WO2020040683A1

WO2020040683A1 - A light shaping device for photographic purposes

Info

Publication number: WO2020040683A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050760
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Andersson; Daniel HÄLJESTIG
Original assignee: Profoto Aktiebolag
Priority date: 2018-08-22
Filing date: 2019-08-19
Publication date: 2020-02-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to alight shaping device configured to be attached to a flash housing for photographic purposes. Said light shaping device comprises two or more separate grid elements stacked upon each other, said grid elements each having multiple channels which together form multiple through-holes through the stacked grid elements, thereby controlling a beam angle of light emitted from the flash housing passing through the light shaping device.

Description

A LIGHT SHAPING DEVICE FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of light shaping devices for photographic purposes, and, in particular, to light shaping devices adapted to be attached to a flash housing emitting light for photographic purposes.

BACKGROUND ART

Light shaping devices are used in the field of photography to manipulate how light hits the object to be photographed. One commonly used device for shaping light is a grid. A grid is an insert that is attached to a reflector or a flash, in order to control the quality of light and the area of light coverage. The size of a grid is measured in degrees, where a lower degree gives a more narrow light coverage than a higher degree. A lower degree, and narrow coverage, may further lead to a more intense light in the light covered area, as the light is less scattered and more focused.

The grid has multiple channels to let the light through from the light source to which it is attached. These channels are most often honeycomb shaped, or hexagonal. This shape of the channel allow for the highest light output in relation to the thickness of the sidewalls of the channels in the grid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Grids are usually made of metal in order to resist the heat from the light source. Metal also ensures that the sidewalls of the channels may be kept as thin as possible, thus not obstructing more light than necessary. However, it would be advantageous to be able to use plastics as the material for the grids, due to a lower cost as well as a more homogenous production quality of the grids by use of an injection moulding process. The higher the grid, and thereby the longer the channels through the grid, the lower degree the grid will have. The longer the channels are in relation to the diameter of the channel is also an important parameter for the grid. It is thus the height of the grid, and thus the length of the channels, which determines how much the light is spread, or in other words, which control the beam angle of the light, when exiting the grid. It is thus the ratio between the height of the grid, and hence the length of the channels through the grid, and the width of the channels, or diameter of the channels, that determines the angle of the grid. The degree of the grid thus identifies the control of a beam angle.

It is advantageous to let as much light as possible to pass through the grid. However, a grid and the material thereof will obviously lead to less than 100 % of light passing through the grid. When producing a grid in plastic with a lower degree, the plastic manufacturing process of injection moulding makes it difficult to achieve a grid with a satisfactory light throughput. This is because in producing a grid in plastic by injection moulding, with the height required for the grid to achieve a low angle, the sidewalls of the individual channels needs to be

manufactured thicker than for a metal grid, thus obstructing more light than desired. This is partly due to the draft angle required in order to be able to remove the plastic grid from the moulding tools after an injection moulding in the manufacturing process. Also, it is partly due to the fact that injection moulding entails a limit regarding thickness of the sidewalls, as the plastic material cannot flow through the injection mould and fill said mould completely with the plastic material if the void to be filled with plastic material is too narrow Hence there are problems associated with producing a single plastic grid with a low angle, which at the same time allows a sufficient light output, due to the thicker side walls of the individual channels required as described above.

This is illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1A, part 1, the hexagon channel has a width (a) and a height (b). In this case, the height (b) is also the height of the grid structure. The distance between two channels (c), (d) is equivalent to the thickness of the sidewalls of said channels. The minimum distance (c), (d) between two hexagons is dependent on for instance the choice of plastic material, and the height (b) of the hexagon. The internal sides of the hexagon channel needs to be provided with a draft angle (x deg) to be able to release the plastic grid from an injection moulding tool. Said draft angle (x deg) has the consequence that the distance (d) between two hexagons is larger than the distance (c) between two hexagons. Thus, the larger distance (d) also has the consequence that the sidewalls of the hexagons are thicker, and thus leads to a lower light output through the hexagons.

By changing the split line between two moulding tool halves to the middle of the hexagons, as shown in Fig. 1A, part 2, the difference between (c) and (d) is smaller, and thus a higher light output through the hexagon channels is obtained. The split line may thus be at the middle of the channel as shown in Fig 1A, part 2, or about the middle of the channels, such as 1/3 into the channel from an outer surface, or 1/4 into the channel from the outer surface.

