Abstract:
A light modifier for use with a light source has a frame defining a plane that is spaced apart from a face of the light source. The frame has at least one side member extending from the frame in a direction toward the light source. A locking mechanism is operably attached to the side member for releasably locking the frame into an open position. The frame is collapsible to a closed position inside a cover. The cover has at least one pocket for receiving a light diffusion member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a light diffuser or modifier for use with light sources for image makers in the photography, film, video and motion picture industries. The present invention is especially useful with lighting fixtures that are used in many different applications such as background lighting, studio lighting, video conferencing, news and broadcast, portrait photography, commercial photography and the motion picture and film industries. 
     Diffused or indirect lighting is used in both still and motion picture type photography. To achieve an indirect, soft-type lighting effect, it is desirable to first either directly or indirectly pass the light through a thin layer of translucent or transparent material to break-up and diffuse the light rays. Such lighting is generally produced by light sources which are remote from the cameras. 
     Each particular area to be lighted dictates the type and intensity of the light that will be needed. In some situations, direct light from the light source without any alteration may be required. In other situations, direct light may be too long or cast overly distinct shadows in which case a more diffused light will be more desirable. In still other cases, an even more indirect diffused light may be needed to created the proper lighting effect. It is also important to have a great deal of uniformity in lighting to assist the image maker in properly lighting the subject. Two types of light diffusers include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,757,425 and 5,154,503 which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The industry has developed a type of light box which fits onto the light and provides a source of diffused light. In the past, the light boxes included a fabric material and four rods which were inserted into openings in the material to give the soft box its square shape. From there, those rods were placed into an adaptor ring which held the light source. On the front of the material was a diffusion panel which the light rays pass through in order to soften the lighting. Typically, the image maker purchased many different appropriate sized light boxes to meet all his needs. There are hundreds of companies in the market making lights and each light takes a different size adapter ring which is specific to the light. 
     Various companies have front panels which adhere with a Velcro® type material to the light box to provide different densities of diffusion type product. While this feature is advantageous, there are literally hundreds of choices of diffusion products in the marketplace. The few products which attach with a Velcro® type product on the front of a diffuser do not provide the image maker with the desired versatility. Therefore, the image maker often cuts different fabrics or colored gels, which are plastic heat resistant colored panels, and attaches them using paper clips to the front of the unit in order to get the desired look. 
     A major drawback to this system is that by the time the light box unit is constructed using the four rods and the adapter ring, the image maker has consumed valuable time. This is especially important in the video film industry where the image makers arrive in a location and literally have thirty seconds to get the shot that they need, while in reality, setting up of the unit takes five or so minutes in order to achieve the necessary lighting. The image makers are faced with a dilemma of either having a shot with bad lighting or having no shot at all. Further, both the light boxes and adapter rings are very expensive and not easily stored. 
     The light diffuser should be capable of being used with almost any type of light and preferably be readily and easily attached to and detached from the light source. It is also desirable to have a light diffuser that is a compact, self-contained unit that is easy to position and store. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a light diffuser or modifier that will yield such lighting through a device that is light-weight, compact, easily transported, and readily and easily attached to and detached from the light source. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light modifier that is useable with a wide variety of light sources. 
     Other objects and advantageous of the present invention will become more apparent from a further review of the following specification, drawings and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a light diffuser or modifier which may be readily and easily attached to and detached from many types of light source to provide diffused light for many types of image making purposes. 
     The light modifier of the present invention comprises a collapsible frame contained within a cover. The frame is moveable from a substantially planar or collapsed, position for storage to an open, or three-dimensional, position for attachment to a light source. The frame has a first support member and a pair of opposing side frame members. Each side frame member is pivotally mounted to at a first end to the first support member for movement from a collapsed position, where the side frame members are substantially planar to the first support member, to an open position for engagement with the light source, where the side frame members are at an angle, preferably at substantially perpendicular angle, with respect to the first support member. The frame further includes a light support member which is rotatably attached to a second end of one of the side frame members. The light support member is attached to the second end of the one side frame member such that the light support member and the first support member are in a substantially parallel relationship when the light modifier of the present invention is in the open or three-dimensional position. The light support member is adapted to receive or be affixedly mounted to and removed from a light source. 
     The frame is removably positioned in a cover. The cover includes a transparent pocket which is substantially parallel to the first support member. The pocket of the cover is adapted to slideably receive different density gel and/or diffusion fabrics. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket is made of a clear heat shield fabric which retains its integrity and transparency when exposed to various heat intensities. The pocket allows the image maker to use any type of gel or diffusion fabric. 
