light fixture, the attachment surface, or the apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a utility conversion of Provisional Application Ser. No.  61 / 560 , 495 , filed on Nov.  16 ,  2011 . The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.  61 / 560 , 495  is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to light fixtures, and more specifically to the modification of pre-existing light fixtures in order to alter the properties of the light produced by the fixture from direct lighting to diffused lighting. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In a typical residential or commercial indoor environment, illumination is often provided by overhead installations. A common configuration comprises an exposed light bulb held in a recessed overhead fixture, commonly referred to as a “can” light. Such light fixtures are cost effective, easy to install, and easy to maintain, but will typically provide undesirably harsh and uneven direct light. Direct light emphasizes imperfections in appearance, highlights shadows and washes out color differentiation. 
         [0004]    In an indoor environment, diffuse light is often preferable to direct light. Compared to direct light, diffuse light results in softer, more even illumination and reduces undesirable glare. Diffuse light can increase the aesthetic qualities of the lit subject and its environment, and can improve the overall comfort of its users. 
         [0005]    Preferential use of diffuse light instead of direct light has been demonstrated in professional fields, such as photography and videography. In these applications, direct light is passed through diffusive materials and/or reflected off white surfaces to soften the resulting illumination. This technique often contributes to a more flattering visual depiction of the subject and its environment, and can improve the overall aesthetics of a depicted scene. 
         [0006]    Replacing or significantly altering pre-existing recessed light fixtures to provide diffuse light in a residential or commercial environment can be labor intensive, cost prohibitive, logistically challenging, and/or structurally impractical. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This specification describes technologies relating to the modification of pre-existing light fixtures such that the fixtures produce diffuse light instead of direct light. Implementations of the technology described herein comprise a modular light diffusing apparatus that attaches to pre-existing light fixtures and converts direct light into diffuse light, and a method by which the apparatus is used for diffusing light from pre-existing fixtures. 
         [0008]    Various implementations of the present invention provide cost effective solutions to convert pre-existing household and/or commercial lighting fixtures into sources of diffuse light, without the significant time and monetary costs associated with light fixture replacement. Various implementations of the invention can be implemented quickly, require minimal pre-requisite skill from a user, and can be used in conjunction with a broad array of pre-existing light fixtures. 
         [0009]    In one example implementation of the present invention, a light diffusion apparatus is attached to and positioned proximally about the lower portion of a pre-existing light fixture such that the attachment diffuses the light produced by that fixture. Various embodiments of the invention may include an attachment mechanism such that the apparatus can be secured to a pre-existing light fixture through non-destructive, fully reversible means, and the apparatus can be quickly installed, adjusted, and removed by the user with minimal skill requirement. 
         [0010]    In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is the attachment mechanism of the light diffusing apparatus which may comprise a lower retention ring, an upper retention ring, and one or more retaining arms. In some embodiments the one or more retaining arms may be mechanically biased into a first position, the first position being different than a second installed position. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is the modularity of the light diffusing apparatus. The apparatus is comprised of several constituent elements, each of which may be replaced with alternative designs or removed entirely, depending on the user&#39;s application. Such modularity broadens the functionality and aesthetic versatility of the apparatus, and allows the apparatus to conform to the requirements of the user. Modular components can include, an upper ring, a lower ring, a diffusing disk insert, a perforated diffusing disc, a diffusing halo, a reflecting disk insert, a perforated reflecting disc insert, a reflecting halo, colored or tinted filters, opaque or partially translucent filters, and the like. 
         [0012]    Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is the apparatus&#39; compatibility with a broad array of light fixtures. The apparatus can be readily adapted for use with a user&#39;s pre-existing light fixtures through user-replaceable elements. 
         [0013]    In another example of the technology described herein and in order to diffuse light from a recessed overhead “can” light fixture, the components of the technology described herein may comprise light diffusive elements including diffusing and reflecting disks and halos, and attachment elements compatible with the pre-existing recessed light fixture including one or more ring mounts to receive the diffusing and reflecting disks and halos, a lower ring mount, an upper ring mount, one or more retention arms for attachment to the outer perimeter of the recessed fixture, and one or more spring or mechanically biased retention arms. The user may select modular constituent elements, such as components with light diffusive elements and components with attachment elements compatible with a can light. The user can assemble the apparatus from these components and secures it to the light fixture using the one or more retention arms. 
