CA2578718A1 - Luminaire with pattern generator - Google Patents
Luminaire with pattern generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2578718A1 CA2578718A1 CA 2578718 CA2578718A CA2578718A1 CA 2578718 A1 CA2578718 A1 CA 2578718A1 CA 2578718 CA2578718 CA 2578718 CA 2578718 A CA2578718 A CA 2578718A CA 2578718 A1 CA2578718 A1 CA 2578718A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- luminaire
- pattern
- housing
- light source
- light
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
A luminaire having a pattern generator capable of projecting from the luminaire a pattern, such as a directional indicator, to enhance the building occupants' ability to navigate and find exits during an emergency situation, particularly when visual conditions are poor. An exemplary embodiment of a pattern generator includes a light source, a lens, and a pattern forming element. In use, the lens directs the light emitted from the light source toward the pattern forming element, which dictates the pattern projected from the luminaire.
Description
LUMINAIRE WITH PATTERN GENERATOR
Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Serial No.
60/773,304, filed on February 14, 2006, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to luminaires, including but not limited to illuminated signs such as emergency exit signs, capable of projecting a pattern, such as a directional indicator, to direct building occupants to the nearest exit during a fire or other emergency.
Background of the Invention [0003] Luminaires of all kinds, including but not limited to wall sconces, illuminated signs, downlights, steplights, and wall packs, are provided in buildings to illuminate halls, corridors, offices, and other spaces. Emergency lighting luminaires are mandated by commercial building codes throughout most of the world. The most common type of emergency lighting luminaire is the exit sign, which is intended to be illuminated at all times and clearly direct those in flight to the nearest exit during a fire or other emergency.
Exit signs are typically placed above doorways or in egress paths to indicate the most efficient manner of exiting a building. A simple "EXIT" message can be provided on a sign located directly above the egress from the building or, where the egress is located away from the sign, an "EXIT" message is normally coupled on the sign with a directional indicator, such as a chevron, that points toward the closest exit. In the event of an emergency, it is important that building occupants be able to see the exit sign and its directional indicator to be able to safely exit the building. Other luminaires provided in the building illuminate the halls, corridors, etc.
traversed by occupants to reach such exits during an emergency.
Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Serial No.
60/773,304, filed on February 14, 2006, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to luminaires, including but not limited to illuminated signs such as emergency exit signs, capable of projecting a pattern, such as a directional indicator, to direct building occupants to the nearest exit during a fire or other emergency.
Background of the Invention [0003] Luminaires of all kinds, including but not limited to wall sconces, illuminated signs, downlights, steplights, and wall packs, are provided in buildings to illuminate halls, corridors, offices, and other spaces. Emergency lighting luminaires are mandated by commercial building codes throughout most of the world. The most common type of emergency lighting luminaire is the exit sign, which is intended to be illuminated at all times and clearly direct those in flight to the nearest exit during a fire or other emergency.
Exit signs are typically placed above doorways or in egress paths to indicate the most efficient manner of exiting a building. A simple "EXIT" message can be provided on a sign located directly above the egress from the building or, where the egress is located away from the sign, an "EXIT" message is normally coupled on the sign with a directional indicator, such as a chevron, that points toward the closest exit. In the event of an emergency, it is important that building occupants be able to see the exit sign and its directional indicator to be able to safely exit the building. Other luminaires provided in the building illuminate the halls, corridors, etc.
traversed by occupants to reach such exits during an emergency.
[0004] However, many luminaires are mounted or otherwise located relatively high above the ground. For example, exit signs are typically mounted seven to twelve feet above the ground in office buildings and similar structures that are occupied by a large number of people. However, in the case of some emergencies, such as a fire, smoke could fill the space near the ceiling, obscuring the luminaires and making it very difficult, if not impossible, to see the directional indicator on the face of exit signs and the path to follow to reach an exit.
Accordingly, there is a need for a feature in luminaires (and particularly exit signs) that provides additional aid to building occupants in locating the nearest exit in the event that the luminaires, including the face of the exit signs, are obscured.
Summary of the Invention [0005] The present invention provides a pattern generator capable of projecting a pattern, such as a directional indicator, to enhance the building occupants' ability to navigate and find exits during an emergency situation, particularly when visual conditions are poor.
An exemplary embodiment of a pattern generator includes a light source, a lens, and a pattern forming element. In use, the lens directs the light beams emitted from the light source toward the pattern forming element, which dictates the projected pattern.
Accordingly, there is a need for a feature in luminaires (and particularly exit signs) that provides additional aid to building occupants in locating the nearest exit in the event that the luminaires, including the face of the exit signs, are obscured.
