Patent ID: 12203615

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Luminaires used along an edge of a stage or other acting area to provide lighting for performers and scenery are used in theatrical, film, and TV productions. With the lighting technology available before the introduction of solid-state light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), such luminaires may be large, bulky fixtures that may be hot and conspicuous. Such luminaires may have exposed connector panels for use in installation and maintenance of the luminaire. Some such luminaires may be designed to retract into the stage when not in use or may be decorated in some way in order to appear to form part of the structure of the stage.

Such technical problems are solved by luminaires according to the disclosure, which comprise LEDs that produce light with less heat and more efficient use of electrical power. Further, luminaires according to the disclosure have a lower, less conspicuous profile that presents less obstruction to audience view.

An additional technical problem encountered in a stage or other acting area concerns the management of cables laid around the edges of the stage. Cables are considered unsightly and can be damaged by shoes or by wheels of set pieces or equipment such as forklifts. Cables can roll if they are stepped on, which may cause a performer or stagehand to fall. Such technical problems are solved by luminaires according to the disclosure, which provide methods for housing cables under covers that provide more secure footing and greater protection from damage.

As such, luminaires according to the disclosure are configured to be installed in continuous runs across a stage, providing a cable cavity to house electrical power and control cabling, presenting a low profile to the audience, and providing unobtrusive access panels for installation and maintenance.

FIG.1presents a first orthogonal view of a first luminaire100according to the disclosure in a first configuration.FIG.2presents a second orthogonal view of the luminaire100ofFIG.1. The luminaire100includes a plurality of light emitters106. The luminaire100comprises an elongated housing having a long axis (or ‘length’). Some or all of the light emitters106may include one or more LEDs in one or more colors. Some or all of the light emitters106may include integral optical systems such as reflectors, total internal reflection (TIR) light guides, lenses, or other optical devices configured to control and direct light emitted by the LEDs.

In some embodiments, the luminaire100is configured to angle the light emitted by the light emitters106towards one side of the luminaire100along an axis parallel to the length of the luminaire100. In this way, the light may be directed towards the stage and performers and away from an audience. In some such embodiments, the luminaire100is configured to angle this tilt angle by tilted mounting of the light emitters106within the luminaire100or, additionally or alternatively, by tilting the entire luminaire100. In some embodiments, one or more of the light emitters106are tilted by a different amount than others of the light emitters106.

The light emitters106are configured in a single row extending in the direction of the length of the luminaire100. In other embodiments, the light emitters106may be configured in two or more rows. In various embodiments, the light emitters106may be configured in other numbers and/or with other spacings between.

The luminaire100comprises a first physical connector110at a first end (visible inFIG.1) and a corresponding second physical connector114at a second, opposite end (visible inFIG.2). The first connector110comprises a flanged pin and the second connector114comprises a socket or slot. The connectors110and114are configured to physically couple (and in some embodiments to lock together) the luminaire100to adjacent luminaires100. This may enable coupling a plurality of the luminaires100to form a continuous, connected run of a desired length.

In some embodiments the luminaire100may be straight (as shown inFIGS.1and2). In other embodiments luminaires according to the disclosure may be angled or curved to allow the assembly of luminaire runs that form corners or curves, as desired.

As will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS.3and4, the first and second ends of the luminaire100comprise recesses comprising connectors for power and data. A data connector108on a cable (also referred to as a ‘pigtail’ or ‘flying lead’) is shown inFIG.1extending from the first end of the luminaire100. The recesses in the first and second ends of the luminaire100are configured to allow cables electrically coupling the connectors in adjacent luminaires100to be connected while the luminaires100are separated and then concealed within the recesses when the luminaires100are physically coupled to each other.

The luminaire100includes a first adjustable light shield102and a maintenance access panel104. As described below, the light shield102and the maintenance access panel104are rotatably coupled by hinges to a base115of the luminaire100. The light shield102and the maintenance access panel104include cutouts112, which are configured to provide room for a user to insert a finger to lift the light shield102or the maintenance access panel104.

