Abstract:
A stack of a plurality of thin film adhesively bonded members are removably coupled to a light emitting structure. A method for cleaning a light emitting surface is also disclosed. The method includes removing pre-placed polymer sheets from a light emitting surface after predetermined time intervals. The adhesive is configured to allow an exposed polymer sheet layer to be removed without removing the entire stack of rectangular members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/642,506, filed on May 4, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. 13/446,428 filed on Apr. 4, 2012. The entire disclosure of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a light emitting structure and, more particularly, to a structure and method of cleaning a light illumination surface in a clean environment such as a surgical theater, paint room, or kitchen. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Recent operational environments such as paint booths, electronics manufacturing environments or surgical operating theaters utilize open environments. Because of this, cleanliness, while always a priority, is a primary concern. 
         [0004]    In commercial clean room type environments, the number of procedures lead to significant amounts of organic, dust, or biological materials to be expressed into the environment. Materials carried by these particulate often collect on the interior surfaces of the light, thus limiting light in the environment. This reduction in light can lead to defects in products or in the case of a manufacturing environment, employee safety or product quality. These light emitting surfaces must therefore be cleaned frequently. This regular cleaning is expensive and time consuming. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
         [0006]    To assist in the cleaning of the lights of a clean environment, a light emitting structure and method of cleaning a light emitting are provided. In this regard, a light formed of light emitting surfaces are covered with stacks of peel-able polymer layers. To clean the surface, an exposed layer of peel-able polymer material is removed at predetermined intervals, thus leaving a clean polymer surface. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the invention, a stack of a plurality of quadrilateral members are removably coupled to the light emitting surface. The stack of quadrilateral members is coupled together using an adhesive. The adhesive is configured to allow an exposed layer to be removed without removing the entire stack of quadrilateral members. The quadrilateral members optionally can have less than 10% by weight remaining on an exposed surface to attract floating particulate such as dust. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment, the light emitting structure is provided having a support structure. Coupled to the support structure is a plurality of transmitting light engaging members is a stack of a plurality of biodegradable polymer sheets, each biodegradable sheet can be releasably coupled to at least one other sheet with an adhesive. The adhesive material is configured to allow the removal of a single layer of biodegradable material from the stack of biodegradable sheets. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method of cleaning a surface of a light transmitting surface is provided. The method includes the step of coupling a stack of adhesively bonded biodegradable sheets to a light emitting surface. After a predetermined amount of time, or upon a predetermined accumulation of material onto the light emitting surface, at least one layer from the stack of biodegradable sheets is removed. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, an alternate method of cleaning a surface of a light transmitting surface. The method includes the step of removing a removable layer from an adhesive layer on a stack of adhesively bonded sheets. After removing the removable layer, the adhesively bonded sheets are coupled to a light transmitting surface. After a predetermined amount of time of operation of equipment in the vicinity of the light emitting surface, or upon a predetermined accumulation of material, at least one layer from the stack of biodegradable sheets is removed. 
         [0011]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  represents a view of a light emitting structure according to the teaching of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  represents a perspective view of the stack of polymer covers on a lamp structure used in the construction of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  represents a close-up perspective view of a stack of polymer covers used in the construction of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a polymer sheet layer on a ceiling lamp according to another embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A-5D  represent exploded and exemplary views of the stack of polymer layers shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  represents a perspective view of a light emitting structure  8  according to the teaching of the present disclosure. As described further below, shown is a support structure or frame  10  which supports a stack of coating layers  14  to a light emitting surface  12 . These light emitting surfaces  12 , can be quadrilateral such as square or rectangular and, preferably, have a smooth surface texture. Additionally, the frame  10  can be a frame similar to a frame configured to support a fluorescent light assembly. 
         [0022]    Disposed on the light emitting surface  12  is the stack of polymer sheets  14 . The sheets  14 , (see  FIG. 2A ), are coupled together with adhesive  16  in a manner which allows the removal of a single layer of the polymer sheets  14 . It is envisioned the adhesive  16  can be disposed between the layers at the periphery  18  of the polymer sheets  14 . The adhesive material can be from 0.5 to 2.5, and, preferably, 2.0 mils thick. This adhesive can be configured to allow the top sheet to be selectively removed from the stack of sheets with the application of between about 45 oz/in and 24 oz/in of force. The adhesive is configured to resist delamination caused by gravity under a temperature up to about 200° F. Similarly, the adhesive is configured to resist delamination caused by gravity and humidity of up to about 100% humidity. 