     The presence of the pocket in the light modifier of the present invention provides a clear advantage since there are three main types of gels. The first type of gel is used to change the diffusion to either greater or lesser diffusion. The second type is used to change the actual color of the lights. For example, there are lights in the marketplace that have more of a yellow tone and lights in the marketplace that have more of a blue tone. The blue lights provide the brightest light while the yellow light represents more of a yellow white light that is caused by sunlight. With the second type of gel, the light can be changed from yellow to blue and vice versa. The third type of gel is used for background lights for such situations as where the image maker has a gray background and wants to add some blue coloring by placing a blue gel in front of the light. 
     The light modifier of the present invention allows the image maker to slide hundreds of types of gels and/or diffusion fabrics in the pocket in the cover to create any type of look desired by the image maker. Further, the image maker can slide multiple gels in the pocket at the same time to create literally thousands of different lighting set-ups. The image maker does not need to staple, clip or alter the gel product or diffusion product in any way in order to achieve this effect. 
     The present invention is collapsible which aids the image maker in both the set up and the storage of the diffuser. During assembly, the image maker grabs the light support member and matingly engages it with one side frame member, as will be described in detail below. This assembly literally takes seconds as compared to the process of setting up the light boxes described above. The light modifier of the present invention allows the image maker to quickly get a shot while not only the being the first to set up and get the coverage needed, but also the benefit of quickly lighting the subject in a desired manner. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the light modifier quickly collapses and can be simply stored. Often image makers store products in lighting kits which are huge briefcases or suitcases. The light modifier of the present invention is both compact and allows all the pieces of the light modifier to remain together for ease of assembly without having to keep track of or hunt around for missing parts. 
     The light modifier of the present invention provides the image maker with an increased versatility since the modifier can be used with many types of light sources. The present invention offers remarkable versatility not found in other products. 
     The light modifier of the present invention can be made in different sizes and shapes. For ease in explanation, and in conjunction with the drawings, the light modifier will be shown as substantially square, however, it should be understood that other shapes including rectangular, circular, oval and the like are within the contemplated scope of the present invention and that such uses are contemplated by the inventor herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the light modifier of the present invention having a gel partially inserted thereinto. 
     FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a rear view of a partially assembled light modifier. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the light modifier in a collapsed position. 
     FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing only the frame without a cover attached thereto. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a light modifier  10  of the present invention. 
     As can be more clearly seen in FIG. 2, the light modifier  10  includes a frame assembly  12  which is removably positioned within a cover  14 . The cover  14  of the light modifier  10  includes at least one, and preferably at least two, transparent panels  30  and  32  which, when the light modifier is fastened to a light source (not shown), the transparent panel  30  is spaced from and generally parallel to the light source (not shown). 
     In a preferred embodiment, the cover  14  has a first or outer transparent member panel  30  and at least one inner transparent panel  32 . The outer transparent panel  30  and inner transparent panel  32  define an opening or pocket  34 . The pocket  34  can receive any suitable diffusion product  36  such as a gel or fabric. 
     The cover  14  also has an exterior surface  20  which comprises a type of fabric material made of a generally opaque material and preferably includes a reflective interior surface  22  which extends from the transparent panel  30  to a free end  24 . 
     The free end  24  is gathered together in a suitable manner to form an opening  26 , such as a threaded string (not shown) or by an elastic member (not shown) in a channel  28 . The free end  24  defines the opening  26 . During the initial assembly of the light modifier  10 , the opening  26  receives the frame  12 . Thus, as seen in FIG. 2, the elastic member causes the free end  24  of the cover  14  to snugly engage the frame  12  so that light being admitted from the light source will be captured within the cover  14  and will be admitted through the transparent panels  30  and  32 . It is to be understood that the cover  14  can have multiple transparent panels  30  to provide multiple pockets  34  in the cover  14 . 
     The cover  14  can further include a first releasable fastening mechanism  40  such as a loop and hook engagement means including, for example, a section  42  of hooked fiber adjacent an open edge  44  of the pocket  34 . A tab  46  can extend from a portion of the cover  14  which comprises a section of hook synthetic material. It is to be understood that various synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together and sold under the trademarks such as Velcro®, Scotchmate®, and Dual Lok® are contemplated as being useful with the present invention. The fastening mechanism  40  allows the gels  36  to be positioned in the pocket  34  in a secure manner during use of the light modifier  10 . Further, it should be understood that while the transparent panel  30  has a generally square shape, other configurations can be used. 
     In certain uses, the image maker may wish to removably attach different densities of diffusion panels on the cover. Therefore, the cover  14  can further include a second releasable fastening mechanism  50 , such as a hook and loop engagement means, adjacent the pocket  34  in the cover  14 . The second releasable fastening mechanism  50  is attached to first and second side sections  51  and  52  and a bottom section  53  of the cover  14  near the closed edges of the pocket  34 . In FIG. 1, the second fastening mechanism  50  is shown as generally extending around substantially the perimeter defined by the first and second sides  51  and  52  and the bottom  53  of the cover  14 . It should be understood, however, that the second fastening mechanism  50  can comprise discrete segments (not shown) spaced along the sides  51  and  52  and bottom  53  of the cover  14 . The image maker can not only place different gels in the clear pocket  34 , but also can place fabric diffusion panels on the front of the cover  14 . The second fastening mechanism  50  allows for the simultaneous use of the pocket and diffusion panels. 
