GB2136944A - Refractor for Luminaire - Google Patents

Abstract

A refractor (10) for a pole- mounted luminaire has first (12) and second (18) prismatic surfaces in association each comprising a plurality of prisms and designed such that the light distribution on the horizontal area lit is substantially the same whether the luminaire is mounted vertically or horizontally on the pole. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION An Improved Refractor for Lighting Systems Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to lighting systems and more particularly to a new and improved refractor for use in a luminaire which may be mounted either horizontally or vertically on a pole at a predetermined height from a given surface.

It is desirable in the lighting of areas, walkways and other flat surfaces to be able to provide a dished prismatic refractor that provides the same "long and narrow" light distribution pattern in its horizontal and vertical orientations for both indoor and outdoor areas. In order to accomplish this with present refractors, optically different refractors would need to be used. With this refractor the luminaire would be interchangeable in it's mounting position and the "long and narrow" light distribution pattern could be effectively cast on the flat surface as desired with the luminaire mounted either horizontally or vertically in a given situation.

The use of two optically different refractors naturally requires two different and expensive injection molds and consequently higher tooling and storage costs. It would be desirable to be able to use the same refractor whether it was mounted on a ceiling horizontally or vertically on the wall to eliminate these high tooling and storage costs.

A single refractor would be advantageous in a corridor, underpass or tunnel where restrictions on installing the lighting fixture may apply. The restrictions may require a wall mounted or a ceiling mounted location and the use of a single refractor in the luminaire would permit the light beams from the refractor to remain in approximately the same vertical and lateral locations regardless of the mounting. position of the luminaire.

Summary of the Invention In order to overcome problems inherent in the use of dual reflectors as before mentioned, there has been provided by this invention a new and novel luminaire which is designed for mounting either horizontally or vertically on a pole or on a wall or ceiling at a predetermined height from a given surface. Applicant's novel luminaire comprises a refractor comprising a first prismatic surface which has formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light in the same pretermined direction whether the reflector is mounted horizontally or vertically. A second prismatic surface associated with the first prismatic surface has formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed also to refract light in the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically.

Applicant's novel refractor may be formed in a generally rectangular shape and may comprise three types of prisms in the first prismatic surface and in the preferred embodiment may comprise at -least four types of prisms in the first prismatic surface.

Accordingly, it is an object and advantage of this invention to provide a new and novel luminaire that is designed for mounting either horizontally or vertically on a pole or wall or ceiling having a new and improved refractor contained within the luminaire which is designed to refract light in the same predetermined direction whether the reflector is mounted horizontally or vertically.

This .and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the drawings and from a reading of the description of the preferred embodiment which has been given by way of illustration only.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. lisa bottom plan view of the Applicant's new and improved refractor; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view, taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is'a top plan view showing theApplicant's refractor as it would be mounted on a wall; Fig. 4 is a front elevational view, taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3 showing the refractor positioned on the wall; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of Applicant's refractor showing the first and second prismatic surfaces of the refractor and also showing the flange associated with the second prismatic surface for mounting the refractor in the luminaire;; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of Applicant's new and novel refractor shown mounted horizontally from a luminaire which is pole mounted and positioned beside a roadway or similar horizontal surface; Fig. 7 is a similar perspective view of the Applicant's new and novel refractor showing it mounted verticallyon g luminaire which is pole mounted and positioned beside a roadway or other similar surface.

Figs. 8--1 1 are perspective views showing Applicant's new and novel refractory horizontally mounted own a luminaire and pole mounted beside a roadway and showing.the various light patterns from variqus other sections of the luminaire; the Fig. T2 is a sectional view, taken along line 1212 of Fig. 5 showing a cross-sectional view of the "B" prisms of the Applicant's refractor; Fig. 13 is a sectional view, taken along line 1 3-1 3 of Fig. 5 showing a cross-sectional view through; the "E" prisms of the Applicant's refractor; and Fig. 14 is a sectional view, taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 5 showing a cross-sectional view of the "F" prisms of the Applicant's refractor.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in detail Applicant's new and novel refractor identified generally by the reference numeral 1 0. The refractor 10 may be mounted either horizontally or vertically on a pole or a predetermined surface. The refractor 10 comprises a first prismatic surface 12 which has formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light in the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically. Fig. 1 shows the refractor 10 when it is horizontally mounted and illustrates how two beams of light 1 4 and 1 6 are formed by identical left and right sides of the refractor 10.Every ray intercepted by the side walls of the refractor 1 0 would be redirected to the required horizontal angle of HO.

