Arrangement for generating light effects having a shadowing function

Abstract

An arrangement (10) for generating a light effect (26) includes an obscuration sheet material (11) and a divergence sheet material (12) arranged in spaced apart relation to a rear side (23) of an effect sheet material (13). The obscuration sheet material (11) has at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18). On the light entry side (15), which faces away from the effect sheet material (13), light (L) impinges on the obscuration sheet material (11) and is severely reduced or completely shielded in shielding region (18), while light (L) passes through the at least one transmission region (17). By means of the divergence sheet material (12), divergent light rays (LD) are produced at the corresponding transmission region (17), which divergent light rays impinge on the rear side (23) of the effect sheet material (13) and generate a light effect (26) for a viewer (25) looking at the viewing side (24).

Claims

1. An arrangement (10) for generating a light effect (26) with several sheet materials (11, 12, 13) arranged so as to be at least in partially overlapping relation in viewing direction (B) comprising: an obscuration sheet material (11) having a light entry side (15) and a light exit side (16), said obscuration sheet material (11) having at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18) wherein a light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) passes through the at least one transmission region (17) and exits on the light exit side (16) and wherein an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) of the at least one shielding region (18) is greater than an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the at least one transmission region (17); at least one effect sheet material (13) of a textile material having a rear side (23) facing the light exit side (16) of the obscuration sheet material (11) and a viewing side (24); said effect sheet material (13) being arranged a distance from the obscuration sheet material (11) wherein the light impinging on the rear side (23) of the effect sheet material (13) is at least partially redirected and exits at least partially on the viewing side (24); said obscuration sheet material (11) comprising several obscuration layers (11, a, 11b) that are in planar contact with each other and a support layer (11b) on which the at least one of said obscuration layers (11a) is arranged; and said support layer (11b) extends in the at least one transmission region (17) and forms at least one layer of the divergence sheet material (12).

2. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which the effect sheet material (13) is arranged a distance from the obstruction material (11) such that light impinging on the rear side (23) is redirected by at least one of being partially reflected, scattered, refracted, or defracted.

3. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which the at least one transmission region (17) is formed by an aperture (19) in the obscuration sheet material (11).

4. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which the at least one shielding region (18) totally shields the impinging light.

5. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 including a divergence sheet material (12) disposed in relation to the obscuration sheet material (11) to convert impinging substantially parallel (L) light into divergent light (LD).

6. The arrangement (10) of claim 5 in which the divergence sheet material (11) is arranged between the obscuration sheet material (11) and the effect sheet material (13).

7. The arrangement (10) of claim 5 in which the divergence sheet material (12) and the obscuration sheet material (11) are in contact with each other.

8. The arrangement (10) of claim 5 in which the divergence sheet material (12) is at least one of a foil material and/or a fiber material and/or a textile material.

9. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which the support layer (11b) extends only in the at least one shielding region (18) and leaves clear the at least one transmission region (17).

10. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which at least one of the obscuration sheet material (11) and the effect sheet material (13) can be rolled up and down on one winding shaft (31)(13a).

11. The arrangement (10) of claim 1 in which the obscuration sheet material (11) comprises two obscuration layers (11a) that can be shifted relative to each other, and each of said obscuration layers having at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18).

12. An arrangement (10) for generating a light effect (26) with several sheet materials (11, 12, 13) arranged so as to be at least in partially overlapping relation in viewing direction (B) comprising: an obscuration sheet material (11) having a light entry side (15) and a light exit side (16), said obscuration sheet material (11) having at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18) wherein a light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) passes through the at least one transmission region (17) and exits on the light exit side (16) and wherein an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) of the at least one shielding region (18) is greater than an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the at least one transmission region (17); at least one effect sheet material (13) of a textile material having a rear side (23) facing the light exit side (16) of the obscuration sheet material (11) and a viewing side (24); said effect sheet material (13) being arranged a distance from the obscuration sheet material (11) wherein the light impinging on the rear side (23) of the effect sheet material (13) is at least partially redirected and exits at least partially on the viewing side (24); and said at least one obscuration sheet material (11) and the effect sheet material (13) are collapsible and expandable in a pleated manner.