Summary of the Invention [0005] The present invention provides a pattern generator capable of projecting a pattern, such as a directional indicator, to enhance the building occupants' ability to navigate and find exits during an emergency situation, particularly when visual conditions are poor.
An exemplary embodiment of a pattern generator includes a light source, a lens, and a pattern forming element. In use, the lens directs the light beams emitted from the light source toward the pattern forming element, which dictates the projected pattern.
[0006] The light source, lens, and pattern forming element may be pre-assembled in a small housing. While the pattern generator may be installed free-standing, it is preferably installed within luminaires. In this way, the pattern generator can emit a lighted pattern, such as a directional indicator such as an arrow, on a surface beneath the luminaire. Incorporation of the pattern generator into luminaires obviates the need to install the pattern generators separately and thus reduces installation cost and time. Moreover, concealing the pattern generators within luminaires reduces the number of exposed electrical fixtures in an installation and thus enhances aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the pattern generators can draw from the power supply of, or within, the luminaire within which it is installed.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pattern generator of this invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pattern generator of this invention.
[0008] Figure 2 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a shape filter of this invention.
[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exit sign with an embodiment of a pattern generator according to this invention installed therein and projecting a pattern onto a surface below the sign.
Detailed Description of the Drawings [0010] An embodiment of a pattern generator 10 of this invention is shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, a housing 20 includes a light source 22, a lens 24, and a pattern forming element 26. Light source 22 is positioned above lens 24, which is positioned above pattern forming element 26.
Detailed Description of the Drawings [0010] An embodiment of a pattern generator 10 of this invention is shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, a housing 20 includes a light source 22, a lens 24, and a pattern forming element 26. Light source 22 is positioned above lens 24, which is positioned above pattern forming element 26.
[0011] The housing 20 may be made from any material having suitable structural integrity, including but not limited to plastic and metal materials. Light source 22 is powered by any suitable mechanism (denoted generally by 18) and emits light. The light source 22 may be a light emitting diode (LED), laser, laser diode (illustrated in Figure 1), or any other light generation source suitable for inclusion in a luminaire such as an exit sign. Light source 22 preferably emits light in an eye-catching color such as red or green, but can emit light in any desired color.
[0012] The lens 24 is preferably plastic or glass. The pattern forming element 26 may be a shape filter 28, such as illustrated in Figure 2. The shape filter 28 may be formed of a plastic or metal, although other suitable materials may be used as is well understood by those skilled in the art. The shape filter 28 includes an aperture 30 in the shape of the desired pattern to be projected. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture 30 is in the shape of a directional arrow, but other or multiple shapes may be used and such shapes may be formed by one or more apertures in the shape filter 28.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the pattern forming element 26 is a diffractive optical element. The diffractive optical element may be plastic or glass and employs constructive and destructive interference to manipulate the light into the desired pattern. The diffractive optical element may be formed to create the desired pattern using holographics, diamond turning, photolithography or e-beam lithography, UV replication, and hot embossing, all of which are well known by those of skill in the art.
[0014] In use, the light source 22 generates light beams, and the lens 24 receives the light beams and directs them toward the pattern forming element 26. If a shape filter 28 is used as the pattern forming element 26, the lens preferably focuses the light beams through the aperture 30 in shape filter 28. The light passes through aperture 30 and is projected onto a surface outside housing 20 in the shape of an arrow 32.
[0015] If a diffractive optical element is used as the pattern forming element 26, the lens 24 collimates the light beams toward the diffractive optical element which permits selective light passage such that a shape (e.g., arrow 32) is projected onto a surface outside housing 20. It is preferable that the lens 24 be positioned relative to the light source 22 so as not to produce more than approximately 7 divergent light.
[0016] While the pattern forming element 26 is disclosed as forming an arrow 32, one of skill in the art will understand that the pattern forming element 26 may be adapted to form any shape (not just an arrow). Moreover, it need not form a single shape.
Rather, a plurality of apertures 30 may be provided in shape filter 28 and a diffractive optical element provided so as to create a plurality of shapes when the pattern generator 10 is activated.
Rather, a plurality of apertures 30 may be provided in shape filter 28 and a diffractive optical element provided so as to create a plurality of shapes when the pattern generator 10 is activated.
[0017] The housing 20 may be of any shape and the pattern generator 10 components (light source 22, lens 24, and pattern forming element 26) held within the housing 20 using any mechanical retention devices known in the art. All or some of the pattern generator 10 components may be fixed in position within the housing (for example, via adhering, welding, clips, springs, brackets, etc.) or alternatively movably positioned within the housing 20.
