US3855463A

US3855463A - Transilluminated pyramidal-shaped superstructure

Info

Publication number: US3855463A
Application number: US00017793A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Fowler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-03-09
Filing date: 1970-03-09
Publication date: 1974-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-17

Abstract

A superstructure for a restaurant or the like comprising a pagoda having a pyramidal-shape which is completely enclosed with translucent panels and a quaint cupola. Housed in the pagoda are a pair of luminaries, one lower and one upper, which illuminate the exterior surfaces of the pagoda and the cupola in such a manner that they have a conspicuousness during the hours of darkness substantially equal to that which they have during the daylight hours. The illuminated surfaces of the pagoda and cupola are void of objectionable shadows and/or bright spots.

Description

United States Patent [191 Fowler Dec. 17, 1974 1 TRANSILLUMINATED PYRAMIDAL-SHAPED SUPERSTRUCTURE [76] Inventor: Joe W. Fowler, B2 Box 39,

Reidsville, NC. 27320 [52] US. Cl. 240/9 A, Dl3/1 B, 52/28 [51] Int. Cl F21v 33/00, F21v 5/02, E04d 13/03 [58] Field of Search 240/2 AD, 2 W, 9, 93, 2 R, 240/2 V, 92, 94; 52/28, 82, 104, 200; D13/1 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,791,126 2/1931 Cuth 240/93 2,052,755 9/1936 Duffy 52/28 X 2,059,332 11/1936 Friedman 240/2 R 3,017,712 1/1962 Sherron 240/2 R X 3,031,040 4/1962 Torbettm. 240/2 R 3,201,579 8/1965 Harper 240/9 X Dl96,038 8/1963 Rodriguez D13/1 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Drive-In Restaurant, Nov., 1968, p. 26, TX-901-D7.

Drive-In & Carry-Out, May, 1969, p. 45, TX-90- Primary ExaminerRichard C. Queisser Assistant ExaminerFrederick Shoon Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lohn R. Walker, 111

[ 5 7 ABSTRACT A superstructure fora restaurant or the like comprising a pagoda having a pyramidal-shape which is completely enclosed with translucent panels and a quaint cupola. Housed in the pagoda are a pair of luminaries, one lower and one upper, which illuminate the exterior surfaces of the pagoda and the cupola in such a manner that they have a conspicuousness during the hours of darkness substantially equal to that which they have during the daylight hours. The illuminated surfaces of the pagoda and cupola are void of objectionable shadows and/or bright spots.

7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures FIG. I

11 85 F 85 /5 as INVENTOR. JOE W. FOWLER TRANSILLUMINATED PYRAMIDAL-SI'IAPED SUPERSTRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to the field of illumination of the superstructure of buildings, as restaurants or the like.

2. Description of thePrior Art Pertinent patents of which the applicant has knowledge are:

a. the Natzel et al. US. Pat. No. 1,713,050 pertaining to an ornamental building having a frustoconical lower structure and a frusto-conical upper portion. The lower portion is illuminated by exterior luminaires and the upper portion houses a-luminaire illuminating a glass globe which is intended to resemble a scoop of ice cream resting on an ice cream 'cone formed of dough stock. a The Braastad US. Pat. No. 1,756,839 pertaining to an exhibition and advertisement stand constructed so as to be substantially totally transparent having transparent glass panels covering the wall and roof frame members. A unique feature of the Braastad apparatus is the structure utilized to make the supporting framework invisible, as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

c. The Kessler US. Pat. No. 3,063,496 pertaining to a telephone booth having walls of translucent plastic sheet material. A typical interior luminaire emits light rays which are transmitted through the plastic panels and shows up any printing on the outside. The unique feature of the Kessler device appears to be the door assembly.

d. The Harper U.S. Pat. No. 3,201,579 pertaining to an illuminated building and sign having banks of lights so arranged that the roof and the light banks cooperate with each other and with the main frame of the structure to impart structural strength to the roof. An important feature of the invention is that the undersurface of the roof is adapted to constitute an illuminated sign receiving direct illumination from the light sources within the structure and readily visible and legible from the exterior of the structure.

e. The Russell US. Pat. No. 3,377,754 pertaining to an illuminated canopy structure used for lighting and sheltering service station pump islands. The primary object of this invention is the shelter construction and the use of translucent plastic sheet material for improving the-illuminating capabilities of the canopy, as well as it appearance.

f. Also. there have been structures similar in outward appearance accomplished by utilizing typical sign panels with flourescent light sources in close proximity, e.g., 8 inches or 10 inches from the visible surfaces.