13. An arrangement (10) for generating a light effect (26) with several sheet materials (11, 12, 13) arranged so as to be at least in partially overlapping relation in viewing direction (B) comprising: an obscuration sheet material (11) having a light entry side (15) and a light exit side (16), said obscuration sheet material (11) having at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18) wherein a light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) passes through the at least one transmission region (17) and exits on the light exit side (16) and wherein an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the light entry side (15) of the at least one shielding region (18) is greater than an intensity reduction of the light (L) impinging on the at least one transmission region (17); at least one effect sheet material (13) of a textile material having a rear side (23) facing the light exit side (16) of the obscuration sheet material (11) and a viewing side (24); said effect sheet material (13) being arranged a distance from the obscuration sheet material (11) wherein the light impinging on the rear side (23) of the effect sheet material (13) is at least partially redirected and exits at least partially on the viewing side (24); and at least one of the obscuration sheet material (11) and the effect sheet material (13) can be rolled up and down on one winding shaft (31, 13a); and at least one of the obscuration sheet material (11) and the effect sheet material (13) comprises a pull rod (34) that is slidably guided in a guiding arrangement (37).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative light effect generating arrangement in accordance with the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of light effect generating arrangement comprising an obscuration sheet material and a divergence sheet material;

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the illustrated obscuration sheet material;

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a light effect generating arrangement configured as a double roller shade;

(5) FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement configured as a pleated shade;

(6) FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic illustrations of modified exemplary embodiments of the light effect generating arrangements comprising two obscuration sheets that are shiftable relative to each other;

(7) FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a light effect generating arrangement according to FIGS. 6 and 7 configured as a roller shade; and

(8) FIG. 9 is an exploded schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the light effect generating arrangement comprising a connecting layer between an effect sheet material and a divergence sheet material.

(9) While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown an illustrative multilayer arrangement 10 for generating light effects in accordance with the invention. The arrangement 10 comprises an obscuration sheet material 11, a divergence sheet material 12 and an effect sheet material 13. The obscuration sheet material 11 has a light entry side 15 and an opposite light exit side 16. The obscuration sheet material 11 has at least one transmission region 17 and at least one shielding region 18. The light L that is emitted by an artificial or natural light source and impinges on the light entry side 15 of the obscuration sheet material 11 moves at minimum through the at least one transmission region 17 through the obscuration sheet material 11 and exits on the light exit side 16. In so doing, the obscuration sheet material 11 is configured in such a manner that the intensity reduction of the light impinging on the light entry side 15 is clearly greater in the at least one shielding region 18 and, for example, is at least ten times greater than the intensity reduction of the light passing through the at least one transmission region 17.

(11) In the illustrated, preferred, exemplary embodiment of arrangement 10, the impinging light L is almost completely shielded in the at least one shielding region 18, so thatdue to the shielding region 18only a negligible portion of light may penetrate. The obscuration sheet material 11 in the at least one shielding region 18 is preferably constructed in such a manner that it complies with the requirements for a so-called blackout material. The at least one transmission region 17 is formed by at least one aperture 19 in the obscuration sheet material 11, so that the light L may move without impairment from the light entry side 15 through to the light exit side 16.

(12) Considering the illustrated exemplary embodiments, several apertures 19 in the form of cylindrical holes are provided in the obscuration sheet material 11. The form or contour of the apertures may also be selected deviating from a circular cross-section. The total cross-sectional area of the apertures 19 is smaller and, preferably, smaller by at least the factor of 10 than the total area of the shielding region 18 surrounding the apertures 19. Furthermore, in accordance with the example, the distance D between two directly adjacent apertures 19 in one spatial direction in which the obscuration sheet material 11 extends is greater and, preferably, at least twice as large as the dimension of the aperture 19 in this spatial direction.

(13) In the exemplary embodiment of the obscuration sheet material 11 depicted FIG. 1, there is only one single obscuration layer 11a. Different therefrom in the exemplary embodiments of the obscuration sheet material 11 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 there are several obscuration layers 11a. In the depicted exemplary embodiments the obscuration sheet material 11 comprises a support layer 11b. At least one obscuration layer 11a is applied to this support layer 11b to one side and, consistent with the example, to both sides.

