Patent Publication Number: US-2023152671-A1

Title: Softbox light-altering element

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 63/211,272, filed Jun. 16, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated into this application by reference. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     Softboxes are often used in photography and video/filmmaking to direct and alter light. For example, softboxes are used to direct light onto a subject of a photographic shoot or onto a set of a film. These light-altering elements alter the light from a source to the subject. Such light-altering elements include grids, diffusers, and gels. 
     These light-altering elements are typically standalone devices that attach to the softbox using hook-and-loop fasteners, button fasteners, or snaps. In some cases, the light-altering elements are a flexible fabric and are elastically stretched over the light-directing end of a frame of a softbox. 
     Problems with this existing technology include users having difficulty quickly and securely coupling the light-altering element to the light directing end of the softbox. Stand-alone hook and loop fastening connections require a user to align the hook portion with the loop portion, which can be difficult. Failure to do so could lead to an insecure connection. In addition, stretching an elastic fabric over a light directing end can be troublesome, especially when the geometry of the softbox requires special attention to the alignment of the elastic fabric to ensure a tight and accurate fit. When a user improperly attaches or misaligns the light-altering element to a softbox, the photo/video/film can be negatively impacted. Thus, it remains desirous to develop technology that can allow a light-altering element to be quickly and accurately coupled to a softbox. 
     It is with respect to these and other considerations that the technologies described below have been developed. Also, although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the embodiments should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the introduction. 
     Improved Softbox Light-Altering Element 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The technology relates to systems and methods for coupling light-altering elements to a softbox. In one aspect of the technology, a light-altering element, such as a diffuser or gel, includes an attachment element around at least a portion of the outer edge of the light-altering element. In an example, the attachment element is a zipper. The zipper, in examples, aligns with a corresponding zipper on the edge of a distal portion of the softbox body (e.g., a webbing, a fabric, etc.). 
     Aspects of the technology also include a housing to store the light-altering element. In some aspects of the technology, the light-altering element is housed in an integrated housing element of the softbox. For example, a pocket may be coupled to the inner or outer surface of the body of the softbox, and the light-altering element may be folded and stored in the pocket. In other examples, the light-altering element may be rolled and secured via a band having a snap or other securing mechanism. The band or other securing element may removably secure the light-altering element to an outside surface of an inside surface of the softbox. 
     In some aspects, the light-altering element may be partially integrated into the body of the softbox such that a portion of the edge of the light-altering element is non-removably coupled to the edge of the distal portion of the body of the softbox. For example, where the body of the softbox includes a housing to secure the light-altering element, an edge of the light-altering element may be non-removably coupled to the distal portion of the body of the softbox proximate to the housing. 
     In aspects, the partially integrated light-altering element is designed such that in an expanded form, the light-altering element couples (via zippers, magnets, or other coupling means) to the edge (or proximate to the edge) of the distal portion of the body of the softbox. One benefit of having at least a portion of the edge of the light-altering element non-removably coupled to the body of the softbox is that the need for a user to precisely align the edge of the light-altering element with the softbox is mitigated. For example, on single edge of an octagonal diffuser (or other shape) may be sewn to a surface of the softbox. This allows, in some applications, for easy alignment of the remaining sides. 
     In some aspects of the technology, the softbox additionally/alternatively includes one or more coupling elements disposed within a cuff of the body of the softbox. These coupling elements may couple to another light-altering element. For example, the coupling elements may be magnets/ferromagnetic material that may align with magnets/ferromagnetic material of a light-altering element, such as a flexible and/or collapsible grid, gel, or diffuser. 
     In examples, the coupling elements (e.g., magnets/ferromagnetic material) of a light-altering element may be located on at least a portion of the edge of a light-altering element. In some aspects of the technology, both the cuff of the body of the softbox and at least a portion of the light-altering element have magnets that are arranged such that the poles of the magnets assist the user in aligning the light-altering element with the softbox to form a robust coupling. 
     Aspects of the technology include a softbox with a plurality of frame arms each having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of each of the plurality of frame arms is coupled to a light ring having a body and an outer surface, the body defining an opening through which light from a camera lighting element is capable of passing. The softbox body may have a first surface, a second surface, a proximal edge, and a distal edge, wherein the proximal edge is coupled to the outer surface of the light ring, and further wherein at least a portion of the distal ends of the plurality of frame arms are coupled to the softbox body at coupling locations. A light-altering element may have a light-altering body, a first edge portion, and a second edge portion, wherein the first edge portion is non-removably coupled to the softbox body, and further wherein the second edge portion comprises a coupling element. The securing element may be coupled to an inside surface of the softbox body proximate to a distal edge of the softbox body such that the securing element may couple to the coupling element. 