         [0014]    In a further example, the apparatus may be modified from a diffusive apparatus to a reflective light apparatus, by removing the apparatus components with light diffusive elements, and replacing such diffusive components with light reflective elements. 
         [0015]    In still a further example, the apparatus of the present invention can be modified such that the one or more retention arms are compatible with and fit a non-recessed, pre-existing light fixture, such as cylindrical track lighting. The one or more retention arms may attach to the front or back of the track lighting fixture. 
         [0016]    Thus, the technology specified herein converts pre-installed or preexisting direct lighting fixtures to indirect lighting fixtures, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of an artificially illuminated environment and increasing the comfort of users in such an environment. Compared to alternative implementations comprising light fixture replacement, the technology specified herein presents reduced time, money, and skill barriers for users, is highly modular for simple user customization, and can be cleanly installed, adjusted, and removed without damage to the pre-existing light fixture, the attachment surface, or the apparatus. 
         [0017]    In an example embodiment, a light diffusion apparatus comprises a ring portion including one or more hangers removably attachable to a light fixture having a light source with directed light, and a diffusion disk removably insertable into the ring portion, where in the diffusion disk is retained in the directed light from the light source. 
         [0018]    In another example embodiment, a light diffusion apparatus comprises: a ring portion comprising an upper ring portion having a first outer peripheral wall defined by a first diameter and a lower ring portion having a second outer peripheral wall defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter; one or more hangers removably attachable to a light fixture having a light source with directed light, wherein the one or more hangers are connected to the ring portion; and a diffusion disk fitted between the upper ring portion and the lower ring portion, and retained in the directed light from the light source. 
         [0019]    In another example embodiment, a method of reversibly converting direct light to indirect light comprises: providing a fixed direct light source and providing a removable light diffusion apparatus comprising a ring portion comprising an upper ring portion having a first outer peripheral wall defined by a first diameter, a lower ring portion having a second outer peripheral wall defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, one or more hangers removably attachable to the fixed light source wherein the one or more hangers are connected to the ring portion, and a diffusion disk fitted between the upper ring portion and the lower ring portion, and retained in the directed light from the direct light source. 
         [0020]    Various embodiments of the present invention may also contain one or more of the following features. The ring portion comprises: an upper ring portion having a first outer peripheral wall defined by a first diameter; a lower ring portion having a second outer peripheral wall defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter; and a diffusion disk fitted between the upper ring and the lower ring. The ring portion has a first diameter and further comprises a halo portion positioned over the ring portion and the diffusion disk, the halo portion having a second diameter equal to or greater than the first diameter of the ring portion. In some embodiments, the diffusion disk is comprised of light diffusion material, light reflective material, light refractive material. In some embodiments, the diffusion disk is flat, concave or convex. In some embodiments, the diffusion disk includes one or more orifices. In some embodiments, the halo portion is comprised of light diffusion material. In some embodiments, the one or more hangers include a hinge and are moveable from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the one or more hangers include a spring biased hinge that mechanically biases the one or more hangers to a first position. In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus further comprises a halo portion positioned over the ring portion and the diffusion disk, the halo portion having a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the ring portion. In some embodiments, the hanger portions are moveable from a first biased position to a second position. 
