Method and apparatus for lighting with reflection

An apparatus for lighting. The apparatus includes a first light source. The apparatus includes a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus includes a support structure to which the first housing is attached. The apparatus includes a reflection portion having a least two reflectors. The reflection portion attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing such that light from the first light source is directed to desired locations. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a first light source. The apparatus includes a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus includes a support structure to which the first light source is attached. The apparatus includes a second light source. The apparatus includes a second housing in which the second light source is disposed. The second housing attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing. The apparatus includes a first reflector disposed with the second housing and opposing the first light source so light emitted by the first light source is reflected by the first reflector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to lighting with reflectors. More specifically, the present invention is related to lighting with reflectors that are connected to housings having light sources that are in spaced relation with the reflectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighting is second nature in this day and age. It can serve both the function of illuminating locations as well as making artistic statements. Furthermore, the generally recognized form of lighting that is the most pleasing to the eye is indirect lighting, such as that obtained through reflection. The present invention is just such a type of lighting; it can make an artistic statement, and provide indirect lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for lighting. The apparatus comprises a first light source. The apparatus comprises a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus comprises a support structure to which the first housing is attached. The apparatus comprises a reflection portion having a least two reflectors. The reflection portion attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing such that light from the first light source is directed to desired locations.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for lighting. The apparatus comprises a first light source. The apparatus comprises a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus comprises a support structure to which the first light source is attached. The apparatus comprises a second light source. The apparatus comprises a second housing in which the second light source is disposed. The second housing attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing. The apparatus comprises a first reflector disposed with the second housing and opposing the first light source so light emitted by the first light source is reflected by the first reflector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically toFIG. 1thereof, there is shown an apparatus10for lighting. The apparatus10comprises a first light source12. The apparatus10comprises a first housing14in which the first light source12is disposed. The apparatus10comprises a support structure16to which the first housing14is attached. The apparatus10comprises a reflection portion18having a least two reflectors20. The reflection portion18attached to the support structure16and in spaced relationship with the first housing14such that light from the first light source12is directed to desired locations.

Preferably, the reflectors20in the reflection portion18are movable in the reflection portion18so the reflectors20can be moved so light is reflected by the reflectors20to desired locations. The first housing14preferably has a curved or rhombohedron cross-section. Preferably, the first housing14includes a housing reflector22which reflects light reflected from the reflection portion18. The apparatus10preferably has a secondary reflector24attached to the support structure16and reflecting light from the light source and the housing reflector22. The reflection portion18disposed between the secondary reflector24and the first light source12.

Preferably, the support structure16includes a second light source26disposed in the first housing14emitting light in a direction opposite the direction the first light source12emits light, and a bottom reflector28disposed adjacent to the housing and positioned to reflect light from the second light source26. The reflectors20in the reflection portion18preferably are motorized.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus10for lighting. The apparatus10comprises a first light source12. The apparatus10comprises a first housing14in which the first light source12is disposed. The apparatus10comprises a support structure16to which the first light source12is attached. The apparatus10comprises a second light source26. The apparatus10comprises a second housing30in which the second light source26is disposed. The second housing30attached to the support structure16and in spaced relationship with the first housing14. The apparatus10comprises a first reflector32disposed with the second housing30and opposing the first light source12so light emitted by the first light source12is reflected by the first reflector32.

Preferably, the first reflector32is movable. The apparatus10preferably has at least a second reflector34disposed with the second housing30and opposing the first light source12so light emitted by the first light source12is reflected by the second reflector34. Preferably, the apparatus10includes a third housing attached to the support structure16adjacent the second housing30and in spaced relationship with the first housing14. There is a third light source disposed in the third housing and a second reflector34disposed with the third housing opposing the first light source12so light emitted by the first light source12is reflected by the second reflector34.