         [0023]    The sheets  14 , (see  FIG. 2B ), can be stacked to facilitate light transmission therethrough. The inner layers are coupled together with adhesive  16  in a manner which allows the selective removal of a single layer of the polymer sheets  14 . It is envisioned the adhesive  16  can be disposed between the layers at the periphery  18  of the polymer sheets  14 . When stacked for shipment, the outer layer  15  can have a non-stick layer to allow the material to be shipped in a stacked configuration. It is envisioned that the stacked material can be held onto the light using adhesive, or optionally, coupled to the light with fasteners which are passed through the stack of material after removal of the non-stick layer (e.g., waxed paper). The stack can have a plurality of preformed weakened spots at predetermined locations to facilitate the passing of a fastener there through. The adhesive can be configured to allow the top sheet to be selectively removed from the stack of sheets with the application of between about 45 oz/in and 24 oz/in of force. The adhesive is configured to resist delamination caused by gravity under a temperature up to about 200° F. Similarly, the adhesive is configured to resist delamination caused by gravity and humidity of up to about 100% humidity. 
         [0024]    Should the polymer sheets be used on a light emitting surface in a paint booth, the adhesive must be capable of non-degradation in the presence of solvents used with the paint being applied. These solvents can be for example water for water born paint or a petroleum distillate. The polymer sheet can be specifically configured to repel paint on the exposed surface. Optionally, the polymer sheets can incorporate material to change the surface tension to facilitate the repelling of particles. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  4 , the stack of polymer sheets  14  each can have pullable tabs  20  generally located adjacent to the light support frame to facilitate the removal of the polymer sheets  14 . These pullable tabs  20  can be overlapping or can be staggered to allow access to the tabs when the stack of polymer sheets are coupled to the light emitting surface. It is preferable that more than (90%) of the adhesive be attached to the removed sheet of polymer material  14 . For the single layer of adhesive disposed between the stack of sheets and the light emitting surface, the adhesive preferably is of a higher strength to hold the stack of material to the light emitting surface. Optionally, the adhesive can scatter light making a translucent or frosted light effect. 
         [0026]    As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the light emitting surface  12  has a stack of polymer sheets  14 . In the preferred configuration, approximately twelve polymer sheets are applied to a visible surface  24  of the light emitting surface  12 , and are biodegradable. The polymer and adhesive preferably are formed of a light permeable material. In this regard, the polymer material can be formed of paper, waxed paper, polypropylene, acrylic and coated. Optionally, the film can be deformed and/or formed of a light refractive material. In this regard, it is envisioned the light refractive material can be a bi-phase material containing a reflective additive, a lubricant, and a thermal stabilizer. These layers can have a colored and smooth exterior surface therein or thereon to show the presence of dirt or biological growth. Optionally, the material can incorporate a phosphorescent material. Alternatively, the polymer sheets can be formed of polylactic acid or polyester, and can have heat and UV stabilizers to prevent degradation of the material. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  represents a cross-sectional view of a fluorescent lamp  30  according to the present teachings. The lamp  30  has a metal body  32  which is configured to reflect light from the fluorescent bulbs  33 , through the clear lense  35 . The lamp  30  is supported by a frame  36 . Disposed over the clear lense  35  is the stack of transparent or translucent layers  14 . Optionally, the translucent layers can vary in the amount of light which passes through them. In this regard, one or more layers  14 ′ which are close to the lense  35  can be frosted or translucent, while the remaining layers can be clear. This allows for a uniform amount of light to be transmitted through the assembly as layers are removed. 
         [0028]    As seen in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the material for the polymer film is between 0.5 and 2 mm thick and preferably between 0.5 and 1 mm thick. As best can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the adhesive  16  can be distributed over the polymer sheets using varying configurations, and can be biodegradable. In this regard, the adhesive  16  can be formed in x patterns around the periphery  18  of the polymer sheet  14 . Additionally, the adhesive can be distributed across the sheet in an x pattern or in stripes or strips over the entire sheet. When it is the intention for the material to collect airborne materials, the adhesive can be evenly distributed across the face of the material. 
         [0029]    The stack of polymer sheets can weigh less than 5 ounces. The stack of polymer sheets can also be coupled either to the support structure or the light emitting surfaces. To prepare a surface for cleaning under the present teachings, a stack of polymer layers are coupled to a light emitting structure. After a desired or predetermined amount of time or the accumulation of an undesirable amount of material, the outermost polymer layer can be removed from the stack of polymer layers. 
         [0030]    Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
         [0031]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0032]    When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0033]    Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
         [0034]    Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
         [0035]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.