Light output reducing shutter system

Abstract

A light output reducing shutter system, having a light system with a shutter barrel assembly, a solid shutter assembly, a first translucent shutter assembly, and a second translucent shutter assembly, wherein the solid shutter assembly, the first translucent shutter assembly, and the second translucent shutter assembly are positioned in a same focal plane when a light is projected from the light system. The first translucent shutter assembly has a first degree of translucency and the second translucent shutter assembly has a second degree of translucency. The shutter barrel assembly has a first set of slots, a second set of slots, and a third set of slots to receive the solid shutter assembly, the first translucent shutter assembly, and the second translucent shutter assembly respectively. The first set of slots, the second set of slots, and the third set of slots each have four slots around the shutter barrel assembly.

Claims

1. A light output reducing shutter system, comprising: A) a light system having a shutter barrel assembly; B) a solid shutter assembly; C) a first translucent shutter assembly; and D) a second translucent shutter assembly, wherein said solid shutter assembly, said first translucent shutter assembly, and said second translucent shutter assembly are positioned in a same focal plane when a light is projected from said light system.

2. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said first translucent shutter assembly comprises a first degree of translucency and said second translucent shutter assembly comprises a second degree of translucency.

3. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said shutter barrel assembly comprises a first set of slots, a second set of slots, and a third set of slots to receive said solid shutter assembly, said first translucent shutter assembly, and said second translucent shutter assembly respectively.

4. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 3, wherein said first set of slots, said second set of slots, and said third set of slots each comprises four slots around said shutter barrel assembly.

5. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said solid shutter assembly comprises a top solid shutter blade, a bottom solid shutter blade, first and second lateral solid shutter blades, and at least two plates.

6. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 5, wherein said top solid shutter blade, said bottom solid shutter blade, and said first and second lateral solid shutter blades comprise respective handles to be manually operated.

7. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 5, wherein said top solid shutter blade, said bottom solid shutter blade, and said first and second lateral solid shutter blades are internally incorporated within said shutter barrel assembly to be controlled via a lighting controller device.

8. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second translucent shutter assemblies each comprise a top translucent shutter blade, a bottom translucent shutter blade, first and second lateral translucent shutter blades, and at least two plates.

9. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 8, wherein said top translucent shutter blades, said bottom translucent shutter blades, and said first and second lateral translucent shutter blades each comprise a respective handle to be manually operated.

10. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 8, wherein said top translucent shutter blades, said bottom translucent shutter blades, and said first and second lateral translucent shutter blades are internally incorporated within said shutter barrel assembly to be controlled via a lighting controller device.

11. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 8, wherein said top translucent shutter blades, said bottom translucent shutter blades, and said first and second lateral translucent shutter blades are used one at a time or in combination with one another.

12. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 8, wherein said top translucent shutter blades, said bottom translucent shutter blades, and said first and second laterals translucent shutter blades allow some light to pass through them.

13. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first translucent shutter assembly and said second translucent shutter assembly is used in combination with said solid shutter assembly.

14. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said first translucent shutter assembly and said second translucent shutter assembly reduce an intensity of said light projected from said light system.

15. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 8, wherein said first translucent shutter assembly and said second translucent shutter assembly reduce an output in part of a projected light field, thus reducing an output solely where said top translucent shutter blades, said bottom translucent shutter blades, said first lateral translucent shutter blades, and/or said second lateral translucent shutter blades enter said projected light field, while not dimming or reducing a light output of a remaining area of said projected light field.

16. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said lighting system is an automated light system.

17. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 1, wherein said lighting system further comprises at least one gobo wheel fixed or rotatably mounted therein.

18. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 17, wherein said at least one gobo wheel is used independently or in combination with said solid shutter assembly and said first and second translucent shutter assemblies.

19. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 17, wherein said at least one gobo wheel comprises a plurality of gobo patterns, whereby said plurality of gobo patterns are solids and/or translucent.

20. The light output reducing shutter system set forth in claim 2, wherein said first degree of translucency and said second degree of translucency are the same or different.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention mounted onto a lighting system.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the shutter assemblies of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a conventional shutter assembly.