The apparatus10preferably has a third reflector36attached to the support structure16, in spaced relationship with the second light source26and positioned to reflect light emitted by the second light source26. Preferably, the apparatus10includes a fourth reflector38attached to the support structure16, in spaced relationship with the third reflector36, and positioned to reflect light emitted by the second light source26, with the third reflector36between the second light source26and the fourth reflector38. The first reflector32preferably is motorized. Preferably, the second and third reflectors34,36are motorized.

In the operation of the invention, in a first embodiment, a lighting apparatus10is formed of a combination of mirror modules68and light modules68that are attached to a support structure16. Each light module68comprises a housing with a lamp disposed in the housing and an opening at the top of the housing through which light from the lamp can be emitted from the housing. A light module68can also have a mirror disposed in the housing at its bottom. The mirror module68comprises a housing with a mirror disposed in its. Electrical wiring48can be run to the lamps in each housing module68through the support structure16so it is not visible.

The light modules68and mirror modules68can be positioned in any arrangement desired. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, there is a first set of light modules68that are comprised of two adjacent light modules68attached to the support structure16alongside each other and adjacent the base of the support structure16. There is also a second set of light modules68comprised of two light modules68attached to the support structure16alongside each other and above the first set of light modules68. The second set of light modules68disposed above the first set of light modules68have mirrors in them which reflect the light emitted from the first set of light modules68. Attached to the support structure16alongside each other above the second set of light modules68are two mirror modules68. The mirrors of the mirror modules68reflect the light emitted from the second set of light modules68.

On the other side of the support structure16are two larger light modules68than those light modules68described above, with one light module68positioned on the support structure16above the other light module68, and having a mirror at its bottom to reflect light emitted by the lower light module68attached to the support structure16. Attached to the support structure16above the higher light module68of the two light modules68on the other side of the support structure16is a mirror module68which reflects light emitted from the higher light module68. Each of the light modules68and the mirror module68is in spaced relation from each other, as are the twin mirror modules68and the first and second sets of light modules68attached to the support structure16.

FIGS. 4 and 5show another example of light modules68and mirror modules68attached to a support structure16.FIGS. 4 and 5show two light modules68attached to the support structure16alongside each other, but on opposite sides of the support structure16. Attached in a similar fashion above the two light modules68are two motorized mirror modules68which reflect light emitted by the two light modules68. The mirror modules68are in spaced relation with the light modules68. The mirror modules68are operated by remote control so that each mirror module68can independently be positioned to reflect light at a desired angle emitted by the two light modules68.

Another example is based upon a modular system with 3 types of elements: 1. a support structure16, 2. one or more light-generating elements, and 3. one or more mirror-elements.

To illustrate the example, four different fixtures with the same height (approx. 2 m) are shown.

The basic idea is to make a free-standing structure that can be fixed on the floor or onto walls. This structure also contains the wiring48that goes to the light modules68. The structure consists of two T-shaped hollow elements (extrusions) (seeFIG. 6), that can be connected to one another if this is necessary for the strength or for aesthetic reasons. This connecting element is X-shaped, but, in fact, it can have any shape.

On this structure is fixed the lighting elements that each contain one or more lamps with the necessary gears. It is also possible to add a movable mirror at the bottom of the module68. In this case, it is possible to “stack” two or more lighting elements on top of each other, so that the top module68reflects the light of the module68beneath.

The mirror-elements are visually collinear with the matching lighting modules68. They contain a movable mirror in order to control the direction of the reflected light. Possibly the big mirror elements could contain four independently movable small mirrors instead of one big mirror. Or possible, the mirror-elements cold even contain a V-shaped or convex reflector that is not movable. But no matter what mirror element is used, the fixture always looks the same way because the reflectors20are hidden in a small volume.

The illustrations show combinations of CDM-PAR30 modules68(profile size 120×120) and MR16 modules68(60×60). From a functional point of view, it could be interesting to use the discharge sources to light a large area, and to use narrow-beam MR16 bulbs to put accents. Of course, also other sources could be used, for instance, compact fluorescent lamps in a wide rectangular volume.