None of the above patents suggest or disclose the structure of the transilluminated pyramidal-shaped superstructure of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed toward providing a pagoda superstructure for a building, i.e., a restaurant,

service station, or the like, which is preferably gaily colored and conspicuously attractive. An important feature of this invention is that the pagoda has substantially equal conspicuousness during the hours of darkness as it does during the daylight hours. In one case of a prototype of the present invention, the surface of the pagoda produced an average brightness of 150 foot lamberts or was approximately 400 percent brighter than previous structures known and evaluated. Additionally, this is accomplished with approximately 50 percent of the electrical power used to illuminate other similar type structures. It will be understood that brightness levels may be varied without departing from the design concepts of the present invention.

The innovative features of the present invention which makes the above accomplishment possible are: First, the pagoda is completely enclosed with translucent panels, as for example, fiberglass panels of any of the well known filament reinforced plastics having a controlled quantity of pigmentation for affecting the optimum reflectance and transmission of light rays. Secondly, the interior of the pagoda houses two unique luminaires, one upper and one lower. The upper luminaire has a translucent convexo-concave diffuserrefiector extending downwardly completely covering the lamp so as to transmit light rays upwardly. into the cupola and reflect a greater portion of light rays downwardly. The translucent diffuser-reflector obviates any bright spot when viewed from the exterior of the pagoda. The lower luminaire has a truncated pyramidal surface comprising four platelike members which act as prismatic lenses refracting the light from the plurality of lamps housed therein.

Each of the four platelike members is directed toward one of the four sides of the pagoda and the rays of light are refracted so as to distribute a uniform array of brilliance to the interior of the skin surface of the pagoda. The pagoda of the present invention is elevated a considerable distance above the flat weatherproof roof of the building, e.g., approximately 3 feet. The pagoda has a floor or false bottom comprising opaque panels which have a very high light ray reflectance, e.g., percent plus. The truncated upper portion of the lower luminaire opens downwardly into a cavity housing the lamps. It should be understood that the lower luminaire has a truncated pyramidal upper portion and a boxlike lower portion. The lower portion has four substantially vertical corner members extending upwardly from the base of the luminaire terminating at the junction of the sloping members of the upper pyramidal structure. The four sides of the lower portion are open so that, when the lamps are operating, the heat generated therefrom rises and escapes through the truncated-opening. The four open sides of the lower portion allows an inlet of air. Thus, a continuous flow of induced air, bya chimney effect, accomplishes a wiping action of the interior surfaces of the external skin. By virtue of this air movement, electrostatic particles and dirt do not accumulate on the internal surfaces nearly as readily as they would otherwise.

Since the structure of the present invention is completely enclosed with translucent panels, the entire internal surfaces act as a plenum for redirecting light rays striking a given surface. The angular relationship be tween the various surfaces redirects a reflected light ray from surface to surface until the attenuating light ray is dissipated. The fiberglass material for the sloped surfaces and the cupola is a combination of reflecting and transmitting material, therefore, all internal surfaces in effect become an illumination source, e.g., a white translucent panel reflects approximately 50 percent of the light which strikes it allowing approximately 40 percent to be transmitted through it. Darker colors, i.e., red or the like, have a lower reflectance and transmission of light rays, e.g., approximately percent transmission and 40 percent reflectance. This ratio of transmission and reflectance-can be varied (within limits) by adjusting the pigmentation in the panels. The opaque false bottom, preferably white in color, has a very high reflectance. All metal structural members are painted with a high reflectance white paint for achieving maximum reflectance. Accordingly, the metal structural members do not project shadows on the external surface of the pagoda. The light rays are reflected circumjacent the structural members and the light rays which are transmitted through the panels create outside brightness.