(5) FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the present invention illustrating the shutter assemblies assembled.

(6) FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted into an automated lighting system.

(7) FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the shutter assemblies of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a conventional shutter assembly.

(9) FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the present invention illustrating the shutter assemblies assembled.

(10) FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the present invention mounted into an automated lighting system.

(11) FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the present invention having shutter assemblies and a Gobo.

(12) FIG. 9A is a front view of a first embodiment Gobo of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 9B is an isometric view of a second embodiment Gobo of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(14) Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a light output reducing shutter system, and is generally referred to with numeral 10. It can be observed that it basically includes lighting system 20, solid shutter assembly 40, first translucent shutter assembly 60, and second translucent shutter assembly 80.

(15) As seen in FIG. 1, lighting system 20 comprises housing 22, lens 24, color frame holder 26, yoke 28, and shutter barrel assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, lighting system 20 is an ellipsoidal type light. Shutter barrel assembly 30 comprises solid shutter assembly 40, first translucent shutter assembly 60, and second translucent shutter assembly 80. Shutter barrel assembly 30 further comprises first set of slots 32, second set of slots 34, and third set of slots 36 to receive solid shutter assembly 40, first translucent shutter assembly 60, and second translucent shutter assembly 80 respectively. First set of slots 32, second set of slots 34, and third set of slots 36 each comprises four slots around shutter barrel assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, each of the four slots around shutter barrel assembly 30 are equally distanced from each other. Solid shutter assembly 40, first translucent shutter assembly 60, and second translucent shutter assembly 80 are sufficiently close to each other to be in a same focal plane, so that their respective edges can be in a same focus range when a light is projected from light system 20.

(16) In a first embodiment, first and second translucent shutter assemblies 60 and 80, in combination with solid shutter assembly 40, are used on light system 20 as a manual light system. In operation, at least one of first and second translucent shutter assemblies 60 and 80 is used in combination with solid shutter assembly 40. First translucent shutter assembly 60 and second translucent shutter assembly 80 are used to reduce an intensity of light projected from light system 20. Present invention 10 provides a new fixture or modification/redesign to lighting system 20. In a preferred embodiment, lighting system 20 may be a Colour 5 Profile, or similar lighting system for stages, theaters, television studios, television sets, and/or filming.

(17) As seen in FIG. 2, solid shutter assembly 40 comprises top solid shutter blade 42, bottom solid shutter blade 44, first lateral solid shutter blade 46, second lateral solid shutter blade 48, at least two plates 50 and 52, and bolts 56. In a preferred embodiment, solid shutter assembly 40 comprises plate 50, plate 52, and plate 54. In a preferred embodiment, top solid shutter blade 42 has handle 41, bottom solid shutter blade 44 has handle 43, first lateral solid shutter blade 46 has handle 45, and second lateral solid shutter blade 48 has handle 47. Handle 41, 43, 45, and/or 47 is utilized for manually operating solid shutter assembly 40 when positioned into light system 20, being a manual light system. Top solid shutter blade 42, bottom solid shutter blade 44, first lateral solid shutter blade 46, and/or second lateral solid shutter blade 48 block an output of light when positioned manually within solid shutter assembly 40. First translucent shutter assembly 60 comprises top translucent shutter blade 62, bottom translucent shutter blade 64, first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 66 and 68, at least two plates 70 and 72, and bolts 76. In a preferred embodiment, translucent shutter assembly 60 comprises plate 70, plate 72, and plate 74.

(18) In a preferred embodiment, top translucent shutter blade 62 has handle 61, bottom translucent shutter blade 64 has handle 63, first lateral translucent shutter blade 66 has handle 65, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 68 has handle 67. Handle 61, 63, 65, and/or 67 is utilized for manually operating translucent shutter assembly 60 when positioned into light system 20, being a manual light system. Top translucent shutter blade 62, bottom translucent shutter blade 64, and first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 66 and 68 are movable and are used one at a time, or in combination with one another. First translucent shutter assembly 60 allows some light to pass through top translucent shutter blade 62, bottom translucent shutter blade 64, first lateral translucent shutter blade 66, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 68. In addition, first translucent shutter assembly 60 also reduces an output in part of a projected light field LF, seen in FIG. 4. Thus, reducing an output solely where top translucent shutter blade 62, bottom translucent shutter blade 64, first lateral translucent shutter blade 66, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 68 enters the projected light field LF, while not dimming or reducing the light output of a remaining area of the projected light field LF, as seen in FIG. 4.

(19) Second translucent shutter assembly 80 comprises top translucent shutter blade 82, bottom translucent shutter blade 84, first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 86 and 88, at least two plates 90 and 92, and bolts 96. In a preferred embodiment, translucent shutter assembly 80 comprises plate 90, plate 92, and plate 94. In a preferred embodiment, top translucent shutter blade 82 has handle 81, bottom translucent shutter blade 84 has handle 83, first lateral translucent shutter blade 86 has handle 85, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 88 has handle 87. Handle 81, 83, 85, and/or 87 is utilized for manually operating translucent shutter assembly 80 when positioned into light system 20, being a manual light system. Top translucent shutter blade 82, bottom translucent shutter blade 84, and first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 86 and 88 are movable and are used one at a time, or in combination with one another. Second translucent shutter assembly 80 allows some light to pass through top translucent shutter blade 82, bottom translucent shutter blade 84, first lateral translucent shutter blade 86, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 88. In addition, second translucent shutter assembly 80 also reduces an output in part of a projected light field LF, seen in FIG. 4. Thus, reducing an output solely where top translucent shutter blade 82, bottom translucent shutter blade 84, first lateral translucent shutter blade 86, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 88 enters the projected light field LF, while not dimming or reducing the light output of a remaining area of the projected light field LF, as seen in FIG. 4.

(20) First translucent shutter assembly 60 comprises a first degree of translucency and second translucent shutter assembly 80 comprises a second degree of translucency. The first degree of translucency and the second degree of translucency are the same or different. In a preferred embodiment, top translucent shutter blades 62 and 82, bottom translucent shutter blades 64 and 84, and lateral translucent shutter blades 66, 68, 86 and 88 can be of a neutral density material or of a diffusion material, such as opal or other materials having similar characteristics.

(21) As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, solid shutter assembly 40 is assembled, whereby plates 50 and 52, and plate 54 seen in FIG. 2, are assembled facing each other. Solid shutter assembly 40 is assembled with bolts 56, and plates 50, 52, and 54 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top solid shutter blade 42, bottom solid shutter blade 44, first lateral solid shutter blade 46, and second lateral solid shutter blade 48 between them. Handles 41, 43, 45, and 47 extend outwardly from plates 50 and 52.

(22) As seen in FIG. 3B, first translucent shutter assembly 60 is assembled, whereby plates 70 and 72, and plate 74 seen in FIG. 2, are assembled facing each other. First translucent shutter assembly 60 is assembled with bolts 76, and plates 70, 72, and 74 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top translucent shutter blade 62, bottom translucent shutter blade 64, first lateral translucent shutter blade 66, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 68 between them. Handles 61, 63, 65, and 67 extend outwardly from plates 70 and 72.

(23) Second translucent shutter assembly 80 is assembled, whereby plates 90 and 92, and plate 94 seen in FIG. 2, are assembled facing each other. Second translucent shutter assembly 80 is assembled with bolts 96, and plates 90, 92, and 94 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top translucent shutter blade 82, bottom translucent shutter blade 84, first lateral translucent shutter blade 86, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 88 between them. Handles 81, 83, 85, and 87 extend outwardly from plates 90 and 92.

(24) Present invention 10 gives lighting designers additional tools such as focus options that enable fine-tuning to achieve desired lighting goals. Translucent shutter assemblies 60 and 80 are used in conjunction with original/standard solid shutter assembly 40. Solid shutter assembly 40 provides framing for subject(s) being focused on. In operation, translucent shutter assemblies 60 and 80 can be used as follows:

(25) a) In a Back Light Scenario:

(26) (1) By using a Top Cut, translucent shutter assembly 60 and/or translucent shutter assembly 80 can be used to reduce an intensity of light on an individual with either a receding hair line or bald/balding head, thus reducing shine while maintaining a full light output on the individual's shoulders thus maintaining separation from subject to background.