(14) The support layer 11b is provided for the production of the obscuration sheet material 11. Preferably, the support layer may be a textile material, for example, a woven fabric or also a knit fabric. Subsequently, one or more obscuration layers 11a are applied to the support layer 11bon one or both sides. Preferably, the obscuration layers 11a consist of a plastic material. The number and thickness of the obscuration layers are selected such that the desired shielding effect required in the shielding region 18 for the impinging light L is achieved.

(15) In order to produce the apertures 19, openings may subsequently be provided, and as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the openings extend completely through all the layers 11a, 11b. This may be accomplished by cutting, for example laser cutting, punching or other suitable separation process.

(16) As an alternative thereto, it is also possible to mask the at least one transmission region 17 by the support layer 11b applied obscuration layer 11a (FIG. 3). In so doing, the apertures 19 are present only in the obscuration layers 11a and do not extend through the support layer 11b. As depicted in FIG. 3, the apertures 19 in the obscuration layers 11b are at least substantially in alignment in the viewing direction B. The viewing direction B is oriented at a right angle with respect to the plane of extent in which the obscuration sheet material 11 extends. In this embodiment, the support layer 11b may form or be a component of the divergence sheet material 12. The function of the divergence sheet material 12 will be explained hereinafter.

(17) The divergence sheet material 12 is disposed to scatter parallel light L and to generate, in the region of the light exit side 16, divergent light rays LD in the at least one transmission region 17. If the transmission regions 17 or apertures 19 have a sufficiently small cross-section, a virtual punctiform light source is generated on the light exit side 16 at each aperture 19 in combination with the divergence sheet material 12, said punctiform light source emitting the divergent light rays LD in a hemispheric manner and, preferably, in an isotropic mannerto the extent that this is technically possible.

(18) The divergence sheet material 12 may be a foil and/or a textile material and/or a fiber material and may be embodied as a woven fabric, knit fabric, fleece material or cellulose material. Preferably, the divergence sheet material 12 is connected to the obscuration sheet material 11 in a planar and firm manner. For example, it may be arranged directly on the light exit side 16 of the obscuration sheet material 11 (FIG. 1) or, alternatively, be integrated as a layer in the obscuration sheet material 11. As shown by FIG. 3, the divergence sheet material 12 may also be represented, for example, by the support layer 11b and be coated on one or both sides with an obscuration layer 11a.

(19) The obscuration sheet material 11 thus has the function of a type of diaphragm and generates, in the at least one transmission region 17together with the divergence sheet material 12the divergent light rays LD. The divergent light rays LD impinge on the effect sheet material 13 that is arranged at the distance A from the divergence sheet material 12. The effect sheet material 13 has a rear side 23 that faces the divergence sheet material 12 or the light exit side 16 of the obscuration sheet material 11. The divergent light rays LD impinge on this rear side 23. Opposite the rear side 23, the effect sheet material 13 has a viewing side 24 which faces a viewer 25.

(20) The effect sheet material 13 preferably comprises a textile material and/or a fiber material and/or a foil material. For example, the effect sheet material 13 may be made of one or more yarnsas a fabric in the exemplary embodiment. The divergent light rays LD impinge on the rear side 23 and are at least partially scattered and/or reflected and/or refracted by the effect sheet material and, in accordance with the example, in the respective yarn section. Due to the yarn makeup and/or the arrangement of the layers relative to each other, it is possible to generate a specified, desired light effect for the viewer 25. In particular, a three-dimensional light effect 26 may be created. Depending on the structure of the effect sheet woven material 13, there are a number of possibilities. For example, star-shaped rays may be generated around the virtual light sources at the apertures 19, with the rays extending, for the viewer 25, also out of the plane of the effect sheet material 13 toward the back into the room. It is also possible to generate elliptical or line patterns.

(21) This three-dimensional effect is produced only when the light impinging on the rear side 23 is divergent. The arrangement 10 according to the invention may work with any desired natural or artificial light sources. For example, sun light impinging on the Earth is parallel, so that the effect sheet material 13 alone could not generate a light effect. The arrangement 10, however, produces the divergent light rays LD from the parallel light L and can thus produce a light effect 26 even in sun light. Therefore, the arrangement 10 is suitable for use in sun protection arrangements or shadowing arrangements such as, for example, sun umbrellas, sun sails, roller shades or the like. For example, when darkening a room during the day, it is still possible to produce a special light effect on the darkened windows.

