Patent Publication Number: US-6705742-B1

Title: System for directing light from a luminaire

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains generally to lighting apparatus. More particularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this document pertains to a system for directing light from a luminaire in a variety of directions to achieve high performance and a number of aesthetic effects. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for providing combinations and permutations of direct and indirect lighting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lighting apparatus and fixtures, commonly referred to in the lighting industry as “luminaires,” are ubiquitous sources of light in modern industrialized nations both in residential, commercial, and other environments. Luminaires are expected to provide not only effective and energy-efficient radiant energy in the form of light, but also ambiance and aesthetics. Indeed, interior and exterior lighting presents at least two persistent challenges, performance and aesthetics. 
     The term “performance” means and is concerned with qualitative and quantitative aspects of light and lighting, as well as the flexible capability to direct light where lighting is desired. The term “aesthetics” includes not only the ambiance provided by a source of light that makes vision possible, but also the sensation aroused by stimulation of visual receptors. Thus, while it may be interesting from an engineering perspective that light is an electromagnetic radiation in wave length ranges that include infrared, visible, ultraviolet light, as well as x-rays, when traveling in a presumed vacuum at a speed of about 186,281 miles per second, and can be seen or sensed by the human eye, a luminaire is expected to present a pleasant appearance, permit adjustable direction of light that contributes to creating a pleasant mood and ambiance, while also providing useful energy-efficient light where desired. Therefore, a lighting fixture, or luminaire, must provide clean lines, appealing proportions in virtually any environment, problem-free installation and alignment, and years of reliable service. A luminaire also must be efficient, and use the least amount of electricity while achieving the highest performance and the best aesthetics. 
     Efforts to achieve both high performance and superb aesthetics have induced the industry to manufacture luminaire housings from a wide variety of materials. Smooth and textured coatings for luminaires have been provided. Minimal visible hardware components seek to achieve refined architectural design. In addition, luminaires have been designed to provide uniform output of light, free from streaks and striations. A variety of lamps have been developed in response to the demand for different quantities, qualities and colors of light. Accordingly, modern luminaires may use a variety of lamps, including quartz halogen, compact fluorescent, ceramic metal halide, and metal halide lamps. Microprismatic lenses, white or colored defusing lenses, ultraviolet and colored filters, baffled glare shields, cut off visors and similar apparatus have also been introduced into modern luminaires, also in the continuing effort to achieve both performance and aesthetics. Two patents demonstrating exemplary industry efforts to achieve performance and aesthetics include U.S. Pat. No. Des. 396,321, issued Jul. 21, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 396,320, issued Jul. 21, 1998, both issued to one of the co-inventors of the present invention, and assigned to Insight Lighting, Inc. 
     Considerable efforts also have been devoted to evolving mathematical formulae and calculations to predict lighting performance and aesthetics. One series of formulae, for example, has been developed for determining illumination provided by a particular luminaire when positioned or mounted at a point P 1 . Cubic illumination at P 1  is a function of six illuminances on the faces of a presumed cube, consisting of three opposed pair of illuminances on x, y and z-axes. From such data, an illumination vector E 1  (X,Y,Z) may be determined. It is known that 3-dimensional illuminance distribution at any point in space is the sum of two components, the vector component E 1  and the symmetric component. The vector component and symmetric component together generate illumination patterns that are variations of light and shade formed on the surface of solid objects that intercept a flow of light. For each object, the illumination pattern is the sum of the effects of these two components. Light, therefore, to those who invent, design and manufacture light and lighting fixtures, or luminaires, is thought of at least in part in terms of light and shade patterns, and the sum of effects generated by the vector and symmetric components. It is the combination of light and shade patterns that are vital to visualize illumination. 
     Of course, quantification aspects of calculating light also is important. “Quantification” is concerned with the quantity of light produced by a given luminaire. Cubic illumination may be determined either by calculation or by measurement of the six cubic illuminances. Illuminance, however, may be applied to two distinctly different types of lighting problems, namely eye illumination, and object illumination. For example, eye illumination may be considered from the point of view of scalar illuminates, or the average illuminance of a small sphere, which is a simple metric that evaluates both light arriving at the eye from all directions, and which provides an indicator of ambient light level in an illuminated space rather than from the perspective of a horizontal plane illuminance. 