The efflciency of the plenum for redirecting light rays is such that, in the event one luminaire becomes inoperative, the entire exterior surface of the pagoda would continue to have considerable brightness. Therefore, it is intended that the upper luminaire can be deleted from subject invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the event, the lamps in the lower luminaire burn out or for some other reason become inoperative, the upper luminaire will continue to illuminate the entire pagoda with amazing brightness, however, the induced air flow system ceases to function, and the time period between internal maintenance, i.e., washing of the internal surfaces, is shortened considerably.

The advantages of constructing a structure in accordance with the specifications of the subject invention are:

a. Integrated structure for withstanding extremely high winds.

b. Low operating costs, i.e., illuminating the surface to approximately four times the brightness of the prior art structure by utilizing 50 percent of the electrical power.

c. The structure is elevated above the roof a nominal distance so that it is not a part of the roof but an appendage to the building. This allows for the normal heating and/or air conditioning ductwork and other hardware of this nature to be installed on the roof adjacent to the structure of the present invention.

d. Ease of maintenance, access into the enclosed structure of the present invention is gained readily facilitating routine maintenance. Washing of the interior surface with copious amounts of water, e.g., hosing, has no deteriorating effect.

e. Durability, the structure of the present invention is extremely durable, being designed to withstand flying missiles, i.e., small rocks or the like, and lbs. per square foot windload (80 mph) is standard with a capability for greater structural strength for certain local requirements.

f. The pagoda is weather-tight which keeps out moisture and/or foreign particles of dust. etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevation view of the pagoda of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken as on the line II--II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pagoda of the present invention with a portion of the covering broken away to reveal the inner structure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the lower luminaire taken as on the line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a further enlarged sectional view taken as on the line V-V of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the cupola, with a portion broken away for purposes of illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED. EMBODIMENT The pagoda ll of the present invention includes an integrated frame having a pyramidal shape and a quaint cupola 15. The pagoda 11 also includes a pair of unique luminaires, one lower 17 and one upper 19, housed in the interior of the frame 13.

From FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, it may be seen that the pagoda 11 is supported by four I-

beam girders

21, 23, 25, 27 which substantially form the shape of a square and are securely attached, as by welding or the like, one to the other at the corners thereof and to the steel structure of the building. The integrated frame 13 comprises four elongated

structural members

29, 31, 33, 35, each extending upwardly, from a corner of the just-mentioned square formed by the

girders

21,23,25,27, and inwardly converging at a vertically disposed common center square tubular member 37 and four horizontally disposed supporting members 39 arranged so as to form a square the dimensions of which are considerably smaller than the square formed by the

girders

21,23,25,27. The

members

29,3l,33,35 are each secured, as by welding or the like at the one end thereof, to a respective corner of the just mentioned square formed by the

girders

21,23,25,27. The upper ends of the

members

29,3l,33,35 are each secured, as by welding or the like, to a respective face portion of the common center square member 37. Each horizontal member 39 is straddled by an adjacent pair of the

members

29,31,33,35 and each horizontal member 39 is securely attached, as by welding or the like, at each end thereof to the related straddling pair of

steel members

29,3l,33,35, as best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The integrated frame 13 also includes a plurality of panel support channels 41, as best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3. The channels 41 are respectively securely attached, as with bolts or the like, at the lower ends thereof to the support member 39 and slope upwardly terminating at the junction of the

related member

29, 31,33, or 35 where they are securely attached thereto, as with bolts or the like. Additional panel support channels 43, being horizontally disposed, extend between two parallel support members 39 and are securely attached at each end thereto as with bolts or the like, as best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Perimeter fascia illuminated

signs

45,47,49 preferably are positioned at a suitable height (FIG. 1) to obscure the lower portions of the frame 13. The signs 43.45.47 are suspended from extension members 51 which extend horizontally outwardly in the same direction. as viewed from above, as the

members

29,31,33,35 and are securely attached thereto as by welding or the like. It should be understood that fascia signs 45,47,49 may be replaced with any suitable structure other than signs to obscure the lower portion of the frame 13 when desired. Each extension member 51 has a vertical support member 53 comprising a short section of tubular steel vertically disposed between the extension member 51 and the appropriate corner junction of the

girders

21,23,25,27 and is fixedly secured thereto as by welding or the like. It should be understood that the frame 13 includes typical suitable sup-.

port structure (not shown) to integrally secure the frame (not shown) of the cupola l5.