(22) In modification of the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, it is also possible to not cover a part of the transmission region 17 or one or more transition regions 17 with the divergence sheet material 12. This further can be accomplished with an aperture 19 also provided in the divergence sheet material 12. The light will then impinge through these apertures parallel on the effect sheet material 13. This can be used, for example, to create a sharp image of lettering or company logos.

(23) If the arrangement 10 is operated with a light source that generates divergent light instead of parallel light L, the divergence sheet material 12 also may be omitted.

(24) FIGS. 4 and 5 show, schematically, two further exemplary embodiments of the arrangement 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, the arrangement 10 is configured in the form of a double roller shade 30. The obscuration sheet material 11 and the divergence sheet material 12 are wound in direct, intimate contact on a common winding shaft 31 of a first roller shade 32. The effect sheet material 13 is wound onto the winding shaft 21 of a second roller shade 33. The two roller shades 32, 33 can be coupled with each other, so that, when a winding shaft 31 of the one roller shade 32 or 33 is being rotated, the winding shaft 31 of the other roller shade 33 and 32, respectively, will also rotate. For example, this can be accomplished in that the sheet materials 11, 12, 13 are connectedon their respective free endsto a common pull rod 34. Winding and unwinding is initiated via the pull rod. Alternatively or additionally, the winding shafts 31 of the two roller shades 32, 33 can also be coupled with each other by a coupling means, for example, a gear mechanism, a belt or the like. In this case, a connection of the effect sheet material 13 to the other sheet materials 11, 12 may be omitted. Furthermore, in modification thereof it is also possible to operate the two roller shades 32, 33 independently of each other. The arrangement of the roller shade 32, 33 is such that the space A exists between the effect sheet material 13 and the divergence sheet material 12.

(25) FIG. 5 shows another alternative arrangement 10. In this case, there are no roller shades 32, 33, but pleated shades 35, 36 provided. A first pleated shade 35 is present for the obscuration sheet material 11 and the divergence sheet material 12, while the second pleated shade 36 is present for the effect sheet material 13. In this case, the sheet materials 11, 12 can be pleated and pulled apart in an accordion-like fashion. Each pleated shade 35, 36 may comprise a pull rod 34 that is connected to the free end of the respectively associate sheet material 11, 12, 13. The pull rod 34 may be slidably guided in a guiding arrangement 37. In this case it is also possible to couple the two pull rods 34 with each other or design them as a combined component so that the operation of the pleated shades 35, 36 is coupled.

(26) FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show another exemplary embodiment of the arrangement 10. The obscuration sheet material 11 in this instance comprises two obscuration layers 11a that can be shifted relative to each other transversely with respect to the viewing direction B. In so doing, each obscuration layer 11a has at least one transmission region 17 and one shielding region 18 that preferably are identically contoured or designed. By shifting the two obscuration layers 11a, the transmission regions 17 can be superimposed or shifted relative to each other in such a manner that the transmission region 17 of one obscuration layer 11a becomes in register with the shielding region 18 of the respectively other obscuration layer 11a (FIG. 7). In this darkening position, no light will pass through the transmission regions 17, and the arrangement 10 can be used for total shadowing or darkening. If the transmission region 17, i.e., for example the apertures 19, of the two obscuration layers 11a overlap at least partially, a light effect 26 can be generated (FIG. 6).

(27) This embodiment can be implemented with a roller shade arrangement 30 (FIG. 8). To do so, a third roller shade 40 may be provided, for example, this being different from the embodiment according to FIG. 4. An obscuration layer 11a is wound onto the third roller shade 40, while the respectively other obscuration layer 11a is wound on the first roller shade 32. One of the two obscuration layers 11a can be connected to the divergence sheet material 12, as illustrated in FIG. 8. As a result of a relative rotation of the two winding shafts 31 of the first roller shade 32 and the third roller shade 40 with respect to each other, the desired relative position between the two obscuration layers 11a can be adjusted as explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The two obscuration layers 11a may be associated with a common pull rod 34; however it is also possible to provide separate pull rods 34 for each roller shade 32, 40. Other than that, the roller shade arrangement 30 according to FIG. 8 corresponds to the roller shade arrangement 30 according to FIG. 4, so that reference may be made to the description hereinabove.