The distance between the two T-shaped structure elements is defined by the largest lighting module68. So in case of fluorescent sources, the fixtures will be wide; but when only small bulbs (e.g. MR16) are used, it is possible to make small fixtures that can be used in private gardens.

To resume the main characteristics: the apparatus10is flexible, technical and modular concept, designed to customize the product to the needs of a client.

Another example approaches the “multiple source/multiple reflector” idea from a completely different angle. In this example, the sources are always on top of the fixture, and their light is reflected by multiple reflectors20that are at the same level. The idea is to divide the light coming from the source(s) into two parts: a small “nucleus” or hotspot, and the surrounding rest of the beam, the fall-off.

To illustrate this, one single design was made and given two different sources (again CDM-PAR30, or 4×MR16). In the cut-awayFIG. 7andFIG. 8, it is shown where these sources are located in the fixture.

Both apparatuses have a large screen made of non-brilliant material that captures all the light coming from the source(s) and that provides a soft general lighting to the environment. This screen can be tilted back and forth to direct this light; to increase the directing angle, the whole of screen plus source(s) can also be tilted over an angle of approx. 15 to 30°, depending on the source. The support structure extending from the screen to the light source can be linked so the screen and light source move in tandem and their relationship stays fixed. The cut-away view shows that the MR16 version is tilted in this manner, while the PAR30 has a horizontal screen to provide the same amount of general lighting in all directions. Within the large screen, there can be one or more small mirrors made of highly brilliant reflector material (e.g. aluminum or dichroic glass) that can be directed independently. Each small reflector has its own small directing mechanism, placed into a hole in the large screen. The function of the small mirrors is to capture only the nucleus of the light beam(s), and to put accents to certain details in the environment.

In case of four MR16s, each small mirror reflects the light of one particular bulb. (The bulbs are mounted on a slightly convex socket-holder, so their beams diverge to match the centers of the small mirrors in the screen.) In case of CDM-PAR30, the beam nucleus is divided into four parts, each captured by one mirror. Of course, in both cases, it would have been possible to have only one mirror (with an increased diameter) in the center of the screen, instead of four.

Resuming the main characteristics, the apparatus10is a more architecturally designed range of fixtures that always provide two types of light (even with one type of source, and even with one single bulb): both general and accent lighting. The example only shows free-standing pole-shaped fixtures, but it is also possible to apply the embodiment to relatively compact wall fixtures. A variation on the theme could be made by fixing the small mirrors to the individual sources by means of a thin canopy, as shown inFIG. 9.

In another example, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the lighting apparatus10has two different light sources, providing two completely different kinds of lighting. On top, there is a powerful AR111 that provides a lighted accent (with a highly brilliant mirror) or a large softly lighted area (with a matte reflector20). The top reflector21can be turned around, so the light beam can be pointed into any direction. This can be done without changing the look of the fixture at the outside; the reflector20is put into a cylindric housing for this reason. The AR111 is located deep into its housing, which is painted black at the inside; this is to prevent dazzling.

At the bottom of the lighting apparatus10, there is a second light source26(for instance, PAR20); the light coming from this source is reflected by a mirror that is located at the very bottom of the tube, so that the light will skim the ground surface and, for instance, accentuate its beautiful texture. Or also, indicate a walking area. To protect the reflector20from dirt, it is covered by a cylindric glass tube.

An interesting point in this design is that reflectors20can also be used to allow the light to reach places that would otherwise be hard to reach. If one would try to skim the surface directly with the lamp instead of by a reflecting mirror, there would be 1. a need for a larger pole diameter, 2. problems ensuring a good visual comfort, and 3. problems connecting the lamp in a safe and waterproof way.