Fig. 2, a side elevation view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 , shows the Applicant's refractor horizontally mounted and illustrates how the second prismatic surface 1 8 would permit beams of light 20 and 22 with the vertical placement of the beams VO vertical angle with respect to Nadir. Both VO angles are dictated by the parameter based on the intended appiication and usage of the optical System.

A flange 24 is associated with the second prismatic surface 1 8 of the refractor 10 and is utilized for mounting the refractor in the luminaire desired.

Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings there is shown a plan view of Applicant's refractor 1 0 showing the refractor in its vertical orientation as it would be mounted for use on a wall 26 or some other vertical surface. In this position it can be seen that beams of light 28 and 30 from the combination of vertical and horizontal action of the sides of the refractor and face prisms would result in a required HO horizontal angle.

Fig. 4 of the drawings, an elevational view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3, shows the vertical beam placement VO vertical angle provided by the prismatic sides-front-face combination from the Nadir. Fig. 4 illustrates how the beams of light 33 and 34 would be utilized when the refractor is vertically mounted.

In Fig. 5 of the drawings there is shown a perspective view of the Applicant's new and novel refractor illustrating the location and orientation of the various prisms in regard to the first prismatic surface and the second prismatic surface and also the flange associated with the second prismatic surface. It can be seen in Fig. 5 that the first prismatic surface 1 2 is formed having a plurality of prisms known hereinafter as "B" prisms, "D" prisms and "F" prisms. The "B" prisms are identified by the reference numeral 36 while the "D" prisms are identified by the reference numeral 38. In a like manner the "F" group of prisms are identified by the reference numeral 40. The configuration of these prisms will be described more fully hereinafter.It is sufficient at this point in the description to specify that these prisms are designed to refract light in the same predetermined direction whether the reflector 10 is mounted horizontally or vertically on a pole, wall or ceiling.

Fig. 5 illustrates how the second prismatic surface 1 8 is formed having a plurality of prisms which are designated "A" prisms, "C" prisms and "E" prisms. The "A" prisms are identified by reference numeral 42 while the "C" prisms are identified by reference numeral 44. In a like manner the "E" prisms are identified by reference numeral 46 with the specific configuration of these prisms being described more fully hereinafter.

Associated with the second prismatic surface 1 8 is a flange 24 having a plurality of holes 48 positioned on the corners of the flange for mounting the refractor 10 in the luminaire. In the preferred embodiment the first prismatic surface 1 8 may be formed having at least three types of prisms comprising two groups of "B" prisms and one group "D" prisms. It is within the spirit and scope of the invention that the first prismatic surface 1 2 may also be formed having at least four types of prisms comprising the combination of two groups of "B" prisms, one group of "D" prisms and one group of "F" prisms as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing.In the preferred embodiment the second prismatic surface 1 8 is formed having at least two types of prisms comprising two groups of "A" prisms and one group of "C" prisms and in a modification of the embodiment there could is added a third group of prisms comprising a singular group of "E" prisms as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing.

Before detailing in a greater degree the formation of the various prisms, there is shown in Figs.

6-11 1 how the Applicant's new and improved refractor 10 can be utilized when mounted either horizontally or vertically on a pole or a given surface at a predetermined height from a horizontal lighted surface. As has been mentioned before, the single most novel feature of Applicant's refractor is the fact that the light distribution on the elongated horizontal area lighted is nearly identical whether the unit is mounted vertically or horizontally. Referring to Fig. 6 of the drawings Applicant's refractor 10 is shown mounted horizontally on a luminaire 50 which is fixedly attached to a pole 52 by means of a pipe connection 54. The pole 52 is attached to a base 56 which has been positioned at the side of a roadway 58 in a manner in which an overhead lighting fixture would be used for lighting.

Fig. 6 illustrates the light rays 60 and 62 radiating from the side wall prisms of the second prismatic 1 8. These prisms are "A" prisms identified by the reference numeral 42 shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. In-Fig. 6 there is shown-an angular direction given to the point of light 64 and 66 with the light being represented as a circular cross-hatched area 68 and 70. The light radiating from the luminaire 50 has a natural spreading effect due to the length of the arc stream since it is not a point source and the diffusing properties are built into the transmitting medium.In Fig. 6 the vertical angle is shown as approximately 72 1/2" from Nadir and the lateral angle is also shown as approximately 72 1/20 across the lighted area as shown by the dashed line 72. This is the standard utilized in roadway lighting notation as prescribed by the technical society known as the "Illuminating Engineering Society of North America".

In Fig. 7 of the drawings there is shown refractor 10 positioned in a vertically orientated luminaire 74 which is attached to a pole 52 and to a base 56. When positioned in this manner light rays 76 and 78 are directed downward to the roadway 58 from the same sidewall prisms "A" 42 as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. Fig. 7 illustrates that the luminaire 50 of Fig. 6 may be mounted vertically in which case it is shown as the luminaire 74 in Fig. 7 and the light patterns from the second prismatic surfaces 18 are approximately the same in the case of the vertical and horizontal mounting of the luminaire.

Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 illustrate light patterns from various other sections of the luminaire with the luminaire shown mounted horizontally. Fig. 8 illustrates light rays 80 and 82 radiating from the first prismatic surface 1 2 resulting from the prisms "B" and identified in Fig. 5 of the drawing by the reference numerals 36 and 44. The left hand group of "B" prisms 36 lights the roadway 58 in the cross-hatched area 84 as shown in Fig. 8 while the right hand group of "B" prisms 44 lights the crosshatched area 86 in the same roadway. The vertical angle is approximately 600 from Nadir and the lateral angle is approximately 720 straight across the lighted area as shown by the dashed line 88.

Figs. 6 and 8 of the drawings illustrate that the cross-hatched areas 84 and 86 of Fig. 8 flow in under the luminaire 50 at a lower vertical angle than the cross-hatched areas 64 and 66 shown in Fig.

6. As has been mentioned before, cross-hatched areas 64 and 66 in Fig. 6 are light patterns radiating from the second prismatic surface 1 8 formed by the "A" group of prisms 42.

Fig. 9 of the drawings illustrates cross-hatched area 90 and 92 light pattern radiating from the front wall group of prisms "C" identified in Fig. 5 by the reference numeral 44 in the second prismatic surface 18. When positioned in this manner it can be seen that the vertical angle would be at approximately 600 from Nadir and the lateral angle would be approximately 750 straight across the lighted area at OOC as shown by the dashed line 94.

Fig. 1 0 of the drawings illustrates a horizontally mounted luminaire 50 attached to the pole 52 and a base 56 with a cross-hatched light pattern area 96 indicating the approximate position of the light pattern from the small triangular section of "D" prisms shown on the first prismatic surface 1 2 as detailed in Fig. 5 of the drawing. This group of prisms identified by reference numeral 38 in Fig. 5 is use to fill in the lighted area below the luminaire 50 as shown in Fig. 10 of the roadway 58.

Fig. 11 of the drawings illustrates light which would be directed from the face panel "F" group of prisms identified by reference numeral 40 in Fig. 5. The light from the face panel of the first prismatic surface 12 identified as the "F" group of prisms would also cast light behind the pole 52 off of the roadway 58 in the area shown by the cross-hatched portion 1 02. This would be unavoidable in the construction of the refractor but would not be undesirable and could be screened out by the use of internal shields in the luminaire proper if necessary.

In Figs. 12, 1 3 and 14 of the drawings there is shown a cross-sectional view of the various prism sections illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. Fig. 1 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the "B" group of prisms 36 shown in Fig. 5. The "B" group of prisms 36 comprise a prism angle A and a prism angle B as shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings. These prism angles correspond to the following angles numbered 1-38 from the following chart: "B" Prism Prism No. Angle A Angle B 1 48.5 2 11.7 48 3 12.3 47.5 4 13.6 47 5 14.6 46.5 6 16 45.5 7 17.3 44.5 8 19 43.5 9 20.9 42.5 "B" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B 10 22.5 41.5 11 22.5 40 12 29.2 40 13 32 40 14 34.5 40 15 37.5 40 16 40.5 40 17 43 40 18 47.5 40 19 50.5 40 20 53.2 40 21 56.5 40 22 58.5 40 23 61.5 40 24 64 40 25 67 40 26 68.5 40 27 71 40 28 73 40 29 75 40 30 76 40 31 78 40 32 -79.5 40 33 81 40 34 82.5 40 35 84 40 36 85.5 40 37 86.5 40 38 87.5 40 In a similar manner the "A' group of prisms identified by reference numeral 42 formed in the second prismatic surface 1 8 are similar to those formed and shown in Fig. 1 2 of the drawings and correspond to the following angles A and B: "A" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B 1 40 11.7 2 40 11.7 3 40 11.7 4 40 11.7 5 40 11.7 6 40 11.7 7 40 11.7 8 40 11.7 9 40 11.7 10 40 11.7 11 40 11.7 12 40 11.7 13 40 11.7 14 41.5 11.7 15 42.5 11.7 16 43.5 11.7 17 44.5 11.7 18 45.5 11.7 19 46.5 11.7 20 48 11.7 21 49.5 11.7 22 51 11.7 23 52.5 11.7 24 55 .5 25 57 0.5 26 59.5 1.5 27 62 2.5 28 64.5 3.5 29 67 4.5 30 69.5 5.5 31 72 6.5 "A" Prism (Continued) Prism No.Angle A Angle B 32 75 33 77.5 8.5 34 80 9.5 35 82.5 10.5 36 85 11.5 37 87.5 12.5 38 NO PRISM NO PRISM 39 0. 87.5 40 0 85 41 0 83 42 0 81 43 0 79.5 44 0 77.5 45 0 76 46 0 74.5 47 0 73 48 0 72 49 0 71 50 0 70 51 0 69 52 0 68 53 0 67 54 0 66.5 55 0 66 56 0 65 57 0 64.5 58 0 64 59 0 63.5 60 0 63 In a similar manner the "C" group of prisms 44 formed in the second prismatic surface 18 are formed in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings and correspond to various angles A and B as shown in the following chart: "C" Prism Prism No. Angle A Angle B 1 38 20.5 2 37.8 21.6 3 37.6 22.3 4 37.4 23.2 5 37.2 24 6 37 24.8 7 36.8 25.7 8 36.8 26.3 9 36.8 27 10 36.8 27.9 11 36.8 28.7 12 36.8 29.4 13 36.8 30.1 14 37 30.8 15 37.2 31.5 16 37.6 32.1 17 38 32.6 18 38.4 33.1 19 39 33.6 20 39.6 34.1 21 40.2 34.6 22 40.8 35.1 23 41.5 35.6 24 42.3 36 25 43 36.4 26 43.8 36.8 27 44.5 37.2 28 45.2 37.6 29 46 37.9 30 47 38.2 31 48 38.5 "C" Prism (Continued) Prism No. Angle A Angle B 32 49 38.8 33 50 39 34 51 40.1 35 52 40.2 36 53 40.3 In a like manner the "D" group of prisms of the prismatic surface 1 2 are formed similar to the prisms formed and shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings and correspond with the following angles A and B as shown in the following chart: "D" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B 1 39.9 2 38.2 18.3 3 36.7 18.3 4 35.4 18.3 5 34.1 18.3 6 33 18.3 7 32.2 18.3 8 31.6 18.3 9 31.1 18.3 10 30.7 18.3 11 30.4 18.3 12 30.2 18.3 13 30 18.3 14 30 18.3 Referring now to Fig. 1 3 of the drawings there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along line 1 3-13 of Fig. 5 showing the formation of the "E" group of prisms 46 formed in the second prismatic surface 1 8 as shown in Fig. 5. These prisms are formed from a radius approximately 0.035 inches as shown by the radii 104 and 106 in Fig. 13 and would be spaced apart approximately 0.125 inches as shown by the dimension 108 in that same figure.

Referring now to Fig. 14 of the drawings there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along line 1 yi 14 of Fig. 5 showing the "F" group of prisms which are formed as face paneled ripples in the first prismatic surface identified by the numeral 40 in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The "F" group of prisms 40 are formed 0.177 inches from each other with a radius of 0.062 inches as shown by the radii 112 and 114 in Fig. 1 4. The face panel ripples are spaced approximately 0.020 inches above and below a horizontal plane illustrated by 11 6 and 118 in Fig. 14.

Claims (10)

1. A refractor for a luminaire that may be mounted either horizontally or vertically on a pole at a predetermined height from a given surface, comprising: (a) a first prismatic surface having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light in the same predetermined direction whether the reflector is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole; (b) a second prismatic surface, associated with the first prismatic surface, and having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole; and (c) a flange, associated with the second prismatic surface, for mounting the refractor in the luminaire.

2. A refractor as defined in claim 1 wherein the first and second prismatic surfaces are formed in a generally rectangular shape.

3. A refractor as defined in claim 1 wherein the first prismatic surface has formed thereon at least three types of prisms.

4. A refractor as defined in claim 1 wherein the first prismatic surface has formed thereon at least four types of prisms.

5. The refractor as defined in claim 3 wherein the three types ef prism formed in the first prismatic surface are formed from a plurality of substantially parallel prisms formed from at least two prism configurations "B" and "D" having approximately the prism angle "A" and "B" from Nadir taken from the following chart: "B" Prism "D" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B Angle A Angle B 1 48.5 39.9 2 11.7 48 38.2 18.3 3 12.3 47.5 36.7 18.3 4 13.6 47 35.4 18.3 5 14.6 46.5 34.1 18.3 6 16 45.5 33 18.3 7 17.3 44.5 32.2 18.3 8 19 43.5 31.6 18.3 9 20.9 42.5 31.1 18.3 10 22.5 41.5 30.7 18.3 11 22.5 40 30.4 18.3 12 29.2 40 30.2 18.3 13 32 40 30 18.3 14 34.5 40 30 18.3 15 37.5 40 16 40.5 40 17 43 40 18 47.5 40 19 50.5 40 20 53.2 40 21 56.5 40 22 58.5 40 23 61.5 40 24 64 40 "B" Prism "D" Prism Prism No. Angle A Angle B Angle A Angle B 25 67 40 - - - - 26 68.5 40 27 71 40 28 73 40 29 75 40 30 76 40 31 78 40 32 79.5 40 33 81 40 34 82.5 40 35 84 40 36 85.5 40 37 86.5 40 38 87.5 40

6. A refractor as defined in claim 1 wherein the second prismatic surface has formed thereon at least two types of prisms.

7. A refractor as defined in claim 1 wherein the second prismatic surface has formed thereon at least three types of prisms.

8. A refractor as defined in claim 7 wherein the three types of prisms formed in the second prismatic surface are formed from a plurality of substantially parallel prisms formed from at least two prism configurations "A" and "C" having approximately the prism angle "A" and "B" from Nadir taken from the following chart: "A" Prism "C" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B Angle A Angle B 1 40 11.7 38 20.5 2 40 11.7 37.8 21.6 3 40 11.7 37.6 22.3 4 40 11.7 37.4 23.2 5 40 11.7 37.2 24 6 40 11.7 37 24.8 7 40 11.7 36.8 25.7 8 40 11.7 36.8 26.3

9 40 11.7 36.8 27 10 40 11.7 36.8 27.9 11 40 11.7 36.8 28.7 12 40 11.7 36.8 29.4 13 40 11.7 36.8 30.1 14 41.5 11.7 37 30.8 15 42.5 11.7 37.2 31.5 16 43.5 11.7 37.6 32.1 17 44.5 11.7 38 32.6 18 45.5 11.7 38.4 33.1 19 46.5 11.7 39 33.6 20 48 11.7 39.6 34.1 21 49.5 11.7 40.2 34.6 22 51 11.7 40.8 35.1 23 52.5 11.7 41.5 35.6 24 55 .5 42.3 36 25 57 0.5 43 36.4 26 59.5 1.5 43.8 36.8 27 62 2.5 44.5 37.2 28 64.5 3.5 45.2 37.6 29 67 4.5 46 37.9 30 69.5 5.5 47 38.2 31 72 6.5 48 38.5 "A" Prism "C" Prism Prism No.Angle A Angle B Angle A Angle B 32 75 7.5 49 38.8 33 77.5 8.5 50 39 34 80 9.5 51 40.1 35 82.5 10.5 52 40.2 36 85 11.5 53 40.3 37 87.5 12.5 38 NO PRISM NO PRISM 39 0 87.5 40 0 85 41 0 83 42 0 81 43 0 79.5 44 0 77.5 45 0 76 46 0 74.5 47 0 73 48 0 72 49 0 71 50 0 70 51 0 69 52 0 68 53 0 67 54 0 66.5 55 0 66 56 0 65 57 0 64.5 58 0 64 59 0 63.5 60 0 63 9.A luminaire designed for mounting either horizontally or vertically on a pole comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a reflector positioned in the housing; (c) a lamp socket fixedly attached to the luminaire; (d) a lamp positioned in the lamp socket; (e) a refractor, fixedly attached to the housing, and designed for either horizontal or vertical mounting on the pole at a predetermined height from a given surface, the refractor comprising; (1) a first prismatic surface having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light the same predetermined direction whether the refractory is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole;; (2) a second prismatic surface associated with the first prismatic surface and having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole; (3) a flange, associated with the second prismatic surface, for mounting the refractor to the housing; and (f) means, associated with the lamp for electrically attaching the lamp to a power source for illuminating the lamp as desired.

10. An improved luminaire comprising, in combination: (a) a pole; (b) a luminaire fixedly attached to the pole and being designed for mounting either horizontally or vertically on the pole, the luminaire comprising; (1) a housing; (2) a reflector positioned in the housing; (3) a lamp socket fixedly attached to the luminaire; (4) a lamp positioned in the lamp socket; (5) a refractor fixedly attached to the housing and designed to be mounted either horizontally or vertically at a predetermined height from a given surface, the refractor comprising: : (A) a first prismatic surface having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole; (B) a second prismatic surface associated with the first prismatic surface and having formed thereon a plurality of prisms designed to refract light the same predetermined direction whether the refractor is mounted horizontally or vertically on the pole; (C) a flange, associated with the second prismatic surface, for mounting the refractor in the luminaire; and (6) means, associated with the lamp, for electrically connecting the lamp to a power source for illuminating the lamp.