However, the inventors have developed a further improved solution to overcome this particular problem. The inventors have found that by producing two or more grids in plastic, said grids being able to be combined into a an assembled grid device, it is possible to obtain a plastic grid device with a lower angle and a satisfactory light throughput, thus obtained by even thinner sidewalls of the hexagon channels as compared to a single plastic grid.

In Fig.lA, part 3, this solution and the advantages thereof is illustrated. By, in addition to changing the split line according to the above in part 2, further dividing the height (b) of the grid and also the hexagon channels into two or more parts, hereinafter called grid elements, the difference between (c) and (d) is further reduced, whereby the light output through the hexagons is further increased. With this solution to the above-mentioned problems, about 60% of the light from the flash housing will pass through the grid.

Fig. IB shows a view of the hexagons of part 1, 2 and 3, respectively, seen from above. It is evident that the sidewalls between the hexagon channels in part 1 and 2 are considerably thicker than the sidewalls between the hexagon channels in part 3, where the latter is according to the solution provided in the present disclosure. The indicated line A-A illustrates the location of the cross-section shown in Fig. 1A.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a light shaping device configured to be attached to a flash housing for photographic purposes, wherein the light shaping device on an outer perimeter comprises a fastening element configured to detachably engage with a corresponding fastening element on an outer perimeter of the flash, and wherein said light shaping device comprises two or more separate grid elements stacked upon each other, said grid elements being connected in the light shaping device by a holding member and said fastening element, said grid elements each having multiple channels which together form multiple through-holes through the light shaping device, thereby controlling a beam angle of the light emitted from the flash housing and passing through the light shaping device.

Saud through-holes may be continuous though-holes through the entire height of the stacked grid elements in said light shaping device.

The grid elements may be manufactured of a plastic material suitable for injection moulding.

The light shaping device may be provided with a positioning element on at least one grid element to ensure that said two or more grid elements are connected in the light shaping device such that the multiple channels on the two or more grid elements are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes through the entire height of the light shaping device.

Said positioning element may be comprised of multiple lugs positioned circumferentially on the grid element. Said lugs may be provided with lips. Said lugs and lips may form a snapping element. An inner grid element may be provided with recesses for receiving the lugs of an outer grid element that is to be connected to said inner grid element in a position whereby the multiple channels of each grid element are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes through the entire height of the connected two or more grid elements. The holding member of the light shaping device may be connected to the fastening element of said light shaping device by magnetic force, or may be snapped into the fastening element, by way of using snapping elements on an outer grid element.

The fastening element of the light shaping device may comprise one or more attachment members arranged along an outer perimeter of the light shaping device, configured to engage with corresponding one or more attachment members on an outer perimeter of the flash housing. The attachment member may be a magnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically examples of draft angles in the hexagon channels of a grid element when plastic is used as the material for the grids. Fig.lA shows hexagon channels when part 1) a grid is moulded in one single plastic grid; part 2) a grid is moulded in one single plastic grid with a split line between moulding tool halves to the middle of the hexagons; and part 3) dividing a grid into separate grid elements, each having a split line according to part 2. Fig. IB shows the same hexagons or grid elements viewed from above.

Fig. 2 shows an example of an outer grid element. Fig. 2A) viewed from upper surface; B I) Side view; B II) cross-section of side view; C) view from lower surface; D) view from angle B as indicated in Fig 2A); E) isometric view; F) Detail view of lip; G) Detail view of snapping element.

Fig. 3 shows an example of an inner grid element. Fig.3A) viewed from upper surface; B) Side view; C) view from lower surface; D) view from angle B as indicated in Fig 3C); E) isometric view; F) detail view of lug and lip, detail J as indicated in Fig. 3D.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a holding member. Fig. 4A) viewed from an upper surface; B) Side view; C) isometric view.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a fastening element. Fig. 5A) viewed from the lower surface; B)

Side view; C) viewed from the upper surface; D) isometric view.

Fig. 6 shows an example of the light shaping device. Fig.6A) and B) are illustrations of the inter- relational combination of all parts; C) A light shaping device ; D) illustration of alignment of grid elements in the light shaping device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a light shaping device 1 configured to be attached to a flash housing (not shown) for photographic purposes, wherein the light shaping device 1 on an outer perimeter comprises a fastening element 5 configured to detachably engage with a corresponding fastening element on an outer perimeter of the flash housing. Said light shaping device 1 comprises two or more separate grid elements 2, 3 stacked upon each other, said grid elements 2, 3 being connected in the light shaping device by a holding member 4 and said fastening element 5. Additionally said grid elements each have multiple channels 13, 13' which together form multiple through-holes 12 through the light shaping device 1, controlling a beam angle of the light emitted from the flash housing passing through the light shaping device 1. The through holes 12 may be continuous through-holes 12' through the entire height of the stacked grid elements 2, 3.