FIG. 12shows a motorized mirror module68that is comprised of a mirror housing, a mounting box42that fits in the mirror housing and a motorized element54that is disposed in the mounting box42. The mirror housing mounts, for example, to the support structure16. The mounting box42is fixed to the housing through pins or screws. The motorized element54is fixed to the mounting box42through its base plate44that is connected to the mounting box42through an axis50screw at the central axis50of the mirror module68about which the motorized element54rotates. The motorized element54has a motorized wheel62mounted to the base plate44and extending through a slot56in the base plate44. The motorized wheel62moves along a pre-defined path52on the mounting box42with a stop40present at +90° degrees and a stop40present at −90 degrees to define a range of motion of the motorized wheel62and thus the motorized element54in a rotational direction around the axis50.

FIG. 13shows how the motorized element54receives its control and power wiring48. Wiring48from the first motor58and the second motor64of the mirror element extends up through the mounting block through the housing and then to the support structure16.

FIG. 14shows the mirror element in more detail. There is a first motor58mounted to the base plate44that has a cylinder60on which the motorized wheel62is attached, as explained above, which extends to a slot56in the base plate44. The first motor58provides rotational or left-to-right movement between a +90 degrees and a −90 degrees. There is a second motor64mounted to the base plate44that provides a belt driven wheel62up-to-down movement of 0 degrees to 33 degrees. There is a mirror mounting plate46attached to a stem66which extends from the base plate44, on which the reflector20is fixed. The first and second motors58,64themselves are well known in the art. What is unique is how the first and second motors58,64are used in regard to a reflector20element. For example, a mirror set at 30 degrees, causes light reflected from the mirror fixed to the mirror mounting plate46to be at 60 degrees.FIG. 15shows the assembled motorized mirror module68from below.

In another example, as shown inFIGS. 17a,17band17c, the light source is disposed in the housing with a first reflector32positioned in spaced relation in front of the housing and so light emitted from the light source is reflected by the first reflector32. There is a second reflector34also positioned in front of the housing and behind the first reflector32. Light that passes the first reflector32is reflected by the second reflector34. In addition, if desired, a third reflector36can be positioned along the circumference of the inner diameter of the housing with a hole in its center so light can be emitted from the light source through the hole to the first and second reflectors32,34. Then light that is reflected from the first and second reflectors32,34which is directed back to the housing is reflected by the third reflector36back up to either the first or the second reflectors32,34, depending on how the third reflector36is angled. In addition, there can be a fourth, and even a fifth or sixth, or even any number of additional reflectors20positioned on the back of the first reflector32so that light reflected from the second reflector34towards the back of the first reflector32is then reflected by the reflectors20on the back of the first reflector32towards the second reflector34at a desired angle and then by the second reflector34out. In this way, multiple reflections can be achieved with the light in a similar way light is reflected inside a diamond. If desired, the first reflector32can have one or more apertures to allow light to directly pass through the first reflector32.

The modules68can take on many different variations in shapes, but can be of a standard form and shape so that they can be easily interchanged.FIGS. 18-29show, respectively, a module68having a bottom reflector28only, a top lamp13and bottom reflector28, a top lamp13and a bottom lamp15, a top reflector21and a bottom lamp15, a top reflector21and a bottom reflector28, a top reflector21and a bottom reflector28with a side reflector23directed down, a top lamp13and bottom lamp15with a side lamp reflector25, a bottom lamp15, a top lamp13, a top reflector21and a bottom reflector28with a side lamp17facing down, a top reflector21and a bottom reflector28with a side lamp17facing up and a top reflector21and bottom reflector28with a side reflector23facing up. It should be noted that inFIGS. 23,24and29, where there is a side reflector23facing up or down, there can be a reflecting surface on both sides of the reflector23to provide reflection of light striking the respective reflector23from above or from below.

FIGS. 30-32show isomeric, front and top views, respectively, of three circular housings of a different height with lamps.FIGS. 33-35show isometric, front and top views of a singular circular housing having four lamps and four reflectors20.FIGS. 36-38show isometric, front and top views, respectively, of three circular housings of varied height, each of which has a lamp, with a single reflection portion18having three adjustable reflectors20.FIGS. 39-41show isometric, front and top views, respectively, of three circular housings, each of which have a lamp, and three reflectors20, with one reflector positioned over each housing.FIGS. 42-44show isometric, front and top views, respectively, of three square shaped housings of varying height, each of which have a lamp and a single reflection portion18having three adjustable reflectors20, with each housing having a reflector positioned over it.