     Reflection, or the return of light waves from a surface, also has considerable impact on both performance and aesthetics of a luminaire. It is known that an incident beam of light may be reflected, or returned, from a smooth surface as a reflected beam, and that the angle the incident beam makes with an imaginary line called the “normal” that is at right angles to the reflection surface equals the angle made by the reflected beam, but on the other side of the normal. 
     To achieve performance and aesthetics from a luminaire, luminosity also is important. Luminosity is concerned with emitting or reflecting light, usually in the form of a steady, suffused, or glowing light. Reflectance, on the other hand, is concerned with the fraction of the total radiant flux of luminosity that is incident upon a surface that is reflected, and that varies according to the wave length distribution of incident radiation. To determine the quality or quantity of reflectance, the nature of the reflective surface must be known. Some reflective surfaces are specular, having the qualities of a mirror. Orientation of a reflective surface to the source of incident radiation in the form of light also affects reflectance. Diffuse or matte surfaces tend to veil reflections that in turn reduce the range of colors. 
     Luminance, however, like reflectance, is non-uniform. Furthermore, reflectances are usually demand-set by an architect or interior designer so that lighting or luminance determinations rest on the selection of illuminances. Thus it is clear that altering reflectances in a luminaire will affect performance and aesthetics, those two twin persistent challenges to the inventor and designer of luminaires. In part, these are issues addressed by the present invention. 
     Conventional luminaires tend to achieve performance without luminosity; or they provide luminosity, but lack performance. In other words, current suggestions for achieving performance and aesthetics from a luminaire solve one problem, but not both. In an indirect luminaire, one from which light is emitted substantially upward or vertically from the luminaire, performance may be achieved in present luminaires without providing fascia glow. Alternatively, in an indirect luminaire, conventional units may provide fascia glow, or luminosity, but unacceptable performance. As used in this document, the term “fascia” generally refers to a variously shaped member that is selected and designed to emit light through the member. Thus, fascia may include a member made from glass, Plexiglas, various plastics, resins. Fascia also may include any material in which a wide variety of voids have been formed to create aesthetic lighting results. Thus, fascia may include trademarks, company names, almost any decorative addition imaginable, that may be etched, painted, or otherwise placed on the fascia member. 
     Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the industry for a new, useful and improved lighting fixture, or luminaire, and a method for manufacturing such an apparatus, that is capable of achieving performance, fascia luminosity, and aesthetics. Particularly, there is a significant need in the industry for a method and apparatus that provides a luminaire that may be mounted on a wall or ceiling, and that directs light to where a user wants it using novel and unique reflector performances, while also providing direct fascia that provide aesthetically desirable luminosity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Given the conventional solutions for attempting to solve the problems associated with lighting fixtures, particularly lighting fixtures directed to achieving both performance and aesthetics, it would be desirable, and of considerable advantage, to provide a system for directing light from a luminaire that provides for transmitting substantially indirect lighting from the luminaire, transmitting substantially direct lighting from the luminaire, and emitting substantially luminous direct lighting, all from the same lighting fixture or luminaire. 
     The present invention provides numerous advantages in connection with such a system for directing light from a luminaire. At least one advantage of the present invention is that it achieves all three objectives of providing a luminaire that transmits substantially indirect lighting, transmits substantially direct lighting, and also includes a fascia for emitting substantially luminous direct lighting. The accomplishment of those three objectives simultaneously by the present invention is referred to in this document as the “Simultaneous Tripartite Advantages”. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the Simultaneous Tripartite Advantages are performed by the luminaire simultaneously. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is its capability to use a single source of light, or a lamp, that is removably positionable in the luminaire to provide the Simultaneous Tripartite Advantages. 