         [0021]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an installed recessed lighting fixture. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an implementation of the present invention installed to a recessed light fixture. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  a front view of an implementation of the present invention installed to a recessed light fixture. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a disassembled implementation of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is an example implementation of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The following description is of one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
         [0033]    Broadly, an embodiment of the invention provides a light softening apparatus that can be used in conjunction with a pre-existing light fixture, such as a recessed ceiling mount “can” light.  FIG. 1  illustrates a mounted recessed light fixture  10 , such as a typical recessed can light. Light fixture  10  includes a peripheral edge portion  12 , which can be integral to the fixture or can be a separate piece added as an aesthetic finish to cover the hole or cutaway made for the light fixture. In some embodiments, peripheral edge portion  12  is flush with the ceiling outer surface, in other embodiments peripheral edge portion  12  extends away from the ceiling outer surface. Peripheral edge portion  12  includes outer lip  14 , lower surface  16 , and upper surface  18 . In some embodiments, lower surface  16  and outer lip  14  are visible when light fixture  10  is installed. Upper surface  18  may not be visible when light fixture  10  is installed, and may be adjacent or abutt the ceiling outer surface. In some embodiments, peripheral edge portion  12  is attached to light fixture  10  such that upper surface  18  can be freely moved away from the ceiling surface without displacing the light fixture. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example implementation of the present invention wherein light diffusing apparatus  20  comprises upper ring  22  and multiple hangers  26 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , light diffusing apparatus is depicted in a side, cut away view wherein multiple hangers  26  extend from upper ring  22  upwardly and insert behind and above peripheral edge portion  12  of recessed light  10  via hanger support tab  32 . In one implementation hanger support tab  32  is in contact with the upper surface  18  and the ceiling outer surface  19 . The multiple hangers can be removably mounted to the recessed light fixture in such a manner. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  illustrates various components of an implementation of the present invention wherein light diffusing apparatus comprises upper ring  22  having multiple hangers  26 , diffusing disk  23 , and lower disk retaining ring  24 . In operation, diffusing disk  23  mounts with lower disk retaining ring  24  on ring surface  42  and radially inward from disk retention wall  44 . Lower disk retaining ring is sized to attach in a secure but removable manner to upper ring  22 . In one example implementation upper ring  22  has an outer peripheral wall  45  having a first outer diameter. Lower disk retaining ring  24  includes disk retention wall  44  having an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the outer peripheral wall  45  of the upper ring  22  so as to allow the lower disk retaining ring to secure around and under the upper ring while simultaneously holding diffusing disk  23  in place. Other securing means are contemplated including raised lips, friction, adhesion, buckles, snaps and the like. 
         [0036]    As discussed above, upper ring  22  includes multiple hangers  26 . Each hanger  26  comprises hanger support tab  32 , a riser  33 , and a mounting tab  34 . Mounting tab  34  can be fixedly secured to the upper ring  22  radially inward from outer peripheral wall  45 , such as upper ring mounting surface  47 . In some implementations a joint  36  is mounted between mounting tab  34  and riser  33 . Joint  36  can be a flexible joint, a hinge, a spring, or the like. In some further implementations, joint  36  can create a spring-biased first position wherein the multiple hangers  26  are movable from a first position to a second position for installation. The multiple hangers can be spring-biased to the first position such that the multiple hangers extend substantially radially inward from the upper ring  22  and lie substantially flat in the disk plane defined by upper ring  22 . The multiple hangers can be lifted to a second position, illustrated in  FIG. 4  for installation. The spring-bias of the hinge  36  creates a retaining force for the diffusion apparatus  20  when installed into recessed light  10 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate additional example embodiments of the present invention including light apparatus installed with a flat, solid diffusion disk  23  ( FIG. 5 ) or a diffusion disk having a concave or domed shape and a central orifice ( FIG. 6 ). In alternate embodiments diffusion disk  23  can be substantial flat and include a central orifice. The orifice can be any shape, round, oval, polygonal, and the like. The orifice can include a filler material of a different diffusion density than the remainder of the diffusion disk. The orifice can be centered or off center. In some embodiments, diffusion disk  23  can be plastic, glass, ceramic, metal, wood or paper. In other embodiments, diffusion disc  23  may be made of a clear, translucent, opaque, patterned, unpatterned, matte, glossy, and/or reflective material. In other embodiments, diffusion disc  23  may be other shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, pentagon, a polygon with N sides, an ellipse, or an irregular shape. In other embodiments, diffusion disc  23  may be of a non-flat volume. In other embodiments, diffusion disc  23  may be of a convex or concave volume. In some embodiments, diffusion disk  23  can include multiple orifices, or be porous. All or portions of diffusion disk  23  can include a reflective material. The orifice depicted in various embodiments of the diffusion disk  23  may be other shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, pentagon, a polygon with N sides, an ellipse, or an irregular shape. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 7-10  illustrate additional example implementations of the present invention including halo assemble  14 . For example, light diffusion apparatus  20  can include halo assemble  14  positioned peripherally around upper ring  22 , multiple hangers  26 , diffusing disk  23 , and lower disk retaining ring  24 . In some embodiments a gap  52 , can be between the lower portion of halo assembly  14  and the upper ring  22  ( FIG. 7 ). In other embodiments the halo assembly  14  can be used with a diffusion disk  23 , including an orifice to provide a combination of direct and diffuse light, ( FIG. 8 ). In other embodiments, the halo assembly  14  can be provided with a diffusion disk  23  where no gap exists between the lower portion of halo assembly  14  and the upper ring  22  ( FIG. 9 ). In still another embodiment, the halo assembly  14  can be used with a diffusion disk  23 , including an orifice to provide a combination of direct and diffuse light, ( FIG. 10 ), wherein the diffuse light is provide entirely via the halo assembly  14 . 