     In examples, the securing element is a zipper. In further examples, a light-altering element housing is coupled to the first surface of the softbox body. In further examples, the light-altering element housing is a pocket. The light-altering element may be a diffuser. The diffuser may be opaque, transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent. The coupling element may at least one selected from the group consisting of: a plurality of magnets, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, hook and eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, and toggles. The body may be a fully or semi-reflective fabric. 
     Aspects of the technology include a softbox system having a softbox having: a plurality of frame arms each have a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of each of the plurality of frame arms is coupled to an adapter element having a body and an outer surface, the body defining an opening through which light from a camera lighting element is capable of passing; a webbing having a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and a cuff proximate a distal edge; wherein the proximal edge is coupled to the outer surface of the adapter element, wherein at least a portion of the distal ends of the plurality of frame arms are coupled to the webbing at coupling locations; one or more coupling elements integrated into the webbing at the cuff of the webbing; a light-altering element having a body and a side-surface, the side-surface removably coupled to coupling elements via attachment elements. 
     In examples, one or more coupling elements are magnets. In examples, the light-altering element is a grid that is flexible. 
     These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed written description of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures: 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a view of a softbox with a partially integrated light-altering element. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a close-up view of an example coupling element of a light-altering device. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a view of a softbox with a light-altering element secured in a housing of a softbox. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates a view of a softbox with a light-altering element partially out of a housing of a softbox. 
         FIG.  2 C  illustrates a view of a softbox having a light-altering element in an expanded position. 
         FIG.  2 D  illustrates a view of a softbox having a light-altering element coupled to the softbox. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an alternative securing system for a light-altering element of a softbox. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a softbox body having additional coupling elements. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate various views of an example light-altering element integrated with coupling elements. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate an example of a light-altering element with magnets and a softbox. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present technology relate to a softbox with one or more coupling elements to couple one or more light-altering elements, such as a light diffuser, a grid, a gel, a snoot, etc. In one aspect of the technology, the light-altering element is housed on or in the body of the softbox (for example, along an inner or outer surface of the body (e.g., the fabric of the softbox)). In examples, a pocket or pouch may be sewn or otherwise coupled to a surface of the softbox. In another example, button/straps may be used to secure the light-altering element to the softbox body. An edge of the light-altering element may have a portion non-removably coupled to the edge of the softbox. All or a portion of the remaining edge of the light-altering element may have one or more attachment elements capable of coupling to the edge (or proximate to the edge) of the softbox body. As a specific, non-limiting example, a portion of a diffuser may be sewn to the inside surface of the fabric of the softbox (proximate to the edge of the fabric of the softbox, in some cases), and the remaining edge of the light diffuser may include a zipper capable of being zipped to the remaining edge of the softbox. 
     Additionally/alternatively, aspects of the technology include a light-altering device with coupling elements disposed within a side of the light-altering-element. The coupling elements may engage with coupling elements of a softbox. For example, a flexible grid may use magnets around a side-edge to couple to an inside portion of the softbox fabric. In examples, a cuff of the softbox fabric receives the magnets of the additional light alternating element, such as a grid. 
     Turning to the figures,  FIG.  1 A  illustrates a view of a softbox  100  with a partially integrated light-altering element  130 .  FIG.  1 B  illustrates a close-up view of the coupling elements  158  of the softbox  100 . As illustrated, a softbox  100  includes a body  102 . The body  102  may comprise a cloth, webbing, or other flexible/semi-flexible, semi rigid, rigid, and/or collapsible material. In aspects of the technology, the material of the body  102  has semi-opaque, reflective, and/or fully opaque properties to guide light from a light source through an opening  106  to a target. The body  102  is supported by a frame assembly  113 . 
     As illustrated, the frame assembly  113  includes a support element  107  coupled to frame arms  104 . The illustrated support element  107  is a ring having a body defining an opening  106  with an outer annular surface  111 . The proximal portion  155  of the body  102  of the softbox is coupled to the outer annular surface  111 . While the illustrated frame assembly includes pivot arms  109  to facilitate collapsing the frame assembly  113  (as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 11,281,073, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference), it will be appreciated that aspects of the technology disclosed herein may be used with non-collapsible softboxes. 