The two or more separate grid elements 2, 3 may be permanently connected to each other by the holding member 4.

The two or more grid elements 2, 3 may be manufactured of any plastic material suitable for injection moulding. Materials suitable for injection moulding processes are known to the person skilled in the art, and may for instance be chosen from the group comprising of ABS, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate, polycarbonate/ABS, PVC, Nylon, Acrylics (PMMA), styrene polyether imide (PEI), polyamide (PA). For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is important that the plastic material used may withstand the heat that may occur from the emitted light at the interface between the light shaping device 1 and the flash housing. Preferably, PA may be used for manufacturing the grid elements 2,3 of the present disclosure.

Each grid element 2, 3 has a height that that is less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, more preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, and even more preferably less than 10 mm. This limitation of height allows for the grid element 2, 3 to be moulded using an injection moulding process, without the disadvantage of thicker sidewalls mentioned above. A grid element 2, 3 with a height above the heights mentioned above, would cause the problem of too thick sidewalls of the multiple channels 13, thus leading to a non-satisfactory light output. The shape of the light shaping device 1 should preferably be the same as the shape of the flash housing, in order to facilitate the engagement between the light shaping device 1 and the flash housing. The two or more grid elements 2, 3 should preferably have the same shape as the light shaping device 1. The light shaping device 1 may be essentially circular in shape, in which case also each grid element 2, 3 should be essentially circular in shape. However, the shape of the light shaping device 1 may for instance be square or quadratic, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. As mentioned above, the grid elements 2, 3 should then preferably also have the same type of shape as the light shaping device 1.

Each of said two or more grid elements 2, 3 has a diameter of 200 mm, preferably less than 200 mm, more preferably less than 150 mm, even more preferably less than 100 mm. A grid element 2, 3 with a larger diameter, when made of a plastic material, would be vulnerable to the heat effect at the interface between the light shaping device 1 and the flash housing. Thus a grid element 2, 3 with a larger diameter and attached to a larger light source would be subject to a larger heating effect and would risk melting at the above-mentioned larger interface.

The multiple channels 13, 13' of a grid element 2, 3 are preferably honeycomb shaped, or hexagonally shaped. This hexagonal structure allows for the highest light output in relation to the thickness of the sidewalls of the grid element 2, 3. In addition, a hexagonal shape requires the least material to form the sidewalls while still obtaining a strong and durable structure. Each grid element 2, 3 has a central axis Z at the centre thereof, defined by the intersection between imaginary lines X and Y. Each channel 13, 13' of a grid element 2, 3, and each through-hole 12 or continuous channel 12' of the light shaping device 1 also has a central axis Z (not shown) at the centre thereof. The multiple channels 13, 13' are extended in an axial direction and positioned in parallel to each other within said grid element 2, 3, thus forming a pattern of multiple channels 13, 13' extended equally in all radial directions. The central axis Z of the grid element 2, 3 coincides with a corresponding central axis Z (not shown) of the light shaping device 1.

At least one grid element 2, 3 may be provided with a positioning element to ensure that said two or more grid elements 2, 3 are connected by the holding member 4 and the fastening element 5 such that the multiple channels 13, 13' of the two or more grid elements 2, 3 are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes 12, 12' through the entire height of the combined and stacked grid elements 2, 3. For instance, the positioning element may be comprised by spikes provided on one grid element 2, 3, extending in an axial direction, said spikes configured to be received by corresponding holes or openings on a second grid 2, 3.

Said positioning elements may comprise of multiple lugs 8, 8' provided on a grid element 2, 3. Said lugs 8, 8' are protrusions from an outer side surface 19, 19' in an axial direction Z from the grid element 2, 3 extending away from a lower surface 18, 18' of the grid element 2, 3. Said lugs 8, 8' are preferably positioned circumferentially along the outer side surface 19, 19' of the grid element 2, 3. Additionally, the multiple lugs 8, 8' may preferably be positioned on the outer perimeter of a grid element 2, 3. Furthermore, the multiple lugs 8, 8' may preferably be equally distanced from each other along said outer perimeter of the grid element 2, 3.

Furthermore, each lug 8, 8' may further be provided with a lip 9, 9', said lip 9, 9' protruding in a horizontal angle outwards from the lug 8, 8', in relation to the central axis Z of the grid element 2, 3.

Said positioning elements may form snapping elements 7. Said snapping elements 7 thus comprises of multiple lugs 8, each lug provided with a lip 9. The snapping elements 7, and thus the lugs 8, and optionally the lips 9, are preferably resilient.