Another configuration that uses reflectors with one or more light sources utilizes a drum61, as shown inFIGS. 45-50. In a first embodiment, a drum61, which can be attached to a ceiling, floor wall or floor, comprises a housing14with a plurality of lamps, preferably disposed symmetrically about a central axis of the housing14and emitting light radially outwards. It should be noted that any configuration with light sources12can be used to obtain whatever desired lighting effect. The lamps12can be placed asymmetrically in the drum61, as an alternative example.

Positioned in front of each lamp and at a desired angle are reflectors mounted inside the housing of the drum61. The light emitted from a lamp12in the drum61, strikes the reflector20and is reflected out of the drum61through an aperture in the housing14in a desired direction, depending on the angle of the reflector relative to the lamp12. If desired, each reflector20can be motorized, as explained above. From the prospective of an individual in a room with the drum61mounted in it, all the individual sees are apertures in the drum61with light emitted from the apertures.

In another embodiment with the drum61, there is a central light source disposed at the central axis of the housing14. Radiating radially outwards from the central axis are internal luminescent tubes63that have apertures at the end of a tube63, or reflectors that reflect light propagating down the luminescent tube63through an aperture in the bottom face of the housing14. In regard to tubes63that have apertures at their end in the side of the housing, reflectors are mounted in alignment with the tubes to reflect light to a desired location in the room. If desired, the reflectors can be motorized, as explained above. The luminescent tubes63have a common central location from which light at the central axis feeds each of the luminescent tubes63.

In an alternative embodiment,FIGS. 49 and 50show a drum61with external luminescent tubes63, instead of internal tubes63, as described above. In regard to this alternative embodiment, the ends of the luminescent tubes63extend beyond the sides of the housing, and any tube with internal reflectors, has its internal reflector20mounted at the end of the tube. Like the internal luminescent tubes63that have their apertures in the side of the housing, in this alternative embodiment, there are reflectors mounted in front of the apertures of the end of the luminescent tubes63to reflect light emitted from the luminescent tubes63to desired locations in the room. As an aside, it should be noted that these drums61can also be used on a lawn or wall or ceiling outside a building, to achieve desired lighting effects.

The light source and reflectors do not need to be connected by a support structure. They can be mounted on separate walls or ceilings or floors, but aligned so the light emitted from a light source is reflected by the reflectors.FIG. 51shows a first light source12in a first housing mounted to a first wall emitting light that is reflected by a first reflector20mounted on the ceiling, to a second reflector mounted on a second wall.FIG. 52similarly shows a first and second housing having first and second light sources, respectively, emitting light to a reflector20mounted on the first wall and a reflector20mounted on the ceiling, which reflect the light to a third reflector20mounted on the second wall.FIG. 53shows a similar relationship toFIG. 52except the two light sources are disposed in the same housing and there is an additional reflector on the ceiling.

It should be noted that lamps can also be motorized. See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/123,798, incorporated by reference herein, for a complete description of motorized lamps. Alternatively, the lamps and the reflectors can have an arm that extends from them, and the lamp or the reflector are mounted on a pivotable support. In this way, the lamp or the reflector can be manually moved through gripping the arm and moving it to a desired position, thus moving the lamp or the reflector. In addition, a screw can extend from the housing surface to the pivotable support, when tightened against the pivotable support. The screw locks the pivotable support and, thus, the lamp or reflector in place. For a description of lamp fixtures generally, See U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,234,644 and 6,511,208, incorporated by reference herein.

The reflectors themselves generally can be of a specular or diffuse finish, as is well known in the art. The reflector can also be made of a diochroic glass which allows certain wavelengths of light through and causes other desired wavelength to be reflected. Alternatively, the reflector can be made out of a translucent material.