     As illustrated, the material (e.g., webbing) of the body  102  couples to the frame arms  104  at coupling locations  191 . The coupling locations  191  may be near the distal end  117  of the body  102 . Coupling may occur through a variety of mechanisms. For example, an insert or receiving tab may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  102  at the coupling locations  191 . In aspects, an insert or receiving tab may facilitate the distal end of the frame arm  104  being removably-inserted into the body  102  at the coupling locations  191 . Other coupling means are contemplated including rivets, pins, screws, nails, adhesive, and any other means now known or later developed suitable for coupling the body  102  to the distal end of the frame arm  104 . 
     Coupling the body  102  to the frame arms  104  allows the body  102  to be stretched from opening  106  to a distal end of the frame arms  104 . Thus, the body  102  may form a variety of shapes, including a frustoconical shape, rectangular prism shape, or, as illustrated, a dome shape. As illustrated, the body  102  has an inside surface  180  (upon which light from the opening may be reflected, in examples). Opposite the inside surface  180  is an outside surface  132 . Additionally illustrated is a distal edge  110  of the body  102 . An example softbox and frame arm assembly is provided in U.S. Patent No.  11 , 281 , 073 , the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. 
     Additionally, illustrated in  FIG.  1    is light-altering-element  130 . As illustrated light-altering element  130  is shown as an integrated light-altering element. The integrated light-altering element  130  may be stored coupled to the softbox body  102  through the use of a housing  140 . In the example illustrated, the housing  140  is a pocket that houses the light-altering element  130  when the light-altering element  130  is in a collapsed form. The housing may also be a sleeve or pouch. The light-altering element  130  may be a foldable or collapsible light diffuser, gel, grid, or other light altering element. 
     As illustrated, the light-altering element  130  has an edge portion  152 . A first edge portion  152  is, as shown, non-removably coupled proximate to the distal edge  110  of the softbox webbing. This may be accomplished by sewing, gluing, riveting, etc., the first edge portion  152  to the softbox body  102 . In aspects, this occurs at or near the distal edge  110  of the body  102 . For example, the first edge portion  152  may be glued or stitched to the inside surface  180  along the first edge portion  152 . 
     In aspects of the technology, the other edge portions  154  may have a coupling element  158  adapted to removably couple to light-altering element coupling locations  156  of the softbox body  102 . As illustrated, the coupling location is an inner surface disposed proximate to the distal edge  110  of the softbox body  102 . In aspects of the technology, the coupling element  158  may be a hook fastener or a ferromagnetic material, and the light-altering element coupling locations  156  may comprise a loop fastener or a flexible magnet, respectively. As a particular example, a zipper may be integrated at the other edge portions  154  as a coupling element  158 , and that zipper may align with and removably attach to a receiving zipper at the light-altering element coupling locations  156 . In other examples coupling the coupling element  158  to the light-altering element coupling locations  156  may occur using other means. For example, the coupling may occur by using one or more coupling means such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, magnets, ferromagnetic material, snaps, or any other attachment means now known or later developed capable of removably coupling the other edge portions  154  to the distal edge  110  of the softbox body  102 . 
     As illustrated, the light-altering element coupling location  156  is located proximate to a distal edge  110  of the body  102 . Between a distal edge  110  of the body  102  and the light-altering element coupling location  156  is a cuff  161 . The cuff  161  is an area of the body  102  that may house one or more attachment elements, such as those attachment elements described with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 6   . As illustrated, the cuff  161  is disposed between the coupling locations  156  and the edge  110 . In some aspects, the cuff is disposed proximate to the edge  110 . 
     As illustrated the light-altering element  130  is in the shape of an octagon, and the first edge portion  152  is non-removably coupled near (for example, sewn on) the distal edge  110  of the body  102 . As illustrated, first edge portion  152  is non-removably coupled to the body proximate to the cuff  161  (as illustrated, on the proximal edge of the cuff), but not on the cuff  161 , to allow for an additional light-altering element, such as the additional light altering elements illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , to be coupled to the softbox. 
     The illustrated light-altering element  130  may be folded or otherwise collapsed into a housing  140  (such as the pocket shown). The housing element  140  may be one of a pocket, a strapping mechanism, a catch, a magnetic catch, or any other housing element capable of securing the light-altering element  130  when the light-altering element  130  is in a collapsed, rolled, and/or folded form. As illustrated the housing element  140  has been integrated as a pocket into the inside surface  180  of the body  102 , but it will be appreciated that other housing element locations are contemplated. For example, the housing element  140  may be on the outside surface  132  of the body  102 . 