     In other circumstances, the image maker may wish to attach grids (not shown) to the cover  14  in order to direct more light onto a subject without having spillage of light off to the side or on the back ground. For example, a light focusing device (not shown) such as an Egg Crate Grid™ device, sold by the Light Tools Company, has hollow squares positioned one after another. The light passes through the hollow squares and becomes more directional or focused. Therefore, the cover  14  can further include third releasable fastening means  54 , such as a hook and loop engagement means, to secure the light focusing device to the cover  14 . The third releasable fastening means  54  is positioned on the sides  20  of the cover  14  adjacent corners defined by the transparent panels  30  and  32  and the cover  14 , as shown in FIG.  1 . The loop part of the third fastening means  54  is attached to the cover  14  and the image maker can attach the hook part of the fastening means to the light focusing device. 
     The cover  14 , when the light modifier  10  is engaged to a light source (not shown), defines a series of wall sections  18 , each having a generally square or trapezoidal shape. As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the light modifier  10  is removed from the light source to a collapsed position, as will be described in detail below, the cover  14  simply becomes bunched. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the frame  12  includes a first support member  60  generally having a preferred shape. However, in embodiments where the support member  60  has a generally oval or circumferential shape, it should be understood that various portions along the curved sections of such circular or oval support members  60  will engage other portions of the frame  12 , as will be described in detail below. 
     The support member  60 , though shown as square in shape may have been a desired shape including, but not limited to circular, oval, hexagonal, trapezoidal or the like. Preferably, the shape of the support member  60  will be similar to the shape of the panel  30 . The support member  60  may be made of a semi-rigid wire of a size to provide sufficient rigidity to support the cover  14  and yet be light enough in weight to be readily handled. The frame support member  60  has an upper leg  60   a , a lower leg  60   b , and opposing side legs  60   c  and  60   d.    
     Pivotally secured to each of the side legs  60   c  and  60   d  of the support member  60  is a first side frame member  62  and a second side frame member  64 , respectively. In the embodiment shown, the side frame members  62  and  64  generally have a U- or “open square” shape. The side frame member  62  include a rear member  66  and opposing side arms  68   a  and  68   b . The side arm  68   a  extends from the rear section  66  and pivotally engages the support member  60  at a point adjacent a corner defined by the upper leg  60   a  and the side leg  60   c . The opposite side arm  68   b  pivotally engages the support member  60  at a point adjacent a corner defined by the upper leg  60   a  and the opposing side leg  60   d.    
     Similarly, the side frame member  64  has a rear section  70  and opposing arms  72   a  and  72   b . The side arm  72   a  extends from the rear section  70  and pivotally engages the support member  60  at a point adjacent a corner defined by the lower leg  60   b  and the side leg  60   c . The opposite side arm  72   b  pivotally engages the support member  60  at a point adjacent a corner defined by the lower leg  60   b  and opposing side leg  60   d . It should be understood that the side members  68   a  and  68   b  and  72   a  and  72   b  can have distal ends  68   c ,  68   d ,  72   c  and  72   d , respectively, which ends form loops around the respective legs of the support member  60 . The loops allow the side frame members  62  and  64  to pivot about the support member  60 . 
     In various embodiments, at least one or more support rods  74  can extend from one side arm  68   a  to the opposing side arm  68   b  while at one further support rod  76  can extend from the side arm  72   a  to the side arm  72   b . In various embodiments, the support members rods  74  and  76  provide additional rigidity to the frame  12 . However, it should be understood that other support rods or no support rods are both fully contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
     The light modifier  10  of the present invention has a locking means  78  which is mounted on the frame  12  wherein a first or locking plate  80  is suitably secured to the rear section  66  of the side frame member  62 . The locking plate  80  can have any desired shape such as rectangular or square and the like. The locking plate  80  can be welded directly onto the rear section  66  at a desired angle. The rectangular plate  80  defines at least one and preferably a plurality of notches  82  which extend from a first edge  84  of the plate  80 . The first edge  84  is in opposed relationship to a second edge  86  which is facing the support member  60 . 
     The locking means further comprises a mounting plate  90  is suitably secured to the rear section  70  of the opposing side frame member  64 . The mounting plate  90  can have any shape including rectangular or square and the like. The mounting plate  90  defines a first longitudinally extending channel  92  which receives the rear section  70 . A further securing member  94  such as a plate can be suitably removably secured (for example, welded or screwed with a fastener  95  as shown in FIG. 1) onto the mounting plate  90  to secure the rear member  70  within the channel  92 . The mounting plate  90  pivots about a longitudinal axis defined by the rear member  70 . 