     Yet another advantage of the system for directing light from a luminaire is that a variety of different lamps may be installed in the luminaire to satisfy varying demands for the quality and quantity of light. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to etch or otherwise decorate fascia of the apparatus to cast a variety of aesthetically unusual light designs from the luminaire. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is a luminaire, and a method for manufacturing a luminaire, which respectively are easy to use and to practice, and which are cost effective for their intended purposes. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a housing in which a lamp is removably positionable for providing light. A frame connectable to the luminaire is included. A lens is mountable in the frame, and contributes to transmitting substantially indirect lighting from the luminaire. An optical surface is installed in the housing for reflecting light. The optical surface is substantially concave in configuration in the direction from which incident light is received on the optical surface. An opening is formed in the optical surface. The opening in the optical surface is provided for conveying unreflected light toward a multiple surface reflector assembly. The multiple surface reflector assembly is connected to the housing adjacent the opening for reflecting transmitted light. As used in this document, the term “transmitted light” or “unreflected light” includes light from the lamp that is not reflected front the optical surface, but instead passes through the opening in the optical surface to the multiple surface reflector assembly. A window may be mounted in the opening for focusing or filtering the transmitted light toward the multiple surface reflector assembly. In addition, a luminous direct fascia is provided. The luminous direct fascia may be slidably engageable or fixed in the housing, and is formed to emit direct light in the form of luminosity. In addition, means are provided that may be connected to the housing for energizing the lamp. Means mountable to the housing are provided for attaching the luminaire to an object, such as the surface of a wall. 
     It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities. The advantages and objects of the present invention, and features of such a system for directing light from a luminaire, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawing figures, and appended claims. 
     The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description which follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself, both as to structure and operation, are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the system for directing light from a luminaire; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the housing, ballast, and connecting plate; 
     FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the first reflecting device and frame; 
     FIG. 3B is a partial cut-away perspective view of a portion of the frame showing spring-loaded rods, 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second reflecting device, also described in this document as the multiple surface reflector assembly; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the system for directing light from a luminaire, 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the system for directing light from a luminaire showing light patterns from the luminaire; and 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative tear drop shape of the housing. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Briefly, the present invention provides a system for directing light from a luminaire. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system for directing light from a luminaire includes, in general, a source of light removably positionable in the luminaire, a first reflecting device installed in the luminaire for transmitting substantially indirect lighting from the luminaire, a second reflecting device mounted in the luminaire for transmitting substantially direct lighting from the luminaire, and a fascia engageable with the luminaire for emitting substantially luminous direct lighting. Means also are provided for energizing the source of light, and for attaching the luminaire to an object such as a wall. 
     More specifically, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the system for directing light from a luminaire. Referring initially to FIG. 1, therefore, the system for directing light from a luminaire is shown and generally designated  10 . As shown perhaps best by reference to FIG. 5, system for directing light from a luminaire  10  includes in its broadest aspect a source of light  12 . Source of light  12  in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a lamp  12 ′ removably positionable in luminaire  14 . 
     By cross-reference between FIGS. 1,  3 A, and  5 , a first reflecting device  16  is shown to be installed in luminaire  14  for transmitting substantially indirect lighting from luminaire  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first reflecting device  16  includes an optical surface  18  for reflecting light, an opening  20  for conveying light toward a second reflecting device  22 , a window  24  mountable in opening  20  for conveying light, a frame  26  adjacent lamp  12 ′, and a lens  28  insertable in frame  28 . As indicated, system for directing light from a luminaire  10 , in its broadest aspect, also includes second reflecting device  22 . Second reflecting device  22  is mounted in luminaire  14  for transmitting substantially direct lighting and luminous direct lighting from luminaire  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, second reflecting device is a multiple surface reflector assembly  30 . Multiple surface reflector assembly  30  is installed in luminaire  14  adjacent opening  20  formed in optical surface  18 . In its broadest aspect, system for directing light from a luminaire  10  also includes a fascia  32 . Fascia  32  is, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, slidably engageable with luminaire  14 . However, as will be evident to one skilled in the art, fascia  32  may be fixed in luminaire  14 . Fascia  32  is provided for emitting substantially luminous direct lighting. As used in this document, the term “substantially indirect lighting” means light that is directed from luminaire  14  substantially downward from source of light  12 ; the term “substantially direct lighting” means light that is directed from luminaire  14  substantially upward from source of light  12 ; and the term “substantially luminous direct lighting” means luminous light directed substantially downward from luminaire  14 . A diagrammatic example of direct lighting is shown in FIG. 6 by the lines with reference letters DL, and a diagrammatic example of indirect lighting is shown in FIG. 6 by the lines with reference letters IL. 