[0018] In one embodiment, the housing 20 is tubular-shaped and has threads 34 on its inner surface. External threads 36 are provided on the light source 22, lens 24, and/or pattern forming element 26. The external threads 36 may be formed directly into the component or provided in a holder (not shown) in which the component is seated. The components may be seated together in a single holder or separately in different holders. In this embodiment, the components are secured in housing 20 by engagement of external threads 36 on the components (illustrated as formed directly on the components) with internal threads 34 on the housing 20. In this way, the components are essentially screwed into the housing 20 and the distance between the components within the housing 20 may be adjusted to vary the size of the projected image.
[0019] In addition to rotating the entire housing 20, it is conceivable that the pattern forming element 26 within the housing 20 can be rotated relative to the housing 20 to alter the direction of the arrow 32 that projects onto the surface below. This allows for selection of the orientation of the arrow to be made by the installer at the time of installation based upon, for example, the direction of the nearest exit. In some embodiments, the pattern generators 10 may be oriented such that the illuminated pattern is displayed on a wall as opposed to the floor located beneath the pattern generator. It is also possible that multiple light source colors could be used to indicate different exigent circumstances.
In some embodiments, multiple light sources, lenses, and pattern forming elements may be used such that each light source, lens, and pattern forming element combination is configured to be activated for a different emergency.
In some embodiments, multiple light sources, lenses, and pattern forming elements may be used such that each light source, lens, and pattern forming element combination is configured to be activated for a different emergency.
[0020] While the pattern generator 10 disclosed herein could be mounted as a free-standing fixture in a building, it is preferably installed within a luminaire.
In this way, the pattern generator 10 can emit a lighted pattern, such as a directional indicator such as an arrow, on a surface beneath or around the luminaire. The pattern generator 10 of the present invention may be installed within or used in conjunction with many different types of luminaires. For example, certain embodiments of this invention may be used in luminaires such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,988,825 to Masters et al., entitled "Housing Frame for Illuminated Signs Having Multiple Configurations," and U.S. Patent No. 5,797,673 to Logan et al., entitled "Emergency Lighting Unit/Exit Sign Combination," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or similar exit or emergency lighting fixtures or housings.
In this way, the pattern generator 10 can emit a lighted pattern, such as a directional indicator such as an arrow, on a surface beneath or around the luminaire. The pattern generator 10 of the present invention may be installed within or used in conjunction with many different types of luminaires. For example, certain embodiments of this invention may be used in luminaires such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,988,825 to Masters et al., entitled "Housing Frame for Illuminated Signs Having Multiple Configurations," and U.S. Patent No. 5,797,673 to Logan et al., entitled "Emergency Lighting Unit/Exit Sign Combination," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or similar exit or emergency lighting fixtures or housings.
[0021] If the pattern generator 10 is to be installed within a luminaire, the luminaire housing needs to have one or more apertures formed in an outer portion thereof such that the pattern formed by the pattern generator 10 may be projected outside the luminaire housing and onto a surrounding surface. The apertures could be, but do not have to be, covered with a clear material, such as glass or plastic, to shield the luminaire innards from the surrounding environment.
[0022] For example, pattern generator 10 may be installed in an exit sign housing, such as exit sign housing 12 shown in Figure 3. While the pattern generator 10 is illustrated and described installed in an exit sign, one of skill in the art will understand that the pattern generator 10 may be installed in other luminaires. The pattern generator 10 is installed within exit sign housing 12, just above a hole 34 in exit sign housing 12. The pattern generator light source 22 can be powered by the exit sign power supply (either external power supply or batteries housed within the exit sign). In one embodiment, the light source 22 is powered by batteries stored within the exit sign housing 12.
[0023] Housing 20, and light source 22, lens 24, and pattern forming element within housing 20, are oriented so that the light emitted from light source 22 is projected through the pattern forming element 26 and through hole 34 of the exit sign housing 12 onto a surface below or surrounding the exit sign in the shape of arrow 32, which indicates the direction of the nearest exit in case of an emergency. It is contemplated that the housing 20 (or the pattern forming element 26) could be rotated external the sign housing 12 to alter the orientation of the projected pattern. Note that if the pattern generator 10 of this invention is installed within a luminaire, it is conceivable that housing 20 could be eliminated by simply individually positioning and installing the light source 22, lens 24, and pattern forming element 26 directly in the luminaire housing so that the components interact as necessary to project the desired pattern.
(0024) The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope.