' The four sloping sides 55,S7,59,61 of the pagoda 11 are covered with translucent panels, as fiberglass or the like, preferably having alternating colors, e.g., red panels 63 adjacent white panels 65, creating a gaily striped conspicuous effect. The

panels

63,65 have a portion of the outer edges adjacent the longitudinal margins thereof turned down substantially 90 forming a joining flange 67 as best viewed in FIG. 5. A bolt 69 passes.

through a suitably aligned bolt hole 71 in the channel 41 and the flanges 67 which is secured by a nut 73 to hold the

panels

63,65 securely in place. It should be understood that a plurality of bolts and

nuts

69,73 are evenly spaced along the channels 41 so as to adequately secure the

panels

63,65 in place and by a gutter effect form a water shedding joint between the adjacent flanges 67.

A false floor 75 of the pagoda 11 is formed by a plurality of opaque panels 77 (preferably white in color) secured to the channels 43. It will be understood that floor 75 may be, if desired formed of an opaque highly reflective material, as for example, aluminum or the like. The panels 77 have flanges 79 identical to the flanges 67 on the

panels

63,65. The panels 77 are secured to the channels 43 in the same manner as was just described for securing the

panels

63,65 to the channels 41.

The cupola has four vertical walls 81 enclosing the apex of the frame 13 and a pyramidal upper portion 83. The four walls 81 of the cupola 15 comprise translucent panels, as fiberglass or the like, preferably white in color, having simulated horizontal louvers 82 thereon. The roof 83 of the cupola 15 is enclosed with translucent panels, as fiberglass or the like, preferably red in color. The junction of the panels forming the roof 83 of the cupola 15 have an overlapping aluminum or the like cap strip 85 (FIG. 1) securely attached, by any suitable means for making a weathertightjoint. The four corners of the walls 81 of the cupola 15 have a cap strip 87 (FIG. 1) attached in like manner and for the same purpose. The uppermost edges of the

panels

63,65 abut each other and an overlapping aluminum or the like cap strip 89 (FIG. 3) is attached in like manner as are

cap strips

85, 87 so as to make a weathertight seal over the abutting ends. The lower ends of the

panels

63,65 have a rain flashing member 91 (FIG. 2) suitably attached to the horizontal supporting member 39.

The upper luminaire 19 is suspended from the common center member 37 and is removably secured thereto in any well known manner. The luminaire 19 comprises a lamp 93, e.g., a short arc discharge or high intensity discharge type lamp of suitable wattage, as for example 1,075 watts, a standard lamp socket 95, and a convexo-concave diffuser-reflector 97. The diffuserreflector 97, formedfrom translucent material, as glass or the like and preferably white in color, reflects downwardly approximately 50 percent of the light rays and transmits approximately 40 percent upwardly for illuminating the cupola 15. The diffuser-reflector 97, having a shape substantially as depicted in FIG. 2, extends downwardly below the lamp 93, thus obviating a bright spot on the exterior of the pagoda 11.

The lower luminaire 17, having a plurality of lamps 99 (preferably four in number), e.g., short are discharge or high intensity discharge type lamp, of suitable wattage. as for example 1,075 watts, comprises a frame 101, a base plate 103, formed from sheet steel or the like, having a plurality of upstanding standard lamp sockets 105 attached thereto in any well known manner and a plurality of platelike members 107 (preferably four in number) which act as prismatic lenses and which refract the light rays from the lamps 99. From FIG. 4 of the-drawings that it may be seen that the frame 101 of the luminaire 19 has a boxlike lower portion 109 and a truncated pyramidal upper portion 111. The platelike members 107 enclose the truncated pyramidal upper portiononly. This leaves an opening 113 uppermost of the luminaire 17. The four sides of the boxlike lower portion of the frame 109 are likewise open. When the lamps 99 are operating, the heat generated therefrom rises and escapes from the luminaire' 17 through the opening 113, thus, creating an induced air flow system or chimney effect, i.e., cooler air, having more density, settles to the false floor and is drawn into the openings subjacent the platelike members 107 and is heated by the lamps 99 and escapes from the luminaire 17 through the opening 113.

The induced air flow system has a wiping effect across the interior surfaces of the cupola 15 and the

panels

63,65,77, minimizing particles, i.e, dust or the like, from accumulating on 'the surfaces. This feature greatly reduces the maintenance workload, i.e., washing of the internal surfaces of the

panels

63,65,77 and the interior of the cupola 15.'

The translucent material chosen for the white panels 65 reflects approximately 50 percent of the light rays that strike it and approximately 40 percent of the light rays are transmitted through the material. The translucent material selected for the red panels 63 reflects approximately 40 percent of the light rays that strike it and approximately 20 percent of the light rays are transmitted through the material. The opaque material such as fiberglass, aluminum, or the like, selected for the false floor 75 has a very high reflectance of the light rays, i.e., percent plus, and no transmission of the light rays. The frame 13 of the pagoda 11 and the frame 101 and base plate 103 of the luminaire 17 are finished 'with a very high reflecting paint (preferably white in color). These factors working together cause the entire internal surfaces, 63, ,65,77',81,83 to act as a plenum for redirecting light'rays. The light rays whichare re-' flected bounce about the interior from surface to surbecomes conspicuously visible when viewed from out-' side the pagoda 11. The light rays which are reflected are directed about in such a manner that substantially every square inch of the exterior of the pagoda 11, excluding edge trims, has a uniform brightness. Stated another way, all internal surfaces, in effect, become an illumination source. Washing out of shadows or darkness from the

frames

13, 103 of the pagoda l1 and the luminaire 17 respectively is accomplished by virtue of the internal reflective plenum, as just described.

The pagoda 11 also includes an access opening (not shown) in the false bottom 75 for gaining access to accomplish internal maintenance, i.e., changing

lamps

93,99 and/or washing the interior surface of the

panels

63,65,77,81,83. The induced air flow system, above described, greatly reduces the dust accumulation; however, occasional cleaning of the interior is recommended so as to maintain optimum brightness. The interior of the pagoda 11 may be washed with copious amounts of water, e.g., garden hose or any other well known method, without any adverse effects.

It should be understood that the efficiency of the pagoda l 1 is such that the upper luminaire 19 may be deleted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the event the lower luminaire 17 becomes inoperative, the upper luminaire 19 would continue to illuminate substantially every square inch of the exterior surface of the pagoda 11 with an amazing brilliance.

The two

luminaires

17,19 illuminate the pagoda 11 of the present invention to approximately four times the brightness as that observed and evaluated of structures, similar in outward appearance, by utilizing 50 percent of the electrical power. Therefore, the footlambert loss when either of the two

luminaires

17,19 are inoperative does not have a significant effect.

While this invention has been disclosed by referring to colors, e.g., red panels 63 and white panels 65, it should be understood that this invention encompasses all white or other colors and other combinations of colors.

FIG. 6 shows a modified cupola 119 and related structure which may be utilized, if desired, in place of cupola and its arrangement. Cupola 119 is preferably square in shape with a flat top 121 adapted to receive a sign thereon, if desired. Also, instead of the member 37 of cupola 15, there is an open square framework construction 123 to which the upper ends of

members

29,31,33,35 are attached. Framework 123 is preferably formed from four elongated members 125 (only one shown) which are arranged to form a square with the adjacent ends of the members 125 being fixedly joined as by welding or the like. Additionally, cupola 119 includes four upstanding members 127 (only one shown) fixedly attached at the corners of framework 123 and which support top 121.. The panels 129 of cupola 119 are preferably similar to panels 81 of cupola l5. Luminaire 131 of cupola 119 is similar to luminaire 19 except that luminaire 131 is mounted on the underside of top 121 up inside of cupola 119 rather than below the cupola.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention.