     In greater detail, as shown perhaps best in FIG. 5, system for directing light from a luminaire  10  includes source of light  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, source of light may include a lamp  12 ′. Lamp  12 ′ may include a variety of lamps, including quartz halogen, compact fluorescent, ceramic metal halide, metal halide lamps, fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, pin-base compact fluorescent lamps in which the reflector is designed around a specific lamp, pendant incandescent lamps, and conventional halogen lamps. Currently, halogen incandescent lamps are considered more efficient than standard incandescent lamps. The term “efficient” pertains to the amount of energy used in producing the same quantity and quality of light. A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that the choice of lamp is not a limitation of the present invention, and that any source of light, and any lamp, could appropriately be used in connection with the practice of the present invention. 
     As shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1,  3  and  5 , system for directing light from a luminaire  10  includes first reflecting device  16 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first reflecting device  16  includes optical surface  18 , opening  20  for conveying light toward second reflecting device  22 , window  24  mountable in opening  20  for conveying light, frame  26  adjacent lamp  12 ′, and lens  28  insertable in frame  26 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, optical surface  18  is formed with a concave face  34  and a convex face  36 . Concave face  34  is the reflective surface for incident light from lamp  12 ′ as shown best in FIG. 6 as L 1 . Preferably, concave face  34  of optical surface  18  is approximately 95% specular, peened, and has an anodized asymmetric optical surface. As used in this document, the term “specular” means having the qualities of a mirror, the term “anodized” means that concave face  34  has been subjected to electrolytic action as the anode of a cell so as to coat concave face with a protective or decorative film, and the term “peened” means that concave face  34  of optical surface  18  has been hammered to shape optical surface  18 . A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that the preferred embodiment of optical surface  18  is not a limitation of the present invention, and that a wide variety of finishing of optical surface  18  may be employed in practicing the present invention. 
     As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1,  3 A,  3 B and  5 , first reflecting device  16  includes frame  26 . Frame  26  is installed in luminaire  14  adjacent source of light  12 . Frame  26  is formed with opposing sides  38   a,b  and opposing ends  40   a,b.  Opposing sides  38   a,b  are each formed with a hollow tube  42  as best shown in FIG.  3 B. Opposing spring-loaded pins  44   a-d  are insertable into hollow tubes  42   a-d  in opposing sides  38   a,b.  Opposing spring-loaded pins  44  are provided to secure frame  26  in first reflecting device  16 . Lens  28  is demountably insertable in frame  26 , but as will be evident to one skilled in the art, lens  28  also may be fixed in frame  26 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, lens  28  is formed from tempered prismatic glass approximately ⅛ inches thick. A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that neither the choice of material to make lens  28 , nor the dimensions of lens  28 , are limitations of the present invention, and that a wide variety of materials and dimensions may be employed in making lens  28  to practice the present invention. 
     Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown by cross-reference among FIGS. 1,  4  and  5 , optical surface  18  is formed with opening  20 . Opening  20  is formed in optical surface  18  for conveying light toward second reflecting device  22 , as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 as L 2 . Generally, the light L 2  conveyed through opening  20  is light produced by source of light  12  but not reflected by optical surface  18  as direct light. L 2  is “transmitted light” or “unreflected light,” as defined earlier in this document. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first reflecting device  16  also includes window  24 . Window  24  is mountable in opening  20  for conveying and filtering light L 2 . Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, window  24  is opaque and removably mountable in opening  20 . Window  24  is opaque to help diffuse and suffuse transmitted light L 2 . A person skilled in the art, however, will understand that window need be neither opaque nor removable to practice the invention, and that neither opaqueness nor removability of window  24  is a limitation of the present invention. 
     As indicated, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, second reflecting device  22  is mounted in luminaire  14  for transmitting substantially direct lighting DL from luminaire  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, second reflecting device  22  is multiple surface reflector assembly  30 . As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, multiple surface reflector assembly  30  is installed in luminaire  14  adjacent opening  20  formed in optical surface  18  and adjacent convex face  36  of optical surface  18 . Multiple surface reflector assembly  30  is includes a first reflector facet  46 . First reflector facet  46  reflects a portion of transmitted light L 2  as shown perhaps best in FIG.  6 . Multiple surface reflector assembly  30  also includes a second reflector facet  48 . Second reflector facet  48  also reflects a portion of transmitted light L 2  substantially in a direction best shown in FIG.  6 . In a preferred embodiment of system for directing light from a luminaire  10 , first reflector facet  46  and second reflector facet  48  are approximately 95% specular, peened, and have an anodized asymmetric optical surface. As shown best in FIG. 4, first reflector facet  46  includes a leading surface  50  and an intermediate surface  52 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, leading surface  50  is a substantially semi-circular convex surface  54 . Second reflector facet  48  includes a substantially trailing concave surface  56 . A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that first reflector facet  46  and second reflector facet  48  may include a variety of shapes and configurations depending on lighting results sought to be achieved, and the shapes and configurations of the preferred embodiment are not limitations on the scope of the present invention. 