The grid elements 2, 3 may each be provided with six lugs 8, 8'.

The lugs 8 on an outer grid element 2 may be positioned such that each lug 8 protrude axially from a lower surface 18 of the grid element 2 and in parallel to a sidewall of a hexagonal channel

12, whereas the lugs 8' may protrude axially from a lower surface 18' of an inner grid element 3 and are positioned corresponding to an angle between two sidewalls of a hexagonal channel

13. The two grid elements 2 and 3 may be connected such that the combined lugs 8, 8' of the two grid elements 2 and 3 will form a pattern of twelve lugs along the outer perimeter of the two connected grids 2, 3, said twelve lugs 8, 8' being equally distanced from each other. This will ensure that when the two separate grid elements 2 and 3 are connected, the hexagonal shape of the multiple channels 13, 13' of the two or more grid elements 2, 3 are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes 12' through the entire height of the light shaping device 1. Alternatively, the lugs 8, 8' may be positioned in a unique, and optionally irregular, pattern along the outer perimeter, enabling only one single and unique way of connecting the two or more grids 2,3 within the device 1, wherein said single and unique way of connecting the two or more grids 2, 3 ensures that the hexagonal shape of the multiple channels 13, 13' of the two or more grid elements 2, 3 are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes 12' through the entire height of the light shaping device 1. Each lug 8, 8' may be positioned on the outer perimeter of a grid element 2, 3, separated with a distance of 60° between a central point of two adjacent lugs 8, 8' along the circumferential perimeter of the grid element 2, 3.

An inner grid element 3 may be provided with recesses 11 for receiving the lugs 8 of an outer grid element 2 to be connected thereto in a position whereby the multiple channels 13, 13' of each grid element 2, 3 are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through- holes 12^' through the entire height of the connected two or more grid elements 2, 3. Thus, the inter-relational positioning of the at least two grid elements 2, 3 is facilitated so that a maximum of light is allowed to pass through the multiple continuous through-holes 12^', while the desired control of the beam angle is maintained by the combined grid elements 2, 3 comprised in the light shaping device 1.

The two or more grid elements 2, 3 are being connected together in the light shaping device 1 by the holding member 4 and the fastening element 5. The holding member 4 is preferably a flat ring having an outer circumferential perimeter 14 and an inner circumferential perimeter 15. Said inner circumferential perimeter 15 is provided with recesses 16 for receiving the snapping elements 7 of the grid element 2, as well as recesses 16' for receiving the positioning elements, comprising a lug 8' and a lip 9', of grid element 3. It is preferable that the snapping elements 7 of grid element 2 and the positioning elements of grid element 3 do not have the same width, or are otherwise distinguished from each other in shape. Thereby the recesses 16 may be adapted to be able to receive only snapping elements 7 of grid element 2, and the recesses 16' adapted to be able to receive only the positioning elements of grid element 3. Thus, the inter-relational positioning of the two or more stacked grid elements is further facilitated so that the multiple channels 13, 13' are aligned to form the multiple continuous channels 12'. The resilient snapping elements 7 may thus be manipulated into snapping into the recesses 16 of the holding member 4, where it will remain attached. The lugs 8 of the snapping element 7 will thereby lock the grid element 2 position in a radial direction, and the lips 9 of the snapping element 7 will lock the grid element 2 position in an axial direction. The holding member 4 may preferably be made of a metal, said metal preferably being magnetic. However, plastic materials may also be envisaged as the material for the holding member 4.

The fastening element 5 has an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 21, as well as an outer circumferential parameter 22 and an inner circumferential parameter 23. The upper surface 20 of the fastening element 5 is the surface facing the other elements of the light shaping device 1, whereas the lower surface 21 is the surface adapted to engage with the flash housing. On the inner circumferential parameter 23, the fastening element 5 is provided with recesses 24, adapted to receive the snapping elements 7 of an outer grid element 2. On the upper surface 20, the fastening element 5 is provided with recesses 24', adapted to receive the lips 9' of the inner grid element 3. The recesses 24' are not visible from the lower surface 21.

