COLLAPSIBLE LED FIXTURE

Abstract

An LED fixture is provided for photographic and theatrical lighting. The light fixture is particularly suitable for photographic and theatrical lighting by mounting LED elements directly or indirectly on articulating arms. The arms have a first pivot mounted segment connected by a hinge to a hub and a second pivot mounted segment connected by an intermediate hinge to said first pivot mounted segment.

Claims

1. A light fixture for photography comprising: a central hub base; a plurality of spokes having two or more segments wherein said spokes have a proximal segment attached to said central hub base by a hinge and a distal segment attached to said proximal segment by an intermediate hinge; wherein said hinge and said intermediate hinge include a locking mechanism having at least one fixation angle; wherein at least one of said proximal segments and said hinge are configured for said proximal segment to pivot in elevation with respect to an axis of said central hub base about said hinge in a plane and wherein said axis of said central hub base lies in said plane and wherein said proximal segment pivots between a storage position and one or more deployed positions and wherein said spokes are aligned in said storage position and locked in said deployed position; and wherein each distal segment of said spokes includes a plurality of LEDs distributed along said distal segment of said spokes.

2. (canceled)

3. The light fixture according to claim 2 wherein said LEDs are configured to emit sufficient radiation to effectively light an object for an exposure of at least f/1.4 at 12 feet on ISO 800 film.

4. The light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said hinge and said intermediate hinge are detent hinges.

5. The light fixture according to claim 4 wherein said hinges have at least two locking positions.

6. The light fixture according to claim 5 wherein a first locking position of said hinges is at an angle to said axis of said central hub base of 45-75 degrees.

7. The light fixture according to claim 6 wherein said first locking position is at an angle to said axis of said central hub base of 55-65 degrees.

8. The light fixture according to claim 6 wherein a second locking position of said hinges is perpendicular to said axis of said central hub base.

9. The light fixture according to claim 5 wherein at least one of said distal segments pivots about said intermediate hinge in said plane and has a first locking position holding said distal segment at an angle to said proximal segment of 135-165 degrees.

10. The light fixture according to claim 9 wherein a second locking position of said intermediate hinges hold said distal segment in substantially the same direction as said proximal segments.

11. The light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism is a releasably fixed locking mechanism.

12. The light fixture according to claim 1 further comprising a cover backing said spokes.

13. The light fixture according to claim 12 wherein said cover is a high optical density cover.

14. The light fixture according to claim 13 wherein said cover is wind-permeable.

15. The light fixture according to claim 13 wherein said cover is reflective.

16. The light fixture according to claim 1 further comprising an LED controller connected to said LEDs.

17. The light fixture according to claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of LEDs distributed in rows along said proximal segments and a wherein said plurality of LEDs distributed along said distal segment of said spokes are distributed in rows along said distal segments; a carrier attached to said distal segment of said spokes carrying said plurality of LEDs distributed along said distal segments of said spokes.

18. The light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said central hub base and said segments of said spokes have a front side which is outwardly facing in said deployed configuration and said central hub base and said segments of said spokes have a backside opposite of said front side, and wherein said LEDs are distributed on said front side of said segments of said spokes and further comprising a mounting arrangement located on said central hub base positioned on said back side of said central hub base.

19. The light fixture according to claim 18 wherein said mounting arrangement is positioned to avoid interference with light projection toward a subject located in an outwardly facing direction of said fixture.