FIG.3presents a view of the first end of the luminaire100ofFIG.1.FIG.4presents a view of the second end of the luminaire100ofFIG.1.FIG.3shows a recessed output connector plate122, which includes output power and data connectors, positioned near the first end of the luminaire100.FIG.4shows a recessed input connector plate124, which includes input power and data connectors, positioned near the second end of the luminaire100. When assembling an end-to-end run of luminaires100, a user may provide power cables (not shown in the figures) to electrically connect the output power connector of the output connector plate122of a first luminaire100to the input power connector of the input connector plate124of a second luminaire100, prior to physically coupling the first and second luminaires100. If repeated with additional luminaires100, a continuous, ‘daisy-chain’ connected line of luminaires100may be formed.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the connector plates122and124are configured to form a compartment between them when the luminaires100are coupled in abutment. In other embodiments, only one or the other of the connector plates122and124is recessed from its associated end of the luminaire100to form the compartment. In all embodiments, the connector plates122and124are positioned near first and second ends, respectively, of the luminaire100. Cables that electrically couple the luminaires100may be concealed within such compartments. In the embodiment ofFIG.3, the data output connector108of the output connector plate122comprises a short cable (as shown inFIG.1) and is configured to be extended into the recess in an adjacent luminaire100to electrically couple the data output connector108to a data input connector on the input connector plate124of the adjacent luminaire100. In other embodiments, the data output connector may comprise a fixed connector mounted in the output connector plate122. In some embodiments, neither of the connector plates122and124is recessed.

FIGS.3and4further show that the first adjustable light shield102is rotatably coupled to the base115by a hinge120and configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation. The maintenance access panel104is rotatably coupled to the base115by a hinge118and configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation. A second adjustable light shield130is rotatably coupled to the luminaire100by a hinge132and configured to rotate around a third axis of rotation. The hinges120,118, and132extend in the direction of the long axis of the luminaire100. A cable cavity116extends the full length of the luminaire100, between a first aperture at the first end of the luminaire100(shown inFIG.3) and a second aperture at the second end of the luminaire100(shown inFIG.4), and configured to provide a channel for the user to pass cables through. Such cables could be used for other luminaires, for audio devices such as microphones or loudspeakers, for video devices, or for any other devices used on a stage. The cable cavity116is configured to protect cables from damage, from view by the audience, and from presenting a tripping hazard for performers or other persons on the stage.

FIGS.5A-5Cpresent views of luminaires100according to the disclosure in a second configuration.FIG.5Apresents a view of the first end of the luminaire100ofFIG.1in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the first adjustable light shield102and the second adjustable light shield130are in open positions. To configure the luminaire100in the second configuration, the user rotates the first adjustable light shield102around the first hinge120to gain access to the second adjustable light shield130. The user rotates the second adjustable light shield130around the third hinge132to a position in which it can provide support for the first adjustable light shield102. The first adjustable light shield102is then lowered into contact with the second adjustable light shield130to physically couple the two adjustable light shields102and130. In the embodiment shown inFIG.5A, the first adjustable light shield102includes a ridge and the second adjustable light shield130a corresponding notch. When the ridge is mated with the notch, the first adjustable light shield102and the second adjustable light shield130are linked to remain in their positions relative to each other. In the second configuration, the first adjustable light shield102and the second adjustable light shield130are configured to provide a combined light shield that is configured to block light emitted by the light emitters106of the luminaire100from the view of an audience located to the right of the luminaire100as it is shown inFIG.5A.

FIG.5Bpresents a view of a first end of a second luminaire100aaccording to the disclosure in the second configuration. The luminaire100aincludes a second light shield130athat has a cross-sectional shape different from that of the second adjustable light shield130ofFIG.5A. However, in the second configuration, the first adjustable light shield102and the second light shield130aare still configured to provide a combined light shield that shields the light emitting from the luminaire100afrom the audience's view.

FIG.5Cpresents a view of a first end of a third luminaire100baccording to the disclosure in the second configuration. The luminaire100bincludes a second light shield130bthat cross-sectional shape that is different from either of the second adjustable light shield130ofFIG.5Aor the second light shield130aofFIG.5B. However, in the second configuration, the first adjustable light shield102and the second light shield130bare still configured to provide a combined light shield that shields the light emitting from the luminaire100bfrom the audience's view.

As such, while having different shapes or profiles in the second configuration, each of the luminaires100,100a, and100boperates to block from the audience's gaze the light emitting from the luminaire. The first adjustable light shield102and the second adjustable light shield130of luminaire100(FIG.5A) combine to form a single visually connected surface with a smooth curvature. The first adjustable light shield102and the second light shield130aof luminaire100a(FIG.5B) combine to form a surface with a changing, concave curvature. The first adjustable light shield102and the second light shield130bof luminaire100b(FIG.5C) combine to form a surface with a changing, convex curvature.