In order to assemble the device 1 according to the shown embodiments herein, an outer grid element 2 is snapped into the holding member 4. Thereafter an inner grid element 3 is placed against the upper surface of the fastening element 5, ensuring that the lips 9' of grid element 3 are fitted in the recesses 24' on the fastening element 5. Alternatively, the inner grid element 3 is placed against the outer grid element 2, ensuring that the positioning elements comprising lugs 8' and lips 9' are fitted into the recesses 16' of the holding member 4. Once the inner grid element 3 has been correctly placed, the outer grid element 2 and holding member 4, which are already connected together, are snapped into the fastening element 5, ensuring that the snapping elements 7 are received by recesses 24 and locked in position by these recesses 24. When locked together by this snapping mechanism described above, the lips 9 of the outer grid element 2 are visible in the recesses 24 from the lower surface 21. Thereby, the inner grid element 3 is locked into the device 1 by the connection between the outer grid element 2 and the fastening element 5. Hence the two grid elements 2,3 are locked in relation to each other in a position whereby the multiple channels 13, 13' on each grid element 2, 3 will form the multiple continuous through-holes 12' through the light shaping device 1.

The lugs 8 on an outer grid element 2 that is to be placed on top of an inner grid element 3 within the device 1 must protrude axially from the lower surface 18 such that the lugs of the outer grid element are longer in an axial direction than the lugs of the inner grid element 3. This is to ensure that the snapping elements 7 of the outer grid element 2 can engage with the fastening element 5 while leaving room for the inner grid element 3 between the outer grid element 2 and the fastening element 5 within the assembled light shaping device 1.

The fastening element 5 is further configured to detachably engage with a corresponding fastening element on an outer perimeter of a flash housing. The fastening element 5 preferably comprises one or more attachment members 6 arranged along an outer perimeter of the light shaping device, said attachment members 6 being configured to engage with corresponding one or more attachment members on an outer perimeter of the flash housing.

The attachment members 6 may comprise of magnets. Thereby the fastening element 5 comprising attachment members 6, wherein said attachment members 6 are magnets, may thus detachably engage with fastening elements that is magnetic on the flash housing. A magnetic engagement facilitates the engagement and disengagement of the light shaping device to the flash housing.

Furthermore, with attachment members 6 comprising magnets, a holding member 4 made of a magnetic metal may be magnetically attached to the fastening element. Thus, the light shaping device 1 may comprise the two grid elements 2, 3, connected by the holding member 4 and the fastening element 5, wherein the holding member 4 and the fastening element 5 as an alternative are connected by magnetic force, rather than by snapping the outer grid element 2 into the fastening element 5.

The fastening element 5 may also be adapted to engage with another photographic device already attached to a flash housing. Thereby, multiple light shaping devices or light manipulating devices or tools may be stacked on the flash housing and used simultaneously. Such other devices and tools may be for instance filters, screens etc.

According to the present disclosure is thus provided a system in the form of the light shaping device 1 for controlling the angle of the light emitted from the flash housing, comprising at least said grid elements 2 and 3, said holding member 4, and said fastening element 5.

An example of an outer grid element 2 is disclosed in Fig. 2. The grid element 2 has an upper surface 17, a lower surface 18 and an outer side surface 19. The grid element 2 in this example has a diameter of 59.4 mm, but as discussed above, the grid element 2 may have a larger or smaller diameter. The diameter is measured in relation to the outer side surface 19. Fig 2A shows a view of the upper surface 17 of the grid element 2, 2B I and 2 B II shows side views of the grid element 2, wherein 2B II is a cross section, and 2C shows a view of the lower surface 18 of the grid element 2. In Fig. 2A, the arrow B indicates the view illustrated in Fig. 2D. 2E shows an isometric view of the grid element 2. In Fig. 2A, a snapping element 7 is encircled. It is evident from Fig 2A-E that the snapping elements are positioned along the outer circumferential perimeter of the grid element 2, and equally distant from each other. Figs. 2A and 2C clearly discloses the hexagonal honeycomb structure of the multiple channels 13. In Fig. 2A, the intersection Z between the two imaginary perpendicular lines X and Y, said lines passing through the centre of the circular shape of the grid element 2, marks the central axis of the grid element 2. Furthermore, 2A and 2C clearly discloses that said channels 13 are extended in an axial direction and positioned in parallel to each other, forming a pattern of multiple hexagonal channels 13 extended equally in all radial directions of the grid element 2. The upper surface 17 of grid element 2 is slightly convex as can be seen in Fig. 2B. The lower surface 18 of grid element 2 is flat, as shown in Fig. 2B II.

Along the outer perimeter of the grid element 2, an outer side surface 19 extends axially and downwards from the lower surface 18 of the grid element 2, as shown in Fig. 2B II.