(27) (2) The same Top Cut can be used for individuals with white or blonde hair that often times are over exposed on camera, especially when wearing dark tops.

(28) (3) The reverse (Bottom Cut) can be used when a wardrobe is of a bright or white color and/or of a silky material. This is more evident when skin tones are darker. By reducing an amount of light on the wardrobe, it prevents over exposure on the shoulders.

(29) b) In a Front Light (Key, Fill, Etc.,) Scenario:

(30) (1) Similar to the back light scenario, a Bottom Cut approach can be used when a wardrobe is of a bright color and or of a silky reflective material. This is more evident when skin tones are darker. By removing some intensity from the bright top being worn, it allows the individual's face to pop, and not be diminished when iris adjustments are made.

(31) (2) When focusing on two individuals, depending on the angle, a side cut can be used to reduce the amount of light on one of the individuals to act as a Fill Light, while maintaining full output on the other individual as a Key Light function. Top and/or bottom cuts can be used in conjunction.

(32) c) In a Theater Focus Scenario:

(33) (1) A typical Theater focus consists of layers being cross-focused from left and right. When a performer enters in an overlapping zone, intensity increases. By using translucent shutter assembly 60 and/or translucent shutter assembly 80, an overlapping area can be reduced for a consistent level throughout the focus.

(34) d) In a Scenic Treatment Scenario:

(35) (1) When focusing/projecting on a scenic element (wall, column, etc.), using translucent shutter assembly 60 and/or translucent shutter assembly 80 enables gradation opportunities used with or without gobos 100, seen in FIG. 7, adding to depth and texture creations.

(36) Seen in FIG. 4 is another embodiment, referred to as present invention 110, comprising first and second translucent shutter assemblies 160 and 180, in combination with solid shutter assembly 140 used on automated lighting system 120. Automated lighting system 120 comprises lens 124, bracket 128, and base 138. Solid shutter assembly 140, first translucent shutter assembly 160, and second translucent shutter assembly 180 are internally incorporated within shutter barrel assembly 130, and is controlled via lighting controller device 200. Solid shutter assembly 140, first translucent shutter assembly 160, and second translucent shutter assembly 180 are sufficiently close to each other to be in a same focal plane so that their respective edges can be in a same focus range when light is projected from automated lighting system 120.

(37) As seen in FIG. 5, solid shutter assembly 140 comprises top solid shutter blade 142, bottom solid shutter blade 144, first lateral solid shutter blade 146, second lateral solid shutter blade 148, at least two plates 150 and 152, and bolts 156. In a preferred embodiment, solid shutter assembly 140 comprises plate 150, plate 152, and plate 154. Top solid shutter blade 142, bottom solid shutter blade 144, first lateral solid shutter blade 146, and second lateral solid shutter blade 148 block an output of light being projected from automated light system 120.

(38) First translucent shutter assembly 160 comprises top translucent shutter blade 162, bottom translucent shutter blade 164, first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 166 and 168, at least two plates 170 and 172, and bolts 176. In a preferred embodiment, translucent shutter assembly 160 comprises plate 170, plate 172, and plate 174. Top translucent shutter blade 162, bottom translucent shutter blade 164, first lateral translucent shutter blade 166, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 168 automatically move and are used one at a time or in combination with one another.

(39) First translucent shutter assembly 160 allows some light to pass through top translucent shutter blade 162, bottom translucent shutter blade 164, first lateral translucent shutter blade 166, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 168. In addition, first translucent shutter assembly 160 also reduces an output in part of a projected light field LF, seen in FIG. 4. Thus, reducing an output solely where top translucent shutter blade 162, bottom translucent shutter blade 164, first lateral translucent shutter blade 166, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 168 enters the projected light field LF, while not dimming or reducing the light output of a remaining area of the projected light field LF, as seen in FIG. 4.