     Attached to the mounting plate  90  is a suitable adapter ring unit  100 . It is to be understood that it is within the contemplated scope of the present invention that various adapter rings  100  can be used with the present invention. For example, while not shown, it is within the contemplated scope have an adaptor ring comprise a round insert out of wire which is welded to the frame for receiving a light source. The wire insert adapter ring also allows the image maker to fit a number of different light sources onto the light modifier of the present invention. This allows the image maker to change the type of light being used without the necessity of having multiple adapter rings for each type of light. 
     It is also within the contemplated scope of the present invention that the use of the adaptor ring  100 , as shown, or various wires would allow the image maker, to use for example, round or square lights which can be removeably mounted onto the mounting bracket  90  by detaching the securing member  94  from the mounting plate  90 . 
     Referring to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, the mounting plate  90  further defines a second longitudinally extending channel  96 . The longitudinally extending channel  96  receives the adapter ring unit  100 . In the embodiment shown, the adapter ring  100  includes a ring mounting fixture  102  which can have any desired shape. The ring mounting fixture  102  preferably has a shape which allows the light modifier  10  to define a generally planar relationship between the support member  60  and the transparent panels  30  and  32  and the adapter ring unit  100 . For ease of explanation, the adapter ring  100  is shown as substantially square. The mounting fixture  102  has a generally square shape having top  102   a  and bottom  102   b  sections and opposing side sections  102   c  and  102   d . The bottom section  102   b  is secured within the second channel  96  of the mounting frame  90  such that the mounting frame  90  does not pivot about the section  102   b . A ring member  104  is suitably mounted to the fixture  102  by at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced apart flange members  106 . The flange members  106  are suitably secured to the ring member  104  at a first end  108  and are welded or otherwise secured to the adjacent portions of the mounting fixture  102  at a second end  110 . 
     The locking means  78  also includes an attachment plate  120  is secured to the top section  102   a  of the mounting fixture  102  which is opposed to the mounting plate  90 . The attachment plate  120  is generally shown as rectangular, but should be understood that other shapes are also useful within the contemplated scope of the present invention. The attachment plate  120  defines a longitudinally extending groove  122  for receiving the section  102   a . At least one of the flange members  106  can be secured to the member  102   a  and, optionally further secured to the attachment plate  120 . 
     The attachment plate  120  further defines at least one or more axially extending openings  126  (as best seen in FIG. 3) for receiving a securing member  127 . In the embodiment shown, the securing member  127  comprises a threaded screw member  128  extending from a knob  130 . The screw member  128  is threadingly engaged within the threaded opening  126 . Each knob  130  can be threadingly and axially moved within the opening  126 . The securing mechanism  127  acts as a quick release mechanism. 
     When the image maker assemblies the light modifier  10  just before used, the edge  84  of the locking plate  80  is slidingly positioned under the knob  130 . The notches  82  in the locking plate  80  engage the screw member  128  of the knob  130 . The knobs  130  can be quickly tightened down to secure or lock the frame  12  into its open position. In the open position, the support member  60 , the transparent panels  30  and  32  and the adapter ring  100  are disposed in a substantially parallel relationship. In the open position, the side members  62  are positioned substantially perpendicular to the support member  60 . As may be seen in FIG. 3, after removal of the light modifier  10  from a suitable light source (not shown), the knobs  130  can be loosened such that the locking plate  80  is slidably disengaged from the knobs  130 . 
     In order to collapse of the frame  12  within the cover  14 , the side member  62  is rotated in a direction toward the support member  60  such that the side member  62  is substantially parallel or planar with the support member  60 . Similarly, the adapter ring unit  100  can be pivotally rotated about the rear member  70  such that the ring unit  100  pivots in a direction toward the opposing side member  64 . The collapsed ring unit  100  and side member  64  are then pivoted toward the first support member  60 . The frame  12 , including the adapter ring unit  100 , can be stored completely within the cover  14 . 
     Alternatively, the frame  12 , including the adapter ring unit  100 , can be stored as in the manner shown in FIG. 3 with the knobs  130  extending where the member  60 , the side members  62  and  64  and the adapter ring unit  100  pivot in opposite directions such that the knobs  130  are not stored completely within the cover  14 . Also, it is within the scope of the present invention that the frame  12  can be partially stored in the cover  14  such that the rear frame section  70  having the adapter ring  100  can be positioned on the exterior of the cover  14 . Each of the storage configurations allows the image maker to easily and quickly assemble the diffusive modifier onto a suitable light source. 
     Still other modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the modifier can be used with a light source having a domed cover, glass or plastic or simply a bulb with no plate or cover so long as there is a frame, housing or other support structure. Additionally, the frame is not necessarily planar but could follow a curved path. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.