         [0039]    Further example embodiments include: The light diffusing apparatus comprises an upper ring, lower ring, disc insert, and halo assembly. To use light diffusion apparatus, the user places the diffusion disc into the lower ring such that it is held in place through friction against the outer wall. The upper ring is inserted into the lower ring, securing the diffusion disc through friction to the outer wall. The halo assembly is inserted above upper ring. The entire apparatus is secured below a recessed ceiling mount can light by inserting attachment tab(s) between the pre-existing can light collar ring and the ceiling. In such an embodiment, light from recessed light is diffused by the diffusion disk and the halo assembly. 
         [0040]    In other embodiments, there may be any number of hangers or attachment arms. In other embodiments, attachment tabs  32  may have one or more holes to allow for attachment to a surface via nails or screws. In other embodiments, attachment tabs  32  may have adhesive, “Velcro,” or pointed surfaces to allow for alternative attachment to a surface. 
         [0041]    Halo assembly  14  can comprise an open cylinder with one or more diffusion elements. In other embodiments, halo assembly  14  may be of other volumetric shapes, such as a cube, a rectangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a prismatoid with N sides, a polygonal with N faces, an ellipsoid, or an irregularly shape. In other embodiments, the halo assembly may have one or more openings, or no openings. In other embodiments, halo assembly  14  may not be included. 
         [0042]    In various embodiments, diffuser disc  23  and/or halo assembly  14  are made of colored materials to produce colored light. 
         [0043]    Elements of light diffusion apparatus  20  may be added, removed, or replaced to suit the user&#39;s application. In some embodiments, the diffuser disk  23  and halo assembly  24  are comprised of a diffuse material such that light from recessed light  10  is diffused from the bottom and sides of apparatus  20  when apparatus  20  is installed. In another embodiment, diffuser disc  23  is a convex volume comprised of a reflective material and Halo assembly  24  are comprised of a diffusive material such that light from light  23  is both reflected off of diffuser disc  23  towards the ceiling and diffused by halo assembly  14 . In another embodiment, diffuser element  23  is comprised of an opaque material and halo assembly  14  is comprised of a diffusive material such that light is blocked from exiting the bottom of the apparatus and is diffused from the sides of the apparatus. In another embodiment, other combinations of desired constituent elements can be added, interchanged, or removed from apparatus  20  to suit the application. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus  20  may be designed to be attached to other types of light fixtures, such as “track” lights, non-recessed lights, ceiling fans, “disco balls,” spotlights, or floodlights. In such embodiments the multiple hangers can be modified to attach via the spring bias to various portions of the pre-existing light fixtures. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus  20  may be designed to be attached to surfaces of different orientations, such as fully vertical, fully horizontal, or some orientation in between. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus  20  may be designed to fit about more than one light or more than one light fixture. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus  20  may be designed to focus light using an appropriately designed diffuser disc  23  and/or halo assembly  14 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the hangers/attachment arms  26  may be replaced by chains, fabrics, strings, ropes, yarns, or fibers. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the light diffusion apparatus  20  may be designed to attach to objects other than a ceiling, such as a wall, a floor, an elevator, a ceiling fan, a stair, a vehicle, a portable lighting device, or a bar, a beam, or a column. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, diffusion disc  23  and lower ring  24  are held together by alternative means, such as through a bracket, a tab, a clasp, a snap, a hook, or an adhesive. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, upper ring  22  and lower ring  24  are held together by alternative means, such as through a bracket, a tab, a clasp, a snap, a hook, or an adhesive. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, hangers  26  and/or attachment tabs  32  may be replaced by one or more hooks, nail-like fasteners, or screw-like fasteners for attachment to the target object or surface. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, attachment tabs  32  may be replaced by one or more baffles, rings, or brackets to attach to the inside or outside of a light fixture enclosure. 
         [0054]    A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.