(28) It also possible to configure the arrangement 10 with obscuration layers 11a that can be shifted relative to each other by using pleated shades. In modification of the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, an additional pleated shade may be provided with the additional obscuration layer 11a.

(29) In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the space A is formed by an air gap between the effect sheet material 13 and the obscuration sheet material 11 or the divergence sheet material 12. In modification thereof, it is possible in all exemplary embodiments to arrange a connecting layer 41 between the effect sheet material 13 and the divergence sheet material 12 or the obscuration sheet material 11. The connecting layer 41 may be made of material that is transparent to the light wave length or the light wave length range originating from the light source L. Preferably, the connecting layer 41 is transmissive to all the light wave lengths of the visible light. However, it is also possible to configure the connecting layer 41 as a color filter in order to adjust a desired lighting color.

(30) As shown by FIG. 9, by using a connecting layer 41 it is possible to connect all sheet materials 11, 12, 13 to each other so that the arrangement 10 can be implemented with a single pleated shade or roller shade. The connecting layer 41 can be configured so as to be partially opaque, at least outside the light emitting region of the diverging light rays LD. FIG. 9 shows, schematically, that one or more edge areas, for example the edge areas 42, are configured so as to be opaque or at least almost opaque to visible light. As a result of this, the penetration of interfering light in the regions between the effect sheet material 13 and the divergence sheet material 12 or the obscuration sheet material 11 can be minimized or prevented. It is also possible to use other means, for example, tracks or diaphragms or the like on the roller shade arrangement 30 or on the pleated shade arrangement 35, 36 to prevent the penetration of interfering light in this region. Such means can be arranged, for example, on a guiding arrangement for guiding a pull rod 34 of a roller shade or a pleated shade.

(31) Furthermore, it is possible to use other mechanical devices instead of roller shades or pleated shades for the sheet materials 11, 12, 13. For example, the sheet materials 11, 12, 13 can be held in shiftable and/or pivotable frames. The obscuration sheet material 11 may also be configured as a conventional vane-type roller shutter, wherein the slit openings represent the transmission regions 17. The desired effect sheet material 13 may be installed as a roller shade, pleated shade or the like on the window in order to produce a desired light effect 26. In so doing, the divergence sheet material 12 may consist of several strips that are glued to the slit openings in the roller shutter.

(32) In modification of the described exemplary embodiment it is possible for the divergence sheet material 12 to consist of several parts, wherein each part is associated with a transmission region 17. The parts may be directly connected to each other or they may be separately connected to the obscuration sheet material 11 so that only an indirect connection exists between the parts.

(33) From the foregoing, it can be seen that an arrangement 10 is provided for generating a light effect 26 on a viewing side 24 of an effect sheet material 13. For this purpose, an obscuration sheet material 11 and preferably a divergence sheet material 12 are arranged, spaced apart, on a rear side 23 with respect to the effect sheet material 13, with the rear side facing away from the viewing side 24. The obscuration sheet material 11 has at least one transmission region 17 and at least one shielding region 18. On the light entry side 15, which faces away from the effect sheet material 13, light L impinges on the obscuration sheet material 11 and is at least severely reduced or completely shielded in the at least one shielding region 18. The light L can pass through the at least one transmission region 17. By means of the divergence sheet material 12, divergent light rays LD are produced at the corresponding transmission region 17, which divergent light rays impinge on the rear side 23 of the effect sheet material 13 and generate a light effect 26 for a viewer 25 looking at the viewing side 24.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(34) 10 Arrangement 11 Obscuration sheet material 11a Obscuration layer 11b Support layer 12 Divergence sheet material 13 Effect sheet material 15 Light entry side 16 Light exit side 17 Transmission region 18 Shielding region 19 Aperture 23 Rear side 24 Viewing side 25 Viewer 26 Light effect 30 Double roller shade 31 Winding shaft 32 First roller shade 33 Second roller shade 34 Pull rod 35 First pleated shade 36 Second pleated shade 37 Guiding arrangement 40 Third roller shade 41 Connecting layer 42 Edge area A Space B Viewing direction D Distance L Light LD Divergent light rays