20. The light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said light fixture has three or more spokes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a side view an embodiment of a fixture.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of an axial view of a fixture in a deployed configuration.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a fixture in a storage configuration.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a close-up illustration of an intermediate locking hinge and adjacent portions of the spoke.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows an illustration of an LED strip.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of an LED package.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows an illustration of a fixture in a deployed configuration.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows an illustration of a fixture in a fully open deployed configuration.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a prior art fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0059] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0060] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0061] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0062] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention or work of an inventor. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0063] Before the present invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0064] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 show an illustration of a fixture for photographic lighting. FIG. 1 shows a side view of a fixture in one possible deployed configuration. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a fixture in the same configuration shown in FIG. 1. The front view is an axial projection view. FIG. 3 shows a fixture in a storage configuration. FIG. 4 shows a detailed schematic view of an intermediate hinge and portions of the spoke adjoining the hinge. A fixture 100 is illustrated with a plurality of spokes 101 extending from a hub 102. The spokes 101 may include a plurality of LEDs 103 (shown in FIG. 4). The LEDs 103 may be carried by a substrate 104. The substrate 104 may be attached to the pokes or may itself be a spoke. The substrate 104 may have terminals 105 for application of electricity to the LEDs spoke terminals 105 positioned proximally to the hub 102 and may be electrically connected to an electrical supply on the hub 102. The spokes 101 and particularly the hinges 108, 110 may be adjusted to define a concave configuration, so that the fixture is deployed in a concave and generally parabolic configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The linear spoke segments do not establish an ideal parabolic configuration, however the respective angles of the spoke segments 107, 109 may be set to concentrate the projected light in an area which is suitable for many lighting applications. To reconfigure the fixture to a storage configuration, the distal segments 109 may be pivoted using hinge 110 in the direction shown by arrow A (FIG. 1). Advantageously, the distal segments may be rotated to a position against or nearly against proximal segments 107. Next, proximal segments 107 may be pivoted in the direction shown by arrow B (FIG. 1) so that they are collapsed around the axis 112 of the hub 102. This collapsed alignment is particularly compact and may be used as a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the proximal segments may be parallel or nearly parallel to the axis 112 of the hub 102.

[0065] The fewer the segments in each spoke, the rougher the approximation to the ideal circular, parabolic or other desired arcuate shape. Adding one or more intermediate segments permits closer approximation of a desired arcuate shape. The spokes 101 may be in two or more segments 107, 109. The segments may be straight and linear. Proximal segments 107 of the spokes 101 may be connected to the hub 102 using a proximal hinge 108. Distal segments 109 of the spokes 101 may be connected to the proximal segments 107 by an intermediate hinge 110. The segments 107 and 109 may have terminals 111 to electrically connect the segments. The spokes and particularly the hinges 108, 110 may be adjusted to disperse, or concentrate light as desired. The spokes 101 may include a plurality of LEDs 103 (shown in FIG. 4). The LEDs 103 may be carried by a substrate 104. The substrate 104 may be attached to the spokes or may itself be a spoke. The substrate 104 may have terminals 105 for application of electricity to the LEDs. A power supply may be connected to the LEDs by conductors. The conductors may be routed through the hub 102 to distribute electrical power to the LEDs on the spokes. The spokes 101 may be curved so as to more close approximate a parabolic concave shape. Curved or straight segments may be adjusted to define a generally concave shape. Light will be emitted from the interior open side of the defined concave shape. The spokes 101 may direct light projecting from the concave configuration. The alignment of the proximal segments 107 and distal segments may be set to roughly approximate circular, parabolic or any other shape which provides the desired light projection and characteristics. Advantageously the position of the forward emitting LEDs 103 carried on spokes 101, may roughly define an elliptical paraboloid. The shape is dictated by the characteristics of the spokes, and pivot angles of the hinges. Advantageously the shape defined by the LEDs, intensity of the LEDs, number of LEDs and emission pattern of the LEDs are selected to cast sufficient light to illuminate an object or area for an exposure.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a close-up of an intermediate locking hinge 110 and adjacent portions of a spoke 101. The intermediate locking hinge 110 allows the distal segment 109 of the spoke 101 to pivot with respect to the proximal segment 107 of the spoke 101. LEDs 103 may be mounted on a substrate 104 which in turn is mounted on said segments. The segments 107 and 109 may be rigid. Alternatively, the segments may be flexible.

[0067] One example, shown in FIG. 5, of LEDs mounted on a substrate, i.e. an LED strip 116, that may be used is an LED LITERIBBON VHO PRO SERIES sold by Litegear, Inc. (www.litegear.com/product/let-lightribbon/vho-pro-lightribbon-led/).

[0068] According to one embodiment three LED strips 116 may be mounted on each spoke 101. Electricity may be supplied by conductors from a power supply or controller connected to one or more bus structures embedded in the hub. The strips or LEDs may be connected by leads to the bus structure.

[0069] According to an alternative, LEDs may be attached directly to or embedded in the spokes 101. The spokes 101 may be carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is selected for its high strength, flexibility, and light weight.