FIG.6presents a view of a first end of a fourth luminaire600according to the disclosure with a removeable diffuser assembly500in position. With the diffuser assembly500removed, the luminaire600is identical to the luminaire100. The diffuser assembly500includes a reflective surface504and an optical diffuser502. The diffuser assembly500is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light emitters106. The diffuser assembly500is configured to be a separate assembly that mounts on the luminaire600in front of the adjustable light shield130and over the light emitters106(which are not shown inFIG.6). The reflective surface504is configured to reflect light emitted by the light emitters106through the optical diffuser502. In various embodiments, the reflective surface504may comprise a specular, partially specular, or diffusive reflector. In various embodiments, the optical diffuser502is optional but, when included, may be configured to provide any density of diffusion. In embodiments that include the optical diffuser502, it may comprise a shaped holographic diffuser, linear diffuser, or comprise micro lenses so as to direct light in a predetermined manner.

FIG.7presents an orthogonal view of the luminaire100ofFIG.1in the second configuration. The first adjustable light shield102and the second light shield130are configured to provide a combined light shield. A first end of the cable cavity116is visible inFIG.7.FIG.8presents an orthogonal view of the luminaire600ofFIG.6with the diffuser assembly500mounted on the luminaire600. First ends of the reflective surface504and the optical diffuser502are visible inFIG.8.

FIG.9presents a view of the first end of the luminaire100ofFIG.1in a third configuration, with the adjustable light shields102and130in second open positions. The first adjustable light shield102is rotated around the first hinge120to a fully raised position. In this position it presents a maximum height for shielding light from the audience. The second adjustable light shield130may be rotated around the third hinge132as desired to further block light.

FIG.10presents a view of the first end of the luminaire100ofFIG.1in a fourth configuration, with the first adjustable light shield102in a raised position, the second adjustable light shield130in a raised position, and the maintenance access panel104in a raised position. When raised, the maintenance access panel104provides access by a user to a user interface, electronics, and control systems of the luminaire100. Raising the first adjustable light shield102and the second adjustable light shield130provides access to cable cavity116, through which a user may run cables.FIG.11presents an orthogonal view of the luminaire100in the fourth configuration.

FIG.12presents a plan view of the luminaire100ofFIG.1in the fourth configuration. With maintenance access panel104open, the user may access an electronics and power enclosure140and a user interface142. The cable cavity116may be seen to be generally clear of obstruction, allowing cables to be laid through the cable cavity116.

FIG.13presents a schematic view of a first light emitter board200according to the disclosure. The light emitter board200is suitable for use in the luminaire100or other luminaires according to the disclosure. The light emitter board200includes a plurality of light emitters206each comprising at least one LED. The light emitters206are mounted to emit light through associated optical assemblies204. The optical assemblies204may comprise reflectors, total internal reflection (TIR) light guides, lenses, or other optical devices configured to control and direct light emitted by the LEDs. The light emitters206and the optical assemblies204are mounted on a substrate202.

In various embodiments, the light emitters206may comprise one or more individual LEDs or other light emitting devices. In embodiments where the light emitter206includes a plurality of LEDs, the light emitter206may be referred to as a multichip. In such embodiments, the individual LEDs may emit light in the same or multiple colors. In some embodiments, the LEDs comprise red, green, blue, and white LEDs. In other embodiments, any combination of colors and/or white LEDs may be used. Examples of such other combinations include a mix of two or more red, green, blue, amber, warm white, cold white, or tunable white LEDs.

FIG.14Apresents a schematic view of a second light emitter board220according to the disclosure. The light emitter board220is suitable for use in the luminaire100or other luminaires according to the disclosure. The light emitter board220includes the plurality of light emitters206and associated optical assemblies204of the light emitter board200, as well as a safety light emitter208optically coupled to one of the optical assemblies204. In various embodiments, the safety light emitter208may comprise an LED or other type of light emitting device. In some embodiments, the light emitter board220may include a plurality of safety light emitters208.

When the main light emitters206are turned off, the safety light emitter208is configured to provide a visual indication to performers on stage as to the position of the luminaire100. In many cases, this will also indicate the edge of the stage. In such cases, the visual indication enables the performers always to know where the edge of the stage is, even if the rest of the stage lighting is blacked out. When configured in the second or third configuration, the adjustable light shields102and130also block light emitted by the safety light emitter208from being viewed by at least some of the audience.

In some embodiments, the safety light emitter208comprises a blue LED emitter, although any color may be used in other embodiments. As described for the light emitters206, in various embodiments, the safety light emitter208may comprise one or more individual LEDs or other light emitting devices in a single color or a plurality of colors. In various embodiments, the safety light emitter208emits light at a lower power and/or intensity than the light emitters206.