       FIGS.  2 A through  2 D  illustrate the light-altering element  130  in various stages of unfolding. It will be appreciated the elements in  FIGS.  2 A  —  2 D that are liked numbered as those elements of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  will have the same or similar properties as those elements of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B .  FIG.  2 A  illustrates a view of a softbox with a light-altering element secured in a housing  140  of a softbox body  102 .  FIG.  2 B  illustrates a view of a softbox body  102  with a light-altering element  130  partially out of a housing  140  of a softbox.  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a view of a softbox body having a light-altering element  130  in an expanded position.  FIG.  2 D  illustrates a view of a softbox body having a light-altering element  130  coupled to the body  102  of the softbox. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an alternative securing system for a light-altering element  130 . It will be appreciated that same numbered elements of  FIG.  3    will have the same or similar properties as those properties described above.  FIG.  3    illustrates a light-altering element  130  being housed using straps  302  and securing elements  304 . As illustrated, securing elements  304  are snaps, but the securing elements may be buttons, hook and loop fastners, clasps, or other means of securing a light-altering element. The light-altering element is illustrated as being rolled, but it may be folded or otherwise compacted to be secured using the straps  302  and the securing elements  304 . It will be appreciated that the light-altering element  130  may be secured using the straps  302  and securing elements  304  while additionally having a coupling element  158  (not shown) adapted to removably couple to light-altering element coupling locations  156  of the softbox body  102 . An edge  152  of the light-altering element  130  may be non-removably secured the body  102 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a softbox body having an additional coupling element  170 . It will be appreciated that elements of  FIG.  4    like numbered as those above will have the same or similar properties as those described above. As illustrated, the cuff  161  of the body  102  includes a plurality of additional coupling elements  170 . Coupling elements  170  may be ferromagnetic material comprised of magnets or a steel composite, for example. These coupling elements  170  may be used to couple a light-altering element to the distal edge  110  of the softbox  400 . An example light-altering element is illustrated with reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . It will be appreciated that a softbox may have both a partially integrated light alternating element such as those described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3    as well as an additional light alternating element, such as the light altering element described with reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate an example light-altering element  500 . As illustrated the light-altering element  500  is a collapsible grid having attachment elements  502  integrated at the side-edge  506  of the body  504 . The body  504  also has a front face  508  and a back face  510 . In aspects of the technology, the light-altering element  500  may be a gel, a diffuser, a snoot, or other object. In examples, the light-altering element  500  is bendable, flexible, and/or semi foldable. In others, the light-altering element  500  is rigid. The attachment elements  502  may be magnets or a ferromagnetic material designed to align with the cuff of a body of a softbox, such as the cuff  161  of the body  102  illustrated with reference to  FIG.  1   . The attachment elements  502  may align with the attachment elements integrated into a softbox, such as the additional elements  170  described with reference to  FIG.  4   . In some aspects of the technology the attachment elements  502  and the additional coupling elements  170  are oriented in such a way so as to assist in aligning and attachment of the light-altering element  500  to a softbox, such as the softbox illustrated with reference to  FIG.  4   . For example, both attachment elements  502  and additional coupling elements  170  may be magnets, and the orientation of the poles of the magnets within each of the attachment elements  502  and the additional elements  170  may be such that the coupling of the light-altering element  500  to a softbox is assisted when the magnets are aligned with each other. In this way, the attachment elements  502  may facilitate the light-altering element  500  being aligned appropriately before being coupled to a softbox. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an example softbox  600  having integrated magnets  604  located on the cuff  161  of the softbox  600 . It will be appreciated that elements are similarly numbered in  FIG.  6    as  FIGS.  1 - 5    will have the same or properties as those described above. Additionally illustrated is a light-altering element  608  (as illustrated, a flexible grid) having magnet attachment elements  602 . 
     In examples, the softbox has a first receiving area  614  with a first plurality of magnets having poles  613 . In aspects of the technology, each of the poles  613  are aligned with the poles  615  of other magnets of a first coupling area of the light-altering element  608 . Additionally, the softbox may have a second receiving area  621  with one or more magnets having oppositely aligned poles  623  to poles  613 . Indeed, the poles  623  may correspond to poles  625  of one or more magnets of a light altering element  608 . This may bias a first receiving area of the softbox  600  to couple to a first coupling area of the light-altering element  608  and a second receiving area to couple to a second coupling area of the light altering element  608 . 
     The description and illustration of one or more embodiments, examples, or aspects of the technology provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed innovative technologies. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.