Figs. 2B-E discloses lugs 8 that protrude axially from the outer side surface 19, extending further away from the lower surface 18. Said lugs 8 are provided with lips 9 that protrude horizontally to said lugs 8, and also horizontally to the outer side surface 19, in a direction outwards from the grid element 2. Fig. 2F shows a view of the lip 9 in detail, viewed from the upper surface 17 of the grid element 2; that is the encircled detail Fig.2A (encircled). Fig. 2G, an enlarged view of the snapping element 7 in Fig. 2D (encircled), shows in detail a lip 9 protruding horizontally from the lug 8. The lug 8 and lip 9 combined form the snapping element 7.

An example of an inner grid element 3 is disclosed in Fig. 3. The grid element 3 has an upper surface 17', a lower surface 18' and an outer side surface 19'. The grid element 2 in this example has a diameter of 58 mm, but as discussed above, the grid element 3 may have a larger or smaller diameter. The diameter is measured in relation to the outer side surface 19'. The diameter of the inner grid element 3 is smaller than the diameter of the outer grid element 2. Fig 3A shows a view of the upper surface 17' of the grid element 3, 3B shows a side view of the grid element 3, and 3C shows a view of the lower surface 18' of the grid element 3. . In Fig. 3C, the arrow B indicates the view illustrated in Fig. 3D. 3E shows an isometric view of the grid element 3. Fig. 3F is an enlarged cross section of the positioning element (J) encircled in Fig. 3D. Fig. 3G shows an enlarged view of the detail D, encircled in Fig. 3C.

It is evident from Fig 3A-E that the positioning elements are positioned along the outer circumferential perimeter of the grid element 3, and equally distant from each other. Figs. 3A and 3C clearly discloses the hexagonal honeycomb structure of the multiple channels 13'. In Fig. 3A, the intersection between the two perpendicular and imaginary lines X and Y, said imaginary lines passing through the centre of the circular shape of the grid element 3, marks the central axis Z of the grid element 3. Figs.3A and 3C clearly discloses that said channels 13' are extended in an axial direction and positioned in parallel to each other, forming a pattern of multiple hexagonal channels 13' extended equally in all radial directions of the grid element 3. Both the upper surface 17' and the lower surface 18' of the grid element 3 are flat, as is evident from Fig. 3B.

In the grid element 3, an outer side surface 19' has the same height as the grid element 3 in total.

Figs 3 B, E and F discloses lugs 8' that protrude axially from the outer side surface 19', extending away a distance from the lower surface 18'. Said lugs 8' are provided with lips 9' that protrude horizontally from said lugs 8', and horizontally from the outer side surface 19', in a direction outwards from the grid element 3. Fig. 3F shows a view of the positioning element (J), encircled in Fig. 3D, further showing a lip 9' protruding horizontally from the lug 8', in relation to the outer side surface 19'. The lug 8' and lip 9' combined form the positioning element of grid element 3.

The grid element 3 is further provided with recesses 11 on the outer side surface 19' of the grid element 3, as shown on Fig. 3D and 3E. Said recesses 11 are provided in order to receive the lugs 8 of an upper grid element 2, to position grid element 3 in relation to grid element 2 in a configuration that aligns the two grid elements 2 and 3, such that the multiple channels 13, 13' are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous channels 13' through the entire height of combined and stacked grid elements 2, 3. The recesses 11 are thus provided along the circumferential outer side surface 19' of the grid element 3, positioned circumferentially between the lugs. In the shown embodiment of Fig. 3, the centre of a recess is positioned 30° from the centre of an adjacent lug. An example of a holding member 4 is provided in Fig 4. The holding member 4 in Fig. 4 is a flat ring having an outer circumferential perimeter 14 and an inner circumferential perimeter 15. Said inner circumferential perimeter 15 is provided with recesses 16 for receiving the snapping elements 7 of grid element 2, and recesses 16' for receiving the positioning elements of grid element 3. The resilient snapping elements 7 may thus be snapped in place into the recesses 16 of the holding member 4, where they will remain attached. The lugs 8 will thereby lock the position of the grid element 2 in a radial direction, and the lips 9 will lock the position of the grid element 2 in an axial direction.