     System for directing light from a luminaire  10  also includes fascia  32  as best shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1 and 5. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fascia  32  is formed with a plate  56  having opposing ribs  58   a,b  and opposing segments  60   a,b.  Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fascia  32  includes a lip  62  of varying dimensions as best shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 as D 1 . Lip  62  extends varying distance D 1  beyond fore edge  64  of housing  66 . Lip  62  is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention to achieve enhanced direct lighting DL, but as will be evident to one skilled in the art, lip  62  of fascia  32  is not a limitation of the present invention, and plate  56  of fascia  32  may be formed in a variety of shapes and configurations. Fascia  32  emits substantially luminous direct lighting. As used in this document, the term “substantially luminous direct lighting” includes a substantially steady, suffused or glowing direct lighting as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 by the reference letters LDL. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, plate  56  of fascia  32  is made of tempered glass and is preferably approximately 0.188 inches thick. A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that the choice of materials for plate  56  of fascia  32 , and the preferable dimensions, are not limitations of the present invention. As also shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, housing  66  of luminaire  14  is formed with opposing channels  68   a,b.  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, opposing ribs  58   a,b  of fascia  32  are slidably engageable in opposing channels  68   a,b.    
     As shown best in FIG. 2, the present invention also includes means  70  for energizing lamp  12 ′. Means  70  for energizing lamp  12 ′ is coupled to luminaire  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, means  70  for energizing lamp  12 ′ is a ballast  72 . Also included in the present invention are means  74  attachable to luminaire  14  for attaching luminaire  14  to an object such as a wall. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, means  74  for attaching luminaire  14  to an object such as a wall includes a mounting plate  76 . Also included in housing  66  is a holder  77 . Second reflecting device  22 , which in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is multiple surface reflector assembly  30 , is mountable on holder  77 . 
     As indicated, and as shown in FIG. 2, luminaire  14  of the present invention also includes housing  66 , as best shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2 and 5. Housing  66  is formed with a base  78 , a wall  79 , and two opposing end panels  80   a,b  extending monolithically from the base at substantially right angles to base  78 . Two opposing end panels  80   a,b  are, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, substantially triangular in shape. In an alternative embodiment, two opposing end panels  80   a,b  are substantially tear drop in shape, as shown in FIG. 7. A person skilled in the art, however, will realize that the choice of shape of opposing end panels  80   a,b  is not a limitation of the present invention. 
     In operation, following application of energy through ballast  72 , lamp  12 ′ provides incident light L 1  that is reflected from optical surface  18  of first reflecting device  16  of luminaire  14 . Incident light L 1  produces reflected light RL as shown best in FIG.  6 . In connection with all lines labeled as showing light and lighting in FIG. 6, it will be understood that the lines are suggestive and diagrammatic only, and are not intended to demonstrate actual angles from the normal which has been described in this document as an imaginary line generally at right angles to a reflective surface. Reflected light RL is directed through lens  28  inserted in frame  26  to produce indirect lighting IL. Substantially simultaneously, a portion of incident light L 1  passes through opening  20  in optical surface  18  as transmitted light L 2 . Transmitted light L 2  is directed to second reflecting device  22  which, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is multiple surface reflector assembly  30 . Transmitted light L 2  reflects from first reflector facet  46  and second reflector facet  48  of multiple surface reflector assembly  30 , as shown in FIG. 6, to produce direct light and lighting DL that is directed through and along fascia  32 . Fascia  32  may be presented in a wide variety of shapes, colors, etchings, and materials to produce varying lighting aesthetics. 
     While the system for directing light from a luminaire shown in drawing FIGS. 1-7 is one embodiment of the present invention, it is merely one embodiment, is not intended to be exclusive, and is not a limitation of the present invention. While the particular system for directing light from a luminaire as shown and disclosed in detail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages stated, this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and no limitations are intended in connection with the details of construction, design or composition other than as provided and described in the appended claims. Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as, intending to indicate the ordering or sequencing of elements and steps in the claims.