1 claim:

1. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, and high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in saidenclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means; said panels including flanges along their opposite side edges, and said panels being arranged side-by-side with a said flange on one panel being adjacent a said flange on an adjacent panel, and said means supporting said panels including means holding pairs of said adjacent flanges together.

2. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, and high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means, including a plurality of plate-like prismatic means interposed between said light source means and said plenum means for refracting the light generally towards said interior surfaces of said plenum means; including frame means supporting said prismatic means with the lower edges thereof spaced above said reflective surface to establish a lower opening for cooler air to enter to be heated by said light source means and with the upper edges thereof being spaced apart to establish an upper opening for the heated air to leave so that a circulation of air is provided.

3. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface with portions of said enclosure being substantially spaced above said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface in substantial spaced relationship relative to said enclosure and substantially closer to said reflective surface'than to said enclosure for providing light to said plenum means, a cupola disposed at the top of said superstructure having translucent walls and opening downwardly into the interior of said enclosure, an upper luminaire means including a high intensity discharge lamp located in the upper part of said enclosure, and diffuser-reflector means around an upper portion of said lamp for directing a portion of the light from said lamp into said cupola and a portion into said enclosure.

4. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising a floor having a high light ray reflectance, means for mounting said floor in spaced relationship on and being arranged side-by-side with a said flange onone panel being adjacent a said flange on an adjacent panel, said means supporting said panels including means holding adjacent pairs of said flanges together, a group of upstanding high intensity vapor lamps mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means.

5. The superstructure of claim 4 in which said panels are in two groups with one of said groups having greater light transmitting characteristics than the other of said groups, and with said panels in said one group being alternated with said panels in said other group.

6. The superstructure of claim 5 in which is included a plurality of plate-like prismatic means interposed between said light source means and said plenum means for refracting the light generally towards said interior surfaces of said plenum means and in which is included frame means supporting said prismatic means with the lower edges thereof spaced above said reflective surface to establish a lower opening for cooler air to enter to be heated by said light source means and with the upper edges thereof being spaced apart to establish an upper opening for the heated air to leave so that a circulation of air is provided.

7. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means, said panels including flanges along their opposite side edges, said panels being arranged with a flange on one panel being adjacent a said flange on an adjacent panel, and said means supporting said panel including means holding pairs of said adjacent flanges together.

Claims

1. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, and high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means; said panels including flanges along their opposite side edges, and said panels being arranged sideby-side with a said flange on one panel being adjacent a said flange on an adjacent panel, and said means supporting said panels including means holding pairs of said adjacent flanges together.

3. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising means providing an upwardly facing reflective surface, open frame means disposed above said reflective surface, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said reflective surface with portions of said enclosure being substantially spaced above said reflective surface, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, high intensity discharge type light source means mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface in substantial spaced relationship relative to said enclosure and substantially closer to said reflective surface than to said enclosure for providing light to said plenum means, a cupola disposed at the top of said superstructure having traNslucent walls and opening downwardly into the interior of said enclosure, an upper luminaire means including a high intensity discharge lamp located in the upper part of said enclosure, and diffuser-reflector means around an upper portion of said lamp for directing a portion of the light from said lamp into said cupola and a portion into said enclosure.

4. A transilluminated superstructure for a building comprising a floor having a high light ray reflectance, means for mounting said floor in spaced relationship on top of said building, open frame means converging upwardly from adjacent the outer edges of said floor, a plurality of translucent panels, means supporting said panels from said frame means with said panels establishing a large enclosure over said floor, said enclosure having a plurality of sloping sides with the interior surfaces thereof defining plenum means for redirecting a portion of the light striking said interior surfaces and passing the remaining portion through said sides, said panels including flanges along their opposite side edges and being arranged side-by-side with a said flange on one panel being adjacent a said flange on an adjacent panel, said means supporting said panels including means holding adjacent pairs of said flanges together, a group of upstanding high intensity vapor lamps mounted in said enclosure centrally of said reflective surface for providing light to said plenum means.