An example of a fastening element 5 is provided in Fig. 5. Fig 5A shows the fastening element viewed from a lower surface 21, which is the surface intended to face the flash housing. The fastening element 5 has an outer circumferential parameter 22 and an inner circumferential parameter 23. The inner circumferential parameter 23 is provided with recesses 24 for receiving snapping elements 7 of an outer grid element 2. Fig. 5B shows the fastening element 5 viewed from the side, indicating the lower surface 21 and the upper surface 20. Fig. 5C shows the fastening element 5 viewed from the upper surface 20, which is the surface facing the other parts of the light shaping device 1. The outer circumferential parameter 22 and the inner circumferential parameter 23 are indicated therein. Furthermore, Fig. 5C shows the recesses 24 for receiving the snapping elements 7 of the outer grid element, as well as the recesses 24', configured to receive the lip 9' of the inner grid element 3. Also shown in Fig. 5C are the attachment members 6 in the form of magnets. A total of twelve magnets are shown in Fig. 5C. Fig. 5D shows an isometric view of the fastening element 5. Therein is shown an upper surface 20, the attachment members 6 in the form of magnets, as well as the recesses 24 and 24'.

Fig. 6 discloses one embodiment of the light shaping device 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A and B discloses the inter-relational positions of the separate elements that in combination forms the system that is the light shaping device 1. Thus, Fig. 6A and B shows that the outer grid element 2 that is intended to be snapped into the holding member 4 and thereafter positioned on top of the inner grid element 3, placing the flat lower surface 18 of outer grid element 2 against the flat upper surface 17' of inner grid element 3, such that the lugs 8 of outer grid element 2 are received by the recesses 11 of inner grid element 3. The holding member 4 and outer grid element 2 as well as the inner grid element 3 are thereafter positioned on the upper surface 20 of the fastening element 5, to which the outer grid element may be attached by snapping elements or alternatively by use of magnetic force between a metallic and magnetic holding member 4 and magnetic attachment members 6. Thus, a light shaping device 1 as disclosed in Fig. 6C is obtained. Fig. 6D discloses three different cross sections of the light shaping device 1, as indicated by the lines A-A, B-B and C-C. In particular, Section C-C clearly demonstrates the position of the two grid elements 2, 3, the holding member 4 and the fastening element 5 of the light shaping device. From section C-C it is also clearly disclosed that the multiple channels 13, 13' on the two grid elements 2, 3 are aligned in relation to each other to form continuous through-holes 12' through the entire height of the combined and stacked grid elements 2, 3. Thus, a system for controlling a beam angle of light emitted from a flash housing is provided, said system comprising at least an outer grid element 2, an inner grid element 3, a holding member 4, and a fastening element 5, according to the disclosure above.

Claims

1. A light shaping device (1) configured to be attached to a flash housing for photographic purposes, wherein the light shaping device (1) on an outer perimeter comprises a fastening element (5) configured to detachably engage with a corresponding fastening element on an outer perimeter of the flash housing, characterized in that said light shaping device (1) comprises two or more separate grid elements (2, 3) stacked upon each other, said grid elements (2, 3) being connected in the light shaping device (1) by a holding member (4) and said fastening element (5), said grid elements (2, 3) each having multiple channels (13, 13') which together form multiple through-holes (12) through the stacked grid elements (2, 3), controlling a beam angle of the light emitted from the flash housing passing through the light shaping device (1).

2. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said through holes (12) are continuous through-holes (12') through the entire height of the stacked grid elements (2, 3).

3. The light shaping device (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the two or more separate grid elements (2, 3) are permanently connected to each other by the holding member (4) and the fastening element (5).

4. The light shaping device (1) according any of the claims 1-3, wherein said two or more grid elements (2, 3) are manufactured of a plastic material suitable for injection moulding.

5. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein each of said two or more grid elements (2, 3) have a height of less than 50 mm.

6. The light shaping device (1) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the light shaping device (1) is essentially circular in shape.

7. The light shaping device (1) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the grid elements (2, 3) are essentially circular in shape.

8. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 6 or 7, wherein each of said two or more grid elements (2, 3) have a diameter of less than 200 mm.

9 The light shaping device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple channels (13, 13') of a grid element (2, 3) are hexagonally shaped.

10. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 6-9, said grid element

(2, 3) having a central axis (Z), wherein the multiple channels (13, 13') are extended in an axial direction and positioned in parallel to each other within said grid element (2, 3), forming a pattern of multiple channels (13, 13') extended equally in all radial directions.

11. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a positioning element is provided on at least one grid element (2, 3) to ensure that said two or more grid elements (2, 3) are connected within said device (1) such that the multiple channels (13, 13') on the two or more grid elements (2, 3) are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes (12') through the entire height of the light shaping device (1).

12. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 11, wherein said positioning element comprises of multiple lugs (8, 8') positioned circumferentially on the grid element (2, 3), said lugs (8, 8') protruding in an axial direction from a lower surface (18, 18') of said grid element (2, 3).

13. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the multiple lugs (8, 8') are positioned on the outer perimeter of a grid element (2, 3).