Claims (21)
1. A luminaire comprising:
a. a luminaire housing having a housing aperture; and b. a pattern generator positioned within the luminaire housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source for generating light;
a pattern forming element; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the pattern forming element such that the lens directs at least a portion of the light onto the pattern forming element to project a pattern from the luminaire aperture.
a. a luminaire housing having a housing aperture; and b. a pattern generator positioned within the luminaire housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source for generating light;
a pattern forming element; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the pattern forming element such that the lens directs at least a portion of the light onto the pattern forming element to project a pattern from the luminaire aperture.
2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the luminaire comprises an exit sign.
3. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, a laser, or a laser diode.
4. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the pattern forming element comprises a shape filter having a shape filter aperture through which at least a portion of the light passes, wherein the shape filter aperture is shaped like the pattern.
5. The luminaire of claim 4, wherein the shape filter comprises at least one of plastic or metal.
6. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the pattern forming element comprises a diffractive optical element through which only a portion of the light may pass, wherein the portion is shaped like the pattern.
7. The luminaire of claim 6, wherein the diffractive optical element comprises at least one of plastic or glass.
8. The luminaire of claim 6, wherein the position of the lens between the light source and pattern forming element is variable.
9. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the pattern is projected onto a surface beneath the luminaire housing.
10. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light source, pattern forming element, and lens are positioned in a pattern generator housing that is insertible within the luminaire housing.
11. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein at least one of the light source, pattern forming element, or lens is movably positioned within the pattern generator housing.
12. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the orientation of the pattern forming element is adjustable relative to the pattern generator housing.
13. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light source is powered by a power supply contained with the luminaire housing.
14. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the pattern comprises at least one arrow.
15. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the light source emits at least one of green or red light.
16. An exit sign comprising:
a. a sign housing having a housing aperture;
b. a pattern generator positioned within the sign housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source powered by a power supply;
a shape filter comprising a shape filter aperture having a pattern comprising at least one arrow; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the shape filter, wherein the lens is adapted to receive light from the light source and focus at least a portion of the light through the shape filter aperture to project the pattern through the housing aperture.
a. a sign housing having a housing aperture;
b. a pattern generator positioned within the sign housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source powered by a power supply;
a shape filter comprising a shape filter aperture having a pattern comprising at least one arrow; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the shape filter, wherein the lens is adapted to receive light from the light source and focus at least a portion of the light through the shape filter aperture to project the pattern through the housing aperture.
17. The exit sign of claim 16, wherein the orientation of the shape filter is adjustable.
18. The exit sign of claim 17, wherein the power supply is contained within the sign housing.
19. An exit sign comprising:
a. a sign housing having a housing aperture;
b. a pattern generator positioned within the sign housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source powered by a power supply;
a diffractive optical element comprising a portion through which light may pass, wherein the portion is shaped like a pattern comprising at least one arrow; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the diffractive optical element, wherein the lens is adapted to collimate at least a portion of the light through the portion of the diffractive optical element to project the pattern through the housing aperture.
a. a sign housing having a housing aperture;
b. a pattern generator positioned within the sign housing, wherein the pattern generator comprises:
a light source powered by a power supply;
a diffractive optical element comprising a portion through which light may pass, wherein the portion is shaped like a pattern comprising at least one arrow; and a lens positioned at a position between the light source and the diffractive optical element, wherein the lens is adapted to collimate at least a portion of the light through the portion of the diffractive optical element to project the pattern through the housing aperture.
20. The exit sign of claim 19, wherein the position of the lens between the light source and the diffractive optical element is variable.
21. The exit sign of claim 19, wherein the power supply is contained within the sign housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US77330406P | 2006-02-14 | 2006-02-14 | |
| US60/773,304 | 2006-02-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2578718A1 true CA2578718A1 (en) | 2007-08-14 |
Family
ID=38421277
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2578718 Abandoned CA2578718A1 (en) | 2006-02-14 | 2007-02-14 | Luminaire with pattern generator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2578718A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT13348U1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2013-11-15 | Pulker Michael Ing | Device for escape route marking |
| CN105070225A (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2015-11-18 | 陈清华 | Emergency indication lamp |
| CN110974226A (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2020-04-10 | 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 | Lighting device of medical equipment and medical equipment with lighting device |
-
2007
- 2007-02-14 CA CA 2578718 patent/CA2578718A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT13348U1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2013-11-15 | Pulker Michael Ing | Device for escape route marking |
| CN105070225A (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2015-11-18 | 陈清华 | Emergency indication lamp |
| CN110974226A (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2020-04-10 | 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 | Lighting device of medical equipment and medical equipment with lighting device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |