US2138635A - Illuminating fixture - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 29, 1938., J. A. HOEVELER 251387535 ILLUMINATING FIXTURE Filed June 16, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fig/.1.

ll W11 John A Hoeveler WWW Nov. 29, 1938. J. A. HoEvELER ILLUMINATING FIXTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l//a/%f////////W f Y/ /Y/ Filed June 16, 1937 John llgeler y j@ Patented Nov. 29, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ILLUMINATING FIXTURE Application June 16, 1937, Serial No. 148,449

Claims.

This invention relates to illuminating xtures, and particularly to ixtures designed to afford illumination by direct light rays.

Indirect illumination is generally considered superior to direct for most installations because of its diffuse character and entire absence of glare, but there are certain places, such as stores and public buildings, where direct illumination is preferable. While direct illumination has long been used, it has, in all instances with which I am familiar, been accompanied by an objectionable amount of glare resulting from the easy visibility of the light source or strongly illuminated portions of the xtures used.

I have invented a form of illuminating ilxture capable of providing illumination by direct rays without objectionable glare. In accordance with the invention, I conceal the light source from the view of observers at all point s,`except those within a relatively small area immediately below the ixture. This means that the light source is practically unseen by occupants of a room under normal conditions.

A further 4objection to previous direct lighting iixtures of the type which are recessed in the ceiling is that they have provided little or no illumination for the ceiling, except that resulting from the reliection from the iioor. In the case of a dark floor, the amount of light reflected on the ceiling is negligible, leaving the ceiling unattractively darkened. I am aware that attempts have been made to illuminate the ceiling by direct light from the main source, but these efforts have yusually resulted in the creation of contrasting areas of light and shade on the ceiling, producing an undesirable visual eiiect.

I have incorporated in my invention means for illuminating the ceiling without creating sharp contrasts between the portion of the ceiling nearest the fixture and the portions more remote` therefrom. I obtain a smooth gradation in the intensity of the illumination. on the ceiling from the zone adjacent the xture to the areas more distant therefrom.

My invention, while it concerns direct lighting iixtures principally, also embodies features useful in indirect illuminating fixtures as well. Standing indirect fixtures such as oor lamps, torchres', etc., for example, have heretofore necessarily been made high enough to prevent a direct view 'of the light source and reflector by. people even taller than average. Such height detracts from the appearance and proportions of the fixture. By the aid of theinvention, a direct view of the light source and reflector of a standing indirect fixture is 'possible only to one looking almost straight downwardly thereunto, thus making it possible to reduce the overall height of the xture. I also am able to increase the intensity of illumination immediatelyadja- 5 cent the iixture.

In the case of suspended indirect iixtures, my invention provides supplementary downward direct light of high intensity without glare, as well as desirable illumination for the exterior of the usual opaque bowl.

A complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the accompanying drawings in the following detailed description. In the drawings, Y

Fig. 1 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation, showing one form of the invention, i. e., that adapted for mounting within the ceiling;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a slightly modied form of the invention adapted for suspension below the ceiling but closely adjacent thereto; v

Fig. 3 is a view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, showing a standing indirect lixture with the invention embodied therein; and

Fig. 4 is a similar view of a suspended indirect iixture.

Referring iirst to Fig. 1, the form of the invention there shown comprises an inverted reecting bowl I0 to which a socket husk II is secured in the known manner. Within the husk Il is a socket (not shown) into which an incandescent bulb I2 may be screwed. The rellector I0 is supported above the ceiling I3 on a iiush mounting ring I4. The ring I4 is secured to a plasterring I5 by screws not shown. The plaster ring I5 is supported from the lath (not shown) in any convenient manner.

A system of concentric louvers I'I is carried on a louver ring I8. The ring I8 is secured to the ring I4 by screws I6. The louver system may thus be removed without disturbing the reector bowl. The louvers I'I are concentric annuli of any suitable material and are disposed coaxially with bowl I0. The louvers are supported on rods I9, being suitably perforated for the passage thereof. The ends of the rods I9 extend through holes in an inner upturned ange of the ring I8, and are upset to prevent removal. The individual louvers are not secured to the rods I9, but are maintained in proper relative position by virtue of the fact that the rods extend therethrough. at an angle to each other, making it impossible to move any louver relative to the others on either rod.

While I have illustrated concentric annular 65 louvers as the preferred form, other types may also be used, such as lattice or parallel louvers oreccentric annular louvers.

-In addition to thelouvers I1, the rods |9 carry an outwardly flaring ring 2|, the inner end of which is substantially cylindrical, as shown at 22, conforming generally to the shape of the other louvers. The shape of the ring 2|, as shown in Fig. 1, is such that the outermost rays emanating from the bowl l impinge thereon and are reected laterally thereof onto a large area of the ceiling surrounding the fixture. By reason of the shape of the ring 2|, marked changes in the intensity of illumination of points on the ceiling spaced progressively farther away from the fixture are avoided, and a gradual decrease in illumination intensity is achieved. A

The louvers |1 have the effect of conning the direct rays from the bowl I0 to a relatively small area directly below the fixture. The surrounding area is also illuminated at somewhat lower intensity by rays reflected at various angles from the individual louvers. Conversely, the louvers prevent an observer below the fixture from seeing the light bulb |2 and inner surface of bowl I0, 1

unless he happens to be standing almost immediately below the fixture and looks almost straight upwardly thereat. It will thus be apparent that both the light source and internal reflecting surface of bowl l0 are concealed from the observer under ordinary conditions.

Another form of the invention is shown in Fig. 2. 'Ihis is adapted for use where conditions do not permit the reflectorV to be concealed within.

the ceiling. 'Ihe fixture of Fig. 2 is intended to be suspended close to the ceiling, and comprises a shell 25 within which a reflecting bowl 26, similar to that shown at I0 in Fig. 1, is seated. The bowl 26 is supported'on a ring 21 attached to the shell 25 adjacent its lower rim by screws 28. The ring 21 has an upper flange 29 on which the bowl 26 is supported, and a lower flange 39 adapted to support a system of louvers 3| and outwardly aring ring 32, similar to the corresonding parts shown at |1 and 2| in- Fig. 1. The-flange 30 is slotted at two diametrically opposite points to permit the insertion of one of the supporting rods 33. After the ends of one rod have been passed through the slots, the louver system can be rotated sufficiently to permit the ends of the other rod to pass through. Further slight rotation of the louvers leaves them supported on the ends of Y one of. the rods 33 resting on the flange 30 at points spaced from the slots therein.

Except for the structural details above mentioned, the device of Fig. 2 is similar to that of Fig. 1 in general design and in the illumination.

effect produced.

-As stated above, the principles underlying the reflector. It was thus necessary to make such fixtures so high that they were out of proportion, and were somewhat unattractive in appearance. With the present invention, it is possible to make indirect iloor lamps of better proportions from the standpointof design and appearance, without the possibility of direct -rays reaching an observer.

A form of oor lamp'such as that shown in Fig. 3 comprises an opaque shell 35 having a refiector 36 therein. A light source 31 in the form of a .lamp bulb is disposed within the reflector.

Louvers 38 are disposed above the reector, being mounted on crossed wires 39, the ends of which are seated in suitable recesses in the edge of the shell 35 or attached thereto in any other convenient manner. An upwardly aring .reecting ring 40 is carried on the wires 39 in the same manner as the louvers 38. v

When the lamp 31 is energized, the reflecto 36 causes light to be directed onto thev ceiling. The louvers 38 prevent direct rays from the re: flector or the light source from reaching an observer, even though-he looks into the ring 40 from a point laterally of the fixture. The ring 43 causes the outermost rays emanating from the reector 36 to be diverted laterally and downwardly. This increases the intensity of illumination :adjacent the fixture which is desirable. It is well recognized that indirect floor lamps provide a more uniform distribution of light over a.

larger area than direct oor lamps, but do not, as heretofore constructed, provide as high an in tensity of illumination adjacent the xture.

'I'he invention is also applicable to indirect fixtures for overhead installation. An example of such embodiment is shown in Fig. 4.- An opaque shell 45 is supported by straps 46 depending from hangers 41 secured to a socket husk 48. A lamp 49 is mounted in a socket `5|) within the husk. A reflector is seated on'the straps 46 and is effective to reect aportion of the light from the lamp 49 upwardly onto the ceiling. The bottom of the reflector 5| has an opening 52 which permits a portion of the light from the lamp to pass directly downwardly onto the area. to be illuminated. Crossed wires 53 support louvers 54 and a downwardly flaring reflector ring 55 of the type already described. The ends of the wires 53 restin notches 55a formed in an upturned flange at the lower edge of the shell 45.

When the fixture shown in Fig. 4 is in use, the portion of the light reflected upwardly by the reflector 5| provides indirect illumination for the area adjacent the fixture. The light passing downwardly through the louvers 54 provides direct illumination without glare in the same manner as inthe xtures ofFigs.l 1 and 2. The ring 55 provides illuminationfvfor the exterior of the bowl 45. If desired, an' upwardly daring reflector ring 56 may be supported on the hangers 41, or any other convenient mounting, to prevent direct rays from that portion of the llamp 49 above the rim of the shell 45 from reaching an observer. It has been necessary heretofore to extend the husk 48 downwardly to about the level -of the upper edge of the shell 45 to prevent this result, causving 'a loss of some ofthe light from the lamp.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the invention provides a highly useful form of illuminating fixture for installations where direct lighting is desired. The objectionable glare usually characterizing such installations is avoided almost entirely. At the same time, suitable ceiling illumination is provided without sharp contrast between light and shaded portions so that as a net result, there is produced an eilicient. form of high intensity illumination by direct rays combined with the cliiiuse and substantially uniform illumination of the ceiling characteristic of indirect illuminating systems.

The invention is also applicable to indirect xtures of the floor standard type and, when so applied, makes it possible to design such xtures with a lower overall height and, at the same time, to prevent direct rays from reaching observers. In addition, the invention provides a higher intensity adjacent such fixtures and illuminates the exterior thereof.

Incorporated in semi-indirect fixtures the invention provides diiuse, non-glare, indirect illumination combined with high intensity direct illumination and cuts off direct rays from the observer except in the area immediately below the fixture. Illumination for the exterior of the flxture is also provided.

Although I have illustrated and described herein but four forms of the invention, it will be apparent that changes in the construction disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a lighting fixture adapted to receive a light source, a reflector bowl on one side of said source, a louver system on the other side of said source effective to conceal the latter when viewed from points laterally of the axis of said reector, and means for distributing light laterally of said axis 'and rearwardly, comprising a ring having a substantially cylindrical neck portion spaced inwardly fromthe edge of said reflector bowl, substantially in the same plane therewith, and adapted to intercept the outermost rays emanating from said reflector, and a substantially frustoconical portion extending outwardly from said neck portion, spaced from the outer edge oi' said bowl and adapted to reflect the light laterally of said axis and rearwardly relative to the direction of the major portion of the light emanating from the reflector.

2. In a lighting xture adapted to receive a light source, a reflector bowl on one side of said source, a louver system on the other side of said source effective to conceal the latter when viewed from points laterally of the axis of said reflector, and means for distributing light laterally of said axis and rearwardly, comprising a substantially frusta-conical ring having its portion of minimum diameter spaced inwardly from the edge of said reector bowl, from a position substantially in the same plane with said edge, and adapted to intercept the outermost rays emanating from said reflector and to reect them laterally of said axis and rearwardly relative to the direction of the major portion of the light emanating from the reilector.

3. A lighting ilxture as dened by claim 1 characterized by means extending across said bowl and through said neck portion for supporting said light distributing means.

4. A fixture as dened by claim 2 characterized by a flush mounting ring adapted to be secured to a ceiling, for supporting said reflector bowl.

5. A light xture as dened by claim 2 characterized by said louver system and light distributing means being mounted above the light source.

JOI-IN A. HOEVELER.

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