14. The light shaping device (1) according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein all lugs

(8, 8') are equally distanced from each other.

15. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claim 11-14, wherein said positioning means comprises of six lugs (8, 8').

16. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 12-15, wherein the lugs

(8) on a first grid element (2) are positioned on the outer perimeter thereof, each parallel to a sidewall of a hexagonal channel (13) on said first grid element (2), and on a second grid element (3) positioned on the outer perimeter thereof in a position corresponding to an angle between two sidewalls of a hexagonal channel (13') on said second grid element (3), such that when said two separate grid elements (2, 3) are connected, the combined lugs (8, 8') of the two grid elements (2, 3) will form a pattern of a total of twelve lugs (8, 8') along the outer perimeter of the two connected grid elements (2, 3), said twelve lugs (8, 8') being equally distanced from each other, such that the hexagonal shape of the multiple channels (13, 13') of the two or more grid elements (2, 3) are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous channels (12') through the entire height of the stacked grid elements (2,3).

17. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 12-16, wherein each lug

(8, 8') is positioned on the outer perimeter of a grid element (2, 3), separated with a distance of 60° between a central point of two adjacent lugs (8, 8').

18. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 12-17, wherein each lug

(8, 8') further is provided with a lip (9, 9'), said lip protruding outwards from the lug (8, 8'), horizontally to the lug (8, 8').

19. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 18, wherein the lug (8) and the lip

(9) forms a snapping element (7).

20. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the claims 12-19, wherein a first grid element (3) is provided with recesses (11) for receiving the lugs (8) on a second grid element (2) to be connected to said first grid element (3) in a position whereby the multiple channels (13, 13') of each grid element (2, 3) are aligned in relation to each other to form multiple continuous through-holes (12') through the entire height of the connected two or more grid elements (2, 3).

21. The light shaping device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said holding member (4) is configured to hold one grid element (2) , wherein the grid element (2) may be snapped into recesses (16) of said holding member (4).

22. The light shaping device (1) according any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding member (4) is a ring, said ring preferably being made of a metal, and more preferably being made of a magnetic metal.

23. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 19, said fastening element (5) having an inner circumferential parameter (23) provided with recesses (24) configured to receive and lock the snapping elements (7) of an outer grid element (2), and having an upper surface (20) provided with recesses (24') configured to receive the lips (9') of an inner grid element (3).

24. The light shaping device (1) according any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (5) comprises one or more attachment members (6) arranged along an outer perimeter of the light shaping device (1), configured to engage with corresponding one or more attachment members on an outer perimeter of the flash housing.

25. The light shaping device (1) according to claim 24, wherein the attachment member (6) is a magnet.

26. The light shaping device (1) according any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding member (4) is connected to the fastening element (5) by magnetic force.

27. An outer grid element (2) configured for use in the light shaping device (1) according to any one of claims 1-26, said grid element (2) being configured to control the angle of the light emitted from a flash housing, said grid element (2) having a convex upper surface (17), a flat lower surface (18), an outer side surface (19), a central axis (Z), multiple channels (13) having a hexagonal shape, said grid element (2) being provided with lugs (8) positioned circumferentially on the grid element (2), said outer side surface (19) extending in an axial direction (Z) of the grid element (2) from the lower surface (18) and in perpendicular to the lower surface (18), said lugs (8) protruding in an axial direction from the outer side surface (19) of said grid element (2) and extending a distance from the outer side surface (19), said lugs (8) further being positioned on the outer perimeter of the grid element (2), wherein all lugs (8) are equally distanced from each other, and wherein each lug (8) is provided with a lip (9), said lip (9) protruding outwards from the lug (8), horizontally to the lug (8).

28. An inner grid element (3) configured for use in the light shaping device (1) according to any one of claims 1-26, said grid element (3) being configured to control the angle of the light emitted from a flash housing, said grid element (3) having a flat upper surface (17'), a flat lower surface (18'), an outer side surface (19'), a central axis (Z), multiple channels (13') having a hexagonal shape, said grid element (3) being provided with lugs (8') positioned circumferentially on the grid element (3), said lugs (8') protruding in an axial direction from the lower surface (18') of said grid element (3) and extending a distance from the lower surface (18'), said lugs (8') being positioned on the outer perimeter of the grid element (3), wherein all lugs (8') are equally distanced from each other, and wherein each lug (8') is provided with a lip (9'), said lip (9') protruding outwards from the lug (8'), in horizontal to the lug (8'), said grid element (3) further being provided with recesses (11) positioned along the circumferential outer side surface 19' of the grid element 3, and positioned between the lugs (8').