(40) Second translucent shutter assembly 180 comprises top translucent shutter blade 182, bottom translucent shutter blade 184, first and second lateral translucent shutter blades 186 and 188, at least two plates 190 and 192, and bolts 196. In a preferred embodiment, translucent shutter assembly 180 comprises plate 190, plate 192, and plate 194. Top translucent shutter blade 182, bottom translucent shutter blade 184, first lateral translucent shutter blade 186, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 188 are automatically controlled and are used one at a time or in combination with one another.

(41) Second translucent shutter assembly 180 allows some light to pass through top translucent shutter blade 182, bottom translucent shutter blade 184, first lateral translucent shutter blade 186, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 188. In addition, second translucent shutter assembly 180 also reduces an output in part of a projected light field LF, seen in FIG. 4. Thus, reducing an output solely where top translucent shutter blade 182, bottom translucent shutter blade 184, first lateral translucent shutter blade 186, and/or second lateral translucent shutter blade 188 enters the projected light field LF, while not dimming or reducing the light output of a remaining area of the projected light field LF, as seen in FIG. 4.

(42) First translucent shutter assembly 160 comprises a first degree of translucency and second translucent shutter assembly 180 comprises a second degree of translucency. The first degree of translucency and the second degree of translucency are the same or different. In a preferred embodiment, top translucent shutter blades 162 and 182, bottom translucent shutter blades 164 and 184, and lateral translucent shutter blades 166, 168, 186 and 188 can be of a neutral density material or of a diffusion material, such as opal or other materials having similar characteristics.

(43) As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, solid shutter assembly 140 is assembled, whereby plates 150 and 152, and plate 154 seen in FIG. 5, are assembled facing each other. Solid shutter assembly 140 is assembled with bolts 156, and plates 150, 152, and 154 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top solid shutter blade 142, bottom solid shutter blade 144, first lateral solid shutter blade 146, and second lateral solid shutter blade 148 between them.

(44) As seen in FIG. 6B, first translucent shutter assembly 160 is assembled, whereby plates 170 and 172, and plate 174, seen in FIG. 5, are assembled facing each other. First translucent shutter assembly 160 is assembled with bolts 176, and plates 170, 172, and 174 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top translucent shutter blade 162, bottom translucent shutter blade 164, first lateral translucent shutter blade 166, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 168 between them. Second translucent shutter assembly 180 is assembled, whereby plates 190 and 192, and plate 194, seen in FIG. 5, are assembled facing each other. Second translucent shutter assembly 180 is assembled with bolts 196, and plates 190, 192, and 194 are separated a predetermined distance from each other to receive top translucent shutter blade 182, bottom translucent shutter blade 184, first lateral translucent shutter blade 186, and second lateral translucent shutter blade 188 between them.

(45) As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, automated lighting system 120 may further comprises at least one gobo wheel 100 in addition to solid shutter assembly 140, first translucent shutter assembly 160, and second translucent shutter assembly 180. At least one gobo wheel 100 can be fixed or rotatably mounted within automated lighting system 120. In a preferred embodiment, automated lighting system 120 comprises first gobo wheel 100 and second gobo wheel 100′. Gobo wheel 100 may be used independently, in conjunction with second gobo wheel 100′, and/or in conjunction with solid shutter assembly 140, first translucent shutter assembly 160, and second translucent shutter assembly 180.

(46) As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, gobo wheel 100 comprises plate 102, gobo patterns 104, and drive gear 105. In a preferred embodiment, gobo wheel 100 comprises a plurality of gobo patterns 104. Gobo patterns 104 may be solid(s) or translucent, whereby the degree of translucency may be the same or different. When gobo patterns 104 are solid or partially solid, cuts may be added with a solid portion similar to solid shutter assembly 140, seen in FIG. 7. When rotated, gobo wheel 100 can be placed in a desired position to select an area where the output will be removed. When gobo patterns 104 are translucent, they may reduce a part of an output of light in a part of the projected light field LF. When rotated, gobo wheel 100 can be placed in a desired position to select the area where the output will be reduced.

(47) The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.