In some embodiments, the safety light emitter208is configured to be illuminated automatically by a control system of the luminaire100when all other light emitters206are turned off. In other embodiments, an intensity of the safety light emitter208is controlled by an operator of the luminaire100via command signals sent to the control system via a control channel on a data link. In still other embodiments, the intensity of the safety light emitter208is controlled by a completely separate control system, comprising its own sensors or signal detectors and power supply, which may receive power from emergency or battery-backed power feeds. In any embodiment where the safety light emitter208comprises multicolor LEDs, a color of the safety light emitter208may also be controlled.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.14A, the safety light emitter208is mounted so that it emits light through the optical assembly204associated with one of the light emitters206. In other embodiments, the safety light emitter208is mounted physically separate from any of the light emitting modules204and emits light that does not pass through (or is outside of) any of the optical assemblies204.

FIG.14Bpresents a schematic view of a third light emitter board230according to the disclosure. The light emitter board230is suitable for use in the luminaire100or other luminaires according to the disclosure. The light emitter board230includes the plurality of light emitters206and the associated optical assemblies204of the light emitter board220, as well as the safety light emitter208. However, as described above, the safety light emitter208is mounted in the light emitter board230physically separate from any of the light emitting modules204so that it emits light outside any of the optical assemblies204associated with the light emitters206.

FIG.15Apresents a schematic view of a fourth light emitter board240according to the disclosure. In addition to the light emitters206, the light emitter board240includes a plurality of indicator light emitters210. The plurality of indicator light emitters210are optically coupled to a corresponding plurality of the optical assemblies204. In some embodiments, such corresponding optical assemblies204are equally spaced from each other at 4-inch intervals (i.e., the indicator light emitters210are regularly spaced) along the light emitter board240, although any desired spacing (regular or irregular) between the indicator light emitters210may be used in other embodiments.

The indicator light emitters210are configured to be illuminated individually by a user of the luminaire100via command signals sent to the control system of the luminaire100via control signals on a data link. Such control of the indicator light emitters210solves the problem of providing programmable indications to performers or stage personnel. Various such indications may be provided at different times during a performance. In one example, the indicator light emitters210may indicate a desired position (or ‘mark’) for a performer near the luminaire100. In another example, some indicator light emitters210may be illuminated during a scene change to show performers where to stand and others illuminated to show stage personnel where props should be placed for the next scene. To provide such functionality, the indicator light emitters210are controlled individually, so that selected emitters may be illuminated.

In one embodiment the indicator light emitters210are red LED emitters, although any color may be used in other embodiments. As described for the light emitters206, in various embodiments the indicator light emitters210may comprise one or more individual LEDs or other light emitting devices. In some embodiments, the indicator light emitters210may comprise single color LEDs, multicolor LEDs, or a combination of single color and multicolor LEDs. As described above, the indicator light emitters210are individually controllable by the user of the luminaire100and thus, when they comprise multicolor LEDs, the user may control a color emitted by individual indicator light emitters210, as well as whether they are illuminated.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.15A, the indicator light emitters210are mounted so that they emit light through corresponding optical assemblies204. In other embodiments, some or all of the indicator light emitters210are mounted physically separate from any of the light emitting modules204and emit light that does not pass through the optical assemblies204. In various embodiments, the indicator light emitters210emit light at a lower power and/or intensity than the light emitters206. As described for the safety light emitter208, when configured in the second or third configuration, the adjustable light shields102and130block light from the indicator light emitters210from being viewed by at least some of the audience.

FIG.15Bpresents a schematic view of a fifth light emitter board250according to the disclosure. The light emitter board250is suitable for use in the luminaire100or other luminaires according to the disclosure. The light emitter board250includes the plurality of light emitters206and associated optical assemblies204of the light emitter board240, as well as the indicator light emitters210. However, as described above, the indicator light emitters210are mounted in the light emitter board250physically separate from any of the light emitting modules204and emit light outside any of the optical assemblies204associated with the light emitters206. WhileFIG.15Bshows all of the indicator light emitters210mounted physically separate from the optical assemblies204, in other embodiments, some of the indicator light emitters210may be mounted to emit light through corresponding optical assemblies204and others of the indicator light emitters210mounted physically separate from any of the light emitting modules204.

FIG.16presents a schematic view of a portion of the light emitter board220ofFIG.14A. The light emitter board220includes a plurality of light emitting modules260, each comprising one of the light emitters206and its corresponding optical assembly204, mounted on the substrate202.FIG.16further shows the safety light emitter208, mounted so that the light it emits will pass through the optical assembly204along with the light from the light emitter206.

FIG.17presents a schematic view of a portion of the light emitter board230ofFIG.14B. The light emitter board230includes a plurality of light emitting modules260, each comprising one of the light emitters206and its corresponding optical assembly204, mounted on the substrate202.FIG.17further shows the safety light emitter208, mounted in the light emitter board230physically separated from any of the light emitting modules240, so that the safety light emitter208emits light that does not pass through any of the light emitting modules240.

While only some embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure herein. While the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.