[0070] LEDs may be in any useful configuration. An alternative to the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is a plurality of LED packages 301 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2B. A package may be constructed of an LED chip 302 on a submount 303 which in turn may be located on a heatsink 301. The LED and heatsink may be located within housing 305. The LED chip may be protected by an encapsulant 306. A lens 307 may be provided over the LED chip 302 and mounted on the housing 305. A first electrode 308 may be connected by a small wire 309 to the LED chip 302. For clarity the package is shown as a cutaway where the second electrode is not shown. The second electrode is attached to the LED chip by a wire 310. Other LED package configurations may be used.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a fixture 100 with an optional cover 117. The cover 117 may be black. The cover may be reflective but need not be for most uses. The fixture 100 may be used with or without a cover 117. The cover 117 can be selected by the user based on color, light masking, absorbing, or reflective characteristics, and wind resistance to achieve a desired effect. The cover 117, when used, may have high optical density to block rearward visible light emissions from the fixture 100. In addition, the fixture 106 may be provided with a frontal closure (not shown) which may act as a diffuser or a filter. The interior area 108 of the fixture 100 may be free of elements which would block some portion of the light. The LED elements 103 are mounted on or near the interior surface 119 of the fixture. The interior surface 119 of a central hub may provide additional surface area for mounting LEDs.

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a fixture 100 with spokes 101 and hub 102 in an operational configuration. FIG. 3 shows the fixture 106 folded for storage with all the spokes 101 positioned generally in the same alignment. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 is suitable for storage and transport and suitable inserting the fixture 106 into a storage sack or protective tube (not shown).

[0073] The spokes 101 may be rotated about pivots 108 and 110 to deploy the fixture 100. An articulation mechanism may be configured to limit the rotation of the spokes 101. The light emitting side of the proximal segments may be set to an angle of 90 degrees or less from the axis of the hub. The hinges may have a locking mechanism, which can be set at fixed or variable angles. In one embodiment, the angle may be 60 degrees from the axis of the hub. The intermediate hinges may also have a locking mechanism and in one configuration the intermediate hinges may lock at 150 degrees.

[0074] The hinges may have a detent mechanism to automatically, yet releasably, lock the hinge in a fixed position of rotation. The hinge may include two rotatably attached members and the detent mechanism may include an indentation formed in the attached end of one member and a block pivotally mounted on the other member in the manner shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,449. The block may have a locking projection that is biased toward the indentation and cooperates therewith to provide three or more positions of operation, a locked position, a release position, and an activated position. In the locked position, the locking projection fittingly may engage the indentation, thereby substantially preventing rotation of the hinge. The release position displaces the locking projection a radial distance away from the indentation, thereby permitting the hinge to rotate freely. In the activated position, the block disengages the indentation and maintains an angular distance therefrom so that the detent mechanism does not obstruct rotation of the hinge, but enables automatic repositioning of the hinge assembly to the locked position whenever the locking projection and indentation angularly realign.

[0075] Other detent mechanisms may be used. For example, as shown in US 2011/0199171 A1 a magnetic detent assembly may provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. A magnetic detent assembly may provide for established detent positions and force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. The changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the detent positions and force profiles. The magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the star wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles.

[0076] The hinge shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,264 may be adapted for use in the light fixture. U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,264 shows a hinge and locking mechanism to deploy a member from a storage position to a deployed position. The mechanism may include a support base and a deployable member. A pivot axle may be secured to one of the support base and the deployable member and pivotally engaged with the other for rotation about a first axis. A spring element may urge the deployable member to rotate in a first direction about the first axis to the deployed position. A locking pin may be provided which is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking pin may lock the deployable member in the deployed position. A locking pin spring may be provided to urge the locking pin into the locked position. A deformable bump stop can be provided to cushion movement of the erectable member into the erected position. The spring element can be a helical spring.

[0077] The outwardly facing surface 101a, of the spokes 101 may carry the LED elements. FIG. 8 shows the spokes 101 in a fully extended flat position. The spoke segments 107 and 109 have been rotated outwardly until the articulation limiting elements engage.

[0078] A controller may be connected to the LED bands in order to set the color, temperature and/or intensity of light generated by the LEDs.

[0079] The invention is described in detail with respect to preferred embodiments, and it will now be apparent from the foregoing to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and the invention, therefore, as defined in the claims, is intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0080] Thus, specific apparatus for photographic lighting have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.